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Winter of 2025, Piano & More students shared their musical talent by celebrating the winter holidays with senior citizens. Our Winter Recital was not just about performing music. We thought about taking it an extra step. Music is a universal language- everyone enjoys music, especially around the holidays! Music can easily become a bridge, connecting generations through shared moments of joy. Across December and January, our students performed for senior homes throughout Arlington, McLean, Falls Church, and Washington DC. It was a great reminder of of the power of music and also, what the holidays are all about. Bringing people together and celebrating together. Music: A Bridge Between Generations There is something special that happens when children perform for seniors. For students, the experience shifts the focus from perfection to purpose. They learn that their music can comfort, spark memories, and bring happiness to someone else. Performing for seniors helps students understand that music is not just something you practice. It is something you share. For residents, watching children perform brings warmth, nostalgia, and opportunity to build another connection. Many seniors smiled, clapped along, and shared stories from their own holiday memories. Music became a shared language that crossed generations. Senior Communities We Were Honored to Visit Here's a list of some of the senior homes our students had the privilege of performing at for the Winter Recital: Each community welcomed our students with kindness and enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere that felt supportive, joyful, and deeply meaningful. Thank you so much for having us! More Than a Concert Recitals included student performances followed by a simple holiday craft activity with the residents. Sitting together to create, talk, and share stories gave students the chance to build real relationships and practice empathy in action. These moments reminded students that music has the power to bring people together, no matter their age. A Winter Tradition with Heart By holding Winter Recitals across both December and January, we were able to extend the spirit of the season and reach more senior communities. These experiences helped students grow in confidence while seeing firsthand how music can brighten someone’s day.
As we reflect this January 2026, we are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to our partner senior homes for welcoming them so warmly. Using music to connect generations is at the heart of what we do at Piano & More. When children and seniors come together through music, something lasting is created for everyone involved. 💜🎶  Thinking about enrolling your child in music lessons? You’re not alone. As parents become more aware of the benefits of music education, not just for creativity, but for brain development, emotional regulation, and academic success music is quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in a child’s growth toolkit. But don’t just take our word for it. Here are 10 research-backed statistics that every parent should know in 2025 before deciding how to support their child’s development this year. 1. Verbal IQ improvement after short, intensive music training.After 20 days of computerized music-based training, 90% of children showed verbal IQ gains, and the music group improved significantly more than the active control. “Short-term music training enhances verbal intelligence and executive function” by Moreno S, Bialystok E, Barac R, Schellenberg EG, Cepeda NJ, Chau T (2011) Source: After only 20 days of training, only children in the music group exhibited enhanced performance on a measure of verbal intelligence, with 90% of the sample showing this improvement. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21969312/ 2. Music students score an average of 63 points higher on the verbal SAT and 44 points higher on math.General intelligence gains after a year of lessons. In a randomized study, children assigned to music lessons increased full-scale IQ by 7.0 points vs 4.3 points in controls across one year, which is a 63% greater IQ gain relative to control improvement. “Music Lessons Enhance IQ” by Glenn Schellenberg (2004) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15270994/ Source: This study is the first to directly test the hypothesis that music training transfers to cognitive intelligence. https://www.artsedsearch.org/study/music-lessons-enhance-iq/ 3. Early music education improves reading skills by up to 17% in young children.Math learning, fractions specifically: Third-graders in a six-week Academic Music program scored 50% higher on a fractions test than peers in regular instruction. "Music Lessons Enhance IQ” by Glenn Schellenberg (2004) Source: This study shows Students in the music-based program scored 50 percent higher on a fraction test, taken at the end of the study, compared to students in the regular math class. https://news.sfsu.edu/archive/getting-rhythm-helps-children-grasp-fractions-study-finds.html 4. Anxiety reactivity during medical procedures.In an RCT with children undergoing cast-room procedures, the music group had a 32% smaller rise in heart rate during the procedure compared with controls (15.3 bpm vs 22.5 bpm) and 0% had extreme spikes vs 17% in controls. "Music Lessons Enhance IQ” by Glenn Schellenberg (2004) Source: Playing soft music in the cast room is a simple and inexpensive option for decreasing anxiety in young children during cast room procedures. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17878794/ 5. Music training is more effective at reducing anxiety than mindfulness or sports in children under 13.Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show music therapy reduces anxiety and stress with small to large effects at post-intervention (for anxiety, SMD = −0.36; for stress, d ≈ 0.72). These are standardized effect sizes, not percentages, and they are the most accurate way the literature reports these outcomes. Psychology of Music, 2022 Source: Stress and anxiety reduction, synthesized evidence. (sciencedirect.com) 6. Students involved in music are 5x more likely to stay engaged in school.With 4-year-olds, a controlled experiment found prior synchronized movement led to higher cooperative performance than asynchrony or no movement. One cooperation index was 0.95 vs 0.74, a ~28% higher score for the synchrony group. Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA Source: Cooperation and prosocial behavior after synchronous rhythmic activity. https://ilabs.uw.edu/sites/default/files/17Rabinowitch_Meltzoff_Child_Synchrony_Cooperation.pdf 7. Reading and phonological skills in struggling readersAn RCT in children with dyslexia showed the music-training group improved phonological awareness and reading more than the active control after the intervention, reported as statistically significant effects rather than a fixed percentage. Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA Source: Reading and phonological skills in struggling readers. https://ilabs.uw.edu/sites/default/files/17Rabinowitch_Meltzoff_Child_Synchrony_Cooperation.pdf 8. Long-term executive function gains with classroom music.A 2.5-year longitudinal study in primary schools found structured music education improved inhibition and planning versus visual arts and control, supporting far transfer to academics. No universal percent is reported, only significant gains. Source: Longitudinal Analysis of Music Education on Executive Functions in Primary School Children https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00103/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com 9. Brain structure changes with trainingChildren show structural brain changes after ~15 months of instrumental lessons, including cortical changes linked to auditory and motor skills. This is reported as brain metrics, not percent improvements. Musical training shapes structural brain development, 2009 Source: These findings shed light on brain plasticity and suggest that structural brain differences in adult experts (whether musicians or experts in other areas) are likely due to training-induced brain plasticity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19279238/ 10. Sensitive period, starting before age 7.Starting training before age 7 is associated with stronger white-matter connectivity in the corpus callosum compared to later starters, indicating a timing advantage, though not reported as a “90%” figure. Journal of Neuroscience, 2013 Source: A sensitive period is defined as a developmental window where experience has long-lasting effects on the brain and behavior (Knudsen, 2004). https://www.jneurosci.org/content/33/3/1282 Music Is More Than a Hobby, It’s a Superpower!At Piano & More, we believe in music education that actually works. Our in-home music lessons aren’t just convenient. They’re rooted in research and designed to help your child thrive emotionally, cognitively, and creatively.
Want to learn more? Book a 50% off trial lesson and discover the difference personalized, brain-based music education can make. Want to share this post? Feel free to link to it in your blog or article! We welcome stories from parenting, education, and child development sites!  This week, Piano & More hosted something brand new for our community for our first Halloween Open Mic, where performers came in costumes and enjoyed face painting. It was a magical mix of music, confidence, and spooky fun at Westover Beer Garden in Arlington.  Families, students, teachers, and even a few people who were simply passing by gathered under the fall sky to cheer on young musicians. Seeing students perform dressed as witches, superheroes, princesses, and funny characters made the whole evening feel playful and unforgettable. The face painting added an extra layer of excitement as kids lined up to get sparkles, pumpkins, bats, and all kinds of creative designs.  When each student stepped up to perform, the crowd went quiet and supportive smiles spread across the space. Parents cheered, friends clapped, and siblings danced along. You could feel how proud these kids were and how much confidence they gained from sharing their music in such a fun, encouraging environment. This Halloween Open Mic was more than a themed event. It was a safe place to take a brave step, try something new, and feel celebrated for it. These moments help kids grow courage, emotional resilience, and joy in their own ability to perform. We are so grateful to everyone who came out and made the night special. And a huge thank you to Westover Beer Garden for giving our community the perfect space to connect and create memories together. Special Thanks to Crystalite DesignsThis event would not have been the same without the magical touch of Crystalite Designs, who provided beautiful face painting for our performers. Their creativity brought so much excitement to the children as they transformed into pumpkins, cats, superheroes, and sparkling characters before stepping on stage. To learn more about their work or book them for your own event, visit https://www.crystalitedesigns.com/ Want your child to experience moments like this?We would love to support their musical journey. Piano & More offers warm, engaging in home music lessons in Arlington, Falls Church, and McLean.
Fill out the contact form here: pianoandmore.org to meet our teachers, explore lesson options, and book a 50% OFF Trial Lesson. Your child’s next confidence building moment can start right at home. 🎃🎶  At Piano & More, we’ve taught over a thousand students right from the comfort of their homes and if there’s one transformation we love witnessing, it’s the quiet confidence that builds in a child over time. Sure, music helps with memory, focus, and creativity. But some of the most powerful shifts happen in how kids see themselves, and how they show up in the world. This blog isn’t about playing perfectly. It’s about how consistent, encouraging music lessons at home can build confidence that sticks in the training room, on stage, and beyond. Here’s 5 powerful, evidence-based ways music lessons boost confidence in kids from the inside out all while they’re simply learning to play. 1. Music Teaches Kids to Keep Going Even When It’s HardFact: Research shows that the process of learning an instrument naturally involves trial and error, helping students build resilience and problem-solving skills over time. Why It Matters Every time a student misses a note and tries again, they’re flexing a muscle most adults wish they had more of: resilience. Music gives kids permission to not be perfect and instead to persist. Over time, they build the kind of quiet grit that carries over into school, friendships, and everyday life. And when they finally master that tough piece, that “I did it” feeling stays with them.” Quote “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” – Aisha Tyler Source: American Psychological Association – Resilience in Youth 2. Performing Builds Real-World ConfidenceFact: Studies show kids who regularly perform music in front of others become more comfortable with public speaking and self-expression. Why It Matters Not every child is a natural performer and that’s okay. But stepping onto a small stage or even playing for family at home helps build courage, little by little. Whether it’s a school talent show or a piano recital, music gives students a chance to shine, be cheered for, and learn how to share their gifts. The more they do it, the more natural it feels. Quote “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato Source: Psychology of Music – Performance and Youth Confidence 3. Music Builds ExpressionFact: Expressing emotions through music gives kids a safe outlet to explore who they are and how they feel, which can support emotional growth and self-awareness. Why It Matters Kids don’t always have the words to say what they’re feeling, but music gives them another language to express themselves. When a student connects with a song or writes their own melody, they’re learning how to trust their voice. It’s not about being loud. It’s about being authentic. And that’s where real confidence begins. Quote “Self-expression through music is not just cathartic—it’s empowering.” – Brené Brown Source: Journal of Youth Development – Arts & Identity 4. Music Builds Habits That Help Kids Succeed EverywhereFact: Kids who study music tend to develop stronger study habits, time management, and goal-setting skills. Why It Matters Music teaches kids how to set goals and work toward them step by step, whether it’s learning a new piece, mastering a tricky scale, or preparing for a recital. These little wins build motivation and show students that progress comes from practice. That confidence naturally flows into school and beyond. Quote “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar Source: Harvard Education Review – Arts and Academic Habits 5. Music Creates a Safe Space for Kids to Be ThemselvesFact: Consistent music lessons offer children a sense of belonging, support, and emotional safety key ingredients for self-confidence. Why It Matters The relationship between a student and their teacher matters. At Piano & More, instruction goes beyond technique. Our teachers support each child by listening, encouraging, and creating an environment where they feel safe to grow. When kids feel seen and supported, they begin to carry that self-worth with them wherever they go. Quote “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso Source: National Endowment for the Arts – Arts & Child Wellbeing Confidence That Starts at Home and Lasts a LifetimeWhen parents think about music lessons, they often hope their child will gain a new skill but what they often really gain is self-belief. And when those lessons happen at home, that growth happens in a space that already feels safe and familiar.
At Piano & More, we bring in-home music education to families in Arlington, McLean, and Falls Church, VA, using a flexible, fun-first approach. Whether your child is just starting or already playing, our teachers know how to bring out their confidence one note at a time right in your living room. 👉 Book your 50% off trial lesson and watch your child grow in confidence from home. OR 👉Fill out the contact form here.. Fill out our contact form and we’ll connect you with a lesson coordinator. Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to share it with a friend, repost on your blog, or quote us with credit. We love partnering with fellow families, educators, and anyone who believes in raising confident, expressive kids through the power of music.  As a studio that’s worked with over 1000 students, we see the impact music has on people’s lives every day. But in this blog, we’re going to put that aside and strictly look at what’s backed by neuroscience and decades of research. Here’s 5 strong, research-backed music facts that might just change how you think about playing an instrument. Spoiler: music might not do your laundry or help your kid eat vegetables but it certainly gives you an advantage! 1. Your Brain Lights Up Like a Christmas Tree When You Play MusicFact: Playing an instrument activates more areas of the brain at once than any other known activity, including areas tied to memory, movement, hearing, and emotion. Why It Matters Over 2,000 years ago, Plato recognized the power of music and today, neuroscience is proving him right. When a person reads music, coordinates both hands, listens for pitch, and expresses feeling (all at the same time), they’re developing complex multitasking abilities that strengthen the brain’s executive function. This kind of mental workout helps children and adults become better problem-solvers, more adaptable learners, and more emotionally regulated individuals. It’s no wonder researchers often refer to music as “cognitive cross-training.” Quote “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning..” – Plato 2. Musical Training Improves Working Memory and Executive FunctionFact: Children engaged in consistent musical training demonstrated significantly stronger development in working memory and attention compared to their peers. These are critical skills tied to academic success, reading comprehension, and long-term cognitive flexibility. Why It Matters Working memory is what helps children follow multi-step instructions, solve problems, and retain new information. These are skills they rely on every day at school. Musical training strengthens these abilities by requiring the brain to coordinate sound, timing, movement, and memory all at once. Albert Einstein once said, “The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind this intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception.” He was describing how music shaped the way he solved complex problems, using intuition, creativity, and logic. Quote “The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition.” – Albert Einstein 3. Musicians Have Better Language and Listening SkillsFact: Music training enhances the brain’s ability to process pitch and sound. These skills are closely tied to reading fluency and learning languages. Why It Matters When someone learns to distinguish musical tones, rhythms, and phrasing, they’re also enhancing their ability to detect subtle changes in spoken language. This strengthens early literacy and can help close gaps in speech processing. Music creates better listeners, and better listeners become more effective communicators. Yo-Yo Ma’s words capture this perfectly: “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.” Those "connections" aren't just emotional, they're also a result of neurological growth. Music is helping the brain build pathways that support reading comprehension, auditory memory, and language fluency. Quote “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.” – Yo-Yo Ma 4. Playing An Instrument Helps the Body Recover From StressFact: A peer-reviewed study found that listening to music before a stressful experience significantly improved the body’s recovery by reducing cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone) and supporting autonomic nervous system regulation, even when compared to silence or nature sounds. Why It Matters In a modern and busy world where people are experiencing heightened anxiety, overstimulation, and pressure to achieve, music offers a space for emotional release. The study showed that music helped participants return to baseline more quickly after stress, with lower cortisol and stabilized heart rate. In both children and adults, this translates to greater emotional regulation, better focus, and fewer meltdowns during difficult moments. When music becomes a regular part of a person's routine, it becomes a tool for lifelong resilience. As Maya Angelou once said, “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” When students play with their heart, they create a private space where their nervous system can reset. That reset, over time, becomes a tool they can rely on again and again to bring them back to a balanced healthy mental state. Quote “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” – Maya Angelou 5. Music Rewires the Brain for Life (Even If You Stop)Fact: Brain scans show that adults who studied music in childhood still show enhanced brain structure and stronger auditory memory years after they’ve stopped playing. Why It Matters Even short periods of musical training can leave permanent traces that improve how people listen, move, and think for the rest of their lives. These lasting changes impact everything from language development to auditory memory and attention span. Even a few years of early music education can enhance how the adult brain processes speech and language. As neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks wrote, “Music is part of being human. It’s part of the fabric of our lives, as individuals and as communities.” The research now shows that music doesn’t just live in our memories but it literally leaves its mark on our brains. It’s clear the impact goes on, way past the last music lesson. Quote “Music is part of being human. It’s part of the fabric of our lives, as individuals and as communities.” –Dr. Oliver Sacks Ready to Unlock These Benefits?At Piano & More, we bring in-home music education to families in Arlington, Mclean, and Falls Church, Virginia combining convenience with a proven, fun-first method that puts the student’s interests and growth at the center.
👉 Book your 50% off trial lesson and see what music can unlock in your child. OR 👉Fill out the contact form here to speak with a lesson coordinator. Did you enjoy this read? Please share! Feel free to link to this article or quote any section (with attribution) in your blog or educational website. We love partnering with fellow educators, parents, and mental health advocates. Why “Fun” Is the Most Underrated Strategy in Music Education When most people think of music lessons, they think discipline, drills, and technique. And while those things have their place, at Piano & More, we’ve found something else just as important. It's something that actually makes all of those other things stick and lasting: fun. That's right. Fun. Joy. Laughter. Play. It’s not a distraction, it’s a strategy. Today’s kids are juggling a lot. Between school, sports, extracurriculars, and social pressures, they’re constantly scheduled and overwhelmed. So when music lessons feel like just another task on their to-do list, what happens? They disengage. They grow to hate practicing. And eventually... they quit. That’s why we believe music lessons should be a source of joy, not stress. Our goal is to deliver music education in a way where our students fall in love with it so much, they crave to play for a lifetime. Here are four key reasons why making lessons fun is one of the most effective teaching strategies we use. 1. Kids Today Really Are, Really BusyKids today are growing up in a completely different world than most of us did. Their school assignments are more demanding, they are heavily involved in sports, and probably have two or three other extracurricular activities. Their calendars are full, their brains are multitasking, and their attention is pulled in a million directions. If lessons feel like a chore, they simply won’t last. That’s why we infuse joy, humor, and lightness into lessons. When a student doesn't practice during the week, we don’t shame them. Instead we remind them of their goals and get creative with other solutions. We meet them with curiosity and support. To be a good teacher, we believe we should meet and support the student in their current environment. 2. A Bad Music Experience Leaves a Lasting MarkWe talk to a lot of parents and ask them about their own music experiences. Sadly, what we hear too often is, "I used to take piano lessons, but I don't play anymore." When we ask why, we learn it's mainly because the experience was negative, stressful, or too overwhelming. So we took it upon ourselves at Piano & More, to change the way music education was being taught. We take fun seriously because we know the emotional impact of learning. Maya Angelou said it best: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." When a child associates their instrument with stress or pressure, it becomes a lifelong deterrent. We want our students to remember lessons as a positive part of their life. 3. When Lessons Are Fun, Learning Happens FasterThere’s actual science behind this: when you enjoy an experience, your brain is more engaged, open, and capable of absorbing new information. Fun boosts dopamine, which improves memory and retention. When our students enjoy lessons, they want to practice. They feel inspired. They engage more deeply and learn more quickly. They even test the boundaries on their own, willingly playing for friends or for their school's talent show. And that's, what leads to real results. Our studio waitlist is full of students who ARE ALREADY TAKING LESSONS. How is that you ask? Why would a student want to join your music studio when they are already enrolled in music lessons? Because parents see how our students are excited to play for others. They are happy musicians. 4. Lifelong Music = Lifelong BenefitsOur mission is to create happy musicians in every household. We want our students to play music for life. Because when they do, they gain emotional intelligence, healthy emotional outlets, self-fulfillment, and increased cognitive function well into adulthood. Those benefits won't reach their true potential if a student quits early, which is why joyful, engaging lessons are the key to lasting impact.
So the next time someone says, “But are they really learning if they’re having fun?” We say, "YES! Faster, better, and far more impact." 📺 Watch our founder and director, Nicole Kovar, break it all down in our latest video: 👉 Click here 🎵 Ready to experience it for yourself? Book a 50% off trial lesson with Piano & More today: 👉 https://www.pianoandmore.org 💌 Or subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop with musical tips, studio updates, and promotions! 👉 Click here  Every child deserves a chance to explore their passions, but for many, financial barriers stand in the way of their dreams of playing piano. At Piano & More, we believe that music should be accessible to all, and our Play It Forward Program helps make that vision a reality. For just $200 a month, a generous sponsor can support a young child’s journey, covering weekly lessons, a keyboard, music resources, and opportunities to perform in events.
One child who blossomed in the program is Camilla, a student with a deep love for classical music even from a young age. She felt a unique pull especially towards Beethoven’s iconic Für Elise. Whenever she found access to a piano, she tried teaching herself the song by ear but struggled with the rhythm. So, when Camilla’s school announced the Play It Forward Program, she applied immediately. For weeks, Camilla eagerly checked in with her public school teacher, asking if she’d been accepted. She was overjoyed when she got the good news! With the support of a sponsor, she began her musical journey and quickly showed talent and dedication. Six years later, Camilla not only knows Für Elise but has performed in multiple piano recitals and open mics, proudly sharing her love for classical music and pop music with friends and family. Music has given Camilla more than just technical skills—it’s brought her confidence and a creative outlet. We’ve seen her grow from a shy girl into a young performer who now shares her talent on stage. It’s been great for us to observe even how her parents beam with pride as they watch her perform. After all, she is the first in her family to call herself a pianist. Programs like this have a huge impact on children’s lives because the benefits of music last an entire lifetime. From helping kids like Camilla discover their potential to giving them a creative escape, piano lessons open doors to new friendships and opportunities. Camilla is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when a child is given the chance and resources. Our sponsors are vital to making this happen. Your support extends beyond lessons; it opens doors, builds confidence, and creates memories. Want to change a life through music? Join us in supporting children from low-income families living right here in Arlington and Falls Church Virginia. Donate today! Written by Nicole Kovar  I guess I was 68 the day I dusted off the piano I bought when my children were young. I had the random thought I could learn to play. I had dragged that piano around for thirty years and into and out of five houses–long after the kids had moved away. Sitting there, I concluded that I was probably at least half as bright as they were, and if they could learn to play, so could I.
Luckily, because I am an ‘old lady,’ I had no illusions about getting good or playing in front of anyone. So, I happily launched myself into the business of learning. I dug out the first book the kids used and got new sticky stars to mark my progress. I played a bit each day, and I remember when I could play something with both hands that sounded like real music. I got really “into” it then, as the young people say. By the time I was seventy, I had learned about ten easy pieces. At the same time, I began to spend long months with my daughter. Like every good parent, my daughter got her eight-year-old piano lessons from a lovely young man who looked about twelve years old to me, though I’m sure he was older since he has a college degree. One day, after my granddaughter’s lesson, I asked her teacher to play a piece I struggled with. One thing led to another, and I now take lessons every week. He has ‘forced’ me to learn to play the correct rhythm and pay attention to dynamics. In exchange, I ‘force’ him to play extraordinary Bach concertos and Beethoven sonatas for half our time together. In conclusion, this has all worked out well. My granddaughter is determined to stay ahead of me in her lessons, so she practices daily (especially when I want to play.) My daughter is proud of me and enjoys answering my questions and teaching me things. She also has begun playing again. Come to find out, she thought she was too old to get back to playing. I think I am a living example of not giving in to an ordinary way of getting older. It’s easy to get discouraged as we age. Things ache, teeth fall out, and it’s sad to look like warmed-over death when we look in the mirror. Learning to play the piano took me out of my disgruntlement. I now have something to talk about and share with my friends and family. I look forward to picking the next song I will learn. If you'd like to schedule a Trial lesson for 50% off, Piano & More instructors teach right in your home. Save time and skip the traffic! 👉 Click on this link to view teachers near you! Written By Piano Student, Melinda Y. Continuation (Part 2 of 2)
Tracking progress. How many of you like to check your “steps for the day” on your apple watch? How great do you feel when you see charts reflect your work and results? We want to know if what we are doing is actually working. Keeping track of progress on paper or an app can be very rewarding. Talk to your music teacher about their recommended ways to keep track of practice & progress. There’s so many resources out there now! Looking forward to goals and events. Students are more likely to practice when they know they have a set of goals to achieve. Goals range from being able to play a favorite song to performing a song at a recital or Open Mic! In addition, parents sharing their children's goals with friends and family can also help motivate students to practice regularly. For example, if there is a concert or recital coming up soon, sharing this information with friends and family could help create excitement within the student (and maybe even their parents too). When you share your students' progress and achievements, it will encourage them to keep practicing. Practicing music requires many different kinds of support. The biggest part of practicing music is the student's motivation. They need to feel like they are making progress in their playing, or they will become frustrated and give up on the instrument. Parents can be great sources of encouragement for their children when it comes to learning an instrument. They should encourage their child every time he/she practices well or successfully completes a piece that he/she had been struggling with beforehand. Another great source of motivation can come from other musicians. Encourage your student to connect with other musicians and students, either online or in person. This helps them understand how to use their skills and see how much bigger music is, when you put several instruments together. It can be very exhilarating! Conclusion If you want to keep your students motivated to practice, it's important to remember that they need more than just the right music and a good teacher. They also need encouragement and support from their parents, friends, and teachers. So if you're struggling with motivation in your own life or with your kids', try implementing the above tips, week by week! Written by Nicole Kovar  Introduction For many young students, practicing piano may be the most challenging part of their musical journey. It's hard to practice when you're tired from school or distracted with other activities. Fortunately, there are ways parents can motivate students to practice piano—and they don't require any special skills or tricks! First, the practice routine. As cliche as it sounds, a reliable routine proves to be one of the best ways to build good habits. If students have a set time that they know when and where they'll be able to practice, then it's easier for them to commit. The best way to make this system work is by creating an environment where practicing piano feels like something that happens naturally rather than something forced through sheer willpower alone. The best way to do this is by setting up a routine where practice is set at specific times every day. Some examples are right before school or right after eating dinner. Next, the practice environment. Learning music theory and reading notes on a staff requires a lot of concentration. Students are learning a new musical language as well as developing new hand eye coordination. Neuron connections are being built! In order to do that, the practice environment needs to be able to facilitate that kind of concentration. First, we want to check that distractions are removed from the room. For example, it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a sibling playing video games in the background. Second, is the room quiet or have a comfortable level of noise? And last is organization! Is the sheet music and/or lesson book easy to locate and use? A messy piano with sheet music scattered about will only add to the list of to-dos, which could discourage the student from jumping into a quick practice session. Show enthusiasm. Parents can motivate their children by showing their own enthusiasm for their child's progress. When a student is playing something, be sure to compliment them on their playing. Make them feel good about what they are doing! This is important when working with younger children who are developing good habits as it helps them attach a positive feeling to a task. Similarly, if you notice your child is struggling with a particular part in the music, do not make it seem like this is a bad thing. Instead, show interest in what they are trying to learn and ask questions about the challenging part being played. Talking about the difficulties will help the student work through it and eventually, build confidence in their music abilities. Like this list so far? Stay tuned for next Monday, for part two! Written by Nicole Kovar |
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