Benefits of piano lessons for children:
Improved school performance. In 2000, Francis Rauscher published research indicating that classroom
keyboard lessons causes long-term enhancement of the spatial-temporal reasoning abilities of children (Early Childhood
Research Quarterly, 15, 215-228). In plain English, this means that learning to play the piano helped kids understand
concepts behind science, math, and even engineering
Confidence. The self-esteem boost that comes from mastering any musical
instrument is considerable. With the exception of percussion instruments, the piano is one of the easier beginner instruments
for young kids. It still feels good to rise to the challenge. And learning that practice improves performance is a lesson
that children can extrapolate to many aspects of their lives.
Improved concentration. Learning to play the piano takes focus, as children need
to think about each hand operating separately. Learning to read sheet music also takes concentration and focus.
Being well-rounded. Most children who learn to
play the piano don't grow up to be concert pianists. However, having multiple interests and one or two hobbies add to the
well-roundedness of developing personalities.
Increased hand-eye coordination. Piano lessons help children with their
fine motor skills, coordination, and general dexterity. The importance of good hand-eye coordination in kids is clear; kindergardeners
learning to write, and older children perfecting their writing skills, need to be able to have mastered this small motor skill.
Music appreciation. It seems obvious, perhaps: Understanding
the process of playing music, and thinking about individual notes that make up a wole musical composition, engages children
in a deeper understanding of the complexity of music. This carries through to a lifetime of music appreciation, across musical
genres. musical genres.
