Monday, January 30, 2023 | Uncategorized

We all know it's important to develop a good playing technique, but how many people realise it can be really hard to do that if you're not sitting well at your piano?

First of all, think about your piano bench and whether it is set up correctly for you. Are you sitting the correct distance from the keyboard, at the correct height, and with your feet planted well on the floor? You need to be stable if you are going to be able to move your hands and arms across the full range of the instrument with confidence! Footstools are a must for younger students who aren't yet big enough to reach the floor.

In lessons we cover all aspects of posture, with handouts to take home with you, and personal advice about how you have your instrument set up at home. All to make sure you get off to the right start!

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Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | Uncategorized

Did you know that the Royal Conservatory of Music have published some research showing some of the benefits of music education? 
 
You can read the whole document here

Here's an extract:

"The brains of musically trained individuals have:

- stronger neural connections

- more grey matter

- better information processing

- higher IQ

- better memory and attention

- better motor coordination

A wealth of scientific research over the last decade is proving that music education is a powerful tool for attaining children's full intellectual, social and creative potential.  
- It speeds the development of speech and reading skills 
- It trains children to focus their attention for sustained periods 
- It helps children gain a sense of empathy for others

Musically-trained children develop to their full potential because participation in music is inherently rewarding, making children more likely to devote the time and practice necessary to develop strong cognitive and social abilities. 

Most importantly, music gives children a means to express themselves, to unleash their creativity, and to be inspired by their own boundless capacity for personal growth.

We know that from early childhood through to retirement years, whether involved in recreational music making or training for a professional career,people who are engaged in music study are sharpening their cognitive skills and developing social connections.

Over the past two decades, several large-scale studies have found that music students outperform academically compared to other students, often by large margins. Music students tend to be more engaged and motivated in their studies, and more likely to win academic awards.

Thanks to the groundbreaking research of neuroscientists, we now have a clear scientific explanation for this phenomenon. Music study leads to lasting changes in children’s brains, increasing their capacity to perform tasks that require sustained attention and careful listening and reading.

Parents can be more confident than ever that an investment in music lessons will deliver lifelong benefits for their child."

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