Now may be an ideal time to return to the piano or learn from scratch. If you are a lifelong learner pursuing an unfulfilled desire or have a young student studying for the first time, Piano Study will not only soothe your soul, but it will also provide you with a learning outlet that will provide a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
There are so many reasons to study piano, from the brain-enhancing aspects of music and hand-eye coordination benefits to the responsibility and pride that develop with a commitment to a discipline. (see 10 Reasons Why Music Education is Essential from Broward County Music Teachers Association, in our Gallery.) Children who are given the opportunity to learn about and create music tend toward greater academic achievements and enjoy a stronger sense of positive self-esteem.
I have been teaching music through my studio for over 40 years, and find tremendous joy in working with beginner, intermediate, and advanced pianists of all ages, as well as special needs children. Nothing makes me prouder than watching and listening to a student perform a piece they love as they transcend from simply “playing” to experiencing the exhilaration of beautifully shaping phrases and painting a musical picture.
Most of my students balance their piano lessons with sports or other extracurricular activities, so we accommodate resulting schedule conflicts.
Practice
Slow Practice is the best way to learn your pieces the fastest.
Fast Practice is the best way not to master your pieces.
Practice does not mean playing through each piece a few times from beginning to end.
Perfect Practice makes Perfect Performance!
This effort will pay off, and students will take pride in their accomplishments. Lack of practice is immediately evident to any piano teacher. There must be a mutual respect between the teacher and the prepared student for the time each spends in a scheduled lesson.
A Good Student (young or lifelong learner) at any level of learning…
Will have a desire to learn and a positive study attitude.
Will not be afraid to ask questions when something needs clarification to be fully understood.
Will practice regularly, even if less than the optimal time outlined in his or her goals.
Will be optimistic about his or her progress, and know that his or her rate and thoroughness of learning will not be the same as his or her friends. What matters is musicality and accomplishment.
Whether you’re young or old, experienced or just starting out, simply come with a love of the energized feeling created by music!
Warmly,
Renée LaBonte