Playing the piano improves your mathematical ability. Notes and rhythms, as well as music theory, are based on math. Reading music and counting rhythms require math skills. Studies have shown that students who play an instrument usually perform better in math tests than students who don't.
The time needed to invest in practicing the guitar is completely dependent on your goals. Serious guitarists who want to play for a career need to...
Read More »Two famous pianists who self-taught piano and their approach. The two self-taught piano players that will be explored are Lucas Debargue and Paul...
Read More »Most people play the piano because it is great fun. Playing an instrument however is more than just a wonderful hobby. When you practice or just play song on your piano your brain is running at full speed. Many areas of your brain are activated which also has positive long-term effects and improves some important skills. If you need more reasons to get (or to stay) motivated, maybe these five reasons will help you.
The solfège system used in many countries—including the United States—was revised in the 1800's so that all notes begin with a different letter....
Read More »Learning to play the piano as an adult can be intimidating. Many people limit themselves because they think they are too old or that it's too late...
Read More »Learning a foreign language is closely related to the reading and comprehension skills that I just mentioned. Reading sheet music and "translating" it into hand movements can be compared to learning a foreign language. Studies have shown that kids who were taught to read music also did better when learning foreign languages. Even if you start as an adult, playing an instrument will benefit those skills. However, the improvements might not occur to the same extent that they do in children. The enhanced language skills also may be related to the increased listening skills that musicians have. Playing the piano makes it easier for you to pick up the melody of a foreign language and distinguish where a word starts and where it ends. If you have ever tried to learn French, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about…
Look out for fading, scratches, dents, loose parts and damaged hinges. It is also worth looking at the pedals – where there are flat-spots, it can...
Read More »C major is a popular key for beginners because the scale only uses white keys, it has no sharps or flats. This makes many facets of learning easier...
Read More »Math, for example, requires logical thought and, thus, is generally said to reside in the left brain, far away from all those artsy right-brain...
Read More »The diminished chord is the darkest chord in music. This is because it's constructed with stacked minor third intervals. The D diminished chord and...
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