Piano Lessons in Mcallen Texas
April 13, 2010
A Professional Piano Teacher in Mcallen Gives Advice on How to Decide If Your Child is Ready for Piano Lessons
As a Professional Piano Teacher, parents often ask me what age is the best age to begin piano lessons. Since all children have different skills and abilities, the perfect age to begin private piano lessons depends on
There are three categories to consider when determining if your child is ready for piano lessons: academic skills, emotional maturity, and natural musical abilities.
What many parents don’t understand is how complicated reading music can be. Piano students not only need to know the alphabet from A to G, but they also need to know those seven letters in reverse – G, F, E, D, C, B, A.
For example, the song “Mary Had a Little Lamb” begins with the notes E, D, C. In order for a student to play that song, they must know the alphabet in reverse order from E to C. If your child hasn’t mastered the alphabet forwards, doing the alphabet in reverse can be very confusing.
Addition and subtraction are important skills used in music. Music is divided into small sections called measures. Each measure has the same number of beats. Students must first memorize the number of beats each type of note gets (a quarter note is worth one beat, a dotted half note is worth three beats.) Then the student needs to make sure each measure has the correct number of beats by adding the different note values together. If your child cannot do simple math such as 1 + 3 = 4, or 4 – 2 = 2, then they may have difficulty when it comes to counting.
Most piano teachers will have the child’s assignment written down in an assignment book. If your child cannot read, it will be your responsibility to sit with the child during their daily practice sessions. It is important to make sure your child is following all of the instructions correctly. If you are not willing, or able, to devote that much time for piano lessons, you should wait until your child is old enough to read the assignment notes and practice on their own.
Music Lessons in Mcallen Texas
March 28, 2010
2109 Nolana Ave, Mcallen Texas 78504
956.580.4800
The benefits of music and voice lessons in mcallen When people of all ages take music and voice lessons, they learn much more than just how to perform! There are many other benefits of learning music. Family Parents find that music and voice lessons for kids not only improve their children’s memorization and small motor skills, but strongly contribute to the building of their child’s self-confidence. This in turn helps children succeed not only in music, but in school and other outside activities. Both children and their parents find it truly rewarding when a child reaches a pre-set goal or milestone; whether that is learning a new song, performing in front of others or just finding enjoyment in music. Adults in their 20′s and 30′s see lessons as a creative outlet and something to help them de-stress after a long day, as well as other health benefits of learning music. For many, music and voice lessons are the beginning steps of a career in live performance or recorded music. For others, music lessons are a way to express emotion or impress others with their new-found talents through a birthday, wedding, or special event performance. Older adults find that music lessons are a great way to stay mentally active. Many will resume lessons for an instrument they played in the past to polish up their skills while others are interested in learning something brand new and acquiring a special talent. Music is known to be therapeutic and a great way to keep one’s mind young! Other benefits of music education * Helps develop skills needed in today’s workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and confidence * Keeps kids engaged in school and less likely to drop out while helping them achieve in other academic subjects like math, science, and reading * Helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations Quick facts about music lessons According to a recent Gallup poll:
More than half of U.S. households (52%) has at least one person, age 5 or older, who currently plays a musical instrument
* 85% of Americans believe that music is a very important part of their life
* 82% of Americans wish they had learned to play a musical instrument, and 67% expressed an interest in learning to play
* 94% of respondents believe music is part of a well-rounded education, and that school
* 85% believe participation in school music corresponds with better grades and higher test scores * Seniors are turning to music making as not just an enjoyable pastime, but also for the health and wellness benefits such as enhanced immune systems, stress reduction, and staving off depression and loneliness
