How to practise effectively – Piano teacher in Wallsend and Lake Macquarie, NSW

A couple of weeks ago a young student said to me, “I got the notes right once, so I wasn’t game to try it again through the week – I didn’t want to risk it.” While I understood his logic, this is not a practise method that results in improvement. As you would suspect, he struggled to play the piece again.

Because music is an art form and is appreciated audibly and emotionally, it can be easy to forget that a good performance is rooted in physical skill. As such, that skill needs to be developed and maintained, just the same as any other physical skill. It’s not just about knowing what keys to strike on the keyboard. People who learn dancing or play a sport do the same steps or practise the same drills over and over and over. In the same way, developing the dexterity and techniques required to beautifully play an instrument requires consistent effort.

Repetition… repetition… repetition!

Over the coming months I will share with you different thoughts and techniques to make practise more effective (as well as tips for parents to get the kids to practise in the first place). In the meantime, the most important overall concept to remember is:

A practise session is not effective if, by the end of the session, there has been no improvement from the beginning of the session. Just stumbling through the piece/s or scales once is not going to do the job. Go over and over the piece – or sections within the piece – until you are more comfortable with it than you were when you started. You’ll be happier with your progress and will know that the practise session has been worthwhile.

Repetition… repetition… repetition!

If you are considering music lessons for your child, please contact me to discuss the options. Piano lessons are conducted at my studio in Wallsend, NSW or mobile lessons are available in the eastern suburbs of Lake Macquarie.

Why are music lessons so important? – Piano teacher in Wallsend and Lake Macquarie, NSW

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato said, “I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but more importantly music; for in the patterns of music and all the arts, are the keys to learning”.

Plato certainly had a point. Music uses both sides of the brain, a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development as it affects the growth of a child’s brain academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Many studies conducted around the world have concluded there are benefits to children of learning music, with just a few examples listed below:

  • Music is to the brain as physical exercise is to the human body. Music tones the brain for auditory fitness and allows it to decipher between tone and pitch.
  • Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education.
  • A Swiss study of 1200 children showed how playing music helped children’s reading and verbal skills by improving concentration, memory and self- expression.
  • A Hong Kong study found that adults who had music training before the age of 12 years were better able to recall spoken words than adults who had little or no training in music.
  • A US study discovered that children aged 5–7 years who had been lagging behind in their school performance caught up with their peers in reading and were ahead of them in maths after seven months of music lessons.

We are emotional beings and every child requires an artistic outlet. Music is emotional and is an art form – it may be your child’s vehicle of expression.

Music is for life. Most people won’t be still playing soccer or netball at 70 or 80 years of age but they can sing. And they can play the piano or some other instrument. Music is a gift you can give your child that will last their entire lives.

If you are considering music lessons for your child, please contact me to discuss the options. Piano lessons are conducted at my studio in Wallsend, NSW or mobile lessons are available in the eastern suburbs of Lake Macquarie.

 

Piano lessons Wallsend NSW

Mobile lessons in Lake Macquarie, NSW

 

 

2014 Term 2 Information – Wallsend and Lake Macquarie Piano Teacher

How quickly is this year going?

As term 1 is ending this week, it’s time to think about term 2. The term 2 dates for NSW public schools (and the dates followed by merri bell music) are:

Monday 28 April – Saturday 28 June

This a a short term, being only nine weeks. I will shortly be sending out an email to all existing students (or parents) regarding term 2 details.