teaching
Piano, the Mother of all Instrument
Of course, historically, the drum is the mother of all instruments, not the piano. But as far as learning melody and harmony is concerned, the piano offers many benefits. There’s a reason why it’s the most played musical instrument in the world! And also the instrument from which much of the music is written and composed. Just think of Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, most of the great classical composers were sitting at the piano. But even modern musicians use the piano to accompany themselves while singing and composing. Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys, for example, have become famous with this instrument.
With its many keys and sounds, the piano may seem complicated at first, but don’t let that fool you. You’ll learn faster than you think. In this article, I want to introduce the piano as the perfect first instrument and encourage everyone to take it up.
What is special about the piano?
On the piano, you can play (almost) everything. No matter which genre or style – whether pop, rock or jazz – it’s all possible! And at the same time, learn all the music theory while you’re at it.
The piano is a great tool to learn a lot about music. It is the perfect instrument to playfully acquire a good general musical understanding.
Unlike string or wind instruments, the 88 keys of the piano let you quickly recognize the different scales and chords and reading music becomes easier.
Playing the piano also trains the independent use of both hands, an important skill that transfers onto other instruments. While the left hand plays the bass lines or rhythmically underlines the harmonies, the right hand is free to play the melody or improvise. This doesn’t only boost your musicality but also strengthens the bridge between the right and left hemispheres of your brain.
There is an advantage for all pianists: learning a new instrument becomes much easier if you have already played the piano.
At Modern Music School, we believe that playing is more important than theory. Creativity and creative freedom are more important to us than music theory and strict instruction.
That’s why we make sure that we put play and fun first. But of course, the best progress happens when you combine theory and practice with a well-trained music coach.
Modern Music School Teachers aren’t only professional musicians, they bring the theory and teaching skills to back it all up.
Why encourage children to learn a musical instrument?
A parent once said that his child is less likely be able to become a famous musician, so why even start learning an instrument? I must disagree with this way of thinking. Although it is quite certain for most children that music will not be their future career, the goal of music learning is not to become a famous musician, but to endow two valuable gifts upon them.
The first is self-discipline. It always takes a lot of practice and a long time as well, three to five years at least, to become a proficient player. During this period of time, setting a short-term and a long-term goal, following a schedule for practice, and preparing for recitals all takes self-discipline from the child. The music learning may be one of the most challenging experiences of a childhood. However, when looking back to realize the progress that has been achieved, the sense of accomplishment is always fulfilling and rewarding. The child will benefit from this self-discipline for a lifetime.
The second gift is the artistic sensibility. On the instrument, you can cultivate the child’s discernment and responsiveness to the subtle nuances in sound and touch.
This sensibility can be extended to many aspects of the world we live in, such as taste, texture, color, dimension, and even emotion.
These gifts and qualities cultivated from the music learning can be essential in your children’s success in this competitive world. For example, when a product achieved its usefulness and functionality, in order to beat the rivals, artistic appearance, luxurious feel when using it give you the edge. So when your child can pass beyond functionality and go for a higher level of creativity, she/he will sure to succeed. Moreover, these kinds of quality also can make your child appreciate finer things in life and make her/his personal life more enjoyable.
In conclusion, to learn an instrument not only can give your child the so-called aesthetic view and classy demeanor but also can enhance her/his perception of the environment, society and the world.
10 Famous quote from Beethoven
1. Love is a chord in life, not a solo. 2. Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom & philosophy. 3. Music should strike fire from the heart of man and bring tears from the eyes of woman. 4. I never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out that is the reason why I compose. 5. There are and will be thousand princes there is only one Beethoven. 6. To sing a wrong note is insignificant but to sing without passion is unforgivable. 7. Never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. 8. Music is like a dream. One that I can not hear. 9. Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. 10. I will take fate by the throat. It will not bend me completely to its will.