Piano Blog Archives - Jacqueline Courson

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How a Piano Player’s Brain Differs from Others ?>

How a Piano Player’s Brain Differs from Others

  Playing the piano is a fun and relaxing hobby or perhaps even profession – but learning to play actually offers more than what meets the ear. Because of the skills required to even learn to play, a piano player’s brain is different from regular brains and even the brains of others.   Side Benefits of Playing Piano Music in itself offers many side benefits, however piano offers unique benefits even against other instruments. The actual brain structure of pianist…

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“When Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?” ?>

“When Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?”

If you already know the benefits of studying music as a child, you’re probably wondering what age your child should begin lessons. Further, what instrument should he or she begin with? The earlier your child begins to explore music, the better. Instruction can begin informally at home or in parent-child classes, learning to clap to the rhythm of songs, sing along and listen for different instruments. Depending on your family’s focus on music and your child’s natural inclination and curiosity,…

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Avoiding Piano Injuries – Part 3: Strategies ?>

Avoiding Piano Injuries – Part 3: Strategies

(This article is one of a multi-part series on how to avoid piano injuries. My goal is to 1) inform students of important basics from which they should never stray and 2) help them become aware of benefits provided by some parts of practice that may otherwise be considered boring! I have always been interested in mechanical movement of the human body, whether studying in school or as a yoga student. While a student at Arizona State University, I studied Biomechanics…

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Avoiding Piano Injuries – Part 2: Technique ?>

Avoiding Piano Injuries – Part 2: Technique

(This article is one of a multi-part series on how to avoid piano injuries. My goal is to 1) inform students of important basics from which they should never stray and 2) help them become aware of benefits provided by some parts of practice that may otherwise be considered boring! I have always been interested in mechanical movement of the human body, whether studying in school or as a yoga student. While a student at Arizona State University, I studied Biomechanics…

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Avoiding Piano Injuries – Part 1: Posture ?>

Avoiding Piano Injuries – Part 1: Posture

(This article is one of a multi-part series on how to avoid piano injuries. My goal is to 1) inform students of important basics from which they should never stray and 2) help them become aware of benefits provided by some parts of practice that may otherwise be considered boring! I have always been interested in mechanical movement of the human body, whether studying in school or as a yoga student. While a student at Arizona State University, I studied Biomechanics…

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Piano as a Second Instrument ?>

Piano as a Second Instrument

If you already know how to play an instrument such as saxophone, clarinet, bassoon or flute, you are well on your way to successfully playing the piano. You already have an understanding of theory and how to read music, playing either in treble, bass or a c-clef. Note values, or duration of the notes, are no mystery to you, whether quarter, half, full, eighth, sixteenth notes and triplets – maybe even 32nd notes. You also know about key and time…

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10 Reasons It’s Better to Take Piano Lessons than Teach Yourself ?>

10 Reasons It’s Better to Take Piano Lessons than Teach Yourself

To some, the phrase “self-taught musician” seems to carry bragging rights. However, what self-taught pianists say about themselves tells a different tale. A simple Google search for “piano lessons or self-taught” brings up web forum after web forum on the subject. The conclusion repeats itself: self-taught musicianship can is possible, but lessons with the right teacher will generally get it done faster, better, and with greater success. Numerous self-taught pianists lament their poor technique, mistakes in playing of pieces, less firm…

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Top 5 Reasons Why Piano Should be Your First Instrument ?>

Top 5 Reasons Why Piano Should be Your First Instrument

Can you relate to one of these scenarios? Your child… brings you drawings of pianos; asks you to teach him or her how to play; is content to tap away at a piano or keyboard – without even knowing how to play; or dreams to play the trumpet, flute, saxophone, guitar, cello, violin or drums You… believe the piano in your home is more than just a beautiful piece of furniture; have always fascinated by the piano; or you played another instrument…

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6 Tips for Keyboard Shopping ?>

6 Tips for Keyboard Shopping

Starting with a keyboard is an affordable choice for many students who are new to piano lessons. If a piano is not an option due to budget, apartment living, an upcoming move – or you’re just not sure how much you will enjoy lessons – learning on a keyboard is perfectly acceptable! There are certainly differences between a piano and a keyboard. However, if you understand these differences you can be confident in your decision. Consider the following points when shopping for…

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Music Education Accelerates Brain Growth of Young Children ?>

Music Education Accelerates Brain Growth of Young Children

A two year study has shown accelerated brain growth in young children when they receive music instruction. The areas of the brain involved in language development, sound, reading skill and speech perception developed faster in children who received music education than those who did not. As part of a larger five year study, researchers from the Brain and Creativity lab at the University of Southern California studied the effects of music education on 37 young children ages 6-7 from an underprivileged Los Angeles…

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