It is fascinating to see that scientific studies are beginning to highlight the impact of music study on the brain during early childhood. I especially enjoyed reading this one as the window they described is something I’ve experienced in working with children and it is what makes me come back for more. Teaching children music is fascinating and fulfilling work!
I currently have twenty students. Sixteen of them are piano students and they range in age from 4 to 13. I have several 4-6 year old students who are not fluent readers who understand and read rhythms, fingerings, and notes with ease. I love it when they say, “But, I can’t read!” in response to a direction and being able to tell them that they’ve been reading at piano since their first lesson!
I have a student who is not able to do much at home practice this year. I, of course, recommend home practice, but I have seen evidence with one student that this approach to her time with the piano has not been in vain. I treat her lessons as an opportunity to build layers of understanding through learning and combining foundational musical concepts. We engage in a positive reviewing and building experience each week and she too is reading her piano music beautifully. I am positive it is having an impact on her overall development. It is also great fun!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130212112017.htm
Coming Soon!
Successful Practice Strategies
Suzuki Parenting
Inspiration
Developmental Stages of a Young Pianist
Developmental Stages of a Suzuki Violinist
How to Approach the Child and Adolescent Voice
Articles – Piano
Articles – Violin
Articles – Musicians
Resources for Teachers:
Assignment Sheets
Practice and Review Charts
Pre-Twinkle Path Handout
Foundational Note-Reading Materials for young Suzuki Violinists
Group Lesson Plans
Studio Registration Packet Template
Studio Recital Program Template
Student Recital Preparation Template
Studio Business Forms Template
Music Study and Brain Rehabilitation
What a fascinating story of a man who suffered debilitating brain injury, but retains his musical memory.
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-music-memory-brain-20111113,0,4376093.story
Music Study and Memorization
Another article highlighting the impact of music study on the brain. Four months of study is a short investment considering the outcome!
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/sep/25/health/he-briefly25.4
The Musician’s Pedigree
This excellent article is a fabulous reminder of all that goes into the development of a professional musician.
http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/09/making_music_the_work_of_a_syr.html#mode_smoref_face
Mental Health Benefits of Music Study Long-Lasting
This article highlights the lasting impact of music lessons on the brain. We know that music study changes the brain and this encouraging article points to lasting mental health benefits.
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-mental-benefits-music-lessons-20120821,0,4021820.story?fb_action_ids=10101076067533865&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366
Effective Practice is Deliberate Practice
Less is more!
Help your children learn this important lesson in their daily practice and in how you frame the experience of ‘practicing’ in your home.
http://www.creativitypost.com/arts/the_most_valuable_lesson_i_learned_from_playing_the_violin
