Submitted by Carol Angus
Going through some old papers, I came upon a letter sent to parents and students from 2002. The sentiment shared then is still appropriate today. I took my own words and tweaked them a bit to share with you. We may have modern devices and new attitudes but the basic sentiment still applies.
Allow yourself to enjoy the satisfaction of making music. One’s life is made better with the making of and appreciation for others making music. Review the following positive reasons for studying piano or any musical instrument.
I like to equate musical studies as a “musical adventure”.
My goal remains that every student should be given musical challenges that can be met without frustration while nurturing a love for music that grows with each musical accomplishment. Learning to play the piano or any other instrument is not an easy task. Developing the art for playing any instrument especially the piano takes time, patience, fortitude and self-discipline. Along with good parental support and willing students, it is my hope that I have made an impact on the students who have graced my studio.
Going through some old papers, I came upon a letter sent to parents and students from 2002. The sentiment shared then is still appropriate today. I took my own words and tweaked them a bit to share with you. We may have modern devices and new attitudes but the basic sentiment still applies.
Allow yourself to enjoy the satisfaction of making music. One’s life is made better with the making of and appreciation for others making music. Review the following positive reasons for studying piano or any musical instrument.
I like to equate musical studies as a “musical adventure”.
- M – Music nurtures the intellect and produces long term improvements in the educational experience.
- U – Understanding how your eyes, ears and body all play an important part of creating music.
- S – Self-discipline is developed through practice and conscientious lesson preparation.
- I – Instills poise with participation in recitals and other public events.
- C – Confidence build through repeated successes as each new musical experience is completed.
- A – Art form of creating music helps to enhance a child’s reasoning skills as seen with increased SAT scores in students studying piano and other instruments.
- D – Develops good practice skills.
- V – Ventures into composers never heard or played in today’s busy lifestyle.
- E – Emotional release through the universal language that speaks to the performer as well as to the listener.
- N – Nature of teaching piano or other instrument allows tailoring of lesson to meet each student’s needs.
- T – Teaches concentration.
- U – Understands the universality of music that crosses all language barriers and emotional peers.
- R – Respect is acquired for peers who play instruments through one’s own knowledge of the mandatory time spent practicing to refine one’s skill.
- E – Enjoyment of recreating musical sound is a lifetime by-product of studying piano. It goes on and on and on and on...
My goal remains that every student should be given musical challenges that can be met without frustration while nurturing a love for music that grows with each musical accomplishment. Learning to play the piano or any other instrument is not an easy task. Developing the art for playing any instrument especially the piano takes time, patience, fortitude and self-discipline. Along with good parental support and willing students, it is my hope that I have made an impact on the students who have graced my studio.