7/23/2014
9/16/13 –
Why Study Music?
Music lessons are a fundamental way to gain a broad appreciation of music. However, the real benefits that arise from playing an instrument are primarily non-musical.
A music student learns to read up to two lines of music, use both ears, arms, legs, feet and all ten fingers, with the brain giving each body part a different assignment to perform simultaneously. No other activity allows an individual to exercise all of these skills in such a constructive manner. Music lessons, therefore, develop coordination in both mind and muscles, which transfers to many daily activities. This may include improved hand-eye coordination, greater enjoyment and ability in sports, and the full use of both left and right sides of the brain.
As a student begins to experience the benefits of concentration and coordination, he or she begins to experience a sense of confidence. Completing a difficult task is very rewarding and allows the student to feel good about what they have accomplished. As a matter of fact, learning to play an instrument is one of the best methods of instilling confidence in children and adults alike. Concentration, coordination, and confidence form a foundation unsurpassed for helping students grow.
One recent MIT study determined that the cerebral cortex of a concert pianist is enlarged by 30% on average compared to people that are considered intellectuals, but who did not have instrumental music education. Another CA study found that 75% of Silicon Valley CEO’s had instrumental music education as a child.
This article talks about how music training is linked to enhanced verbal skills.
It is not as important for a student to play a piece of music with perfection as it is for him or her to develop to the best of his or her abilities. Music is an educational tool that can help accelerate a child’s development and help adults maintain and gain benefits in brain age.
Follow the link to this article to find out how musical training affects brain development in young children.
Discipline, patience, determination and perseverance are some of the many other skills learned through music training. Successful piano students have to work daily over extended periods of time in order to learn complex music. Music helps students understand the concept of sustained effort, accomplish excellence and learn and to put to practice the meaning of hard work.
9/9/13 –
“What does music mean to you?”
– I consider music to be an absolute form of expression and meditation. It can be respected as an entity rather than just organized sound because it is alive. It awakens our emotions, invokes visions, and can bring us to other worlds.
“Why do you pursue it?”
– Scott Tennant stated it best: “As musicians, our objective is to command the elements of music as best we can in order to tap into other dimensions. It is our access, if only for a while. But while we are there, we can take all who are listening with us. If just one person is uplifted by our playing and walks away feeling better than before they came, we have made a difference. A healing has taken place.” – I am grateful to contribute to humanity in this way. It is the most rewarding experience for me.
“What kind of music do you like?”
– The kind that simply involves music. I enjoy performing and listening to all styles and genres. I feel there is something to gain in exposing one’s ear to as much diversity as possible.
7/5/2013 – These are a couple of inspirational Ted Talk videos that were shared with me. They give hope in hearing of their journeys and struggles as artists. Amanda Palmer and Elizabeth Gilbert surely influence me to focus on who I am again. These are a must see for aspiring artists.
Mazzilli Sound 