If it were up to me, every child would have access to music education; and more specifically piano education (this second aspect, of course, being completely self-serving).
Unfortunately, there are many circumstances beyond our control that keep children from piano lessons. One such circumstance that is within our grasp however, is parental perception of music education.
More Than Music “For The Love of Music”
Some people will argue against advertising the “benefits” of piano lessons… that children should take music simply for the love of music. And I agree… children should take music lessons for the love of music.
But children do not pick up the phone and sign themselves up for piano lessons.
And so it is up to piano teachers to convince the parents of these children that piano lessons are the extra-curricular activity of choice.
After all, a child with a parent who has not yet been enlightened to the value of music education, just like a child whose parents cannot afford lessons, is at risk of missing out on a lifetime of music.
Now for some parents this education is not necessary; some parents appreciate music for music’s sake. But what about the parents who are choosing between music lessons for the love of music and soccer for the love of sport?
I hate to say it… but for some parents (who are overwhelmed with a mountain of extracurricular activities), “for the love of music” is simply not enough.
So we must go to bat for the children of parents who are in it for more than just the love of music… to go the extra mile to educate these parents about the benefits of music… so that their children may have the opportunity to not only benefit from music lessons, but to also experience music for the love of music.
I don’t mind if my piano students begin taking lessons for a reason other than “for the love of music”. Because once they walk through my door, “for the love of music” becomes my number one goal.
So I take every opportunity I can to share with the world the awesomeness that gets packed into a single piano lesson… and the benefits that arise as a result of that lesson.
And if you feel the same way, you’ll find an incredible video below that you absolutely must share with your studio families… and the world 🙂
Sing The Piano’s Praises With Info From These Posts
1. Exploring the Cognitive Benefits of Piano Instruction with Dr. Frances Rauscher
2. Make This Change To Your Piano Lesson Advertising And Change The World
3. How to Build a Recession Proof Piano Studio
JoAnn Jordan says
Thank you for sharing this video. It is a great way to explain tons of research that has been published.
Andrea says
Hi JoAnn – you’re welcome! We thought the same 🙂
Rowena Martin says
I have believed this for years as my students excel in sports, academics and piano. I will be encouraging all of my students’ parents to watch this video. Thank you for sharing it!
sam says
Bummer, I couldn’t get the video to load. Anyone have secrets on how to get it to work. This would be great to promote my classes starting in January
Andrea says
Hi Sam – you can find it on youtube too – the link is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueqgenARzlE