(NAPSA)—Here’s an idea many fam- ilies may be wise to note: Research shows letting your kids learn music can help them do better in other subjects and enhancesskills they'll need in otherareas. Lend An Ear To Expert Advice “The development of language over time tends to enhancepartsof the brain that help process music,’ explains Dr. Kyle Pruett, clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. “Language competenceis at the root of social competence. Musical experience strengthens the capacity to be verbally competent?” What's more, a study by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto at Mississauga, as published in Psychological Science, found an increase in the IQs of 6-year-olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons. Another study, led by Ellen Winner, professor of psychology at Boston Col- lege, and Gottfried Schlaug, professor of neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, found children who had just 15 months of weekly music instruction and practice had improved sound discrimination and fine motortasks. According to many music teachers, the piano can be greatfirst instrument. There are several reasons. First, pianos are simple to play; children can begin their music studies as soon as their fingers can reach all the keys. In addition, a piano can help students learn to read music because it’s easy to see the relationships between pitches in both melodies and chords and the way they look written out on thestaff. Regular piano playing sharpens fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination in the young. Plus, studying piano has been shown to improve memory and build good habits such as focus and perseverance, diligence and creativity. Keys to Piano Success If you're considering investing in music education for your child and purchasing a piano, there are three things you should learn first. For families looking to buy a piano, experts advise: Get the best one you can afford—it'll soundbetter, longer. tic piano can last longer, have more aes- thetic appeal, and providea better music educational experience. For example, touch sensitivity of an acoustic piano lets you play the more subtle musical expressions and dynamics required in most musical genres. As one professional music teacher put it: “Learning to play on an acoustic instrumentoffers a range of dynamics, responsiveness, tone color and action that a digital piano cannot match” Although acoustic pianos tend to be more expensive than digital, the Bos- ton and Essex piano models designed by Steinway bring the world-class tone within financial reach. Furthermore, should your child become moreserious abouthis or her pianostudies, you can trade in the instrument toward a more expensive Steinway piano. If you think you can't afford a piano at this time or you're not sure you and yourchild want to commit to the instrument, consider renting a piano—a smart option provid- ed by authorized Steinway dealers. 2. Even more important than the quality of the pianois the quality of the teacher. It’s important to find someone whois the right fit for your child and willing wholeheartedly to invest in your child’s success. One wayto find a good teacheris to reach out to your Steinway dealer for suggestions. 3. Finally, the best teacher and the Look for a high-quality tone, not tinny best piano can’t help yourchild learn to play if he or she doesn’t practice. Consistency is key, and a daily routineis by far the mosteffective practice structure. You can learn more aboutaffordable fills the room withvibrations. An acous- com/rental. 1. Invest in a good acoustic piano. or shallow, but round and warm that piano rental options at www.steinway.
