Piano teachers have always known that people who take piano lessons or keyboard lessons tend to have better cognitive skills that increase their success at school, at work, and in daily challenges. Recent research has quantified this with some statistical results.
Although most people think of IQ as a trait you are born with, studies now show that it is not static. IQ levels can change over the years and increase when people are given just several weeks of cognitive training. One study showed scores increasing over 15% for some students. Researchers have drawn a strong connection between music lessons and IQ level. Glenn Schellenberg, psychology professor, University of Toronto, has demonstrated that music lessons result in a higher IQ throughout one’s life. Six years of music lessons can markedly increase a child’s IQ score by an average 7.5 points.
In one recent study, researchers found that musicians that are active 10 years or more continue to show higher IQs beyond the age of 60. IQ scores fluctuate during a person’s life. Learning new skills stimulates the brain the most. People can increase their IQ by engaging in activities that are intellectually challenging. Complex school studies, work, relationships, and problems solving will result in increased IQ.
Learning to play piano and keyboards is best accomplished with one-on-one, individual, private lessons. Starting from the beginning, you’ll be given all the basics to get you playing in the shortest amount of time. You’ll learn to read music ands feel confident in your playing. You can learn classical piano like Bach, Beethoven, or Chopin, popular music like The Beatles or Billy Joel, or new age like Enya.
Taking piano or keyboard lessons opens up a whole new world of learning and creativity. Children and adults will discover a great avenue for personal self expression and a way to have fun. Playing piano is probably one of the most satisfying and fulfilling activities that someone can do. Learning to read music will inspire and challenge you, and make you a more confident person. You might also find it interesting learning to play by ear, doing blues improvisation, jamming with friends, or accompanying a friend singing.
