Piano. More than just music to your ears.

Why Choose Piano?

Some people choose to enroll their children in piano because they played as a child. Sometimes the children are the ones to request the lessons. To some, it might be because they always wanted to play and never had the chance. Some enroll at the request of Grandma or Grandpa. We understand the love of piano; we are a piano school, after all. However, the benefits of piano go much further than one may think.

Just For Joy

We will cover some tangible benefits to learning the piano, which are great for several reasons (keep reading, they are good!). That being said, the first thing we want to touch on is JOY. Playing and listening to music brings people together. Those committed to the practice ultimately find joy in their training and use it as a creative outlet. Once you learn the piano, it will stay with you for your lifetime. You can play music alone or with others; it becomes both an escape for personal solitude or, alternatively, a chance for lively interaction with a group. Whether you are a piano player or audience member, music is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Get Grooving Early On.

There have been many widely traded theories and actual studies on how music affects the brain. The University of Queensland conducted a research study that showed music could benefit toddlers' development, improving numeracy, prosocial skills and attention. This early exposure is a tremendous building block for toddlers and children as they develop recognition for the musical pitches, rhythms and nuances from a young age.

Learning to play a musical instrument in childhood can also result in positive long-lasting changes in brain organization. The National Centre for Biotechnological Information looked at music and the brain's plasticity. Plasticity is a fundamental organizational feature of human brain function that can contribute long-term benefits to individuals throughout life as its developed.

Looking specifically to the piano, a National Academy of Sciences study looked at the effects of learning piano on the development of language skills. The study found that kids who learned piano seemed better at deciphering subtle differences between spoken words. As the children's ears became trained to distinguish between different pitches and tones at the piano, it carried over to their language development. These studies reinforce the style of introduction to music shown with the Suzuki Method. When children are introduced to the Suzuki Method, the concept of early auditory exposure to music is the first building block.

Suzuki Style

Over fifty years ago, Shinichi Suzuki developed the mother-tongue approach to music. He realized that children spoke their native tongue easily and applied the same principles to music. The goal of the method was more profound than just music. Dr. Suzuki's goal was to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child's character through the study of music.

"The main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings. That is sufficient. If this is not their greatest hope, in the end, the child may take a road contrary to their expectations. Children can play very well. We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also."

—Shinichi Suzuki

Progressing with Piano

The Edmonton Suzuki Piano School is more than just simply piano lessons. We are a community focused on the personal development of each individual student, giving space and time for learning and progression at one's own pace. Following the Suzuki Method, the piano is taught like a language, first by ear, learning the sounds, matching music to keys, and then reading sheet music.As students progress, performances celebrate progress versus examinations to test skills. The method draws out each student's unique style and strengths, recognizing that everyone's best can sound different. ESPS teachers focus on each student's personality and progress to develop their individualized lesson plans.

Creating Community Through Music

Our Suzuki "triangle" supports each learner; the teacher, parent, and student work together to create a supportive and effective learning environment. Parents are an essential part of the process and receive coaching to support their children at practice time. The parent's involvement creates a support structure for the learner at home. In turn, the parent enjoys quality time with their child, strengthening the parental bond and providing a front-row seat to their progression.

Music For Life.

The early introduction to music may have been to please Grandma. Still, the closer you look at the outcomes, the more robust the benefits. For students that experience The Suzuki Method, the transferrable life skills they gain for students will carry them far into the world: confidence, goal-setting, problem-solving, performance skills, tenacity, perseverance and poise. And of course, it brings and breeds JOY!

To learn more about the Suzuki Method and its benefits, visit here. To register for lessons, please click here.