Link Between Learning the Piano and Language Development

For a long time professionals have acknowledged the link between learning the piano and language development.

Recently this has been further supported by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A study carried out by the institute found that nursery aged children greatly benefitted from learning the piano.

The learning of such an instrument had a specific effect on their ability to distinguish pitch and language. And had a dramatic impact on their brains structure. A musical instrument helped children to integrate information using vision hearing and touch and boost their concentration.

Playing the piano helps cognitive skills, in a number of studies children achieved 34% higher results in spatial and cognitive development tests than those who did not.

An instrument helps to relieve stress and tension by boosting concentration as they learn notes step by step, improving their dexterity and muscle memory.

There are also benefits to a child’s maths skills especially being able to master ratios and fractions. The children in various studies were found to have more patience resilience and the confidence not to give into their frustrations.

It has also been noted to boost literacy; children have a better phonical awareness even short periods of learning an instrument can have long lasting benefits.

A study in 2009 found children had a significantly better vocabulary if they learnt an instrument before the age of seven and found it easier to learn foreign languages.

Better aural awareness of pitch tone and rhythm inspiring creativity.

A piano boosts self esteem and gives a sense of empowerment. It takes hard work and dedication to master an instrument and showcasing their new talents boosts their self esteem as much as winning a game or football match would.