• One of the added benefits to learning the piano (especially for the special needs population) is extending the instructional time of your child's day.

As the graph below indicates, the time a typical child spends at home and sleeping per week vastly outweighs the time spent in a structured learning environment.

Instruction vs. Free Time

  Your child will immediately increase their instructional time by one hour per week when lessons begin. After they begin practicing at home (anywhere from 15 minutes to a half hour at first) this time will be even greater! 

• Another benefit to practicing the piano is the chance to use and improve math skills.

Often referred to as the "Mozart Effect" this term refers to the benefits in learning and development in children when they are exposed to classical music at an early age.  Although more scientific study is required, playing the piano also seems to help with basic math skills. Exposure to time signatures, fractions, beats and rests all challenge a student's ability to perform basic math.

• The final, and perhaps most important benefit, is the sense of accomplishment your child will develop as his/her skills improve.

Playing the piano is a respected skill in today's society. There is an understanding of how difficult it is to play and a sense of respect associated with it. It is also a very good way to publicly display your child's skills. This is especially true with children with special needs, since sometimes it is challenging to find skills that they can publicly display.