The most useful thing you can do as a parent to a pupil is to encourage regular practice, listen to your child perform and offer lots of praise. You do not need to be a musician yourself to do this. Also, ensure that the piano/keyboard is in good working condition and continually available.
Why learn to play the piano or Keyboard?
The main reason will always be for enjoyment. Learning to play any instrument is a wonderful skill to develop which will last a lifetime.
But read on! There has been a lot of research into the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument. Numerous studies have proved that the skills of sustained focus, application and concentration required are transferred to other areas of learning, producing students who frequently out perform their peers in other areas of the curriculum. Some studies suggests that music lessons provide children with important developmental benefits beyond simply the knowledge or skill of playing a musical instrument. Research suggests that musical lessons may enhance intelligence and academic achievementand discipline. They certainly build self-esteem and confidence.
Whilst the piano and keyboard are principally solo instruments, skills acquired during lessons prove invaluable for those opting to study for GCSE, A level music and the newly developed Arts Diploma and are relevant to the study of a second instrument. Indeed, many of my pupils at Burton Borough School are committed musicians who also play other instruments in one or more of the school’s highly acclaimed bands. Keyboard skills are also very easily transferable to tuned percussion instruments – i.e. timpani, xylophone and marimba.
There are participation opportunities for what is usually a solo instrument - piano and keyboard players participate in the school’s Junior Big Band and Senior Big Band.