Can piano lessons enhance self esteem of a child or young adult? I believe it can.

This study revealed an association between piano lessons and self-esteem. Costa-Giomi, Eugenia. (2004) Effects of three years of piano instruction on children’s  academic achievement, school performance and self-esteem. Psychology of Music,
vol. 32, no. 2, 139-152.

I would like to talk, however, about this topic regarding my own personal experience as both a student of piano, as well as a teach of the instrument as well.

I remember growing up with the piano, and performing for friends and family. I started piano lessons at age 9, and I remember feeling really good about myself when I would play for people. I knew that I was doing something that people admired, and I remember putting my heart and soul into it.

I also know that when I was a teenager, and self-esteem was not at its’ highest, that the piano helped me when my insecurity was a strong fixture in my life.

I watch my students play the piano, and have observed them over the 13 years of teaching the piano. I see that the piano is a source of pride,self-esteem and truly gives the students a strong sense of accomplishment.

With a positive teaching environment, and a good teacher student relationship, piano lessons can truly enhance self-esteem of a child and teenager in many ways.

Michelle Tukachinsky

Piano Lessons Wellington/West Palm Beach Florida

561-965-8342

Piano practice is a truly significant part of piano lessons. With childrens’ busy schedules nowadays it may be hard to squeeze in 30 minutes of practicing 5-6 days a week. The importance of this when taking piano lessons, however, cannot be understated.

As a piano teacher here in the Wellington/West Palm Beach area, I believe that without consistent practicing, progress in piano lessons can really be hindered and slowed down tremendously. With busy schedules, other activities,  and a lot of homework,sometimes squeezing in the time for piano practice can be a challenge for even the most disciplined piano student.

What I usually suggest is the student schedule a set time to practice the piano every day. This can then become part of his or her daily routine,just like brushing ones’ teeth. When practice becomes a habit, it is much more pleasurable and even less stressful because it is part of ones’ daily lifestyle.

When there are time scheduling issues and other things interfering with practicing (beside xbox360, computer, and The Disney Channel)(smile), practicing can be broken down into  2 to 3 segments each day.As long as something is accomplished in each small practice segment (example: finger technique exercises), this strategy can be quite useful.

As stated previously,piano practicing can add up cumulatively and create fantastic results. In addition, the piano teacher such as myself will praise students on their efforts and accomplishments which will give continued motivation to continue practicing!

Michelle Tukachinsky

Piano Teacher  Wellington-West Palm Beach Florida

Piano lessons wellington, west palm beach, royal palm beach

I am always amazed at the ability of young children to be able to play the piano and actually focus for a full 30 minute lesson. Not all children at this age are able to start private piano lessons due to inability to sit still for the full half hour. A surprising number of students, however, actually do very well at sitting for a 30 minute lesson and enjoying it as well.

I find that the use of a supplementary CD with singing and full orchestration along with the students’ pieces can actually help facilitate the learning process as well as the enjoyment during the lesson. In addition, listening to the piece before actually performing the song helps the student with rhythmic coordination as well.

What I really love about teaching young students is that I get to see the student performing beautiful, more challenging pieces at ages 6 and 7  because they began their musical training much earlier.

As stated previously, not all students can start piano lessons at a very young age. This can only be determined through an initial interview, in addition to having a couple of lessons with the student to determine whether or not he or she is ready for formal lessons over time.

Michelle Tukachinsky

Professional Piano Teacher Wellington, Florida

561-965-8342

Piano Lessons Serving Wellington Florida, Royal Palm Beach Florida, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach

Thank you for visiting my blog. As a piano teacher here in Wellington/West Palm Beach Florida I would like for all of you to know what my teaching style and philosophy is.

I have been teaching piano for over 10 years, and I have learned that patience is a virtue and necessity in teaching this instrument.

Many students learn at different paces, and some students are more visual learners and some are more auditory based learners.

In addition, some of my students have learning disabilities or attention problems. This seems  to be more and more common nowadays.

If I could say anything about my teaching style, it would be patient, enthusiastic, and encouraging.

I give students praise for things he or she does positively, because I truly believe in the concept of positive reinforcement.

One of my most important goals when a student leaves their piano lesson is to feel happy, positive, and encouraged.

I like to see the student smile when they leave my piano studio. At that point, I know I have done my job!

Michelle Tukachinsky

Piano Lessons Wellington Florida

This is a photo of the annual Spring Recital in 2008. I hold the recital in the clubhouse near my home in Wellington Florida, in Palm Beach County. The students always look forward to their annual recital because it gives them a chance to display their talents and all they have learned  by taking lessons throughout the year.

The students usually begin preparing for their recital a few months before the performance so they are prepared to give a good, confident performance.