Science Just Discovered Something Amazing About What Childhood Piano Lessons Did to You
http://mic.com/articles/108022/science-just-discovered-something-amazing-about-what-childhood-piano-lessons-did-to-youThe study by the University of Vermont College of Medicine found that even those who never made it past nursery rhyme songs and do-re-mi's likely received some major developmental benefits just from playing. The study provides even more evidence as to why providing children with high-quality music education may be one of the most effective ways to ensure their success in life.
If your parents forced you to practice your scales by saying it would "build character," they were onto something. The Washington Post reports that one of the largest scientific studies into music's effect on the brain has found something striking: Musical training doesn't just affect your musical ability — it provides tremendous benefits to children's emotional and behavioral maturation.
The study by the University of Vermont College of Medicine found that even those who never made it past nursery rhyme songs and do-re-mi's likely received some major developmental benefits just from playing. The study provides even more evidence as to why providing children with high-quality music education may be one of the most effective ways to ensure their success in life.
The study found increased thickness in parts of the brain responsible for executive functioning, which includes working memory, attentional control and organizational skills. In short, music actually helped kids become more well-rounded. Not only that, they believe that musical training could serve as a powerful treatment of cognitive disorders like ADHD.
"Three-quarters of high school students "rarely or never" receive extracurricular lessons in the music or the arts."
= new reply since forum marked as read
Starting at age five on piano, ten on the violin. Also took two years of voice lessons after I was grown, became a piano player and choir director at a Unitarian fellowship.
Nobody had to force me to practice. I have always loved practicing. Yes, I had natural talent, but everyone has to practice to get good. An hour to an hour and a half a day is reasonable. More if you're really serious.
I can also type like a fiend, thanks to the finger training from piano lessons and the fact that when you take piano lessons from an early age, your brain learns to work each hand and finger independently.
I think Bruce Springsteen has started a non-profit to help put music and musical instruments back in the schools. I went to a large suburban high school that had excellent music programs. Orchestra and classical music was basically all I cared about.
FOOTBALL!!!!!
How can they afford both? One brings in money, and thuggery potential. The other, sissy's. 
