Piano Camps Houston – Kids Camps

Posted on May 3, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, News & Events, Piano Blog | 0 comments

As the ‘muggy months’ arrive, Houston parents are faced with lazy long days to fill with Summer activities for kids. For many parents, it is preferable to utilize their child’s free time constructively, at least as much as possible, rather than allowing their kids to simply be lazy. Summer programs for kids in Houston can also provide a badly needed couple hours time away from kids to run errands and chance to recharge. We believe, “there is truth to the saying that a happy parent makes for a happy kid.”(1)

We also believe that every life needs music! So what better answer to the question of how to fill the long Summer months than the ‘Way Cool’ Piano for Kids Houston Piano Co. School of Music summer programs? During the months of June and July we are running one-week kids camps that teach beginner piano in a fun, group environment. We have found that the excitement by both kids and parents alike attests to the wonderful environment for learning to play piano Houston!

Download Piano Summer Camps in Houston Flyer

For your kid summer camp is an amazing opportunity to discover new friends and new musical ability! There is no talent or previous experience required for the ‘Way Cool’ Piano Summer Camp. The misconception that playing piano is only for ‘talented’ children has (more…)

Adult Piano Classes Yield Unexpected Benefits

Posted on Apr 30, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, Piano Blog | 0 comments

Many people make the false assumption that learning piano as an adult is going to be too hard — they fall into the ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ mentality. The truth is, nothing could further from the truth!

New evidence shows that old age, “once considered a period of decline and difficulty, is actually a period of creativity and new potential in the human lifespan.”(1)  Not only are adult piano classes a rewarding artistic, and possibly social outlet, as is the case with our group piano lessons, but it can have a lasting positive impact on mental, and even physical health.

The mature mind craves fulfilling, stimulating brain activities. “Any activity that optimally uses both the right and left hemispheres is like chocolate to the brain”(2), says Dr. Gene Cohen, director of the (more…)

Why Music Education Is Important

Posted on Mar 10, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, Piano Blog | 0 comments

According to 2009 U.S. Census data, only about 8 percent of Americans play musical instruments regularly. And did you know “that 85 percent of Americans who don’t currently play an instrument wish they had learned to play one?” – 2009 Gallup Poll

This means roughly 282 million Americans wish they could play an instrument, but never learned how!

Why is music education so important?

Besides music being fun and fulfilling to make, playing music has been scientifically proven to benefit people of all ages. Research has concluded that babies come into the world with natural musical ability and an intense interest in learning music. Young children enjoy singing on their own while they play, and even deaf toddlers often sing independently without being prompted.

Pre-school and elementary school students who play music perform better in school and in life, and teenagers can benefit from music’s social aspects. Music in middle school and high school plays a major role in building acceptance and tolerance for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds. It can become a support system for teens desperately trying to build a personal identity within their community of classmates and peers. Also, the ability to express yourself artistically, or even just relieve some aggression through playing music, can be a positive outlet for youngsters that might otherwise use their energy to act out in less positive ways.

The benefits of playing music extend beyond the school years, and especially the embrace of music as an emotional, artistic outlet allows adults who play an instrument—even if it’s just for fun—to reduce their stress and avoid getting “burnt out” at work. Much more fascinating, seniors who engage regularly in recreational music making can better manage diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and increase their self-esteem.

Playing the piano is a dream for many interested in learning to play music, and Houston Piano Co. is serious about making this dream possible for anyone, regardless of age or musical experience. That is why last year we opened the HPC School of Music across the street from our store and recital hall. In less than a full year of operation, our student body has grown to over 120 students in 15 different classes, and it keeps growing every day!

Studying music directly develops many skills necessary for success in life

Science has proven that piano instruction catalyzes changes in the brain, improving intellectual development and enhancing abstract reasoning skills. Studies show that regardless of race, gender, parental musicality (or lack there of), or environment, everyone is born with inherent musical potential. What better way to provide a positive influence on formation of sensitivity, coordination, and memory growth than by learning how to play the piano? Whether you’re five years old or sixty-five, there’s never a better time than right now to begin learning to play piano!

As an organization that fervently promotes the hobby of piano playing, we have put our money where our hypothetical mouth is, pushing a large amount of resources into building and running our new School of Music. Houston Piano Co. purchased a four unit apartment complex to completely renovate and retrofit into group, and private, teaching rooms. We have spent a large amount of energy over the last year and a half organizing classes for all levels, interviewing/hiring educators, working with RMM experts, and communicating our core belief:

You can learn to play, we guarantee it!

Our group lesson teachers are dedicated and energized about making the learning experience fun and enjoyable. We also have relationships with many great private Houston piano teachers that we recommend. If you are a piano teacher and would like to get to know us, become part of our new Piano Teacher Locator system by following the link below.

Piano Teacher Information

Citations:
wannaplaymusic.com/news

Piano Fun at Field Elementary

Posted on Feb 15, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, Fun at HPC!, Image Gallery, News & Events, Piano Blog | 0 comments

Pictures are worth a thousand words. In this case, however, a picture is worth many sparks of interest in elementary school students. The Houston Piano Company School of Music recently held an event at Field Elementary where one of our instructors, Nick Evangelista, held mini-lessons for the eager students.

The event kicked off with an entertaining performance from the school’s very own Jazz Club. Following the concert, Nick announced that we would be giving free mini-lessons at the front of the auditorium for any students who were interested. Almost immediately, Nick was swamped with kids (and even a parent) who wanted to play the piano.

Check out some other photos:

The Houston Piano Company School of Music is growing, and we are excited to share the gift of music. At Field Elementary, we were able to sign up many students for a special promotion of two free piano lessons. The staff was very welcoming, and we were very happy to spread the word about Houston Piano Company. A special thanks to all of the Field Elementary staff, students, and parents for allowing us to host the event at your wonderful school. We look forward to keeping in touch!

Music is the Key to Love

Posted on Feb 10, 2012 in Academic & Health Benefits, Piano Blog | 0 comments

It’s February, and we all know what means: yes, the month of love. Valentine’s Day (or Singles Awareness Day to some) is one of the times of the year that allows us to reflect on the people most important in our life. However, it’s important to note that one of those people should be none other than yourself. How do you love yourself? We think that adding music to your life amplifies your positivity in life. Take this quote, for example:

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” – Author Unknown

It can’t be better said than that. The unique thing about music is that it’s universal. Think about it: You can essentially name any song that you like to listen to when you’re happy, angry, sad, adventurous, etc. It’s important to emphasize on how we can use music to relieve the stress in our life and refocus on the positives in our life. About.com illustrates many of these ways in their article “Music and Stress Relief: How To Use Music In Your Daily Life”. Starting right when you wake up is a perfect way to put on a good mood from the start. Think about the rest of your day after that… When you commute, when you cook a meal, when you are about to fall asleep. However, take a look at the more challenging tasks we are faced with… Paying the bills, cleaning the house, being stuck in traffic. You can change your whole mood by playing music that you know effectively calms you down.

 
Image: Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As we reflect on this month, let’s make sure to take the time to step back and remember how to relax, how to love ourselves and others, and, most importantly, how music can help you in all these areas. What are some ways you use music in your life to become a better person?

Things We Miss As We Rush Through Life

Posted on Nov 29, 2011 in Academic & Health Benefits, Piano Blog | 2 comments

THE SITUATION

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped (more…)



Gifts that Keep on Giving:
 An Inspirational Story

Posted on Aug 25, 2011 in Academic & Health Benefits, News & Events, Piano Blog | 0 comments

When a child is born into the family, we always wonder what he or she might become one day. Perhaps a gifted singer or actress? A famous scientist, businessman, or engineer?

It might soon occur to us that what a child will be is partly just up to her 
or him. Indeed, some part of us is programmed by genetics (about 40-60%). That’s the old nature/nurture battle. 

It is now being recognized that early exposure to language, music, art, kinetics, and so on, has a profound influence on the young, developing child. 
It is also becoming clear that “the younger the better” for this exposure.

I remember being in the Houston Piano Company one day when a gentleman came in wanting to purchase a piano for his grandchild. He wanted him to be exposed to music and learn to play a piano early, like he had done, leading him to be a professional musician for many years. (more…)

The Mozart Effect Enhances Mental Development

Posted on Jul 19, 2011 in Academic & Health Benefits, News & Events, Piano Blog | 0 comments

As parents, we are always looking for an opportunity to give our children a bit of an advantage in their development. Something that you may not have considered is the power of classical music. Don Campbell, who is a famous conductor, musician, teacher and also an author wrote a wonderful book called “The Mozart Effect for Children: Awakening Your Child’s Mind, Health and Creativity with Music”. He explains how the use of classical music can enhance the mental development of our children.

In the introduction of the book, Campbell is asked, “Can music make your child more intelligent?” He responds, “True, many influences contribute to the molding of a life, and music is only one of them. But, unlike our genetic inheritance, which is fixed, our musical inheritance is expandable. We can turn up the volume and make it as positive a force as we wish… (more…)

Guitars Come to Houston Piano Company

Posted on Jul 4, 2011 in Academic & Health Benefits, News & Events | 0 comments

Piano in Country Music

Posted on Jun 24, 2011 in Academic & Health Benefits, Piano Blog | 2 comments

When most people think of pianists, the first idea that emerges is classical music. Many early country music performers did not even consider playing the piano as part of their music-making. In fact, when Charlie Poole requested to use a piano in his recording, he was removed from his recording session. This anti-piano in country music ideal began to change as Opry player, Sam McGee was said to have learned to play music using a player piano roll.

Additionally, when Bob Willis was playing in fiddle dances, pianos were a widespread instrument of choice. The Western country music scene encouraged other pianists such as Moon Mullican. Moon Mullican joined King Records in 1946 and was henceforth known to be the first singer-pianist in country music. Other singers such as Mickey Gilley, Becky Hobbs, Ronnie Milsap and Gary Stewart followed using the piano as their main instrument.