Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Growth In Popularity For Piano Instruction

By Helga Stokes


There can not be many people who have not wished that they could actually play a musical instrument at one point in their life. Numerous individuals have actually done something about it and made their wish come true. Its the different ways that people have made their wishes come true that have varied so much. People have learnt from film clips seen online, computer programs, and some have been taught by real people like those who have received piano instruction.

This practice was more prevalent a few decades ago, and countless children went for weekly lessons. If anyone wishes to learn an instrument there are a lot more choices in how to do so. It has to be said that the best way is still to use a teacher, at least you will be assured that you will not be getting into bad habits right from the start.

As people began to have more leisure time there was a tendency for children to start avoiding lessons. Thankfully during the eighties there was an upsurge in those wanting to learn. This was largely due to the style of music people were listening to. This was the era of electronica, which had an emphasis on keyboards and synthesizers.

Children being children wanted to emulate their musical idols, in much the same way as their parents did. However for a long time people have been learning how to play. Just consider the early church meetings with bellows powered organs, or scenes from black and white films.

There were many historical Christmassy type films in this medium, and the majority depicted a family gathering round the piano as someone played carols and other festive songs. Think of films depicting times of austerity and hardship, similar scenarios were depicted in those too. Many people do not aspire to become concert standard but they do like to be able to play a recognisable tune.

Even the old traditional English pubs used to have pianos for customers to play. If there was a good pianist they would have their drinks bought for them for as long as they were supplying the tunes for people to sing along to. Nowadays any form of musical instrument is a rare sight in an English pub.

You do still see these types of instruments in certain institutions. Think of the organs in churches and cathedrals, and then also take a look in a communal area of a residential home for the elderly. Despite the residents being in advanced years many do still enjoy singing the songs of their youth, in much the same way that they used to.

One thing that becomes evident as you watch the elderly pianist, is that they still have the full mobility of their hands and fingers. Whereas other residents might well be suffering with the ravages of rheumatism or arthritis, the pianist seems to have escaped unscathed. Maybe because they have looked after their hands and constantly used them.

It would be impossible to state that anyone undergoing piano instruction would manage to avoid arthritis. However you will get plenty of fun and enjoyment along the way. You might end up being concert standard, part of a band or just entertainment at family gatherings. The last option doesn't sound too bad.




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