🎹Why Reading Music Is the Foundation of Everything — Piano and Language Learning —
[Introduction]
Recently, I’ve been thinking about how to share what I’ve learned over the years with a wider audience.
There are things that cannot be fully communicated within lesson time.
And I’ve also come to accept that not everything resonates with everyone.
So instead of trying to reach everyone,
I hope these thoughts reach those who need them, when they need them.
For my students and families,
please feel free to ask questions during lessons.
Those conversations are always the most meaningful.
[A Study Worth Reading]
Here is a study related to today’s topic:
https://news.mit.edu/2018/how-music-lessons-can-improve-language-skills-0625
This MIT study shows that piano lessons improve children’s ability to distinguish speech sounds.
[An Important Detail]
However, there is one key detail:
The children had piano lessons three times a week, 45 minutes each.
In reality, most students take lessons once a week.
Which means it is difficult to expect the same results from lessons alone.
[What I Have Observed]
From my experience teaching in both the U.S. and Japan:
Students who can read music improve.
Those who cannot eventually struggle.
Also, students who progress well in piano often show strong language abilities.
This is not a formal study, but it is a consistent pattern I have seen.
[What Reading Music Means]
Reading music includes:
Pitch
Rhythm
Key
And most importantly:
Playing while reading, without looking at the hands.
Without this, reaching an advanced level becomes difficult.
[Practice at Home]
Since most students cannot take lessons multiple times per week,
daily practice at home becomes essential.
Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.
[Final Thoughts]
What I’ve shared here is based on both research and experience.
It may not apply to everyone,
but I hope it helps those who need it.
[Next Post]
In my next post, I will share simple 5–10 minute practice ideas you can do at home.
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【Postscript】
Here is a real example from one of my former students whom I taught in the United States.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtZxnIeavt1eaGZc28b1blW8KIeeDWdFA
This student was a boy who started piano at age 5 and studied with me for about two years (ages 5–6).
He was not particularly a “naturally gifted” type, and it was difficult for him to practice for long periods of time.
However,
He consistently practiced about 15–20 minutes per day on average,
and was able to reach the level you see in the videos.
During lessons, I worked closely with his mother,
and we focused especially on developing strong music reading skills.
This progress is the result of that approach.
Student & Parent Testimonials: https://yumiereviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/blog-post_30.html
As another example,
a student who practices about 2–3 hours a day
can achieve even more significant progress with the same kind of structured approach.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7B09D40F91BE210F (progress over 6 months)
https://yumiereviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/blog-post.html
Student & Parent Testimonials:https://yumiereviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/blog-post.html
Also, here is an example of a student who practices about 30 minutes to 1 hour per day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgyfs1XQuuo&list=PLtZxnIeavt1eECwqqEW-li50QrJ0He-te
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgyfs1XQuuo&list=PLtZxnIeavt1eECwqqEW-li50QrJ0He-te
Student & Parent Testimonials:https://yumiereviews.blogspot.com/2015/03/blog-post_24.html
Student & Parent Testimonials:https://yumiereviews.blogspot.com/2015/07/blog-post.html
The key point is:
It is not only about how long you practice,
but what you consistently practice.
Even a short amount of time,
when done with the right focus, leads to real progress.
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