by Mark Hansen

Created on: March 07, 2009   Last Updated: March 09, 2009

*Reasons to Play Piano

The piano is a fabulous instrument to play. With one finger you can tap out a tune. With two hands you can play a symphony. You can even have two people sitting at the piano playing duets together - like "Heart and Soul'. It can also be a very social instrument. A group of people can stand around a piano and sing together with the piano keeping everyone in tune. It is great for choirs.

*Wide Appeal and Use

Children love the piano because they can play with it and make sounds and tunes without any training whatsoever. I've even seen a cat on Youtube who likes to play the piano. At the professional end Its great for dance classes, ballet, opera rehearsals, and musicals. Without a doubt it is the most versatile musical instrument around.

*Digital Versions that are Light and Portable and Affordable

Modern technology has stepped in and removed the two major objection that many have had - it is too heavy to take anywhere - it is too expensive. There are a host of digital pianos and keyboards that are light and battery powered, and very affordable. You can take them anywhere, play them anytime. I have one such keyboard I take down to the beach to play with friends who join in with guitars and their voices.

*Extensive Repertoire

There is almost no song that hasn't been written out for piano. The shelves of music stores are full of piano versions of every piece of music that's ever been written. What you can't find in a shop, you will find on the internet. There are sheet music web sites that sell anything you want or desire. The range of music available is immense, from classical composers like Beethoven & Chopin, to jazz pieces by Dave Brubeck & Keith Jarrett, and contemporary folk piano by George Winston.

*Brain Benefits

Listening to music has positive health effects like calming and relaxing your mind, or invigorating and inspiring your heart. Playing music on an instrument is even better because it promotes all sorts of neural activity and forms pathways in your brain that link right and left side. Studies have proven that children do better at all subjects when they also learn to play an instrument.

*It's Good for Your Soul

There is nothing more rapturous and life affirming than being at one with yourself and at peace with the world. Music can do that. When you play a piece of music that resonates with your feelings and thoughts, it amplifies and reflects back to you. And what you see is yourself within the magnificence of creation.

*Play the Piano

So what are you waiting for? Go and learn to play the piano. It is easy, it is fun, it is social and it is affordable.

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