Empowering Students
Dimitra has spent her career studying and enhancing the different learning
styles of her students. She is an expert at teaching correct pianistic skills from the beginning, or retraining pupils who have
had trouble learning piano in the past. She attributes her success with
these students to gently, guided learning methods, which empower
learners to become independent thinkers at the keyboard.
Applied Theory
The theory is that exposure to music rewires neural circuits. Researchers in Germany, for example, have concluded that as a child grows, the brain develops parts of the sensory cortex dedicated to physical skills, like playing a musical instrument. These connections last a lifetime and are directly related to other valuable skills we learn.
Dr. Frank R. Wilson, a San Francisco neurologist has been studying the link between the brain and the ability to make music. He started on the neurological trail of music after noticing the physical and mental evolution taking place in his daughter after she began piano lessons. He even began taking lessons himself at the age of 40.
"My investigations point to a correlation between music study and muscular development, physical coordination, a sense of timing, mental concentration, the ability to hold up under stress, memory skills and vocal, visual and aural development, " say Dr. Wilson.
There have been similar findings by other professionals regarding the positive aspect of piano lessons.
Also, the piano has been called the mother of all instruments because once you have learned to play, you can apply that musical knowledge to any other instrument.
Making a Difference
Piano playing helps a child develop a good personality and attitude. It is also a creative outlet that allows a child to share his/her accomplishments with family & friends. Through the study of music, a child gains more self-esteem and more control over the intellectual, emotional and physical aspects of life.Even the child who only takes lessons for 2 or 3 years has achieved valuable skills. When a child shows more confidence in facing new experiences, an added willingness to stick with a job till it's finished, an increased poise in social situations, parents see some of the indirect - but very important benefits of his/her piano lessons.