Valerie Stamps: Music

We are all drawn to the language of life, MUSIC.

I am a self-motivated go-getter. Ever since I was a kid. Once I find something I'm passionate about, something I can see beauty in, I start working toward developing that very thing. I have enjoyed playing the piano ever since I was a kid. I have been approached by clients who were interested in learning piano lessons from me (even when I was still in High School, and to be fair, most of these people were from my Church, and heard me play every Sunday).

I continue to sing, and play the piano and organ for Sunday masses. I also play for Wedding Masses and Funerals. I am always so honored to bring my gifts to these important days.

Music is a language. It's one of the many ways we can express ourselves.

Something most people don't know about me .... I love to play the piano and organ to relax! The piano also offers me an outlet when I'm upset, it provides me a sense of accomplishment when I have conquered a very difficult piece, and I'm sure it boosts my brain power!

I love passing on all these beautiful benefits to my students. Would you like lessons? Do you live near the Denmark, WI area? I teach both piano and organ and would LOVE to get together with you!

Learning how to play the piano isn't just about where to place your fingers on the keyboard. It's SO MUCH MORE! and here's why:

1. Brain Power

Learning to play the piano can actually change your brain. It can tone your brain the way physical exercise tones the body. According to a study at Northwestern University, playing the piano is directly related to creating neural connections. Neural firings occur when music is being played, which suggests that playing instruments like the piano may key in helping the brain function better. Studies have also found that older musicians' auditory cortex (the hearing part of the brain) stays younger and healthier than non-musicians. (NaturalNews)

2. Test Scores

Middle and High School students who have had music lessons score significantly higher than those that didn't. Piano skills help improve other skills like: memorization, concentration, math, vocabulary and language. University studies conducted at Texas and Georgia found significant correlations between the number of years of music study and academic achievement in math, science and language arts.(University of Sarasota Study, Jeffrey Lynn Kluball; East Texas State University Study, Daryl Erick Trent)

3. Dexterity

Playing and practicing the piano exercises your finger muscles. Not only does this make your hands stronger, but it also helps in other skills, like keyboarding.

4. Stress Relief

There is stress and anxiety all around us, but it's not a healthy thing to carry around. Playing the piano allows you to redirect the focus of the day and acutally reduce stress at the molecular level! Making music helps you feel good! It aids in reducing job burnout and improves your mood.(Advances in Mind-Body Medicine and Studies conducted by Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Applied Biosystems; Medical Science Monitor)

5. Confidence

Playing for teacher, in front of a group, and preparing for competitions are all part of playing the piano. This may be more daunting for some than others, but the result is better self-confidence.

6. Creativity

A psychologist at Vanderbilt University did some research and found that musicians use a creative technique, known as divergent thinking, which requires you to use both sides of your brain. The connection between moving both hands together along with reading music helps musicians develop good "thinking outside the box" skills.

7. Coordination

Much like the last point, by training your eyes and hands to work closely together, you improve your eye-hand coordination and your brain is boosted. This can strengthen pathways between the left and right hemisphere. It can also improve reaction time, productivity, and ability to focus on multiple things simultaneously.

8. Future Success

The process of learning the piano requires developing strong discipline, patience, goal-setting and dedication. These skills are necessary to success, regardless of industry, career or vocation.

9. Criticism, Success and Disappointment

All piano players started off at the same place - in the beginning. We have all allowed ourselves to be shaped by our instructors. The ability to respond to criticism, and learn from it, will carry over to other aspects of daily life (like work and school). Along the road to learning the piano, there will be set-backs and disappointments and there will also be successes! Piano players experience these, and in so doing, learn how to learn from the disappointments with getting depressed, and celebrate their success.

10. Hormones

Playing the piano can increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is especially good news for adults. HGH is linked to reducing the aches and pains that come with age. HGH can also slow the progression of osteoporosis and increase energy levels and muscle mass. (University of Miami)