It doesn’t matter whether you are a pro pianist or a beginner, these 7 facts about pianists are sure to blow your mind:
- PIANISTS USE THEIR BRAIN MORE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY
In order to properly play the piano, players and potential piano players will have to memorize the sound of all 88-keys and learn how to mix and match sounds to create beautiful sounding music.
Not only that, but they have to learn to use both hands independently and this takes great brain power and concentration.
This strengthens the frontal lobe thereby improving its overall efficiency. According to a number of studies carried out during the history of the piano, scientists have concluded that pianists develop superior problem solving, reasoning, decision making, and communication skills.
FUN FACT: Claudio Arrau rose to fame as a child prodigy and learned to read music before he could read actual words.
- PIANISTS ARE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES BETTER THAN NON-PIANO PLAYERS
It is a widely accepted fact that music is an art and it is a medium through which many people are able to express themselves. Playing the piano is one way in which many people do that.
Some studies suggest that individuals who play the piano are able to “turn off” or suppress the part of the brain responsible for producing stereotypical answers. As a result, their true self is able to shine through.
FUN FACT: Arthur Rubinstein, a world-famous pianist, had a reputation for being a “grand storyteller” both on and off the piano and was fluent in eight languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish
- PIANISTS ARE ABLE TO MULTITASK BETTER THAN NON-PIANO PLAYERS
As mentioned before, pianists are able to use their brains more effectively than non-piano players. As a result, they are able to multitask better than most non-piano players.
This is because playing the piano requires you to perform many small tasks simultaneously in order to create musical masterpieces.
When you see a Louis Lortie or a Yuja Wang going ham on a Steinway Grand Piano they aren’t just clicking keys. No sir! There are a bunch of small tasks all occurring at the same time.
So while playing the keys and pedaling, Mr. Lortie is interpreting a music sheet and keeping time.
During his performance, he also has to maintain his posture and control his breathing, while forming chords and following pitch. Still, think it’s easy? How about the pressure of having thousands of eyes and ears staring at you and listening keenly to every note. Think again!
FUN FACT: A piano can have over 10,000 moving parts
- PIANISTS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE CREATIVE THAN YOU!
In order to be named among the greats in terms of the piano, pianists are forced to think outside of the box every day to stand out amongst the millions of wanna-be Beethovens, Chopins, and Ashkenazys.
According to research carried out by researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, pianists develop divergent thinking abilities which allow them to come up with solutions to complex problems.
This is because playing the piano bridges the gap between the left and right hemispheres of the brain which enhances problem-solving abilities and as a result, creativity.
FUN FACT: In the past, only people who were rich such as royals and aristocrats could afford to have pianos in their home. These pianos were very bulky and could not be moved very easily. Nowadays, pianos come in many sizes and have become more affordable.
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- PIANISTS ARE GENERALLY HAPPIER
Don’t get this point misconstrued. Playing the piano does not make you happy or cure mental illnesses.
However, it has been observed that individuals who play the piano are generally happier than those who do not. At a young age, playing the piano builds children’s self-esteem, confidence and social skills.
They are more likely to thrive in school and in social spaces. This is great news for guys who wish to impress their peers and especially the ladies.
People who begin playing the piano at a later stage in their life have admitted to feeling less depressed and tired. Playing the piano has also lessened their anxiety and stress and has given them newfound feelings of independence.
Because playing the piano improves cognitive functions and dexterity, doctors who prescribe unconventional treatments recommend playing the piano to people who suffer from dementia, stroke and PTSD.
FUN FACT: Famous pianist Ludwig van Beethoven composed many of what has been considered his greatest compositions while partially deaf!
- PIANISTS HAVE ENHANCED NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS!
Though some pianists can play the piano for hours and can successfully operate as a “one-man/woman act”, there is something almost magical about combining the sounds of the piano with other instruments. Pianos have a place in bands, orchestras, studios, theatre, etc and in order to properly collaborate with other instruments and pianos, the pianist will need to communicate with the other players both verbally and non-verbally. As a result, non-verbal communication skills improve naturally over time both on and off the piano.
FUN FACT: Sergei Rachmaninoff had hands that were so large they spanned 12 keys! As a result, one of his pieces, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto n.3 is considered one of the hardest classical pieces to play and many of the most talented pianists will not even bother to attempt it.
- PERSONS WHO PLAY THE PIANO ARE MORE DISCIPLINED
At some point in your life, you may have heard that the piano is one of the hardest instruments to master.
Unfortunately, this causes many people to shy away from learning to play. It may take several weeks to even learn a new song and you will mess up many times when you are practicing.
But, if you determined to learn, the reward is not only learning to play the song but you will increase your patience and perseverance. More importantly, you will become more disciplined.
FUN FACT: Pianos were originally made of ivory until around the 1970’s when the harvesting of ivory was proven to have a severe environmental impact. Although keys are commonly made of plastic and resin nowadays, many people still refer to playing the piano as “tickling the ivories”.
Has your mind been blown yet? There are many other interesting and amazing facts about the piano and people who play the piano that was not mentioned above. What mind-blowing facts have you discovered?
Be sure to share them with your friends and family so that they’ll want to join the piano-loving family!