The Proven Benefits of Playing the Piano
From: http://www.pianonet.com/be1.html
Every elected U.S. president since (and including) George
Washington ahs brought his personal piano to the White House.
Children who study music have consistently exhibited higher grade point
averages, generation after generation. Music
therapy has been one of the fastest growing disciplines in medicine during the
past 15 years.
Is it just a coincidence?
What does this prove? Are
there other reasons? Why don’t
more people recognize these connections? The
truth is, most people do. Then why
don’t more parents support and encourage music study?
That’s a harder question to answer.
In 1991 The Gallup Organization published a national
opinion study that measured peoples’ attitudes and behavior toward the piano,
and awareness of the benefits of playing the piano.
The study randomly interviewed subjects across the nation
who were 18 years or older.
The results of the survey were impressive.
When asked the question:
“If you could play
any musical instrument, what instrument would you choose to play?”
46% chose the piano
22% chose the guitar
No other instrument scored above 6% on its own.
However, a closer examination showed a trend related to age groups.
53% of the respondents aged 55 and over chose the piano
49% of the respondents aged 35-54 chose the piano
39% the respondents aged 18-34 chose the piano
However, it is important to note that even the youngest age
group showed a clear preference for the piano over all other instruments.
Also, there was a strong gender-related influence on the results.
27% of the male respondents chose the piano
65% of the female respondents chose the piano