What are the benefits of learning to play piano?

[ZigZagToTheBeach]

What are the benefits of learning to play, other than that you can then play the piano? I'm thinking along the lines of learning perseverance, etc, etc.

Concentration, discipline through regular practice, fine motor skills are improved, better communication between left and right side of the brain, excellent basis for learning other instruments too. Apparently learning a musical instrument increases IQ. Also ask independent schools- typically their music scholars are also high academic achievers.

I think it's the most useful thing I've ever done. I'm a secondary school music teacher and I can rustle up a singing/instrumental performance for a child in a matter of minutes (got Grade 8 piano at 16).

I think practising my instruments taught me that persevering and honing a skill over many hours reaped rewards in the longer term.

All of the above. Also you meet people you might not have met otherwise. I went away to orchestra weekends with school and met loads of kids who loved music, playing in a group develops listening skills, ability to follow instructions visually and verbally. Playing the piano relieves stress. It’s also the most versatile instrument - you can play any style of music you fancy.

I am a piano teacher and parent who is also teaches my kids. It is invaluable. Aside from the enjoyment of actually playing (after much hard work of course!) it teaches perseverance, what accomplishment / achievement feels like, exam preparation and controlling nerves, it almost seems to awaken the brain in ways other learning cannot, it’s hard to explain but it opens new pathways and many studies have sited links between learning music and mathematics.
It teaches an appreciation for music in general, harmony, melody, rhythm. Fantastic for other instruments or any kind of singing. Brilliant for dance too. It also teaches how to perform, builds confidence. It increases fine motor skills hugely which has a profound effect of learning at a young age in particular. Learning to read and appreciate music is such a skill. I just can’t imagine a world where I wouldn’t be able to read music!

I got a job once on the basis I could play the piano (teacher)

Then first week in first job- the head said 'Thursdays is hymn practice. They'll be you, a TA & 350 children'

Reading two different clefs simultaneously - an amazing skill if you want to pursue music further.
Brilliant social skills and opportunities.

It’s a good easy introduction to music, then you can learn other instruments which is great for socialising, making friends, playing in bands etc.

Unlike some other instruments I can think of, it’s hard to make a piano sound like an injured cat.

I learnt the piano and once I got past grade 5 or so I found it a great way to deal with difficult emotions. Great for teenage angst or being love sick, great for getting out pent up anger or stress release and also incredibly fun!

It's fun.

There are so many from enjoyment, brain development, 1:1 time with the teacher etc have a read here

www.pianoemporium.com/10-benefits-playing-piano/

It doesn't have to be the piano...
But learning an instrument gives you in a short time span over and over again the cycle can't do something - work hard - now you can do it! Because it's taught 1:1 it will always go at your child's pace and always be challenging but never out of your depth.
It sounds good.
It feels good when your fingers can do clever things like that.

I have mild dyspraxia, when I was diagnosed it was in the report that some of my issues would have been attenuated by my learning to play the piano as a child. I actually started lessons at 9 which is late. My academics came on leaps and bounds after I had been playing for a while. Learning any musical instrument is wonderful for anyone really.

I'd echo all the advantages listed above BUT I also feel slightly sorry for people who only play the piano as I think it can be really lonely. In my opinion, one of the greatest parts of learning an instrument is playing with other people (which then teaches team work!) and it's a brilliant social activity. I'm not saying you can't play with others as a pianist, but playing an orchestral or band instrument gives many ensemble opportunities, even for beginners.

My dd2 has adhd traits and the piano has been a great instrument for her to learn. One great thing is it didn't need cleaning, or putting away, or putting together. She can sit down and play. I find her playing when she's bored and also to deal with stress and difficult emotions. It is the only thing she does where she exercises perseverance. It helps her self confidence, as non musical people are immediately impressed to see her play. I like to think it had knock on positive effects on her developing adolescent brain.

I did piano and another instrument. The other instrument was great for joining in string quartets, orchestra etc etc which was fun socially. But there is something about the piano being a solitary instrument that I found very therapeutic during my troubled teenaged years. I loved all the romantic composers the Chopin, Grieg, Liszt, Satie etc and had "go to" pieces that I would play for certain moods. I'm biased but I think the piano is the best of all instruments as you can play both hands and need no other input. For a somewhat introvert it was perfect.