Here is something that I'm sure you already know, music is a very important part of our lives. We listen to music for hundreds or even thousands of hours each year. It also does more then just please our ears, music is a huge part of the human development. Any parent will tell you that children at just 3 or 4 will already be singing or humming some song that they have learned. However, there is more then that.

Over a decade ago, there was an experiment done at the University of California at Irvine that was done by scientists. The experiment basically consisted of college students listening to Mozart, a relaxation tape, or just silence. Right after these listening sessions, the students took tests that involved putting together puzzles. The experiment found that the students that had just listened to Mozart had a huge improvement compared to those that just listened to a relaxation tape or silence. The reason this occurred is because it is believed that the music and spatial abilities (the ability to do puzzles) share the same pathway in the brain.

Many people believe that if you listen to more music, it will improve your brain and thinking skills. And based on this study, it seems like that could be true. Many people also want to learn a musical instrument. One of the most popular instruments to learn is the Piano. It has one of the most beautiful sounds and has been around for generations. So are you or your child thinking of taking piano lessons? Well first check out these 5 tips when it comes to piano lessons!

1: If you are going to have your child take piano lessons, ask yourself, is this something they really want to do? Is it your child's dream to learn the piano? Or is it more of your dream? If it's more of your dream, then you should take piano lessons! It is never too late to take piano lessons. Even people that are retired take piano lessons, and they become quite good at it! If you have any dream at all of playing the piano, then take those lessons! You won't regret it.

2: Which instrument should you use for your piano lessons? This may sound like a stupid question, of course you want to use the piano for your piano lessons. However, what kind of piano? Or what about just an electronic keyboard? An electronic keyboard is much cheaper after all.

It is probably best to start with an electronic keyboard (unless of course you have a piano) and see how you do. If time goes on and you prefer learning the piano for just personal enjoyment, then there is nothing wrong with sticking with the keyboard. However, if you are becoming serious about your piano lessons then you should probably consider switching over to an acoustic piano. It is best to stick to acoustic pianos as opposed to the Spinet Piano. Not sure which is which? Well, the Spinet Piano is the one with the lower back. It's better to purchase an upright piano which is called the Baby Grand Piano. The reasons include the fact that the action of the keys is better for the students hand, and it's also sounds a lot better to the ear.

3: Don't be afraid to ask around about a teacher you are considering taking lessons from! In fact, I encourage it! Try and find out about your teachers background. Where did they learn the piano? How long have they taught piano? Try to get in touch with current students of theirs? You can get a lot of information from them that will help you decide if this is the teacher for you.

4: Make sure to put a priority on your piano lessons schedule! By that, I don't mean to fill up your schedule with piano lessons. What I mean is, it's easy to get overwhelmed by things. Try and limit your other activities. This way when you take your piano lessons, you aren't exhausted from a long day. You also aren't rushing to leave the lessons to go to your next scheduled activity. Slow down! Learning the piano is supposed to be fun. It shouldn't be just another thing to squeeze into your schedule.

5: Finally, make sure you are dedicated to learning the piano! Like I said in the previous tip, this doesn't mean filling up your schedule with piano lessons. However, make sure to try to get a bit of practice each day. One thing I love to do is take a nice hot bath before bed, then get out and play the piano before laying down and falling asleep. It's so relaxing, and I've found it to really help my skills. Consider doing this!

I hope these tips have helped you and given you helpful information. Remember, no matter how old or young you are, you CAN learn the piano. Have confidence in yourself. You can learn it, and you won't regret it. :)