Though we might try our best to avoid it at all costs, many of us have to accept that stress is simply a part of life. Of course, though everyone experiences stress, the impact that it can have may vary depending on a number of factors.
Some people suffer from overwhelming senses of anxiety, while others feel irritable or get headaches. In unfortunate cases, stress can get so bad that it can cause depression, a mental health disorder that is all too common.
In short, stress can be a catalyst for other physical and psychological health problems if not taken care of.
The good thing is that for all of the problems out there related to stress, there are an equal number of solutions. One of the best ways to reduce stress is with music. Today, we’re going to dive in and talk about how playing an instrument can reduce or relieve the stress you deal with daily.
Why Music Can Eliminate Stress
Playing an instrument or listening to music can brighten your mood, similar to the way that looking at bright, positive colors can enhance your mood. If you listen to cheerful, upbeat music, you may feel an overwhelming sense of optimism. On the other end of the spectrum, slower music can soothe or calm you, very similar to the way white noise works.
Of course, every person is built differently, and the way we react to certain types of music can change based on our personalities. Some people benefit from listening to music that others would typically find intense, such as heavy metal or rock and roll. Other people like music that is soft and soothing, such as jazz or classical.
The point is that music can inhibit stressors by taking your mind off of them, helping you to decompress and relax. By playing an instrument, you can further distract yourself from the feelings of stress that you’re having. Because your brain is only able to perform a single function at once, it is forced to prioritize playing music instead of focusing on the things that are causing you to feel stressed.
How Playing An Instrument Can Be Beneficial
Researchers say that playing instruments can help musicians lower their heart rates and blood pressure, regardless of their skill level. It can also reduce stress levels, lower anxiety, and deter depression.
Beyond that, playing an instrument can increase your ability to problem-solve, as well as improve your overall mental capacity. If you’ve ever had a truly productive practice session or gotten in the groove while playing with friends, then you know what it feels like to be in the “flow state,” as many call it.
If you ask us, there is nothing quite like that feeling!
General Music Benefits
Beyond playing an instrument, there are many benefits that music can give us in general. For starters, listening to music is a wonderful way to improve your focus, which is why so many people enjoy listening to music when studying, working or exercising.
While listening to music, you can instead focus on what’s going on with the music instead of focusing too hard on the things going on around you.
Some of the major benefits of playing an instrument and listening to music include:
- Reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Increased energy levels
- Increased cortisol and dopamine (the feel-good chemicals in the brain)
- Improved focus and memory
There are many studies that come from the National Center for Biotechnology regarding how music can help people suffering from various mental illnesses. They have also found that playing an instrument can be a form of pain management, helping people take their minds off of the painful symptoms of chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis.
How Music Lessons Can Be Helpful
Of course, as you probably know, the act of playing music vs. listening to it is very different. Taking music lessons can be beneficial in helping you to deal with your stress, giving yourself a sense of accomplishment, and boosting your self-confidence.
Stress happens, no matter how much we try and avoid it. With music, however, you can make going through your daily life that much easier. Whether you choose to play a musical instrument or simply enjoy listening to music, it can do wonders for your stress.
This month, we’re excited to feature CCM voice student, Jyostna Kothari as our September 2022 Student of the Month! Jyotsna has been taking voice lessons for almost 3.5 years! She currently studies at CCM’s Redwood City location with Teacher Orlia. We are so proud of Jyotsna’s her dedication and willingness to try whatever teacher Orlia throws her way!
Student of the Month – Jyotsna Kothari
Q: What is your name?
A: Jyotsna Kothari
Q: How old are you?
A: 9 years old
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: Teacher Orlia
Q: How long have you been taking voice lessons?
A: Almost 3.5 years.
Q: What advice would you give to a voice student just starting out at CCM?
A: Don’t be afraid to try out new songs that you are not used to.
Q: What song are you looking forward to learning someday?
A: A kind of song that is long, has complicated lyrics, and can challenge me.
Q: What is your favorite thing about singing?
A: I can train my voice to reach a high pitch without feeling uncomfortable.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: I like everything that is vegetarian.
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: No, but I want a Golden Retriever.
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: I am on the Redwood City swim team.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A Vet
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: The first recital in Mountain View Center for Performing Arts where I felt like the auditorium was so big and there were so many people and I got nervous and paused a bit while singing, but kept going after that.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Parent Spotlight – Priya Sohono
Q: Regarding voice, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: Training in multiple pitches, feeling comfortable with that, and learning to really enjoy this form of art.
Q: What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
A: It takes a bit to get some kids into the rhythm of practice, so keep at it!
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: We would like for her to be able to not only enjoy music herself but create music to share with others some day. Feeling a sense of accomplishment in her talent and performance will also go a long way in helping her develop self-confidence.
This month, we’ll be looking at the life of Astor Piazzolla, one of history’s most renowned tango composers, bandoneon players, and arrangers. Many believe that Piazzolla revolutionized the world of tango, turning it into a brand new style, which was coined nuevo tango. His new style of tango incorporated several elements of jazz and classical music. Beyond that, he was a bandoneon virtuoso who regularly performed with several ensembles during his lifetime and wrote a number of timeless compositions.
Astor Piazzolla’s Personal Life
Piazzolla was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 1921 before his family moved to Greenwich Village in New York City in 1925.
When he was at home, he would spend a fair amount of time listening to his father’s tango records, specifically records from Julio de Caro and Carlos Gardel. From an early age, he had exposure to jazz and classical music, including the music of Bach. After his father bought him a bandoneon that he spotted in a pawn shop in 1929, Piazzolla began a lifelong journey to master the instrument.
By 1936, after moving and returning to live with his family in Mar del Plata, he started playing in several tango orchestras. It was around this time that he learned of Elvino Vardaro, whose sextet music had a great impression on Piazzolla. Many years later, Vardaro would become a violinist in Piazzolla’s string orchestra.
When he was only 17, he moved to Buenos Aires and joined Anibal Troilo’s orchestra, who was a renowned bandoneonist of the time. Though his main role was playing the bandoneon in the orchestra, he also began arranging for Troilo, occasionally playing the piano for their performances.
As Piazzolla got more and more comfortable playing with the orchestra, Troilo began to fear that Piazzolla’s advanced musical styles might undermine his orchestra. Due to rising tensions, Piazzolla eventually left Troilo’s orchestra in 1944 and began playing with Francisco Fiorentino, a tango bandoneonist and singer. He would continue playing with him until 1946, when he started his own orchestra, Orquesta Tipica. It was during this time that he composed his very first original tango, El Desbande.
After disbanding the orchestra in 1950, he composed a series of works that would slowly help him develop a style unique to other tango composers. He entered one of these classical compositions, “Buenos Aires Symphony In Three Movements,” for a chance to win the Fabian Sevitzky Award in 1953. Though some audience members were offended by the inclusion of bandoneon in a traditional orchestral setting, he won the award and received a grant from the government of France to continue studying in Paris.
While in Paris, he studied counterpoint and other forms of classical composition, which would later pop up in his tango works.
After moving back to Argentina in 1955, he worked with a few orchestras. It wasn’t until 1959 that he put together arguably one of his most famous quintets, known as the First Quinteto. One of the last performances he had with this quintet was on the Arthur Murray Show in 1960.
Throughout his life, he would continue to travel around the world, composing and performing in various countries and sharing his version of tango with the world. He eventually died in Paris on August 4, 1990, after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage that left him in a coma.
The Influence of Astor Piazzolla’s Music
Piazzolla was known for pioneering the genre of nuevo tango, which incorporated elements of jazz and classical music. It also made use of counterpoint and extended harmonies, which was quite unique at the time.
When he composed Adios Nonino in 1959, he solidified his unique structural pattern that would remain in future compositions. He also pioneered a new form of a quintet, which included bandoneon, piano, violin, double bass, and electric guitar. He believed this setup was the most effective in terms of filling the sound sphere with the least amount of people.
Notable Facts
- During his performances in Paris, he began playing the bandoneon standing up with the instrument on his thigh and his foot on a chair. Up until this time, people played the instrument sitting down.
- Many believe Piazzolla was single-handedly responsible for bringing tango music out of seedy dance clubs and into prestigious concert halls all over the world.
This month, we’re eager to feature CCM piano student, Kayden Lee as our August 2022 Student of the Month! Kayden has been taking piano lessons for almost 4 years! He currently studies at CCM’s Sunnyvale location with Teacher Tan. We are so proud of Kayden’s good attitude, tremendous curiosity, and hard work toward great progress!
Student of the Month – Kayden Lee
Q: What is your name?
A: Kayden Lee
Q: How old are you?
A: 7 years old
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: Teacher Tan
Q: How long have you been taking piano lessons?
A: 4 years
Q: What advice would you give to a piano student just starting out at CCM?
A: Practice a lot
Q: What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
A: Create my own music
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing piano?
A: After practicing homework songs; I could make my own music.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Ice cream
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: No
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: Riding my bicycle.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Mathematician
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: Going to recitals.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Parent Spotlight – Simon Lee and Connie Chang
Q: Regarding piano, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: He is able to learn hard songs on his own.
Q: What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
A: Every kid learns at their own pace, be patient with them. Give them lots of praise and encouragement.
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: It came naturally for us as Kayden loves music at a very young age. We hope that music can be one of his ways to express feelings and nurture creativity.
This month, we want to recognize the work of one of the most important female composers in history — Pauline Hall.
Pauline Hall was a Norwegian writer, composer, music critic, social activist, and one of the most prominent musical figures from the late 18th and early 19 centuries.
Let’s dive in and get to know more about the incredible Pauline Hall!
Pauline Hall’s Personal Life
Pauline Hall was born in Hedmark, Norway, in 1890 as the son of Isak Muus Hall and Magdalena Catharina Agersborrg. Though her father owned and operated several pharmacies around the area and was not involved with music in any way, Pauline garnered an interest in music as a young child.
She began studying piano in 1908 with Johan Backer Lunde, a renowned composer of the time. By 1910, she began studying composition and theory, learning all she could from classical composers from music educator Catharinus Elling. By 1912, she moved to Paris, where she studied until 1914. It was quite obvious that this French city had a large impression on the then 22-year-old. While she initially planned on studying composition with George Caussade upon her arrival, she never made it that far.
However, during her time in Paris, she attended the theater and opera several times, absorbing the culture that she would continue revisiting throughout her entire life.
It wasn’t until 1917 that she made her full debut as a composer, putting on her first full-length concert in Oslo one evening. While she initially got her start composing romances, her orchestral works are what truly solidified her in musical history.
Arguably, one of her most famous pieces was Verlaine Suite, which she composed in 1929. Many music appreciators say it was one of the most significant and influential pieces in her musical library.
Hall gained most of her inspiration from French literature and impressionism, which was quite interesting, as it wasn’t until the 1930s that the sentiment of romanticism would become popular in Norway. It was because of this reason that Hall found it quite difficult to introduce the idea of new styles to Norway’s music scene.
Beyond her work in the orchestral realm, Hall composed several pieces of music for stage productions and even more choral works. Throughout her career, she kept close to the theatre, translating several major works into Norwegian, such as Arthur Honegger’s Le Roi David and Igor Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale.
She translated Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera before staging and directing it in 1930. During this time, Hall also took on the role of the conductor and instructor of the play during its premiere in Oslo.
In 1932, she started a vocal quintet, which she referred to as Pauline Hall’s vocal quintet. With this quintet, she wrote music for radio. However, when 1934 rolled around, she became a prominent music critic, working for Dagbladet, a prominent daily newspaper in Oslo. Hall would continue working as a music critic for this newspaper until 1964.
Hall was renowned for her ability to promote modern music, though she was also notorious for her criticisms of superficial national composers.
In 1938, she began working with the International Society for Contemporary Music, where she became the founding chairwoman of Ny Musikk, the Norwegian sector of the institution. From 1952 to 1953, she served as the president of ISCM International. She would continue working as the Ny Musikk chair until 1961, eventually getting replaced by Finn Mortensen, a successful composer.
Hall died in Oslo in 1969 and was buried at Vestre Granlund.
The Influence of Pauline Hall’s Music
Throughout her career, Hall composed several orchestral works, chamber pieces, vocal works, and music for theater and film. In the late 1930s, she became a powerhouse in Norway’s music scene.
Many music historians agree that without Hall, Norway would not have experienced modernism and romanticism as soon as it did. In essence, Hall was a driving and unifying force, using motive and the power of opposition to create a dialogue that crossed borders.
From private concerts in homes to the world music festival in 1953, she consistently took the humanistic approach to music and kept her standard for creativity high.
Notable Facts
- In 1938, Pauline Hall received the King’s Medal or Merit in gold.
- In open radio debates on music from the U.S., Hall would often defend jazz, which was then a primarily black genre.
- Hall often stated she was an internationalist, opposing the views of strong Norwegian nationalists
Music can be extremely impactful in a person’s life, and many people think the impact happens later, but even young children can benefit from music. In fact, having your child attend music lessons can help them in more ways than simply learning to play an instrument.
Music has been proven to help with a wide range of skills, especially when learned at an early age. At California Conservatory of Music, we believe that all children should develop a love for music at an early age, which is why we offer lessons for all ages and levels. Learn more about our music conservatory by exploring our website, and continue reading below to learn how music lessons can benefit children in more ways than one.
Increase Self-Confidence
Confidence is a trait that is developed as opposed to being something we are born with. Unfortunately, as adults, we know all too well how life enjoys testing our confidence, so it makes sense that we would want to help children build their self-confidence at an early age.
When children take music lessons, they gain the opportunity to increase their self-confidence. If they put in the time and effort, eventually, they can see the results of their hard work and feel proud of themselves for what they’ve accomplished. Not to mention, if they keep up with their music lessons, they gain the confidence of knowing they are good at music.
Learn Delayed Gratification
As much as children would love to immediately pick up an instrument and know how to read the music and play the chords, that just isn’t how it works. Instead, they have to work hard, practice, take lessons, and put in the effort to actually learn the skill. Nowadays, most gratifications come instantly. For example, you can watch entire seasons of shows instantly, order products online and have them arrive the next day. It’s very rare that we have to wait. However, when your child starts taking music lessons, they have to put in the work and wait to see how that work turns into a real skill, and because of this, they learn the tough lesson of delayed gratification.
Improved Language Development
Children come into the world eager to learn sounds and form words. Believe it or not, music can actually be a great way to open that door for even more knowledge. If you decide to enroll your child in a music conservatory at a young age, their musical education can give them an advantage in language development later in life. Through their lessons, they are exposed to even more sounds, which can enhance their ability to recognize sounds and decode words. As a result, you may find that your child has an easier time picking up languages later in life.
It Brings Joy
While skills and life lessons can be extremely beneficial as your child ages, it’s also important to consider the simple reasons to enroll your child in a music conservatory, the most important of which being that it brings joy. Seeing your child make a sound out of their instrument for the first time, playing their first song, or even seeing their pride in their hard work can all bring joy to both yourself and your child. If for no other reason, the joy of music can be a huge benefit that you can experience for many years.
There are many ways in which music lessons can do more than teach music to children, and if you’re interested in experiencing those benefits, California Conservatory of Music is the place to go! Explore our website to learn more about our music lessons and enroll your child today!
Setting your child for success later in life starts with encouraging them to explore their interests and allowing them to find a hobby that they’ll love. Luckily for parents of California Conservatory of Music students, our piano lessons for beginners throughout Sunnyvale and Redwood City can help your child succeed much later in their lives. Reap the rewards of signing your child up for our piano lessons in San Jose and watch your child expand their own knowledge and their confidence in new skills. Learn more about how the California Conservatory of Music is changing the lives of our students aged three to 12 and enroll your child today!
Are you looking for a way to help your children with school? If so, you may want to consider enrolling them in music lessons. Believe it or not, learning how to play an instrument can actually help improve academic performance. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of music lessons and how they can help your children succeed in school.
Teaches Concentration and Focus
One of the most important things that music lessons can teach your children is how to concentrate and focus. In order to play an instrument, your child will need to be able to block out all distractions and focus on the task at hand. This skill will come in handy when they are trying to complete their homework or take a test at school.
Increases Memory Capacity
Another benefit of music lessons is that it can help increase your child’s memory capacity. When your child is taking piano lessons, they will need to remember the notes that they are playing. This requires them to remember where their hands are supposed to be on the keyboard at all times. By practicing this regularly, your child will be able to increase their memory capacity, which will help them in school.
Can Help Develop Speech Cognitive Skills and Social Abilities
Music lessons can also help develop your child’s speech, cognitive skills, and social abilities. For example, piano lessons for beginners will require your child to read sheet music. This will help them with their reading comprehension skills. In addition, playing an instrument in a band or orchestra will teach your child how to work well with others and be a team player.
Helps Boost Their Self-Esteem
Music lessons can help boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Once your child masters a song, they will feel a sense of accomplishment that will stay with them for a lifetime. This is an important trait to have, especially during their teenage years.
Helps Them Learn Patience
Finally, music lessons will teach your child the importance of patience and discipline. Learning how to play an instrument takes time, effort, and practice. By enrolling your child in music lessons, you can help them develop these important life skills.
So, if you are looking for a way to help your children with school, consider enrolling them in music lessons. The benefits are numerous and your child will thank you for it later on in life. California Conservatory of Music offers piano lessons and guitar lessons for beginners in San Jose. Contact us today to learn more about our music programs!
Teaching your child to play a musical instrument with guitar lessons or other music lessons can be rewarding in many ways. Not only is your child learning to hone their skills in music, but playing an instrument can be a great way to help them fine-tune motor skills, boost cognitive thinking and problem solving skills, and teach them how fulfilling expressing themselves through creativity can be. However, for young minds, practicing in between piano lessons or guitar lessons can feel very different than playing their instrument, so helping them to get in the habit of practicing can be difficult. At the California Conservatory of Music, we’re here to help parents like you encourage your child to practice so they can hone their instrumental skills in between their music lessons!
Recognize They Are Trying
A common trap we find parents falling into is the pursuit of “perfection.” While this is generally well-meaning, some children may find the pressure of achieving musical perfection too much and develop an aversion to practicing around others. Avoid this pitfall by recognizing that your child is trying their best when they practice, instead. Encouragement is key when it comes to fostering a love of music and healthy practicing habits! If your child seems to be struggling to practice, try talking to them to understand where any frustrations may be coming from, and either provide them with insight or write it down as a question to ask during their next music lesson.
Verbally Express Their Improvements
Many parents know that expressing pride or that you’re impressed is a great way to encourage children to continue with good habits. Practicing music is no different! When your child is learning and improving in their guitar lessons or their piano lessons, you can continue to encourage their progress by verbally expressing that you see them improving. Little comments noting that you recognize the hard work and dedication they’ve invested in their instrument can go a long way toward encouraging good practicing habits.
Listen To Them Play
One of the best ways to improve your child’s confidence in practice and encouraging them to continue playing is to listen to them! Music is all about creative expression and sharing the beauty of melodies and harmonies, so show your child that you appreciate their creativity by sitting down to listen to their music, and once they’re done playing, offer up compliments on aspects you liked about their playing! If they ask for constructive criticism, provide a note or two on things they may improve on, but try to keep it positive so they don’t get discouraged!
Set Up a Routine of Practice
Humans are often creatures of habit. From waking up at the same time every day to eating dinner together every evening, children grow and benefit from structure throughout the stages of childhood. To that end, encouraging your child to practice for their piano lessons or guitar lessons at the same time every day can be a game changer! By encouraging a routine, your child is more likely to develop healthy practicing habits for their instrument.
Learn more about piano lessons for beginners, guitar lessons, or children’s music lessons, all available from the California Conservatory of Music. Get started with lessons for your child by contacting us today!
July 2022 Student of the Month – Lauren Murphy
This month, we’re happy to feature CCM violin student, Lauren Murphy as our July 2022 Student of the Month! Lauren has been taking violin lessons for almost two years at CCM’s Sunnyvale location with Teacher Kathy. We are all proud of Lauren’s hard work and dedication and always enjoy listening to her perform at the CCM recitals!
Student of the Month – Lauren Murphy
Q: What is your name?
A: Lauren Murphy
Q: How old are you?
A: 7 years old
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: Ms. Kathy
Q: How long have you been taking violin lessons?
A: About 2 years
Q: What advice would you give to a violin student just starting out at CCM?
A: Pick up your violin every day, even if it’s just a short time
Q: What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
A: Any song from Kiki’s delivery service
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing violin?
A: I enjoy getting to know many songs
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pasta
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: No
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: Tennis, swimming, ballet
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A doctor, a teacher like Ms. Kathy
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: The Recital, I was nervous but I enjoyed it
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Parent Spotlight – Tomoko Murphy
Q: Regarding violin, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: She practiced hard, and performed in front of an audience at the recital
Q: What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
A: Be patient !
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: She was interested in violin, and asked for lessons for her birthday present.