Chinese see piano as key to children's success

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  • June 12, 2007 at 2:15 pm #5833
    Rob_Hugo@PortNW
    Keymaster

    Clay pointed out this interesting article on China's piano craze. This is a very interesting article on the Los Angeles times website, written by Robert Turnbull. The article estimates 15 million children who are vigorously taking piano lessons. It also discusses families making sacrifices to insure their children can have a piano and take piano lessons from reputable teachers. The Pearl River piano company manufactures 280 pianos a day to keep up with the growing demand for pianos. This intense training has produced many world-class piano prodigies for China. I think for China, this is a win-win situation. Even in the United States, studies have proven that children who study music perform at higher academic levels and tend to develop fewer social problems. Playing the piano in itself is an accomplishment that is the fruit of discipline and hard work. These children are learning how to keep working towards a goal, achieve success, and work harder. Even if they do not achieve piano virtuoso status, the seeds for their success in any field will have already been sewn.

    June 25, 2007 at 1:15 pm #35153
    Anonymous
    Guest

    It is amazing how great a role music plays in Asian culture. My students , whether Chinese, Korean, or Japanese, are expected to be culturally well rounded by being proficient on a musical instrument. This dedication is stimulated by the parents and community alike, and fosters a climate of musicianship that is amazing. Child prodigies are commonplace on both piano and violin, and this leads to accomplishment to the likes I have not seen with other cultures, my own included.

    I think this is part of the priorities and values that are imposed by the family-education, dedication, hard work are all part of the Confucianist idea that engenders the piano craze that you mention. This win-win situation has my students wowing me with their virtuosity.

    It is a pleasure to see.

    July 1, 2007 at 6:56 am #35154
    Anonymous
    Guest

    I think it is amazing to see this cross cultural exchange. Pianos at their core, are a very western instrument and today Chinese parents are urging their childern to master these instruments, playing western pieces. Music truly is a universal language. Whether one is born in China or in Europe music bridges any language barrier. Over the years Chinese artists have made a tremendous contribution to classical music and today music continues to be a great avenue for young aspiring Chinese to make their mark on the world.

    John Yamazaki

    July 1, 2007 at 7:06 am #35155
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Also, I agree with M Kang's statement, "Even in the United States, studies have proven that children who study music perform at higher academic levels and tend to develop fewer social problems." My students who are in band definitely perform at higher academic levels and exhibit good social skills. Most of my band kids are "A" and " B" students. Through practicing their instruments they have learned the both discipline and dedication which they are able to transfer over into their studies. These students have also had practice socializing and communication because many of them have played in large ensembles. In my class they communicate well, they set goals, and they get their work done.

    John Yamazaki

    July 16, 2007 at 8:41 pm #35156
    Anonymous
    Guest

    That music directly correlates to better academic performance is old news, but it is a point that has to be brought to administrator's attention. Hey, many studies also state that chewing gum leads to increased concentration and focus, which ultimately leads to higher test scores. But can you get a single LAUSD principle to accept it? Nope. Math and music enhance each other. Music opens so many doors for students, but music programs are becoming extinct as school districts cut funds to bolster their test scores. Lunacy!

    When I lived and taught in Korea it was a given that most of my high school students had to devote some serious time to piano lessons on Saturday. I remember one of my students played a snippet of Mozart for me in the common area (they had a piano available) and her level of performance was brilliant. When I congratulated her she said she was mediocre, whereas her brother, who played three hours a day, was much better. That boggles the mind. My students would be awake and doing chores by 6am, eat, and then be at school by 7:30. Classes until 12:30, lunch, then off to piano lesson, additional English classes, or sports. The typical student would arrive home at 5 pm....this was a Saturday schedule, which is not considered a "real" schoolday by most. There were also a lot of students studying classical guitar.

    The majority of students seem to give it up by their college years, but it is indisputable that music is a huge part of the educational experience in Japan, China, and Korea.

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