Five ways learning piano can boost kids' confidence

(StatePoint) Learning to play piano can boost children's confidence in many ways. So, if your family is looking to introduce a new hobby or after-school activity to your children, here are five reasons to consider piano.

1. Practice makes perfect. Practicing piano demonstrates that, over time, effort can lead to tangible improvement. This transformation will help give children the motivation and confidence they may need to hone their skills in other areas of life -- from organized sports to debate team to acting in the school play.

2. A round of applause. When children succeed, the positive feedback they get from parents, peers, music teachers and audiences, can go a long way towards supporting self-esteem.

3. Taking Pride. With achievement and the mastery of new skills comes pride. And new tools can help those skills come more quickly. For example, with the Lighted Keys Keyboard from Casio, players can practice with the help of a lighted 61-key piano keyboard. A Voice Fingering Guide and Step-Up Lesson System enables beginners to learn both music notation and correct hand positioning, while mastering favorite song, while Casio's innovative Scoring System evaluates performance, so users can track their progress.

4. Troubleshooting. Learning music is like learning another language, and the process requires one to problem solve and troubleshoot. With these skills under one's belt, one will be better prepared to navigate life's many challenges.

5. Friendships. Participating in music-related programs can help children create bonds and form friendships that last a lifetime.