As a parent, you may have heard the negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding video games. But did you know that there are numerous hidden benefits to playing video games? Studies have shown that kids who play video games can improve their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. In this blog, we will explore how these hidden benefits can translate to improved piano skills for your child. I also would like to try to answer the question “Does Playing Video Games Help You Be A Better Piano Tuner/Technician?”
How Can Video Games Improve Your Child’s Piano Skills
First, let’s discuss concentration levels. A few of my piano students struggled to focus during their lessons. But once we started incorporating game-based learning apps, such as Piano Maestro, into their practice, they saw significant improvement. The interactive and enjoyable nature of these games transformed his learning experience. As a result, their concentration time increased from 15 minutes to almost an hour, allowing for more opportunities to practice without feeling like a chore.
Another app I love using with my students is called Rhythm Swing. This is an interactive and engaging way for them to improve their rhythm skills. The game involves tapping the correct rhythm to prevent a monkey from falling into a crocodile’s jaws. As the levels progress, the difficulty increases, but students don’t realize the amount of progress they’re making because they’re too focused on the fun of the game. Before they know it, they’ve become experts at tapping and clapping rhythms, which translates to better music reading skills.
The Benefits of Video Games for Motor Skills
One of the most well-known benefits of video games is their ability to improve motor skills. Studies have shown that kids who play video games regularly have better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills than those who do not. This is because video games require players to manipulate small objects on the screen, such as characters or weapons, using a controller or mouse. This constant use of the hands and fingers can help to strengthen and improve their dexterity.
So, how do these improved motor skills translate to piano playing? Playing the piano requires precise finger movements and coordination, similar to manipulating objects on a video game screen. By regularly playing video games, your child can improve the dexterity and control of their fingers, leading to better piano playing.
Yes, but, can video games help a piano tuner and technician get better? The answer is: possibly. Piano tuning requires precise hand movements and a steady hand to ensure that the notes are accurately tuned. Additionally, video games can also help improve focus, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial when tuning pianos.
Playing video games may not improve your piano tuning ability directly, but it can help develop important skills that could be transferable to piano tuning. These skills include hand-eye coordination, focus, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
The Benefits of Video Games for Puzzle-Solving
Next, video games can also enhance creativity in problem-solving. Games often present multiple solutions to puzzles, teaching kids to think outside the box. This skill is essential in music, as it allows for more creative interpretations of sheet music. Additionally, music is a form of problem-solving and when playing the piano, a child must learn to read sheet music, understand rhythm and timing, and make decisions on phrasing and dynamics. These are all skills that can be improved through regular video game play.
How Video Games Improve Reaction Time and Language Fluency
In addition, video games can improve reaction time in children and adults too. Games like NoteRush, where the student must play the correct notes displayed on the screen without any mistakes, can help to quicken reaction time. This is beneficial for piano playing, as it requires quick finger movements and coordination.
Furthermore, video games can also aid in language learning. On-screen instructions and multiplayer communication in games can expose children to different languages, as well as improve their reading and writing skills. As a child, I didn’t know any English, but playing a multiplayer role-playing game like Dark Ages and Age of Empires helped me to improve my English language abilities by reading the story lines and being forced to chat with other people to complete the quests.
How to Incorporate Video Games into Piano Practice
Video games can have a positive impact on children’s piano skills. By incorporating video games into their practice, children can improve their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, concentration, creativity, and reaction time. However, it’s important for parents to be involved in their child’s video game usage and to choose educational and collaborative games over violent games. Parents should also establish time limits and only allow their child to play after completing homework or chores.
As a piano teacher, I strongly believe in the benefits of video games and recommend incorporating game-based learning apps. Music games like Piano Maestro, Note Rush and Rhythm Swing will surely enhance your child’s piano skills. These apps are interactive, engaging, and enjoyable, making the learning experience more fun and productive.
Piano Lessons and Piano Tuning in Pittsburgh, PA
If you’re interested in piano lessons for you and/or your child, please click here to schedule an interview with Luis Hernandez – Piano Teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. Let’s unlock the hidden benefits of video games together!
If you are in need of a piano tuner/technician, schedule your piano tuning service here. Luis will have your piano singing again!