Connie Whitlock

01/07/2026

I have fallen in love with these Vandall pieces.

10/20/2025

Working out hands separate on the second part of the Maple Leaf Rag with a student. What a fun song!

10/15/2025

I can’t seem to keep this table clean. Always playing multiple pieces all the time. I just love playing piano.

10/13/2025

My piano student

09/20/2025

A new wave of research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is challenging one of today’s biggest parenting trends. While many families rush to enroll their children in computer coding classes, MIT scientists now suggest that music lessons may do far more to boost brain development and overall intelligence.

The study reveals that learning music—whether through playing an instrument, singing, or reading musical notes, activates and strengthens areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, problem-solving, and language skills. These neural networks overlap with those used in math and reasoning, giving children a deep cognitive workout that coding lessons can’t yet match. Music education engages both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, forging connections that sharpen focus and enhance long-term learning abilities.

While coding builds logical thinking and digital fluency, it typically stimulates fewer brain regions and relies more on repetition and structured problem-solving. Music, by contrast, combines creativity, pattern recognition, and emotional expression, creating a richer and more versatile mental environment. Children who play instruments or participate in music programs often show stronger academic performance, improved verbal abilities, and better emotional regulation.

Researchers also emphasize the social and emotional benefits of music. Playing in an ensemble or practicing with others fosters teamwork, patience, and communication—skills critical for success in any field, including technology. By developing these qualities early, children gain confidence and adaptability that can help them thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Importantly, MIT’s findings don’t dismiss the value of coding. Rather, they highlight music as a foundational tool for brain growth. A child who starts with music will likely learn coding more easily later, thanks to the enhanced memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills cultivated through musical training.

For parents, the message is clear: encourage your child to explore instruments, join a choir, or take music theory classes. These experiences not only nurture creativity but also lay down the mental wiring that supports all future learning—including technology.

As the digital world expands, it may be music, not machines, that gives young minds the strongest foundation for innovation and lifelong intelligence.

09/05/2025

8AM student. Now that’s dedication to the craft. This kid is sooo talented! Had to put him on the Nord as to not wake some of the household. I know, I need to adjust the height of the piano.

08/29/2025

If you know how it’s made, it’s a whole lot easier to play.

08/22/2025

07/08/2025

Do people who play the piano live longer?
Yes, playing piano can extend your life. It boosts brain plasticity, reduces stress, sharpens memory, and increases gray matter. Backed by over 50 peer-reviewed studies from institutions like Harvard, Yale, Montreal, Geneva, and Emory. It's not just music — it's medicine for your brain, heart, and soul.

06/17/2025

Getting the action improved on my studio grand. He’s working his magic.