The Importance of Play

Why a playful approach to learning music?

Based on the horror stories I heard from a number of people who will not, even today, go near their piano because of their negative piano lesson experiences, and the fact that life can be pretty demanding and stressful, I realized that a more positive, relaxed and playful approach would be beneficial to many.

It’s not just about learning information and applying it at the piano.
It’s as much about creativity, exploration and enjoyment….

…and it all begins with an underlying point of view:

Hamlet said “The play’s the thing.” My personal philosophy is:

………………Play is the thing!

The importance of play has been pondered for centuries:

Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.
Diane Ackerman, Contemporary American author

The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.
Carl Jung, Swiss psychoanalyst, 1875-1961

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.
Plato, Greek philosopher, 427-347 BCE

Click below to hear Stuart Brown, psychiatrist, researcher, and founder
of The National Institute for Play, discuss the importance of play for adults as well as children: