Attention and Distraction

Attention is a very fleeting thing. Paying attention and focusing means concentration on a single idea out of the many distracting visions that compete for space in our thoughts. If focusing for an adult is a challenge, just consider how a child's quick, diverse and shifting perspectives are like a kaleidoscope of colors each of which captures a child's interest.

The teacher's job is to keep the children attentive to the piano classes at hand. Instead of blaming a child for being inattentive, we really mean that he is thinking of something else than what we want.

A child can give only a few seconds of concentrated attention. His mind must have periods for recuperation between brief stresses of concentration. The more interesting something is, the easier it is to prolong his attention and give it greater intensity. It's also easier to return to a subject after some mental relaxation.

A music lesson must be varied, so that the student's mind is refreshed, lessens the child's mental fatigue, and keeps his attention alert. A change of topic during the lesson will awaken new interest and fresh attention.

Keeping the piano lessons varied also avoids monotony. To remain too long on one topic means loss of interest. It's also just as important, though, to relate the new topic to a prior experience in learning piano so the association rouses curiosity and interest, and thereby secures the child's attention.

For information about piano lessons NJ, contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.