After school activities with LUMI Keys

School time has returned – as summer rays slowly fade into the cooler autumn days, many parents find themselves yearning to keep their kids occupied in a fun way after school.

Such after school activity ideas can run out quickly if, as an example, your child does not connect with the official after school programs. Maybe they're not making new friends, or not interested in the effort to build new skills.

We can only encourage kids so much, and when ideas like martial arts classes, or other sports and game nights dry up, where can we turn to motivate our children?

Look no further than the enchanting world of piano playing! In this article, we will explore why playing piano is an enriching after school activity to keep kids entertained, and how you can sustain the joy of musical discovery throughout the year and beyond.

An after school activity not offered in-school

While schools often offer band and orchestra programs from the younger students to the upper grades, for some reason, piano is usually not a part of that as a primary focus. Rather, a piano might be used but only as a tool for learning. The instrument your child might be renting and taking home to grace your home with very smooth jazz is not usually a keyboard.

This is because a piano is not a traditional element of an orchestra or band. Still, it's often used for rehearsal accompaniment by teachers, or for understanding the musical alphabet through which music is written and understood. The science made with notes. The way each note can join with others to make art, or make us dance. When this sinks in, it can help our kids love the piano and make learning fun.

But again, the piano is often placed in front of students in school, but not generally given lessons. In this way, a child is exposed to the piano, but unable to truly sit down at the piano keys and develop their skills during school hours.

Of course there are exceptions to this, but the point is: to start with this particular instrument, it has to be an after school activity. Whether through formal lessons or the solutions provided by LUMI.

Boosting brain power and creativity

Let's move on from the how and think about the why. When we consider an after school program for our little ones, we usually think about factors like building social skills or unique ways to teach children early life lessons. Where school attendance fails, participating in group activities with things like games and sports can help further. Some forms of art can be more individual-focused, like some forms of dance, but are still incredibly physical.

While physical activity is important, what about using after school activities as a springboard for brain development?

Studies have shown that Learning to play the piano, enhances cognitive skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities. It's like a workout for the brain, disguised as fun!

Feeding both sides of the brain at a young age

Along with technical cognitive skills, what we often think of as left brain, the piano also nurtures overall creativity, or the right brain. Kids can compose melodies, experiment with different musical styles, and even create their own tunes. It's a canvas for artistic expression that can keep them engaged for hours.

With this, you can take comfort in knowing that your child will continue to keep their mind engaged and growing after school in a relaxed and entertaining way, all the while preparing them for a better day at school the next morning.

Learn piano through LUMI's arcade games

The LUMI Method is a visually engaging and colorful new way to develop piano skills. With the LUMI app, the fun continues into the arcade-style music games that are engineered to both teach you how to play piano and give you the excitement of playing video games, the perfect combination for kids.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy games like Superluminal where you can take an intergalactic adventure and learn about scale or chord formations, key signatures and finger patterns among asteroids and spaceships.

For fans of platform arcade games, the retro-inspired Springboard teaches you all about keyboard coordination whilst boosting your note knowledge with every jump.

Track your progress and try to beat your own high score – there's always a sense of achievement when you learn with LUMI.

Built-in family bonding time

In addition to learning to play their favorite songs, experience an engaging yet educational sensory activity, and having fun, the piano is also an excellent way for families to bond. This can come through the opportunity for quality family time. Sit beside them as they practice, encourage their progress, and maybe even learn a few tunes together.

Incorporate piano practice into your daily routine – set a specific time each day for your child to practice either alone or with your accompaniment. Consistency is key to progress, and creating a reward system can help to motivate your child.

Imagine the delight in your child's eyes as they press their fingers on the piano keys for the first time and produce a beautiful melody. The sense of accomplishment they feel when they master their first song, or when they perform for you. These moments are priceless from a parenting perspective.

How LUMI enables development for piano beginners

LUMI Keys is perfect at helping you track your progress and reminding you when you achieve specific milestones. It's a great way to strengthen your bond and as you encourage your child's passion for piano without pressuring them, and you can let them enjoy the journey at their own pace.

There's no better time to introduce your child to piano playing. With the LUMI Family Membership, you'll find an affordable way for everyone to bond over music learning. Add up to five members, track your progress and develop an enriching hobby that will stay with you and your family for years to come.

With everything you need to start learning piano, you can fill your days with creativity, pave the way for lifelong musical appreciation, and nurturing their musical talent for a harmonious future. So, bring the gift of music into your child's life and watch them flourish!