As we welcome 2024, it's time to embrace the spirit of new beginnings and embark on journeys that enrich our lives. This year, let's go beyond the usual resolutions and Start Something Amazing — something that not only elevates our skills but also contributes to our overall health and well-being. Among the myriad options available, why not choose to learn the piano with LUMI and start an adventure that harmonizes the beauty of music with the joy of learning?

Choosing to learn the piano, as opposed to or alongside other skills such as language, drawing, painting, or cooking, opens up a unique realm of holistic development. Unlike language learning, which primarily boosts communication skills, or the visual arts like drawing and painting that cultivate visual creativity and fine motor skills, the piano offers a more all-encompassing experience. It's not just about learning an instrument; it's about engaging multiple senses and cognitive processes simultaneously.

Playing the piano is like speaking a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, conveying emotions and narratives through melodies and harmonies. It's comparable to painting, but with sound, where each note and chord paints a sonic picture, rich in emotional depth. Similarly, the discipline and creativity in piano playing mirrors the culinary arts, where precision and innovation lead to delightful creations. 

Therefore, while other hobbies might cater to specific aspects of personal growth, piano learning stands out as a comprehensive activity that nurtures emotional depth, cognitive agility, and artistic expression in a harmonious blend.

Choosing your first instrument

Selecting that perfect first instrument is a choice that can shape your entire musical experience. While there are thousands of instruments to consider, each with its unique allure, the piano stands out for its versatility and accessibility. Your personal musical preferences, whether you enjoy using your hands, feet, breath, or a combination, play a significant role in this choice.

Accessibility and convenience

When it comes to accessibility, the piano proves to be a pragmatic choice. Unlike some instruments that might require extensive searching or a significant investment, pianos are readily available through various online and local distributors. 

Consideration for space and sound

Another crucial factor to consider is that of space and sound. Do you have enough room to accommodate an instrument? Will practicing disturb those around you? Unlike wind or brass instruments, which can be challenging and noisy for beginners, a piano, particularly an electronic one like LUMI, is volume-controlled and compact, and able to connect to headphones and speakers by Bluetooth or MIDI-out making it a considerate choice for shared spaces.

Learning methods and opportunities

The method of learning also plays a critical role in instrument selection. While traditional schooling might offer opportunities to experiment with classical instruments, these opportunities diminish as we step into adulthood. Here, the piano, with its universal appeal and the support of innovative learning platforms like LUMI, becomes a more convenient and feasible option for learners of all ages. The structured lessons and interactive learning environment make the piano not just an instrument but a complete musical experience.

Why learn piano?

The piano stands as a beacon of musical versatility and expression. Here's why it should be your choice of learning in 2024:

– A solid foundation in music: Understanding music theory through the piano paves the way for learning other instruments, making it an ideal starting point for your musical odyssey.

– Cognitive development: Engaging with piano keys has been proven to boost memory, enhance concentration, and foster complex cognitive processes, offering more brain benefits than typical language learning apps.

– Emotional and mental well-being: Playing the piano is not only a stress reliever but also a source of deep personal satisfaction, contributing to your overall mental health and happiness.

– Physical coordination: Unlike passive learning methods, playing the piano involves physical activity that improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

At LUMI, we're passionate about redefining the way piano is learned and played. The piano has been a cornerstone in creating both popular and classical music for centuries. Its basic structure, a wooden casing containing strings and hammers, is operated by external keys and pedals. For those intrigued by its engineering, delve deeper into the inner workings of a piano.

The piano's layout, with higher notes to the right and grouped into repeating sets of 12 notes known as 'chromatics,' visually represents the foundation of Western music theory. This unique feature makes the piano an ideal tool for visualizing and understanding music.

Historically, enrolling children in piano lessons has been a cultural norm worldwide, and for good reason. Learning piano is not just a cultural cliché; it's a proven method to enhance dexterity, cognitive skills, and focus in young minds. Whether through formal lessons or using technology at home, the piano offers a rich learning experience. And for parents seeking guidance, we have a specially curated guide just for you.

But the allure of the piano isn't just for children or bound by tradition. It's an instrument that continues to evolve and excite. Modern adaptations have seen the classic black and white keys become a universal interface for various digital instruments and music production software. These modern tools use MIDI, a universal language that bridges traditional pianos with digital music. Learning the piano today not only prepares you to dazzle at family gatherings but also equips you with skills relevant to the contemporary world of music production.

Put simply, learning piano today means you can:

– Sit down at a traditional piano (grand, upright)

– Control basic digital keyboards

– Control a wide range of synthesizers and new instruments that use the piano roll playing surface, such as many by Arturia

– Compose music acoustically or digitally, through the use of a Digital Audio Workstation

Why learn with LUMI?

LUMI’s all-in-one learning platform includes learning your favorite songs at varying difficulty levels, the ability to personalize your journey, and access to guided lessons. This experience is specifically paired with the LUMI Keys, a 24-key controller that connects to the app via Bluetooth and provides dynamic visual aids for learning. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience featuring: 

– Innovative light-up keyboard: The visually stimulating LUMI keyboard makes learning intuitive and engaging, especially for beginners.

– Fun and educational games and lessons: LUMI's diverse range of games and lessons caters to all ages, making learning a delightful experience.

– Comprehensive app support: The LUMI app is like a personal tutor, guiding you through various levels of piano mastery.

– Ideal for kids: With its vibrant approach, LUMI is particularly effective for young learners, making it a top choice for families.

How to get started

Embarking on your piano journey with LUMI is simple and enjoyable:

– Select your LUMI package: Choose a keyboard and subscription plan that suits your needs.

– Create your learning space: Set up a dedicated area in your home for practice.

– Install the LUMI app: Available on iPad and other devices, the app is your learning hub.

– Begin your musical adventure: Start with basic lessons and enjoy your progress at your own pace.

Embrace the musician in you and Start Something Amazing

As we step into 2024, it's time to Start Something Amazing— to choose a path that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Learning the piano with LUMI is more than a New Year's resolution; it's a journey of personal growth, creative exploration, and joyous expression.

We hope you choose to make LUMI a part of your musical voyage. However, regardless of the method you choose, remember to give yourself time, space, and patience as you grow in this art form. Often, the term 'musician' might seem daunting or reserved for the elite few at the top. But just like anyone can capture a stunning photograph without being labeled a photographer, you don't need to bear the title of 'musician' to enjoy and create music genuinely and passionately.

At LUMI, we believe that engaging in music-making is an inherently human and fulfilling experience. As you learn and play the piano, remember that every note you play, every melody you create, is a step towards embracing your inner musician. Music is a universal language that belongs to everyone, and your journey in music-making is uniquely yours. So go ahead, dive into this new adventure, and have fun exploring your creative self. Let the melodies you discover on your piano be the soundtrack to a fulfilling and wonderful year ahead!