Band director Tom Patterson tells parents there is virtually no limit to the variety of extracurricular activities available. Because of Tom Patterson’s professional capacity as a band director, he often recommends parents look into music lessons for their children. Piano lessons in particular, says Tom Patterson, are a classic and very fruitful form of creative expression. The piano provides a good learning base for music education, assured the band director. The basic skills and knowledge that come with piano proficiency, says band director Tom Patterson, also open avenues that make it easier to learn other musical instruments.

An additional benefit of piano lessons, says band director Tom Patterson, is they eventually improve students’ performance at school. Tom Patterson adds many parents do not expect such an academic benefit to come from extracurricular music study. Tom Patterson notes how delighted parents are when they see that extracurricular music education in turn improves their child’s grades at school. Tom Patterson, the band director at Deerpark Middle School also points out studies that indicate young students who play piano get higher scores on mathematics exams, particularly ratios and fractions.

Tom Patterson also draws attention to the qualitative social benefits of piano lessons. Working as the band director for Deerpark, Tom Patterson sees many young people who are shy and reticent to apply themselves. Tom Patterson explains that these young students need encouragement and practice to improve their abilities and their sense of self. Band director Tom Patterson says piano lessons develop the discipline and hard work that help a young student’s identity come to fruition.

Ultimately, Tom Patterson tells his parents, your children only stand to gain by participating in extracurricular music study. Music study, concludes band director Tom Patterson, improves the mental and social quality of life.