A few days ago, before a client meeting started, someone asked how long I'd played the piano. I don't remember exactly, but I'm guessing I was around five (-ish). I also said I thought every child should play the piano, and the three parents at the table looked at me like I was mad. I completely understand (new) pianos are expensive, and yes, they do take up room in a house ... but there's a number of good reasons why I stand by my statement. In no particular order, learning to play the piano  ...

Taught me discipline. Anything worth doing requires hard work, and it's beyond satisfying to finally play a piece of music flawlessly.

Taught me a skill - regardless it was music - it taught me to learn how to do something.

Taught me visual aptitude. Learning to read music is much like learning a foreign language, except this one is made up of signs and symbols.

Helped me read better and faster. I swear, there is a connection between learning the symbols of music which helps me learn letters and numbers.

Has kept my brain alert and active. It also taught me how to focus and concentrate.

To overcome fear. When I was 9, and played the piano in public for the first time, in front of hundreds of people, it taught me courage and self-confidence. In a way, it taught me to excel.

Taught me to be productive when I was by myself. It taught me self-sufficiency. At the same time, I've never had a bored day in my life.

Made me a better typer.

Gave me tremendous strength in my hands and arms. My doctor told me it will probably delay the on-set of arthritis as I get older. It's also increased my back strength, to sit upright for hours without support.

Gives me a good work-out when I can't get to the gym. Some days, practicing the piano for an hour leaves me as sweaty as if I'd just gone to the gym.

Provides a great stress reliever at the end of the day. It's my 'glass of wine' at the end of the day to relax. Of course, a glass of wine AND playing the piano works a treat too.

To be creative, which is probably the trait which I most like about myself. It's also taught me to express myself.

To entertain people. I admit, playing for adults when I was a kid was enormously fun. It's even more fun as an adult, although I'm always sad when people say they're envious. It's never too late to start.

And most of all, began a life-long love and thorough appreciation of music, in every form. Unlike sport, you don't have to know the rules to enjoy or participate in it. With music, you just lean back, and enjoy.