Deeper Dive
My project, “Finding Focus: A Musical Medium to Increased Attention Span,” explores the connection between instrumental music practice and the ability to concentrate. As a pianist and a piano teacher, I recognized the benefits of instrumental practice in developing concentration and increasing attention span. I was inspired to create this project when I began teaching piano, and I realized that concentration was a substantial obstacle for young children. I frequently questioned why they could not focus, but with each piano lesson, I observed their improvement as their attention spans gradually increased. This experience made me truly appreciate and recognize how instrumental practice could be a mechanism for increasing attention span. Our world today greatly lacks the ability to stay focused, yet concentration is critical in problem-solving and achieving goals. I believe that the significance of my project lies in its connection to music, which few people recognize as a possible solution to improving concentration. However, music is perhaps one of the most valuable tools in being able to train and improve people’s concentration abilities, and this can result in greater productivity and more possibilities for solving our world’s existing problems.
During the creation of this extensive project, a major challenge I faced was finding a balance between my academic and musical responsibilities. I had to learn how to focus on my priorities and goals, and also develop my own method of using time efficiently. In overcoming this challenge, I am very thankful for my school, Pacific Academy. Their understanding and support has allowed me to prioritize piano practice while also not falling behind in school. I am also beyond grateful for the support I received from my parents and piano teacher in my development of this project and as a musician. I would certainly not be the pianist and person I am today without my mother, who has been there with me every step of the journey and has always supported me. My piano teacher has also consistently encouraged and guided me along the way, serving not only as a teacher but also as a mentor and an inspiration. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, my progress was greatly stifled due to lessons turning online and a decline in performance opportunities. During this time, my teacher advised me to focus on my music and never ceased to help me improve, expanding my imagination and sound. Looking back now, every setback I experienced along the way was only an opportunity for growth and a window in which I was able to discover new ideas and expand my musical imagination.
As focus continues to disappear in the world around us, the purpose of my project is to serve as a call for greater attention on the development of concentration and inspire more people to embark on their musical journey. I believe that music can serve as a gateway to more effective critical thinking and problem-solving, which can help increase progress and productivity in all fields. Music can also provide further social benefits, including increased cooperation and empathy. Music certainly has the greatest capacity to convey shared emotions, making it the most likely thread to connect all of our hearts and bring communities together. With these benefits, playing an instrument is definitely an invaluable and worthy experience, and I hope that my project will inspire and introduce more people, especially younger children, to the promising benefits and endless possibilities the world of music offers.