Denise Young

A PIANO INSTRUCTOR, MUSIC THERAPIST, PIANIST & COMPOSER

Lessons are structured yet designed to meet the student's individual learning style and interests. Ear training, rhythm, theory, composition, and recitals are included in the lessons.

BACKGROUND

Born and raised in Missouri, Denise began her musicianship at the age of four, playing by ear as her father is an accomplished pianist and composer. At the age of five, she began taking piano and at the age of fourteen she began to write music as a way of self-expression. This creativity has led her to publish CD projects, with the latest recording, “Something You Dream Of…” being produced by Grammy Award Winner, Will Ackerman (Founder of Windham Hill Records).

Over the years, Denise has continued to share the gift of music through teaching piano and practicing music therapy, specializing in working with children and teenagers. In 1998, while completing her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (a Psychology and Music degree) at Maryville University, she began the first music therapy program for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. This program continues to serve individuals with special needs to this day. In May 2002, she relocated to California from Missouri to continue my career in songwriting, music performance, music therapy, and teaching. She has practiced music therapy and taught piano and music throughout the Los Angeles area to a very diverse clientele on a private basis and for the Regional Centers of California. The rewards have been of great gratification in that many parents who have commented that their children who once struggled in general subjects began to soar academically after taking piano lessons for just a few months. Music education has also shown to improve social skills and increase confidence and self-esteem.

PIANO & MUSIC THERAPY SESSIONS ARE GEARED TOWARD GOALS THAT MAY INCLUDE:

1. Learning a musical instrument
2. Improving motor/coordination skills
3. Increasing attention span / Calming / Decreasing hyperactivity
4. Improving academic tasks
5. Behavior management
6. Increasing self-esteem
7. Encouraging socialization
8. Improving emotional growth
9. Facilitating more speech/communication
10. Providing an outlet for healthy expression
11. Free improv / lyric writing / songwriting
12. Enhancing historical and cultural knowledge through music

REAL LIFE STUDIES OF THE BENEFITS OF PIANO:

The Benefits of Piano: "Perhaps the greatest benefit of having a piano in your life is also the one we've known about the longest--the uplifting effect it has on your spirit. When you sit on that bench and open the keyboard cover, you tap into a powerful way to communicate emotion, enliven a gathering or just relax. Just beneath the surface, however, the piano is much more than that. For example, a recent study at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, demonstrated that grade-school children who took piano lessons for three years scored higher than their peers on tests of general and spatial cognitive development--the very faculties needed for performance in math, engineering and other pursuits. Other scientists are finding similar results. A University of California at Irvine study showed that kids who took piano lessons along with computer puzzle-solving did better in math. Among older Americans, according to a Michigan State University research project, keyboard lessons significantly reduced anxiety, depression and loneliness. In fact, researchers probing the inner workings of the brain have found neural firing patterns that bear a remarkable resemblance to music--suggesting that music may hold the key to higher brain function. Playing the piano is also an excellent way to strengthen eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills, and kids who take piano lessons learn a lot about discipline, dedication and the rewards of hard work. For so many people, having music in their lives means having a piano (or keyboard) in their homes. And while the piano is beefing up your brain, it's adding beauty to your home, joy to your entertaining and a lasting investment to your life."

YOUR INVESTMENT IN MUSIC FOR YOUR CHILD CAN BE THE GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!