​For over 30 years, I've taught piano and chamber music at esteemed institutions, universities, international music festivals, and in my private studio. Many of my students have excelled in music - some winning prestigious competitions and pursuing studies at Juilliard or Curtis. It's been an immense joy to nurture their talents, helping them flourish as musicians. Notably, many have thrived in diverse fields, often earning spots at Ivy League schools. These experiences reinforce my conviction that piano lessons cultivate not just musical skill, but also resilience, character, and essential life skills that empower students along any path they choose.

​

Playing an instrument is a uniquely intricate pursuit, blending score-reading, finger precision, rhythm, dynamics, and emotion in real-time harmony. This complexity sparks profound growth, including:

​

• Cognitive-Physical Coordination: Harmonizing mind and body in seamless collaboration.

• Discipline and Focus: Building dedication through consistent practice.

• Analytical Thinking: Sharpening problem-solving skills.

• Creative Expression: Nurturing imagination through interpretation.

• Emotional Growth: Channeling feelings into meaningful musical narratives.

• Time Management: Balancing music with academics and personal life.

• Fine Motor Development: Cultivating dexterity through precise movements.

• Confident Presentation: Building poise through recitals and performances.

• Cultural Enrichment: Connecting deeply with world history through music.

​

​

The benefits of musical training are immeasurable, and the most precious part is the process itself. Every child embarks on a unique journey - no one-size-fits-all formula exists. In an era where everything is rated and ranked, the musical world has grown increasingly competition-oriented. Winning a trophy feels exhilarating, but it's often a fleeting thrill. In the worst cases, it can hinder healthy mental growth. True musical training offers far more: depth, joy, and lasting enrichment. As the great violinist Joseph Joachim said, becoming a masterful musician requires three things - talent, a good teacher, and character. In our modern world, I'd add unwavering parental support to that list.

​

Learning an instrument is complex, so progress can feel slow and uneven - never a straight upward line. Children may seem bored or disinterested at times, but that's entirely normal. Give them space to absorb what they learn in lessons; with time, it emerges as a solid foundation. This takes consistent effort and patience - from children, parents (and teachers!).

​

I've never met anyone who regrets their musical training - only those who wish they'd continued longer. It's a lifelong gift, a faithful companion through life's ups and downs. Consider my students: one became co-president of Harvard's piano society; another earned a Ph.D. in computer science at McGill, researching the science of sound; a Brown University student double-majoring in psychology and mathematics paused his studies to compete in a major international piano competition. Others compose for films in Los Angeles or pursue medical degrees while minoring in piano performance. Albert Einstein started each day with his violin, and Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, credits piano for his creative spark and solace. Nathan Chen, Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, shared: “When I started learning piano as a kid, it gave me a sense of rhythm, timing, and coordination - necessary characteristics for a skater.”

 

Thank you for letting me share my passion for music education. I look forward to creating beautiful music with your child and witnessing their unique growth.

​​

​

With warm regards, Mina Perry

​

​

Interview with Princeton Town Topics on John Perry Academy
How Musical Training Affects Cognitive Development (Neuroscience Article)
Nathan Chen in interview - plays Chopin
Wild Symphony by Dan Brown – A delightful children's book with original orchestral scores for each animal character, blending life lessons and music. He composed the fully orchestrated piece for each animal!! You can download the free app to listen while reading!