Nicholson Piano Studio

05/30/2026

Congratulations, students! What a wonderful evening we shared last night!

04/30/2026

Save the Date!

Nicholson Piano Studio Spring Recital
Date: Friday, May 29 at 7 pm
Location: Christ Covenant Church PCA - Franklin, PA.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with us, as we present a varied program featuring American music from the past 250 years. 🎹❤️🎶

04/19/2026

Congratulations to my students who participated in the PFMC State Festival Competition in Williamsport today and received awards! Ensemble and Concerto competition took place in the morning. Solo competition was held in the afternoon.

Hannah & Lydia - Honorable Mention for their piano duet (Ensemble competition)

Caden Lewis - Overall Winner of Senior Division Piano Concerto

Owen Dill - Winner of Very Difficult 2 Piano Solo class

George Cole gave a very good performance of his piano solo, but was not chosen for an award this time. The competition was tough today!

03/24/2026

New summer program for piano students! 🎹❤️🎶

We are pleased to invite piano students ages 11-18 to apply to the Lycoming College Piano Institute, happening for the first time at Lycoming College this summer! It will take place July 27-31, 2026 with options for students to apply for the Traditional (12-5pm) or Advanced Session (12-8pm). Students will receive lessons and masterclasses with Lycoming College faculty and guest artists and will have the opportunity to participate in keyboard ensemble playing and a variety of workshops. The application fee is waived until March 31! 🎶

https://www.lycoming.edu/music/summer-piano-institute.aspx

03/08/2026

One of the other teachers whose students participated in yesterday's NFMC Jr. Festival took the time to send me a very nice note this morning:. I appreciate her thoughtful gesture:

Hi Amber! I sat down last night to read all of my students' evaluations. I cannot begin to thank you for the incredible quality of your critiques. You take the time to write important things and give them very helpful tips. I truly see that as them getting a Master Class. I just want you to know how truly truly appreciative I am of your knowledge and your willingness to share it with our students. Thank you again!

03/08/2026

Congratulations to each of my students who performed at the National Federation of Music Clubs Jr. Festival at Geneva College today. I sent 12 students who participated in 23 events (Solo, Duet, Concerto, Hymns, Popular, and Theory). They came home with 21 Superiors and 2 Excellents. ❤️🎶🎹 🥰 Several will be advancing to Regional and State competition in April. We wish them success!

01/31/2026

A little late in sharing this -- Nice article about my student Caden Lewis and his piano achievements last spring.

At just 15 years old, the Clarion-Limestone freshman has already carved out an impressive resume playing piano…

01/31/2026

Congratulations to my student Flora Bilott on her winning essay in this year's contest!

11/01/2025

Trust me, when you’re 70-80 years old, you’re going to either regret that you didn’t or be grateful that you did do everything in your power to nourish your brain when you were in your younger years of life. Studies have revealed that playing a musical instrument (learning and practicing) builds more new neural connections (neuroplasticity) in the brain than almost any other activity on the planet.

Playing an instrument engages nearly every part of the brain at once, including auditory (sound), motor (movement), and visual (reading music) areas. This simultaneous activation strengthens neural pathways and the connections between them.

The process of translating written music (visual) into precise finger movements (motor) and hearing the correct sound (auditory) forces the brain to integrate information from different sense. This improves cognitive flexibility and the ability to multitask.

Unlike skills that are learned and then automated (like tying your shoelaces), playing music involves a continuous process of learning new techniques, memorizing passages and improvising. This constant challenge of mastering new skills maintains and strengthens neuroplasticity throughout life.

Additionally, long-term musical training can lead to both structural and functional changes in the brain. For example, studies show musicians often have larger gray matter volumes in areas related to motor, auditory, and visuospatial processing, as well as a larger corpus callosum.

Also, the act of learning new music helps create new synapses (connections between neurons), while repetitive practice strengthens existing ones. This is a key mechanism of neuroplasticity that allows information to be processed more efficiently.

Playing also requires complex cognitive control, including planning, attention and working memory. The brain strengthens the neural networks associated with these functions, which can lead to better focus and organization in other areas of life.

PMID: 29213699, 38178844, 20889966, 33776638, 25725909, 24672420

11/01/2025

Numerous studies have proven that learning to play a musical instrument significantly enhances brain development and function in children, particularly in areas related to auditory processing, language and cognitive abilities.

This is because playing an instrument requires memorizing notes, rhythms and finger positions, actively engaging the brain’s memory systems. This process helps improve working memory, the ability to hold and manipulate information.

Also, the concentration needed to learn and play music strengthens attention spans and enhances cognitive control. This is especially beneficial for children who may have difficulty focusing.

Additionally, music engages various brain regions, including those responsible for motor control, auditory processing, and visual perception. This activity strengthens connections between these areas, leading to increased brain plasticity.

Children who learn to play instruments even often demonstrate improved academic performance, including higher scores in subjects like math, science and English!

Studies also show that music can help children manage anxiety, focus attention and regulate emotions.

PMID: 24672420, 24808819