Vicente Labra: "Growing up with the Piano: The Power Classical Music has on our Brain.

My article is about how the piano came into my life and gave me wonderful opportunities over time.

My name is Vicente, I am 15 years old, and my journey through music began at 5 years old when the piano came into my life in an unexpected way.

I still remember when I told my dad I wanted to play the piano. It was so sudden that I don’t even remember why I was drawn to the piano or the reason why I wanted to play it.

At that time here in Easter Island, finding piano teachers was a little difficult. However, one day we found a professional teacher named Ximena. She was a very kind and affectionate lady and I felt I had another grandmother. In class with Ximena, I learned the basics of piano, for example musical notes, reading sheet music, and much more.

After a while, I entered a new music school with her in Easter Island and little by little I began to grow, until one day she had to move back to the mainland for health reasons. I was very sad that she was leaving us, however after that, I had many different teachers. Fortunately, a few years ago, I had the opportunity to be taught by one of Chile’s most famous pianist, Mahani Teave. She is well-known internationally as well and even founded her own music school “Toki’ here in Easter Island in 2014.

Over the years, I have had many opportunities to play the piano. One of the most important for me was when I went on tour for the first time to different cities in Chile. I, along with my classmates at Toki, were at the Teatro del Lago in Frutillar, the Aula Magna at Austral University in Valdivia, the Teatro Nescafé de las Artes in Santiago and finally at the Teatro Regional Lucho Gatica in Rancagua. I also had the opportunity to play on the Peace Boat, which is a Japanese cruise ship that visits Rapa Nui every year. Playing on Peace Boat meant I had to speak a lot of English, which obviously helped me practice my English a lot. I have also had several opportunities to participate in the Tapati Festival here in Easter island, which takes place each February. During this 2 week long festival, I play Rapa Nui songs with classical arrangements.

In conclusion, playing the piano has greatly impacted my personal growth and brain development. It has sharpened my memory, improved my focus, and sparked creativity. Studies show that learning an instrument enhances motor skills, problem-solving, and language abilities. Beyond cognitive benefits, the piano has also taught me patience, resilience, and emotional expression. It has boosted my confidence and provided an outlet for creativity. The opportunities I’ve had through music, like performing in various stages, have shaped who I am.

As I continue my musical journey, the piano remains an essential part of my life. It enriches my mind by improving my cognitive abilities and nourishes my emotions, offering an outlet for self-expression. The piano not only helps me connect with my inner self but also opens doors to new experiences and opportunities. With every note I play, it pushes me to grow, learn, and embrace new challenges, guiding me toward exciting possibilities for the future.

 

Written by: Vicente Labra

Date: May 30th, 2025