Strengthening finger dexterity, developing the ear and a reliable rhythmic feel, gradually improving command of "keyboard geography" (note-reading), plus growing enjoyment of the sheer sound of one's own playing -- these and many more are the gifts of continuing piano study at the graded levels from the early school years through high school, college, university (and possible conservatory).  Listening to -- and hearing -- the increasing splendor of one's musical abilities holds the key to a mature and personalized performance style, with technical and interpretive abilities capable of reaching the attentive listener very deeply. We increasingly master the "inner" means by which our grand instrument sings and speaks...