4 February 2022 Getting Over Stage Fright Before Your Piano Recital

Getting Over Stage Fright Before Your Piano Recital

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How far do you wish to take your piano lessons? Do you want to become an accomplished musician? Before you play at your first piano recital, you might have to work at getting over stage fright. 

A lot of pianists face this every time they play. Even the hundredth recital can evoke fear. 

Stage fright is also sometimes referred to as performance anxiety. It isn’t limited to making music; you can find it in all kinds of fields. If you’ve ever had to get up in front of people, you know how knee-knocking it can be. It’s only natural to be scared of the spotlight, to have everyone around you staring and waiting for what you have to provide. 

Especially in today’s world, where a lot of us have learned and performed in the online world. We’re no longer used to having to share skills with people surrounding us. 

Piano often takes the spotlight from other instruments on stage. Piano is the only instrument that regularly plays both harmony and melody. It’s almost always noticeable. It’s difficult to hide mistakes. Piano rarely blends in with the rest of the instruments on stage. 

That alone can make you stand out, even if you’re performing with a group. 

And when it comes to recital time, all eyes are on you. 

Stage fright is nothing more than your brain moving into protection mode, to try to help you from being noticed by people around you. Humans by nature don’t want to stand out, and risk becoming a social outcast. If you’ve ever made a big mistake and had people take notice, you know how it feels. Stage fright is the internal battle you have with yourself, to push forward and do something your brain is saying yes to, while your inner voice is trying to protect you. 

What part of you will win?

It’s not just a case of nerves. Stage fright can be debilitating. It can stop you from moving forward with something you love. 

If you want to move forward, realize it may take work to get over your stage fright. Do different things along the way – rarely will one suggestion work for everyone. You have to find what works best for you. People have found a variety of things to work, including:

  • Finding a friendly face in the crowd.
  • Imagining everyone in the audience in their underwear (yes, it really works, as it can bring even the scariest person down a notch).
  • Practice, practice, practice. The more prepared you are, the less you’ll have to fear. 
  • Do it anyway – what have you got to lose? 
  • Develop a warm up routine that helps remove tension from your body before going on stage. Some call this “getting into the zone.”
  • Change your diet – too much caffeine can cause jitters. 
  • Visualize your success before you ever step onto the stage. 

You’re not alone in your quest to overcome stage fright. Every person on earth has experienced it from time to time. The key is in choosing to move forward anyway. 

What works for you to reduce anxiety before your piano recital? 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
28 January 2022 Make Piano a Part of Your Self-Care Routine

Make Piano a Part of Your Self-Care Routine

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Need a mental health activity? Looking for something to add to your self-care routine? 

Why not create music, and sit down at the piano to relax? 

The last couple of years have taught us a lot about mental health. We’re starting to realize that mindset can help with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Stress relief is necessary to maintain a positive mindset. And what better way to do that than with discovering the musician deep within? 

A 2020 study of music and stress suggests listening to music can lower heart rates, improve our sense of well-being, reduce physical and emotional stress levels, and reduce stress-related symptoms. 

Playing the piano can increase the benefits, with studies linking music making to a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a healthy life. 

If you’re looking for an activity to help bring peace back into your life, it may start by improving your listening skills. While you might already enjoy certain genres of music, play it up and discover new music. Explore jazz, classic, Celtic, and contemporary music. You can find playlists on your favorite music platform that promise calmness, and are designed for the sole purpose to help you relax. 

Then take it to the next level. Why not learn to play the piano to take an active part in removing stress from your life? A few minutes a day becoming actively involved in creating music can set you on a different track. 

Any time you learn to play an instrument, you’re actively involved in also increasing your confidence. Why? Because it takes confidence to work up music to a point where you share it with others, even if it’s only with family and friends, and your piano teacher. Take it to the next level and play at a recital, and you’ll give yourself an added boost of confidence. It takes a lot of small wins to become an accomplished pianist. 

Whether you choose to make your piano playing a social activity, or prefer to stick closer to home, the sense of accomplishment every time you sit down to play can be the perfect addition to your self-care routine. 

Have you always wanted to play the piano?

Maybe this is the year to make it a reality. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
24 January 2022 Should I Refinish My Piano Myself?

Should I Refinish My Piano Myself?

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Are you a do-it-yourselfer? Do you enjoy little projects around the home? 

The piano you brought home from your grandmother’s house may be the perfect thing to tinker with on the weekends. 

Or is it? 

If you’ve been asking, “should I refinish my piano myself,” we have a few thoughts to help you along. Restoring an old piano may seem like an easy thing to do. We have a few words of advice. 

Pianos are complex instruments with over 10,000 pieces in place. While you may see hardwood, keys, and pedals on the outside, inside is an intricate array of wires, bolts, wood, and other components all linked together to create an instrument. 

On the outside, you may notice dingy wood, dusty keys, and maybe a cabinet waiting for a new coat of paint or stain. That seems easy enough. 

But stripping it down takes a lot of work. It means stripping off all the lacquer finish, and sanding it down. Will the keys be protected while you do that? What about the strings?

To restore a piano the right way means taking every piece apart and ensuring its quality.

  • The action frame
  • The keyboard
  • Hammers
  • Soundboard
  • Dampers
  • Pins
  • Treble strings
  • Bass strings
  • Legs
  • Wheels

Do you wish to restore your piano to its original condition? That can involve hunting for the right parts, finding as close to the original as possible. 

Do you understand the nuances of ensuring the soundboard is installed correctly? Are the strings adequately tightened? Are the hammers properly adjusted? 

Most people don’t have the necessary skills to ensure every piece of the piano remains in good working condition. 

Should you refinish your piano yourself? Only you can decide. 

If you want to leave it to a professional, we can help you restore it to its original glory, and make it an instrument you’ll be proud to display for years to come. 

Filed Under: Piano Renovation Tagged With:
21 January 2022 Can You Self-Teach Piano?

Can You Self-Teach Piano?

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What comes to mind when you hear the term: self-teach piano?

Do you envision a protege sitting down and playing well with no formal training? They’re a natural …

Or maybe you anticipate plucking out every song you wish to play, listening and learning to play by ear …

There’s more to self-teaching than that. 

You can self-teach piano to yourself by choosing your education on your own. Instead of working with a trained piano, you decide to take control over your learning, and do things your way instead. 

And it’s easier than ever, thanks to today’s technology. 

Start with learning

How do you prefer to learn? Are you a book person? Do you like demonstrations? Do you prefer games to guide you along? You’ll find many different methods of learning if you start searching. Start by purchasing beginner piano music. Google anything – you’ll find videos that can help you through any problem. You can invest in apps and programs that guide you along. 

As you find different learning tools, use them to guide your progress. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and look for other ways to learn. That’s what makes you more proficient in your practice sessions, and turns you into a better piano player. 

Improve your technology

Chances are you use technology for everything in your life. Why not playing the piano? You can store your music on your tablet. You can take lessons with videos. You can even form a band and practice via Zoom. 

With every step you take, it’s important to invest wisely in the technology you bring home. Every hobby begins with having the right tools. A great piano is your starting point. Then let your desires guide you along. If you want to write your own music, you might need specific tools. If you want to sing while you play and record it for YouTube, you’ll need different pieces of equipment. With a quick Google search, you can find everything you need for your next step. 

Follow your instinct

Even the best self-taught piano players have one thing in common – desire. They consistently gave themselves challenges, and moved to the next level through curiosity. 

What’s speaking to you right now? What is important for you to learn? 

Follow your heart, and it will lead you to become a better player. 

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With:
18 January 2022 Overcoming The Most Frustrating Things About Learning To Play Piano

Overcoming The Most Frustrating Things About Learning To Play Piano

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Before you begin a new hobby, the thought can bring joy to your heart. You dream about having a new skill. The planning only increases your awareness, and you’re excited about getting started. 

Then reality sets in. Your goal was about learning to play the piano – why isn’t it everything you dreamed it would be? 

You’re not playing the songs you love. You’re having trouble with simple routines. 

You’ve been at this for months! Is it time to give up?

It’s worth noting that every piano player goes through periods of frustration. With any new activity comes a learning curve that requires you to build on your skill level. 

It’s those who overcome these stumbling blocks that will have the most success with their future endeavors. Whether you’re learning to play the piano for a way to relax, or dream about making it your profession, there are ways you can overcome your frustrations. 

Staying motivated

Motivation often comes from having realistic expectations. If you expected to be performing in a band after a few months, you might have to check your expectations. Talk with an instructor and work to rethink your goals. Having someone to talk out your true expectations may give you renewed desire to create music. 

Finding the time

When you first started learning the piano, you gave the time necessary to fit it into your schedule. But over time, you might find new challenges to your days. Like everything important to your life, playing only comes if you make the time to play. Put it on your calendar and stick with it. 

Perfect practice

Many people get frustrated because they can’t play as well as they anticipated. The sound quality isn’t there. They get angry in a practice session because their fingers won’t work the way they wish them to. Some of it comes from expecting perfection. That’s never going to happen as a beginner. But what you can do is design perfect practice sessions that leave you feeling invigorated. Set up your timing – play scales, learn new things, play something fun. If you have a plan and stick with it, you’re more likely to find enjoyment. 

Better equipment

Sometimes your trouble begins with what you’re attempting to learn with. Did you pick up a hand-me-down piano? Is it out of tune and off key? Does it sound like a toy more than a high-quality instrument? That can turn you off when you sit down to play. 

While you might have started with basic equipment to start the process, sometimes motivation comes from having better equipment. 

Why not reward yourself and invest in a new piano? It might be just the thing that keeps your goals fresh in your mind, and gives you the inspiration you need to keep playing. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
14 January 2022 How Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Piano

How Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Piano

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How many times have you used reviews to find a new restaurant? Or to book a hotel on your next vacation? 

We use reviews for a lot of things in our lives. Why not use reviews to find the right piano too? 

Investing in a piano is a long-term decision. Whether you’re upgrading or just starting out, the last thing you want is to have buyer’s remorse over your purchase shortly after your piano arrives in your home. 

Reviews can help you understand more about the piano you’re thinking of purchasing, ensuring you get the instrument you will play for years to come. 

As you look at the reviews, we recommend looking for these things to help you determine if a particular piano is right for you. 

Durability

It’s easy to assume that a piano will be a great addition to your home for life, that’s not always the case. Think about why you’re investing in a piano right now. Is it to start your child on piano lessons? Is it to add music into your life for years to come? Ensuring you invest in a high-quality instrument will give you peace of mind that it will be there ready to perform every time you’re prepared to sit down and make music. While tuning is a standard part of care, other repairs are not. The last thing you want is to have to decide between upgrading or renovation just a few short years after you make your purchase. 

Longevity

Pianos require different levels of maintenance and care over time. Thinking about an electric piano to start your hobby? They can quickly stop working, or go out of date. Upgrading technology means investing in an entirely new piano. Compare that with a high-quality grand piano that can be a showcase piece in your home for generations. 

Features

We’ve all seen bells and whistles on an item that look impressive in the store, only to realize you never use it, or they stop working once you get them home. To learn more about what works and what you really need, pay attention to what reviewers say about specific features, and how well they stand the test of time. 

Usage

People often leave reviews based on their lifestyles. “I love being able to take this piano anywhere.” or “It makes a great centerpiece in my living room.” Do you resonate with what the reviewer is saying? You can use this to help you make decisions when comparing different pianos. 

It can be difficult making a decision about what piano to invest in for a lifetime of enjoyment. By using reviews, you can find the perfect piano that will give you years of playing and be an asset for your family to use and enjoy. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
10 January 2022 The Best Place In The House To Place a Piano

The Best Place In The House To Place a Piano

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You’ve decided to buy a piano for your kids to learn music, something they will carry with them for life. 

A piano isn’t something you can hide away or tuck into a corner and expect your kids to remember to play. It’s an instrument you should think about carefully as you decide where to place it. Where is the best place in the house to place a piano? We have a few words of advice. 

Let’s start with room conditions. Pianos need consistent temperatures and humidity levels to thrive. That means you don’t want to place it in a dark, warm, or moist room where airflow doesn’t keep it well vented. Mold is never a good thing – that’s doubly true with your piano. Mold can weaken the wood and impact the wires and felt inside the piano – all of which impact the condition of your piano. 

Humidity is probably one of the biggest reasons why pianos deteriorate so quickly. It’s what can make your piano go out of tune. Pay attention to how close you place a piano to windows, which can allow cold to infiltrate the wood. 

Vents, registers, fireplaces, and wood stoves can also impact the quality of the wood, drying it out and causing fluctuation in the way the piano sounds. 

Pianos thrive best when everything remains much the same. Try for 45 to 70 percent humidity levels, and temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees. 

Before you move a piano in, consider your rooms carefully. Going up to the second floor or above may require additional costs to place it there. Grand pianos are different from uprights, though both need special care to ensure they move safely. Taking a piano down a narrow hallway will mean greater potential hazards for both the piano and your walls. 

We often tell clients that the center of a room is the best place for a piano. It cuts down on the chance of sunlight streaming through the windows, and keeps it far away from vents and registers. It allows maximum airflow to ensure both humidity and temperatures remain fairly constant. 

While many choose to place it in a busy place in the home, think twice about just how busy the room is. It’ll be harder to get in daily practice tf there is never time to play without disturbing other activities. One option can be to ensure your new piano comes equipped with headphones, so your child can play no matter what’s happening in the room. 

What other concerns do you have about bringing a new piano into your home? 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
7 January 2022 Describing The Sound Your Piano Makes

Describing The Sound Your Piano Makes

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If you’ve started looking at buying a new piano, you might have a steep learning curve as you navigate the process. 

Many people think buying a piano is similar to any appliance inside your home. Select a brand, set a budget, and buy the first one you find. 

But if you’ve done any research, you know that isn’t the right approach to buying a piano. A dishwasher, for example, runs or it doesn’t. Once you select the features, one dishwasher is the same as the others. 

Not so with a piano. Each piano is carefully crafted, and is designed to stand alone, no matter what manufacturer’s label is stamped on the instrument. Because they are handcrafted from over 10,000 parts, each will have a unique sound and tonal quality. That’s why you’ll find dealers and manufacturers describing the sound a piano makes in different ways. 

Wonder what some of them are?

Bright – when someone says a piano has a bright sound, they usually are referring to a wide blend of tonal qualities. A bright tone can mean the piano creates a pleasant, clear, and brilliant sound. It’s one of enjoyment, with a broad spectrum of the different tones throughout the spectrum. Bright tones usually are emphasized by the notes in the upper ranges with higher frequencies. 

Dark – dark refers to the notes in the lower ranges, or bass notes in the full range of the keyboard. Each sound should have a distinct boom. If it becomes more muffled, it might be a symptom of a problem with the felts and hammers. 

Mellow – this is often used to describe the full range of harmonics, with each note creating a sound in a rich fashion. This is where depth in each note comes into play. If a piano doesn’t have mellow principles, you might notice it sounds a bit flat or dull when played. 

Even or uneven timbre – timbre refers to the character or quality of the sound produced by the instrument. It’s a piano’s voice in both pitch and intensity. It’s the blend that’s created from note to note. If you notice a smooth transition, it’s said to be even. If it’s not, it’s considered to be uneven. A piano technician can adjust this process during tuning. 

Rich or complex – richness comes from having a full spectrum of sound, from the lowest bass to the highest treble. When it captures every element, you’ll hear it in the way sound is created. Because of the depth, many people find a rich sound more interesting to listen to. 

Piano tones change over time. A new piano must be broken in. An older piano can adapt to new surroundings. That’s part of why it’s important to find a piano technician who is highly skilled at tuning. 

Before you buy a piano, take the time to hear the difference. By selecting one that resonates with you, you’ll ensure you love to play it now and into the future. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
4 January 2022 How To Help The Child Who Won’t Practice The Piano

How To Help The Child Who Won’t Practice The Piano

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When we sign up our kids to start a new activity, we do so with a lot of anticipation. We want them to be passionate about the things they take on. We want them to add value to their lives. We do it with the greatest of intentions. 

When you invest in a piano and sign up your child for piano lessons, you have hopes they fall in love with music. It can be a lifelong hobby that improves linguistics, makes them better at critical thinking, and reduces stress in the process. 

Yet even for kids that naturally take to the piano, there may be times when they simply won’t practice. 

Your first step is discovering why. We find people don’t practice the piano for a variety of reasons …

  • A child has too many activities and can’t fit them all in. 
  • A child who doesn’t understand how to practice correctly. 
  • A child who doesn’t enjoy the environment the piano is placed in. Maybe they feel isolated, and away from the family. 
  • A child who doesn’t have any goals in place, and lacks direction with their practice. 
  • A perfectionist who is afraid to make a mistake. 
  • A child who is nervous of a future event. Are they scared of an upcoming recital?
  • A child who feels they aren’t improving. They may be asking: what’s the point?

Can you see any of these scenarios in your child’s behavior? 

If a child refuses to practice, there’s a reason behind it. Instead of canceling the piano lessons and moving on, get to the heart of the issue. Help your child figure out the problem, and work to find ways to get to the solution. 

If the child isn’t sure how to practice, maybe you can sit down with the instructor and refine the practicing process. What can you do to make the process more enjoyable? What steps can you take to bring joy back into the music process?

If your child is a perfectionist, you may be seeing them hold back in a variety of areas in their life. Are they stressed about grades? Or making a team at school? That can pass through to many different activities. 

You can also review their approach. Are they bored with the materials? Maybe changing out the music can give them a new sense of direction. Do you set the timer? Maybe they’ve become clock-watchers. Talk to your instructor about setting new goals. Kids often do better practicing with a goal-based approach instead of timed. They can play a few scales for warm up, work on a piece of music they’re struggling with, and close out the session by playing a favorite piece. The focus isn’t on minutes, but rather the process. This alone can bring joy back to the session. 

If your child is avoiding practice, there’s a reason. Dig deep, get to the heart of it, and keep music in your child’s life. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
28 December 2021 Is Now A Good Time To Buy a Piano?

Is Now A Good Time To Buy a Piano?

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As you read or listen to the tv, there are always opinions on the right way to do different things around your home. People recommend the best times for home improvement projects, the best time to save money … and when you shouldn’t invest in something new. 

What about pianos? Is there a good time to buy a new piano? 

Like any retail business, there may be times when additional perks or discounts make buying a new or used piano an even better decision. 

Summer

When most people think of summer, they plan picnics, bike rides, and days at the beach. Playing the piano isn’t something that comes into mind, which is why it’s a great time to invest in a new piano. Business is a little slower, and piano dealers take that opportunity to offer deals to move both new and used inventory. They have more time to spend with you when you visit, and you can spend more time finding the right piano to suit your needs. You may also receive incentives on moving and delivering, and ensuring your piano is set up and ready to play for your enjoyment all year long. This can get you ready for the fall …

Fall

As summer rolls into autumn, nights grow longer, days grow colder, and we spend more time inside. Kids go back to school, and we look for inside activities to fill our days. That’s when people look for inside activities, and piano sales increase exponentially. This is when piano dealers have the most inventory. It’s also when they may incentivize pianos because they get better deals from their manufacturers. If you want a good selection, this may be the perfect time to stop in and see what’s new. 

Winter

Winter blows in during the month of December. And that’s a perfect time to surprise the family with a gift the whole family can enjoy. Playing the piano isn’t just for the kids; studies show parents, even grandparents love it too. It’s a hobby you can enjoy at any age, and has a host of benefits for all of those that play. Whether you’re just starting on your music journey, or have been wanting to upgrade and bring a new grand piano into your home, this is a great time to take a look at what’s in stock at your local piano store. 

Spring

Spring cleaning gets rid of the old and makes way for the new. Spring is a time of change, a time when we move to a new house, and bring back the things we truly love. Are you more present after the pandemic? Are you looking for more activities to enjoy at home? Maybe your spring cleaning has made room for what’s most important. If that includes a new piano, you’re in luck. Because other people are thinking this way too, you’ll often find your best selection of used pianos during the spring months. This inventory can change daily, so it’s a good idea to stop by and talk about your wants and needs, so we can help you find the perfect piano to suit your desires. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
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