24 August 2021 It’s Time To Start Planning Your Fall Piano Lessons

It’s Time To Start Planning Your Fall Piano Lessons

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Have you noticed the leaves turning colors? The morning air is just a bit cooler. And pumpkins suddenly are popping up everywhere. 

It’s a time of year many of us love. It’s also a time for you to change up your routine and start planning fall piano lessons to keep your students motivated and happy. 

Pumpkins everywhere

If you’ve decorated your home for fall, why not bring it into your piano studio as well? Nothing brings out the festivities like fall leaves, black cats, and an array of pumpkins. Since your students might not be trick-or-treating your studio, why not offer them treats all month long. Fill a festive bowl or jack-o-lantern with different activities for warming up, and have them pick one at the beginning of each lesson. You can even provide treats at the end, depending on how well they perform. 

Bring out their creativity

Many students love to create their own music. Why not give them a challenge of creating songs perfect for the fall. You can give them a theme – leaves, Halloween, football – and have them create music to fit their message. Be sure they add words to their songs. 

Provide special music

While most of us provide books to work through as a student advances in ability, changing it up with seasonal music can keep them interested. Find things that interest them, and give them special challenges throughout the month. You may even wish to hold small recitals for students to show off their new songs. 

Bring your students together

How about a duet? Or a small group to practice something new? While group lessons might not be feasible all throughout the year, they may add depth to your students’ lessons by bringing them together for special occasions. This can be a perfect way to keep them challenged and allow them to meet other students at their levels. It may be just what they need to stay motivated. 

How will you keep your piano students motivated this year? Planning your fall piano lessons? What works for you? 

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21 August 2021 What Would You Look Like Playing The Piano?

What Would You Look Like Playing The Piano?

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A lot of people talk about learning to play the piano, but not everyone follows through on their desires. 

When Ryan Gosling was to showcase his piano playing talents in the movie La La Land, he spent three months practicing two hours a day to perfect his skill. 

While few of us can hope to learn at that speed – we have busy lives too – there is something about his actions that we can all learn from. 

  • Set a goal and stick with it.
  • Choose the type of music you wish to learn. 
  • Pay attention to fundamentals and proper technique.
  • Learn common patterns such as chords and scales.
  • Remain dedicated. It’s the best way to learn. 

The best place to start is to see yourself playing the piano. Would you be sitting at home with a small acoustic piano? Would you be sitting in a grand hall at a grand piano, playing for an audience? 

This can give you the motivation you need to keep moving forward. It can also set the stage for where to invest your time and money. Choose the right piano for your needs. If you want to play on a grand piano in front of an audience, why not invest in one as you learn? 

It’s equally important to play what you love. While learning the basics is important, there are many ways to incorporate different genres of music into your daily learning patterns. Music comes in a variety of skill sets, genres, and ability levels. Work with an instructor who can help select the right training materials for you. 

Remaining dedicated is also the best way to achieve your goals. Schedule your practice and stick with it. Make piano a part of your life, and you’re more likely to continue with your goals. 

Finally, bring more music into your life. When was the last time you took in a concert, listened to a symphony, or attended group lessons? There are many ways to incorporate piano playing into your life. Get creative. You never know where it might lead. 

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17 August 2021 Is It Time To Tune Your Piano?

Is It Time To Tune Your Piano?

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When you invest in a quality piano, it can make beautiful music for years to come. 

But to keep your piano playing well, it takes a little TLC from time to time. 

If you want to create music that’s pleasing to the ear, it’s important to tune your piano regularly. 

For many piano owners, the thought of bringing in a tuner periodically throughout the year can be a little intimidating. While there isn’t a set schedule for when to call in a professional tuner, there are a few things you can watch for to know when it’s time for tuning. 

Listen to the piano’s pitch

Have you ever watched professionals tune their instruments? Even singers warm up by racing for the right pitch. That’s to ensure all instruments match while playing, and to ensure your piano makes beautiful music. You can test the note yourself. The most used test note is A440. This is the A note above middle C. When this note is in tune, it will vibrate at a rate of 440 times per second. When in tune, every instrument playing will be at this same pitch. 

Listen while playing different notes

Most acoustic pianos have, on average, 88 keys. This contains seven octaves plus three keys below bottom C. To allow all 88 keys to create sound, they are connected to around 230 strings. Each key will be attached to two or three strings, depending on the sound it will make. As you’re playing different notes, you may notice a wavering sound between the notes. That may be competing strings touching each other, or even canceling each other out. If it isn’t strung properly, it’s time for professional tuning. 

Play your scales

When properly tuned, you should be able to run up the octaves and have all the notes line up. It sounds “right.” When something is off, this quick repetition will highlight where problems occur. You can also test this by playing the same note in several different octaves – all the Cs, for instance. You’ll highlight any nuances in the way it sounds. The most common problem that impacts playability is temperature and humidity changes. If you hear a problem, it’s time for tuning. 

Should you try it yourself?

Do a search online, and you’ll find quick courses that teach you in a short video. But tuning isn’t something you can learn from a YouTube video. It’s something that takes years of practice with hands-on knowledge. 

Need more advice on tuning your piano? Give us a call today.

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14 August 2021 The Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano

The Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano

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If you’re in the market for a new piano, you may have come across digital pianos in your search. Could this be the perfect instrument for your home?

Here are six reasons why digital pianos might be right for you.

  1. Many affordable options

Acoustic pianos are a classic instrument for a reason. They’re beautiful and complex instruments that sound beautiful. However, even the most basic models can be expensive to purchase. 

Digital pianos, on the other hand, start at a few thousand dollars lower than acoustic pianos. If cost has been holding you back from getting a piano, a digital piano might be a good solution for you.

  1. They can have a similar feel and sound as an acoustic piano

If you’ve ever played on a keyboard, you might know that it’s not the same experience as playing a piano. There’s not as much weight to the keys, and it can feel like playing a different instrument entirely. It also doesn’t have the same rich sound.

So are digital pianos the same? If you haven’t tried one out recently, we recommend that you test one out in person. You might be surprised at how much it feels and sounds like an acoustic instrument. Modern digital pianos even mimic the feel of acoustic pianos by weighting their keys with hammers. 

Sound quality and the feel of the instrument do depend on the quality of the piano, however, and a lower-end digital piano might not feel or sound exactly like an acoustic instrument. For this reason, it’s important to test the piano out in person to see if you like it.

  1. The ability to wear headphones while playing

If you live in a household with your family, you might worry about bothering others while you practice a song over and over again. With a digital piano though, you’ll be able to plug your headphones in and practice in your own world. You can also adjust the volume as you play.

  1. No more tuning

Since digital pianos don’t have strings that will go out of tune, you’ll never need a professional tuner to come by and service your piano. As well, digital pianos are less sensitive to temperature and humidity levels. While you may need some maintenance work over your piano’s lifetime, digital pianos are overall easier to maintain.

  1. Great for new piano learners

Digital pianos have a number of features that make learning easy and fun for new players. Smart accompaniments, guide lights, recording features, background rhythms, built-in songs, and different instrument voices all make learning engaging for children and adults alike.

  1. Can last you for decades

Other technology like phones and computers are quickly replaceable, so what about a digital piano? Will it last for a long time, or will you have to replace it when it becomes outdated? The great news is that, with proper care and maintenance, your digital piano can last you for decades. 

Is a digital piano the right instrument for you?

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10 August 2021 Why Buying A New Piano Is A Great Investment In Your Future

Why Buying A New Piano Is A Great Investment In Your Future

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Some things you buy and consume quickly. Others, you buy to hold as an investment. You want it to have a lasting impact well into the future. 

Pianos fall into the latter category. When you purchase a piano, you do so for the love of music. If you invest wisely, it can last for decades. 

But what does it take to get a good one? If you’re considering buying a piano this year, what should you look for?

Think quality first

Playing the piano is on many people’s to-do lists. The trouble is, they approach the hobby in the wrong way. If you buy a keyboard from the local big box store, it won’t have the qualities you need to learn properly. It’s nothing more than a toy. 

To ensure you have a quality instrument to play, it’s important to consider your goals. Do you want to play for personal enjoyment? Do you hope to play in front of an audience one day? Or maybe even form your own band? Use that as your goal for learning and purchase. Yes, you can always trade a starter piano in for a higher quality instrument. But if you purchase a high quality piano from the start, it will last well into the future. Sound is everything. You can’t create a pleasing sound on a poor quality instrument. 

That also means investing in a piano that won’t change sound quality quickly. Pick up a “free” piano on Craigslist, and you may have a less-than-stable piano with a voice that sounds “off” and an instrument that just can’t stay in tune. 

Warranties

A piano can be a significant investment. And when you build a budget for your piano to ensure you buy a high quality instrument, nothing can be more discerning than not getting what you thought you invested in. 

Warranties can protect your piano from manufacturer’s default. Some dealers may offer additional services and plans to help you care for your piano in the years to come. Be sure you ask about all the dealer covers. You won’t get that if you buy off the internet. 

Why dealers are still the best choice

With so many pianos available in so many ways, people often wonder why they should turn to a professional. It’s because of advice and service. 

A dealer is passionate about playing the piano. They know the instrument inside and out, and can teach you all you need to know to make an educated purchase. They can even provide insight for things like classes and training.

Is this the year you’ll be buying a new piano? Are you ready to bring music into your life? 

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7 August 2021 Do Kids Need a Break From Piano Lessons Too?

Do Kids Need a Break From Piano Lessons Too?

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Vacation. It’s something each of us looks forward to each year. 

It’s a time to step away from the normal routines. It’s a time when you can leave your regular chores at home, and do something different for a bit. It gives you a chance to relax, unwind, and refresh yourself so you can jump back into life with more energy. 

While adults need time away from the regular routine of work, kids need a chance to kick back and take it easy as well. They may have several weeks off from school, but what about the rest of their normal routine? 

Your kids may enjoy playing the piano. And if they do, there’s no reason to stop them from playing. But would a vacation from the usual routine be good for them? 

Risks from taking too much time off

There’s always a debate on summer vacations away from school. Is several months off too long? The same concept can be applied to piano lessons. If you take extended time away from practice, you can:

Lose your skill – just as you’re mastering new concepts, you step away and forget the intricate details of what you’ve learned. 

Lose momentum – as you gain new techniques, it’s easier to apply it to new concepts and ideas. When you step away, you lose the ability to push forward. 

Weaken memory – playing every day and practicing regularly works your memory muscle. When you take away the routine, you break the habit and fall into new routines. 

When kids take too much time away from their practice, they are more likely never to return. The catch-up process can be difficult at best. 

Change the routine instead

For many parents that want to continue to push their child into music, they look for different routines rather than letting music lessons fall to the wayside. 

How can you take a break from the regular routine, yet leave piano an active part of your lives?

Change the structure of the lessons – lessons might be short events after school. Why not make them longer events in the morning? Or change locations for something new?

How about group lessons – check with your current instructor – is there a way your child can play with a larger group for more variety? This may even be a summer camp or other activity that allows them to experience music in a new way. 

Change it up – while your child might get into more music theory during school sessions, maybe vacation time is a time to play something fun. Does your child have special requests? Have they been asking for specific songs? Find it and build those into the routine. 

How have you kept piano lessons in your routine, even when you’re on a break? Do you step away from piano lessons regularly? How do you get back into the routine? 

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4 August 2021 Why Your Piano Is Suddenly Out Of Tune

Why Your Piano Is Suddenly Out Of Tune

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You sit down to play the piano. You run through a scale to warm up. 

Something doesn’t sound quite right. It makes a terrible noise. 

That’s one of the top reasons piano players stop playing. 

What fun is it playing the piano when the sound you’re creating is anything but pleasant?

Where is it coming from? Is there anything you can do? 

Most pianos built today have 88 keys and around 230 strings to produce sound. Each string has the potential to move slightly, causing it to fall out of tune. What causes it? 

Everyday use

Every time you play, the keys move, the strings vibrate, and they move ever so slightly. Over time, they move enough to be out of tune. But don’t think your piano won’t change if you don’t play. A piano needs care throughout its life, no matter if you play routinely or not. 

Climate change

On the coldest days of the year, your furnace runs nonstop. On the hottest days of the year, your air conditioner pumps out cold air. Sunlight streams through the windows. Cool breezes float in through the windows. And all of it impacts your piano in different ways. Pianos are built from natural materials that can change in different circumstances. That’s why tuning a piano after different seasons is recommended. 

Piano movement

When was the last time your piano moved? Did you move it to replace the carpets? Did you move it to a new home? All of that jiggling can cause strings to loosen and make your piano behave differently. Even when you apply the utmost care, any movement can impact the way your piano sounds. 

Of course, these may be the biggest reasons your piano may be out of tune. But they aren’t the only ones. Because a piano is an intricate series of parts that move and change all the time, your piano is always at risk of going out of tune. 

New pianos need tuning more frequently as they meld into their new positions. Older pianos may be flexible and run the risk of moving out of tune due to older parts. 

It’s hard to predict what will impact the way your piano plays. But if you want great sound throughout its lifetime, it’s important to schedule tuning sessions regularly. 

When was the last time you had your piano tuned? 

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28 July 2021 The Most Important Questions To Ask When Buying a New Piano

The Most Important Questions To Ask When Buying a New Piano

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It’s time to start thinking about fall classes and activities. As we head back into schools and classrooms, there’s more than reading, writing, and arithmetic to keep a mind active. It’s also about finding something challenging – entertaining – that can provide a lifelong hobby you’ll love for years. 

For many, playing an instrument fulfills all that and more. Playing the piano is a way to relax after a hard day at work, take pride in your accomplishments, and even share melodies with an audience. But it all starts with learning to play the piano. And you can’t do that until you buy a piano of your own. 

Thinking of buying a new piano in the future? Before you settle on one, we have a few important questions you should ask the seller before making up your mind. 

What should I know about this brand of piano? 

Like everything, pianos are created by reputable manufacturers that produce quality instruments, and less-than-credible resources that produce low quality products. The last thing you want is to spend money on a piano, only to find out quickly that it won’t suit your needs. And if it doesn’t sound right, it becomes difficult to play. You need high quality equipment to learn to play it well. 

What are other comparable pianos around the same price point so I can compare?

You should never invest in the first piano you see. Sit down at several of them. Listen to the sound produced by all of them, and compare how they play. You’ll quickly notice the difference, and have preferences one way or the other. The key here is to ensure you’re looking at high quality instruments that are all similar in style, and can all be worthy of purchase. 

How about a warranty? What does it cover?

Many new pianos – and sometimes used – have warranties. You’re only eligible if you purchase the piano from an authorized dealer. 

Which are the most popular pianos you sell? Why? 

Every dealer has their own preference for piano manufacturers. Find out which they sell the most of and why. This is a good place to start your comparison shopping. If others like it and enjoy a certain brand or model, you can consider it too. 

Do you have a trade-up program?

Many people start with a start-up piano, and once they learn the basics and want to push their skills, they look for a more sophisticated instrument. Find out if the dealer you’re working with has a trade-up program, to allow you to upgrade your piano as you gain experience. 

How do I care for this piano?

While it may look like another piece of furniture, it requires a great deal more upkeep and care. While you can search online and find a lot of different care strategies, the best place to go for advice is from the source. A reputable piano dealer will point you in the right direction for regular care and maintenance, as well as give you resources for tuning and repair work. Follow their guidance, and you’ll have years of enjoyment without problems. 

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24 July 2021 How Smoke Damage Impacts Your Piano

How Smoke Damage Impacts Your Piano

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When buying a used piano, the most important part is ensuring it’s still a high-quality instrument. While it may look okay on the outside, it takes more than a quick glance to ensure it’s in good shape. 

Sometimes what you can’t see can impact the overall playability. 

Smoke damage is one of those items you might not notice right away. Smoke is created from incomplete combustion, creating a residue of carbon particles. All smoke is not the same. Cigarette smoke is different from smoke that comes from anything else burning – paper, wood, plastic. It can create complex odors that leave a difficult film that’s hard to get out. Once it settles in, it can cause discoloration, corrosion, lingering odors, and damage the internal workings of the instrument. 

Smoke comes in one of two formats: driven or free-floating. Driven smoke is the most powerful, having pressure behind it to push it into all kinds of places. Free-floating smoke is driven smoke that has lost its power. It’s residual smoke that settles onto horizontal platforms as it settles in. 

With all types of smoke, driven smoke moves in and finds the small hiding places. It can penetrate the cracks, get underneath the lid of the piano, and move between the keys and strings. Free-floating smoke is what lands on the keyboard and case. Together, they can create a host of odors that fall into one of three categories: synthetic, natural, and protein. 

Synthetic odors come from plastics and textiles. This shows as black residue and smudges easily. 

Natural odors come from natural materials such as wood or paper products. This creates a gray-black residue with a powdery consistency. 

Protein odors often start in the kitchen from meat or grease fires. They produce a yellowish color and require the most intense process to remove the complex odors. 

A piano is made from a variety of different materials, including wood, metal, felt, and plastic. If a piano comes into contact with smoke, it can also be subjected to intense heat. Heat impacts the levels of humidity, which can impact the structural integrity of the piano too. As the various materials expand and contract, the smoke moves into various places inside and out of the piano. Different odors can settle into tight places, making them harder to retrieve. 

Because much of the piano is porous by nature, it is highly susceptible to odors. Once it gets into the wood, particleboard, felt, and other materials, there is little you can do to remove it. 

If your piano has any smoke damage, the best place to start is by working with a piano technician. Have them evaluate the damage, and make a determination on whether it can be fixed. 

Have additional questions about smoke damage to your piano? Give us a call today. We can point you in the right direction for bringing music back into your life. 

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21 July 2021 4 of the Worst Habits You Can Develop as a Piano Player

4 of the Worst Habits You Can Develop as a Piano Player

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Some people naturally fall in love with playing the piano. From the moment they sit down at the keyboard, they know the piano will be in their lives for life. 

For some, that could be simply playing for pleasure at home, a simple way to relax after a hard day of work. 

For others, it might be to see how far you can take what you learn. Play professionally? Maybe. 

But before you start entertaining audiences, there are a few things you’ll have to overcome. Most pianists fall into one of these habits at some point in their piano playing career. Catch it quickly, and you can avoid the bad habits settling in and preventing you from perfecting your skill.

Wrong body posture

Humans are meant to be active. Yet in today’s society, we’re anything but. We hunch over computers hours each day. We sit on the couch, staring at the television, smart devices in our hands tapping away. 

Then you sit down at the piano, and all of those habits transfer over to your posture at the keyboard. 

To correct this, be conscious of how you sit. Choose the right chair or bench, and spend the first few seconds aware of how you sit. Pay attention to your body angle. Ensure your arms are relaxed, and the seat is the perfect distance to allow your hands to naturally hover over the keys. Too much tension can cause stress on your wrists. 

Using the wrong fingers

One of the problems with picking up piano playing yourself is you can fall into bad habits unknowingly. Can you imagine typing on a keyboard and not putting the right fingers on the correct keys? It’ll slow you down. 

The same applies to your fingers on the piano keys. Your fingers are a perfect stretch between the C-notes. If you’re singing the familiar song “Do Re Mi”, it would be Do to Do. This gives your fingers the proper spacing to play any song, and play it well. 

Having the wrong touch

This follows with not being positioned correctly at the keyboard. Without proper hand placement, your fingers won’t connect delicately with the keys. You’ll swipe at them, bang them, and create a sound that is anything but pleasing. It won’t feel natural. And more importantly, it’ll create stress on your hands and arms. 

It’s critical to have proper arm placement while you play. This puts your fingers in a natural position that gives them power to connect with the keys, yet a delicate touch that keeps them limber while they play. 

Practicing incorrectly

Oh, the struggle of daily practice. That’s what turns a lot of people off from playing the piano regularly. They schedule daily practice in thirty-minute increments, and sit down watching the minutes tick by. 3-2-1 – I’m free!

If you started out loving the piano, and want it to be a part of your life, it’s important to keep your practice fresh and new. Skip setting a time clock, and give yourself goals instead. Realize that some days you might only choose to play for a few minutes – that’s okay. By telling yourself you’ll play one song, learn one passage, or just sit down to have fun with it, you’ll give yourself room to play and explore. And ultimately, that’s a better approach than setting a time clock. 

Do you enjoy playing the piano? What habits have you had to overcome?

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