3 February 2021 Develop These Habits To Be a Better Piano Player

Develop These Habits To Be a Better Piano Player

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What’s the one trait all great piano players have? If you said “practice”, you’re correct. 

To get better at anything, it takes a lot of practice. Ever heard of the 10,000 hour rule? According to author Malcolm Gladwell, it takes at least 10,000 hours of practice to master a talent. While the theory has been continually questioned since it was first introduced in his book Outliers a decade ago, it does bring up the idea that greatness lies in positive action. 

If you want to develop better habits, it takes commitment. What better way to become a great piano player than to practice every day!

But what does that mean? Sitting down and pounding out the same scales and songs every day would help you reach 10,000 hours, but it won’t do much for your skills or creativity. To be a better piano player, it takes work at making your practice better too. Here’s what we suggest. 

1. Start with a better environment

What’s the number one distraction of better practice? Digital devices. Declare your practice session to be digital free – even if you’re using your tablet for reading music or attending a training session. Nobody can play when they hear the constant buzz of text messages coming in, or a ringing phone announcing a new call. Pay attention to the environment you create, and make it as stress-free as you possibly can. 

2. Have a pattern to your routine

Sitting down without a plan will quickly make you look for other ways to fill your time. Athletes know they need a few minutes of warming up and cooling down before the intense training session in the middle. Approach piano playing in the same way. Warm up your fingers and wrists with stretches and scales. After your practice, spend a few minutes playing something fun – just for you. This will give you ample time to be comfortable with your playing, and love what you do. Isn’t that the purpose? 

3. Recognize your mistakes

Is there a piece you just can’t seem to get right? A passage you’ve been having trouble with for days? Can you not pick up the right speed? Sometimes the best way to correct something is to admit you’re having trouble. Then ask yourself: what can I do to fix this? Maybe it’s spending time on one specific part of a song. Or working with a teacher to correct something you’re doing wrong. 

4. Set goals

Few of us do anything without a goal in mind. For piano playing, do you want to play a specific song? Or perform in front of an audience? Or make it your career? They don’t have to be lofty goals, but you should give yourself something to reach for. It’s what keeps you working day after day. 

5. Never stop learning

The great thing about playing the piano is there is always something else to learn. If you’re bored with one way of learning, try another. It’s okay to move around to new teachers to try out new things. Give group lessons a try. Join a band. Pick up a new piece of music. The more you challenge yourself, the better you’ll enjoy the process. 

To be a better piano player, sometimes it just takes looking at things through fresh eyes. Give yourself a challenge today. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
28 January 2021 5 Secrets Most Piano Players Never Learn

5 Secrets Most Piano Players Never Learn

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Want to learn the secret to becoming a great piano player? Actually, no one way works for everyone. 

But if we had to share a few tried and true secrets that separate average piano players from great ones, we have a few ideas in mind. 

1. Great piano players look for great teachers

This isn’t saying you find one teacher you love and stick with them for life. Eventually, you’ll find yourself stuck in a rut, always working towards the same goal. Instead, great piano players know they have to move around and learn from a variety of places. They try online resources as well as working one on one with someone in person. They ask for recommendations to find teachers that can take them to the next level. 

2. Great piano players perform regularly 

Don’t think your skills are good enough for a performance? Think again. Performing gives you an opportunity to reach for bigger things, and demonstrate the skills you’ve already learned. They help you plan for a goal, motivate yourself for preparing for a recital, and learn what it takes to perform in front of a group. It gets your heart racing – and that’s a good thing!

3. They learn to sight read and play by ear

Often, a piano player perfects one or the other, but not both. To be a truly great piano player, it’s important to pick up both. Learn to pick up a score and start to play just by reading the notes. Practice listening to a song on the radio, and playing it by ear as best you can. This takes skill, but it’s something you can pick up over time. 

4. Pay attention to theory

Music theory helps you understand your instrument better. It helps you understand how music is created through notes and scales and chords. It guides you through the purpose of structuring music in different ways. It allows you to learn about how the greats created certain rules, and where it’s okay to break them. 

5. The art of playing in a group

A lot of piano players spend their time practicing alone. To take your music to another level, it’s important to move into playing with a group as well. It allows you to hear your music performed in an entirely different way. 

Have you made “playing the piano” a part of your New Year’s resolutions this year? It starts with a desire to learn, and a piano that allows you to practice and improve your skills throughout the year. 

If you have any questions about improving your piano skills, give us a call. We’re here to help you with all of your piano needs. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:

Why The Piano Is Still An Important Part of Every Home

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2020 has changed our lifestyles in so many ways. We’re living in a before/after world. 

Before, we came and went to activities freely. We overbooked and stayed busy night and day. 

After, we’re more conscious about what fills our days. Without the ability to go places, we pay attention to everything we do. 

We’re asking questions like never before. 

Is this something I really want to do?

And in a lot of cases, that’s bringing us back to the simple things in life. 

Like playing the piano. 

There used to be a time when every home had a piano. It would often take center stage in the main living area. People would gather around it to be entertained. Kids would learn how to play from a very young age. 

There are benefits to that. 

Playing the piano as a child teaches many things. It helps with the brain’s development, increases language skills, creates a more active brain with better memory skills, and helps control stress and anxiety. It gives kids a confidence boost and makes them a better team player. 

More students that move on to medical school have a background in music than in any other major. 

It helps in all aspects of life. What’s more, it’s a skill that a person will hold onto for life. 

Before, when parents were busy running every day of the week, encouraging children to stick with piano lessons was difficult at best. That’s changing. 

As you create an environment that centers on less stress in your home, maybe it’s time to get back to the simpler things in life. Things that matter most. 

Maybe it’s time to invest in a piano, one that will take center stage in your family room. One that will become a bigger part of your life. 

There are many ways to learn to play – try an app, or a Zoom lesson with a pro, or use a digital system to invent your own music. 

Investing in a piano today is one of the best gifts you can give your family. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano
21 January 2021 What To Do If Your Piano Skills Aren’t Improving

What To Do If Your Piano Skills Aren’t Improving

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Learning to play the piano isn’t an easy endeavor. You can’t perfect your skills overnight. 

Most of us realize that. If you’ve seen a musical prodigy on stage at your local concert hall, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting more from yourself than is possible. But it still can be frustrating to want to achieve certain goals, only to find yourself stuck in a position where you see little or no improvement. 

What do you do? 

Your first step is to try something new. Everyone falls in a rut occasionally, even people that enjoy playing the piano. If you’re practicing the same way day in and day out, your habits aren’t changing. 

Looking for ways to change up your daily routine? Consider one of these ideas. 

Pick up another instrument

Piano playing may be your passion, something you want in your life for decades to come. Yet challenging yourself in new ways can bring a fresh perspective to your life. Why not pick up the guitar? Or maybe the violin? Or the ukulele? While you don’t have to master all different kinds of instruments, switching things out occasionally can increase your enjoyment of music. 

Take in a concert

Sometimes we forget how piano fits into the world. While you might love listening to your favorite music, when is the last time you experienced music in person? Expand your horizons. Check out your local orchestra and experience how all instruments come together to create sound. 

Use visualization techniques

If you’ve ever read biographies into some of the greatest success stories of our time, you might have ready how visualization can work. Sports figures often will state they’ve “won” major accomplishments in their minds long before they ever took the field. Visualization allows you to “see” yourself in action long before you sit down at the piano. Picture yourself playing music that’s been difficult for you. See yourself accomplishing it. See yourself performing it. Then sit back down at the piano. 

Play different types of music

Do you focus on specific types of music? You may be getting tired of familiar rhythms. Change it up a bit. Play classical. How about jazz? Or maybe it’s time to pick music from your favorite musician. If you stick with one genre, they often repeat patterns. That means you can feel like you’re never moving forward, almost stuck in a rut with what you’re playing. Pick up something new and enjoy making music again. 

Try something new

Maybe it’s time for a new teacher. How about adding group lessons to the mix? Or maybe it’s time to try a software program that can help you learn something new. We’re not meant to stick with the same things throughout our lives. That stunts our growth. Look for new ways to challenge yourself – you might end up liking piano playing even more. 

If you feel like your piano skills aren’t improving, the most important tip we have for you is to try something new. It’s the easiest way to get your creative juices flowing, and start loving music once again. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing
12 January 2021 Ask These Questions Before Buying A New Piano

Ask These Questions Before Buying A New Piano

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Have you created your New Year’s resolutions and checked them twice? Are you looking for a new hobby, one you can work at for life? Look no further than taking up the piano. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can bring into your life. 

But before you take your first lesson or buy new sheet music, you’ll have to buy a new piano first. 

Where do you start? Ask these questions first. 

What’s your budget?

While you might start out with a specific dollar figure in mind, stop by and talk with one of our associates to learn more about pianos first. Talk about your expectations, who will be playing, and what your goals are. We can show you how to get the best value for your money. Then with several options in mind, you can select the right instrument to fit with your financial expectations. It’s a better way of making a purchase you can live with for years to come. 

What do you want from your piano?

There are different types of pianos that can offer you the ability to do many different things. Do you lack space in your home? An upright might be the perfect choice. Have you always dreamed of putting a grand piano on display? Or maybe you’re looking for digital technology to connect up with your computer? If you’ve identified your needs before you talk with one of our associates, we’ll have a better idea of showing you your best options. 

Does brand matter? 

There are many different brands and manufacturers in the piano industry. While many have heard of Steinway, there are many other brands that are perfect for the home environment. What’s the difference? We’re happy to explain the philosophy of each major brand we sell, and show you how it applies to the general quality and longevity of the piano. 

What about warranties?

If you buy off Craigslist, what you see is what you get. But when you shop with a dealer, you’ll have protection against many situations that may occur in the future. Many piano brands are built with manual processes. While love and care are built into each one, sometimes things can go wrong. Isn’t it nice knowing you have a warranty in place to protect you? 

How should I care for the piano? 

If you search the internet, you’ll find all kinds of advice on properly caring for your piano. Use wax – don’t use wax. Use furniture polish – stay away. Who do you trust? That’s where a reputable piano dealer can be your best friend. Ask how they recommend caring for the finish, when to tune it, and how to preserve its looks for years to come. You won’t have to go searching the internet for clues. We’ll give you everything you need. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
7 January 2021 Easy Ways To Ensure Piano Practice Is a Part Of Your Day

Easy Ways To Ensure Piano Practice Is a Part Of Your Day

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Life is busy. Even here in the middle of a pandemic, when we’re spending a lot more time at home, it can seem as if there aren’t enough hours in the day. 

Yet this time in history is also doing something else to our goals and desires; it’s giving us a chance to determine what’s most important in our lives. 

For many, this is a chance to touch base with what’s most important, what nurtures your soul and helps reduce stress. For many, that includes learning to play the piano.

But that doesn’t come without a whole lot of piano practice. And if you’ve ever tried it before, you know that playing the piano doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it takes a lifetime to master. 

How do you ensure your piano practice helps you achieve your goals? 

Schedule your piano practice

You go to work or school at the same time every day. You sit down for dinner with your family at a prescheduled time. You make appointments for the dentist or doctor. Let’s face it, our lives work best when we schedule it. 

Why should piano practice be any different? 

If you play at the same time every day, it will become a normal part of your routine. Try using it as a wakeup strategy, to help you add creativity to your day. Or play right before or after dinner. Choose a time that works well with your schedule, and helps you enjoy the experience rather than feel rushed to fit it in. 

Give yourself a time slot

Don’t just sit down at a specific time, ensure you have a specific time slot for uninterrupted practice as well. 

Households are busy, and with lots of commotion, it’s easy to get distracted from the task at hand. Put away all distractions, such as your smartphone. Use a timer so you won’t be watching the clock. 

Establish a practice routine

Top athletes know before any workout, you need to warmup, practice, and cool down. 

To musicians follow the same routine. Spend the first few minutes of your practice session with a warmup routine – scales are a good bet to get your fingers moving. Then spend the middle section with core practice. Set goals at the start of each week and track how much you learn. Then finish by playing what you enjoy. This is the perfect way to unwind and let go of stress. 

Piano practice doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, if you learn just a few tricks the top pianists use to stay on track, you’ll love what you do even more. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing
3 January 2021 4 Reasons A Piano Showroom Is The Best Place To Buy A Piano

4 Reasons A Piano Showroom Is The Best Place To Buy A Piano

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Would you ever login to a website, fall in love with a house, and hit the buy button a few minutes after seeing it? How about a car, would you buy one without shopping around? 

With the biggest purchases in our lives, we understand it takes time to learn all about it, and invest the time to discover the right choice for our lifestyles. 

Depending on what you’re purchasing, the time invested in research may go down. You’ll spend more time finding the right contractor to remodel your kitchen than you would buying a toaster. 

Now let’s talk about buying a piano. A piano is a relatively large purchase. It’s also something you can bring into your home and have around for decades. Purchase the right one, and it can be a family heirloom you pass down generation after generation. 

Why should your purchase involve consulting with a piano showroom? What makes a piano dealer better than finding one online? 

Look and compare

Some things are easy to buy online. That toaster, for example, is something you know and understand. Reading about the features and comparing the costs are all you need to make an informed decision. But choosing a piano is an entirely different experience. By coming into a piano showroom, you can compare several makes and models to hear the differences. You can learn about specific sizes and the impact it has on sound. You can compare appearances and make the best selection for your decor. 

Hear the differences

A piano is a unique instrument, each make and model made in entirely different ways. Some pianos are still handbuilt from the ground up, taking many months to go through the process. You can hear the difference when you play two or more side by side. Whether you’re buying a piano to start a new hobby, or want to give your child the gift of music, it’s important to play on a high quality instrument that sounds good to the ear. Imagine playing a piano that’s way out of tune – would that motivate you to stick with your practice schedule? 

Gain the experience of a professional

When you visit a piano showroom, you’ll be speaking with people that are passionate about playing the piano. They’ll have years of experience in both playing and selling pianos. You’ll be able to get answers to every question you have, and maybe even some questions you didn’t think to ask. Then can guide you to making the right choice for your home, and cut down on buyer’s remorse. They’ll ensure you love the piano you choose, and are excited about having it delivered to your home. 

New or used

Did you know piano showrooms will sell both new and used pianos? These aren’t the used pianos you’ll find on Craigslist, the ones being stored in the basement for years until someone cleans out the home. These are high quality instruments that have many years left of life, and that offer you a chance of getting a higher quality instrument at a lower price. Whether you prefer new or used, or simply want to compare and learn the differences, a piano showroom is the perfect place to do it. 

We want you to be happy with your final purchase. Whether you have specifics in mind, or are still weighing your options, stop by our piano showroom today and find the perfect piano for your needs. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
28 December 2020 How Long Will My Piano Last?

How Long Will My Piano Last?

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Everything in your home has a lifespan, a certain number of years it will function and provide you with service. Dishwashers last up to ten years. Water heaters work eight to twelve years. But how long will a piano last? 

You often hear of a piano being passed down from one generation to the next. Can it really last years, decades at a time? 

The good news is if you’re thinking about bringing a piano into your life, the short answer is: yes. 

Of course, there are a number of factors that go into predicting the longevity of your piano. If you’re thinking of investing in a piano this year, and want it to be a part of your life for years to come, pay attention to these variables.

Quality

Let’s start with the most obvious. Quality matters. If you’ve done any research on pianos in the past, chances are you’ve come across certain brands and manufacturers that are at the top of the list. They’ve stood the test of time because they pay attention to quality. You would never expect a quickly made, lower quality piano to be able to last for 100 years. Yet many brand names are built with that idea in mind. Talk it over with one of our sales associates, and you’ll quickly learn the difference between the two, and what’s most important in your search for the right piano. 

Location

It doesn’t matter what quality of piano you purchase if you place it in the wrong environment. Think the best piano in the world could survive in a cold basement where moisture and humidity eat away at the finish day after day? A piano is made up of thousands of tiny parts that come together to create a playable instrument. A piano that is well maintained and exists in moderate conditions will last much longer than one that isn’t. 

Amount of use

A piano is designed to be played. However, it will wear down with higher than expected use. If you teach music and the piano is in constant use, it may need more maintenance than one inside a home.

Maintenance

One of the biggest factors in keeping your piano in good working condition is to provide regular maintenance throughout its life. Pianos require regular tuning to ensure the strings receive consistent pressure. If you move your piano, ensure it’s moved by professionals who understand how to move it carefully and avoid damaging the inner workings. Be sure your piano is placed in an area with proper climate control, with just the right amount of humidity to keep it working at its best. 

On average, you can expect a piano to last for 50 to 100 years. Of course, that depends on all the factors we’ve listed above. 

If you’re ready to bring music into your home, we can help you find the perfect piano. 

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
24 December 2020 What To Do After You Buy a New Piano

What To Do After You Buy a New Piano

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It usually starts with an inkling of wanting something new in your life. A new hobby is just what you need. You’ve always wanted to play the piano – why not put that at the top of this year’s goals?

So you start doing your research and find the perfect piano for your needs. No what?

How can you ensure you’ll use your new instrument long after the purchase? What should you do after you buy a new piano and bring it into your home?

Step one: Location

This may seem obvious, you might even have a place picked out. But we would like to offer a little advice before you make this new spot your piano’s home. 

Pianos are highly sensitive instruments. They can last a lifetime – generations even – if you take proper care of it. That means moving it away from drafts, vents, and registers. A piano can’t take the constant flow of heat and cold, changing rapidly during the day. Nor can it take direct sunlight streaming in. 

Step two: Start establishing your routine

When you first bring your piano home, you’re excited about the prospect of playing. But as life resumes, and you’re hit by all that life brings, you can put your goals to learn to play on hold. Establish your routine quickly to ensure you stick with it. 

That includes doing two things. First, establish a practice pattern. This doesn’t mean staying rigid with a 30 minute per day playing schedule. What it does mean is to establish a time each day when you can sit down and play and enjoy what you’re doing. Some days may be ten minutes, other days may be longer. It’s important to enjoy the process rather than feel like you’re stuck to a routine. 

Second, find ways to improve what you do. Take one on one lessons to perfect your playing. Take group lessons to learn from others. Sign up for online learning by playing games or using a software program. Be creative with this process to hold your attention throughout the year. 

Step three: Set goals

Like everything you do in life, you stay more focused on your goals if you have something to shoot for. 

Is there a favorite song you hope to play? Your teacher can help you stay on track to play it. 

Want to show off your talents at a holiday show? Set your intentions now and work towards preparing the right music. 

Playing the piano is something you can do at all ages, all abilities, and enjoy for a variety of reasons. When you establish your “why”, it gives you reasons to move forward with your practice each day. 

And that’s the best way to stay focused on the end result. 

It all starts when you buy a new piano. Will this be your year? 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano
18 December 2020 Going Piano Shopping? Keep These Tips In Mind

Going Piano Shopping? Keep These Tips In Mind

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You’ve decided to go piano shopping. You’re ready to bring music into your home. 

It’s important to take the right steps in the piano buying process to ensure you get a high quality instrument that will last for years to come. 

Your first step is to find a piano showroom that will provide you with an opportunity to learn all about the piano as an instrument. A knowledgeable sales associate can educate you on the differences between brands, sizes, and models. They’ll also be able to answer all of your questions as you move forward. 

Still, there are some things you should pay attention to as you narrow down your choices. 

Sound

Not all pianos sound the same. A piano will even sound different to individuals, depending on their preferences or tone. Some offer a rich tone. Others may be vibrant and lively. Some are built to sound beautiful in a large auditorium, while others will have a stronger voice in a smaller room in your home. By coming into a piano showroom, you’ll have the opportunity to hear a variety of pianos, and be able to pick the one that suits your tastes. 

Keys

While there are many parts on a piano that are considered crucial, arguably the keys would be at the top of the list. To be a great piano player, you learn by touching the keys. If you invest in an inexpensive electronic keyboard, for example, you’ll find they have cheap plastic keys that aren’t properly weighted. You’ll never be able to play by touch if you don’t learn with the proper tools. You should also pay attention to the way every key moves. Does a key stick? Is it cracked? Does it produce sound?

Warranty

A piano isn’t a static piece of furniture you place in a room and forget it’s there. With thousands of parts, there’s a lot that can go wrong. If you choose to work with a reputable dealer, you’ll have the added protection of having a warranty in place, that can protect you from any problems a piano may have encountered during the manufacturing process. Look for a dealer that stands behind their work. 

Play it first

This will be an instrument you bring into your home and play for many years to come. Don’t just look at the finish and admire the setup. Instead, take the time to sit down and play it. Without playing it, you won’t be able to feel it. Don’t be nervous about playing in front of people. You can always ask to sit down by yourself for a few moments to compare your final selections. A reputable dealer understands your desire to be happy with your purchase. They’ll give you time to make an informed decision, and help you be satisfied with your purchase. 

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
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