10 May 2018 Choosing A Piano Like A Pro

Choosing A Piano Like A Pro

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How do professional piano players select a new piano? They look for a variety of things. 

Acoustic or Digital

Pros know exactly what they want. And in many cases, they select both acoustic and digital depending on their needs. Acoustic pianos are more traditional, operating with metal strings and hammers that hit the strings each time a note is played. Digital pianos offer modern technology that makes it easy to record and play from anywhere in the world. 

Sound Production

Choosing A Piano Like A ProPros know the most important part of a piano is the sound produced. And every piano – even pianos made by the same manufacturer – will have a different sound. It’s important to play every note and hear every sound before making your final selection. 

Key Texture

Playing the piano is a personal experience. You have to connect with each key to be able to play. How do they feel? How do you connect? Do they stick? Do they feel off base? If it lacks the right cushion, you might hurt the joints in your fingers as you play. 

The Final Location

Even the same piano will sound different in different spaces. A grand piano will sound different in a concert hall as compared to a closed off room. Selecting the right piano often means selecting the right piano for the room. 

Warranty

It’s important to select a piano from a reputable dealer. A warranty gives you the guarantee that your piano will operate at it’s best quality for a select amount of time. 

The Brand

For some pros, brand is everything. But most pros also know that there are many reputable piano manufacturers out there, and selecting the right one often means looking at reputation. You want a company that has stood the test of time and offers quality in everything it produces. 

The Extras

This is where decision time can be fun. A pro knows the extras are what sets different pianos apart. The pros know that when they want something specific, they focus in on getting the best they can. 

What’s your specifics? What are you looking for in a piano? Come in with your questions, and we’ll help you find the right piano for your needs. 

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7 May 2018 7 Advantages To Learning Piano As An Adult

7 Advantages To Learning Piano As An Adult

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While there are many things children can pick up quicker than adults, playing the piano isn’t one of them. Sure, some kids seem to be able to carry a tune easily. Their nimble fingers can quickly run across the keyboard. 

But as an adult, you already have musicality. You’ve had years of taking in composition, and deep down inside, that helps when you place your fingers on the keyboard for the first. Time. 

Advantage 1: You’re committed

7 Advantages To Learning Piano As An AdultKids usually start playing piano at their parents’ request. As an adult, you make the decision yourself. You have an interest. You seek out music education. That gives you an added advantage of having the desire to see it through. 

Advantage 2: You’re ready to pursue piano

As an adult, you’ve already learned how to place priorities in your life. If you want to spend time at the piano, you’ve already let go of other activities to make the necessary time available for lessons and practice. 

Advantage 3: You know what music you like

What type of music do you like? Have you always dreamed of playing like the band you grew up with? Or is your desire to play the classics? The good news is there’s piano music for that, and your teacher can quickly help you move towards what you want to play. 

Advantage 4: You’re focused

Kids get bored. They give up on a lot because there’s always something else to capture their attention. You know what you want and can stay more focused on the end result. 

Advantage 5: You’re open minded

Sure, you’ve always wanted to play songs from your favorite band. But you’re also open to new opportunities. Why not try jazz? Or play a tune from Bach or Beethoven? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy playing something new. Especially when you know it will increase your talent. 

Advantage 6: You clear distractions better

How do you operate best? Do you need a quiet room? Can you schedule in time for yourself? You know what works for you. And you can ensure you create quality time for you and playing. 

Advantage 7: You’re more patient

Kids like instant results. As an adult, you realize perfection takes time. Instead, you can focus on progress. You can see improvement along the way. You can also understand timing and how long it takes to reach new plateaus. 

Are you ready to take up piano as an adult?

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3 May 2018 How Much Time Does It Take To Learn Piano?

How Much Time Does It Take To Learn Piano?

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How long does it take to learn to play the piano? It’s a question we hear all the time. Maybe you have a certain song in mind you’d like to play. Or maybe you want to play in a band and want to know how long that will take. 

How long does it take to learn to play the piano? It depends. 

The real question is: How well do you want to be able to play?

How Much Time Does It Take To Learn Piano?Even a person with no prior experience can tap out a tune on their first try. Sit down with an experienced piano player and they can help you learn simple songs without prior training. 

However, if you want to become a world-class classical pianist, it will take years of training before you can ever expect to sit on a stage. 

For most, their goals fall somewhere in between. Whatever level you are hoping to accomplish depends on how much practice you put in to reach your goal. It can also depend on the teacher you select and how hard they push you. Your motivation and drive will also impact your final outcome. 

In general, many of today’s popular piano study programs are organized into levels or grades. When you master one level, you move to the next. And that can happen as quickly and easily as the time you put into it. For a child who puts in average study, they may move between levels after a year of study. For an adult who is looking for quick action, they may move in months. 

It’s not just a question of what songs you’ll play. It also is a matter of increasing skill and technique. Your fingers have to learn to stretch and handle a variety of chords. You learn independence between your hands and your feet. You learn performance skills, working with speed, and developing your own expression. 

Above all, you should never get discouraged with your progress. Piano is a journey, not a destination. If you enjoy what you do, then the outcome is always at your personal best. 

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30 April 2018 Purchasing The Right Piano Bench For You  

Purchasing The Right Piano Bench For You  

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When you start playing the piano for the first time, lessons are important. A good instructor will help you understand all aspects of making music, from learning the notes to discovering rhythms. 

But as you continue, you’ll quickly discover something else that is equally as important: piano posture and ergonomics. 

If you practice 30 to 60 minutes per day, you may not feel the effects of sitting incorrectly … right away. But as you progress, especially if your goal is to become very good at the piano, sitting incorrectly can impact everything from the way you feel to the way you play. Purchasing The Right Piano Bench For You  

It’s common for professionals to play 5 hours or more a day. 

And once injuries and bad habits set in, it can be difficult to correct the problem down the road. 

This is where comfortable, height-adjustable piano benches help. 

In general, you will find piano benches come in three levels:

1. Adjustable and foldable – they are inexpensive and allow you to set up and play comfortably anywhere you choose.

2. Portable but sturdier – these are often used with professional arranger or on stage. 

3. Static – benches designed for in home use, to be kept with the piano. These are your bulkiest, yet most elegant piano benches on the market. 

And in most cases, you’ll find the most popular styles to be:

  • Adjustable piano bench
  • Duet or double piano bench
  • Bench with storage
  • Piano stool
  • Keyboard throne

When evaluating any piano bench, be sure to evaluate the quality of the seat and the build of the overall product. Height and structure are important depending on the player. For younger students, be sure to get adjustable height for when they grow. 

They are available in many colors and styles. You can find them made from fabric to leather and everything in between. You can find them with storage options and without. 

Ultimately, it depends on your personality and your needs. 

What do you prefer in a piano bench?

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25 April 2018 Playing Piano and Brain Function

Playing Piano and Brain Function

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Music has a kind of magic to it. Even if you hear a song you haven’t heard in years, you can tap your toes to the beat and sing along as if you learned it yesterday. We carry music in our hearts for our whole lives. 

Music also has the power to tap directly into our imaginations. We’re just learning how music can directly impact us to make us smarter, healthier, even happier. And while hearing music can do all this and more, new evidence is also suggesting that learning to play an instrument can increase your cognitive function. That could help with everything from increasing your planning skills to helping reduce anxiety. Playing Piano and Brain Function

What can it do for you?

Piano Players Are Multitaskers

Learning to play the piano puts your brain into overdrive. Many different levels of brain power are needed to sight read the music, put both hands into action with different movements, follow pitch, form chords, maintain posture, control your breath, and tap your toes to operate the pedals. Think of this as a workout for your brain!

Piano Players Build Brain Power

The mental demands of playing are so significant, a piano player’s brain is structured differently than a person’s who doesn’t play. Piano playing strengthens the bridge between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, making the frontal lobe connections more efficient. That boosts problem-solving, language, and decision-making skills. 

Piano Players Are More Likely To Think Outside The Box

If you look at one of the top qualities employers look for in an employee, it’s the ability to think outside the box. Piano players are innately proficient at creative thinking, and are more likely to be able to come up with new solutions to open-ended questions. Piano players literally think about complex problems differently, so they come up with more creative solutions. 

Think this only happens when you’re young? Think again. Studies have shown that learning to play the piano can help with cognitive abilities no matter what age you pick up the practice. 

If you’re interested in learning to play the piano, we can help you with your first step. 

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21 April 2018 Is Piano Hard To Learn?

Is Piano Hard To Learn?

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Are you ready to learn a new talent? Playing the piano is a skill that can last a lifetime. 

But how difficult is it? Is it hard to learn the piano? 

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Sitting down for the first time can have you tinkering out a tune. But to master piano as an art form can take a lifetime to perfect. 

Along the way, you’ll encounter many things that make the process difficult. If you avoid them, it makes your practice sessions easier. Is Piano Hard To Learn?

Learn With A Teacher

It’s always easier to learn the piano with expert guidance. If you’re not ready for private lessons, try group classes instead. Classes are perfect for beginners as they’re easy to take from home in your free time. You can find many different opportunities online – learn anywhere, any time. 

Then as you progress, a private teacher can help you:

  • Establish good habits
  • Provide proper teaching materials
  • Help you make stylistic corrections
  • Holds you accountable

Practice, Practice, Practice

There’s a saying you’ve probably heard: practice makes perfect. We actually think the saying should be: perfect practice makes perfect. Just sitting down and pounding out a tune three times every day won’t make you a better piano player. But if you sit down and enjoy what you do, you’ll see improvement all the time. 

As a general rule, strive for at least 30 minutes of practice per day. You have to put in the time if you want to see improvement week to week. 

Have The Right Expectations

Keep your expectations in check. If you start piano lessons with visions of performing Rachmaninoff tomorrow, you’ll be greatly disappointed. It’s important that you get the basics down to have strong building blocks for playing in the future. If you jump into pieces that are above your skill level to early, you’ll get frustrated and have a stronger urge to quit. 

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18 April 2018 Good Used Pianos Near Me and Other Fallacies

Good Used Pianos Near Me and Other Fallacies

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I saw an ad online the other day. It started out with: Wanted, good, used piano.

And I’m willing to bet she didn’t have any trouble finding one. Many people are trying to sell or give away old pianos that have been tucked away into the corners of their homes for years. 

Therein lies the problem. 

When you find someone willing to give away a piano or sell it to you very cheap, chances are it’s not a piano that’s been well taken care of. There are a lot of pianos out there that are in very poor condition.  Good Used Pianos Near Me and Other Fallacies

The problem is most people looking for pianos don’t have the knowledge or experience to understand the differences. Until it’s too late and you have one in poor working condition in your home. 

To find a solid piano, consider this:

Stay Away From Overused

When someone advertises a “great deal” or is willing to give it away if you pick it up, it’s a sign to stay away. These are the overused and neglected pianos. They are usually old uprights that are decades old and have very little life left in them without a major renovation. 

Set A Budget

Yes, to get a quality instrument that will allow you to create beautiful music, you’ll have to spend money. You’ll have two options: to lease or to buy. Leasing from a reputable dealer means you can try before you buy. It gives you a chance to get a higher quality instrument without investing in a piano until you’re ready to finalize your plans. 

Where To Buy

When purchasing a high-quality piano, you have two choices: from an individual or from a reputable dealer. With an individual, you get what you see. Depending on their business model, they have a low inventory and will only be able to sell you what they have in stock. With a dealer, it’s important to trust them to help you make a wise choice based on your needs. Find someone who has your best interest at heart. 

Consider The Future

For many new players, as they mature and grow in experience, they have the desire to upgrade to a better piano. If you buy today, will you be able to trade up to a new piano later? Will the piano be worth anything in five years? Ten? 

A reputable piano dealer can answer all of these questions and more. Are you ready to purchase a used piano today?

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11 April 2018 A Jar Of Water And Other Piano Myths

A Jar Of Water And Other Piano Myths

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As a piano technician, you see it all. People do all kinds of things to their pianos in hopes that they will sound better, play better, and last longer. 

One piano myth continues to come to light in homes that have had a piano stored in a room or a garage for years, and bring it out to give to a friend or sell for a little extra money. They bring it out, dust it off, maybe even have a piano technician do a few simple repairs. When they open it up and take a look inside, they will find a long-forgotten dusty jar of water at the bottom of the piano. 

A Jar Of Water And Other Piano Myths

If you ask you grandmother about it, she’ll tell you that jar is there for a reason. She knew that low humidity is bad for a piano. A piano needs a certain level of humidity in order to keep parts in good working condition and to continue playing at its best throughout the years. 

Once upon a time, houses weren’t conditioned in the manner we are accustomed to today. Homes weren’t properly insulated. Drafts and weather could easily get inside the home and impact the condition of the piano. 

But a lot has changed over the years. It’s the overall environment that matters most. And a jar of water placed inside isn’t going to impact the condition of your piano. A jar of water puts your piano at risk of mildew by spending their life in too damp of an environment. 

The best way to control the ambient conditions is through efficient control over your heating and cooling system. And by keeping the piano in a place where it isn’t at risk of facing certain environmental elements, such as breezes from an open window, vents where air conditioning can have a direct impact, or direct sunlight. 

If a very old piano has been kept in hot, dry environments, it’s quite possible the piano is beyond repair in the first place. 

This is why you should take special care when accepting a “good deal” online when searching for a piano. Or trying to rescue a piano from “a friend” who has stored it for years in a basement or in storage. 

If you don’t know the conditions behind how it was stored, it’s probably not the best piano to have in your home to learn to play. 

A jar of water to help your piano stay in top shape? We think not. There are better ways to ensure the piano you are playing creates quality sound now and well into the future. 

 

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7 April 2018 Buying A Piano For The First Time

Buying A Piano For The First Time

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Learning a new instrument is difficult for everyone. Piano is no different. 

To excel, it’s important to keep an open mind. Not only about the processes you’ll be learning, but also about the struggles you’ll have to overcome. When you feel like giving up, that’s when it’s important to persevere. 

That’s natural with all learning. The first part may seem easy enough. But eventually you hit a wall, and you feel like the piano might not be for you. Take heart. Piano is a lifelong skill you’ll love. 

But one of the things that can hold you back (that few people consider) is the quality of your instrument. If it doesn’t sound right, you’ll never be able to create beautiful sound. And that can hold you back Buying A Piano For The First Timeindefinitely.

If you’re buying a piano for the first time, where do you start?

For a beginner, buying your first piano is a tough process. Pianos aren’t disposable. And if you make a mistake, it might be one you have to live with for a long time. 

That’s why you should consider your piano purchase a lifelong investment from the start. Don’t grab one just because it looks like a “good deal.” If it doesn’t sound right, you won’t play it. 

What is your vision of your pianist skills? Do you want to play for relaxation? Or do you see yourself playing in front of an audience someday? Are you planning on teaching piano? Or is it more of a hobby you’ll do on the side? 

Different pianos accommodate different needs. 

An acoustic piano is typically the best for sound and performance. It’s the kind you’ll see and hear whenever the great pianists of the world are involved. 

There are two types: upright and grand. The difference lies in its frame and strings. Grands have horizontal strings extended to the keyboard. Uprights use a vertical frame that makes it more compact and less expensive. There’s a reason you see grand pianos used in performances. The sound is parallel to none. 

Thanks to technology, you can also invest in a digital piano. Digital pianos are the most versatile pianos around. But don’t buy an inexpensive one from the local big box store. It’s important to purchase a high-quality digital piano that fully mimics the functionality of an acoustic. Otherwise, the skills will be non-transferable and you won’t be able to play as well as you’ve hoped. 

Are you ready to buy a piano for the first time? Stop by today. We can help you make the right selection for your needs. 

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4 April 2018 What Piano Should I Buy?

What Piano Should I Buy?

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If you’ve never been around pianos before, it may be difficult to know where to start when you decide it’s time to buy one for your home. Do a little research and you’ll discover there are many options to consider.

Should I buy new or used?

What’s the difference between digital and acoustic?

Upright and grand?

Do brands matter?

What about the piano I saw on Craigslist? What Piano Should I Buy?

Can I buy a good piano from an individual?

We’ve answered each of these in depths here on our blog over the years. But if you’re at the point where you need to make a decision and you simply aren’t sure what to do, read on. We’ll tackle each of these questions in a short, concise manner and point you to where you can learn more if you desire. 

New or Used

There isn’t a right or wrong choice here. Instead of focusing on new or used, focus on quality. It’s important that you select a piano that meets your needs and provides you with the requirements you need to bring the piano into your home and use it on a regular basis. 

Why You Should Buy A Used Piano From A Music Store

Digital or Acoustic

Acoustic pianos are traditional instruments. Thanks to technology, digital is also an option. With digital pianos, they record sound from an acoustic piano and use that to build sound as you touch the keys. With digital, quality matters. Without the right sound, the piano may sound more like a toy than an instrument. 

10 Tips For Buying An Acoustic Piano

Upright or Grand

Upright pianos take up less space than their grand counterparts. You can slide an upright against a wall, or fit it into a corner make full use of your room. Grand pianos command attention and are often placed as the focal point of a room. Which is best? Only you can decide. 

Should You Buy A Digital Grand Piano?

Does Brand Matter?

Baldwin or Bosendorfer? Schimmel or Steinway? Do a quick search and you’ll find a long list of potential piano companies to do business with. As a beginner, the important part is to find a high quality instrument that feels good to the touch and sounds good to the ear. 

What Makes Piano Brands Different?

Buying On Craigslist

When you purchase a piano from an individual, you have one shot to get it right. What looks good in person may not sound right once you get it home. Was the instrument well cared for? Has it had regular maintenance throughout its life? The details matter. 

Common Mistakes About Buying A Piano On Craigslist

Are you ready to buy a piano for your home? Stop by today and let us help you learn the differences that exist in today’s piano supply. You’ll walk away with an education … and possibly a piano that perfectly meets your needs. 

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