16 February 2017 Is A Spinet Piano Good Enough?  

Is A Spinet Piano Good Enough?  

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Head out to Craigslist, and you’ll find dozens of ads practically giving their pianos away. As you search through the ads, you may see one type appear again and again:

Spinet Piano … as good as new

Do you trust it? Should you move forward and look at it? Should you take it home?

A spinet piano is a very small upright piano, and can be distinguished by their height. Pianos 40” and below are spinets. Compare that with 41 – 44” consoles, or 45” and above as studio uprights. The very tallest – 48” or above – are often thought of as professional or upright grands.

A spinet is different than other pianos because of the way the action is built. The spinet action uses a pull-type drop action rather than the push-type used by other pianos. This makes the action too light and imprecise for students as they learn.Is A Spinet Piano Good Enough?  

A spinet is also has a smaller stature which makes it more difficult to play. Piano players have almost zero dynamic control, which means the effort put into playing it doesn’t result in the right sound or quality.

A young beginner needs a piano with a great sound in order to learn in-tune sound quality and develop ear training. They need a piano that has a good, consistent feel in order to develop proper playing strength and to ensure dynamic control from the moment they touch the keys. Proper feel is needed to improve playing techniques as they learn and grow.

Because spinet pianos are no longer made, the ones you will find on Craigslist or given to you by a family member or a friend are old, worn down, poor quality and inadequate in sound.

When you purchase or are given a spinet as a hand me down, it often sends the wrong message to children. The piano is nothing special, and only there as a temporary item.

A higher quality piano with great sound is more enjoyable to play, more consistent in the feel, and provides dynamic control that can instill a lifetime of enjoyment.

How could your child benefit from playing a high quality instrument?

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano Tagged With:
13 February 2017 What Is A Piano Gray Market?

What Is A Piano Gray Market?

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Have you ever heard the term gray market? In the piano industry, it can take on many different situations and circumstances.

Usually, to buy a “new” piano, you must purchase it from an “authorized” dealer. An authorized dealer is one authorized by the manufacturer to sell their brand in your area.

Technically, only an authorized dealer is allowed to sell their brand of piano, offering both warranty and factory support.What Is A Piano Gray Market?

A gray market piano can be new, almost new, or used. It’s a name brand instrument that is being sold in an authorized dealer’s area, but not by the authorized dealer. It may be the piano was not originally intended to be sold in your area, your market, or even in your country.

Piano manufacturers produce pianos in a variety of ways for a variety of reasons. They attempt to keep markets separate, wholeselling and retailing them in a variety of ways. For instance, the term gray market has been applied to a large number of used pianos (mostly Yamahas and Kawais) being bought up by wholesalers in Japan and shipped to the United States in freight. While there is little or no market for used Japanese pianos in Japan, there is a larger market for them her in the US. These pianos are often offered at substantial discounts over new pricing, yet there is a discussion over whether these pianos are built for US climate.

In addition, the Internet has caused a great deal of difficulty over territorial agreements. When you advertise online, you may reach into other territories and sell across boundaries. It’s easy to step across the boundaries and sell within another zone.

Gray market is not to be confused with black market. A black market is a piano that is illegally trafficked, and is against the law or government regulations. A black market piano may be one with ivory keys, which is against the law to sell in any state.

The best way to determine if you are fully covered for both warranty and factory parts is to talk with your dealer and ensure your piano meets all requirements. They will be able to provide you with guidance on the right selection for you.

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7 February 2017 All Children Are Musical

All Children Are Musical

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From the time we’re born, music is an important part of our lives. From birth, our parents rock us to sleep, hum or sing softly to us as we sleep. 

Then as we age, we become more attracted to the rhythm of the beat. If a small child hears a song, they can rock and sway to the beat, flex their legs and arms as if dancing. They can even start singing themselves, especially if mom or dad is clapping along. All Children Are Musical

We emphasize music right from the beginning because it’s important in our culture. We incorporate music into just about everything we do. We wake up to it. We sing in the shower. We use it during our happiest moments – a bride and grooming their first dance together. We use it to cheer us up when things go wrong. 

And that starts right from the beginning. All children are musical; it depends on how much they are pushed as to how far they will go. 

There are two ways we incorporate music into our lives – we think music, or we practice it. 

We all become great at thinking music as we age. Can you start singing a song from when you were growing up? From preschool on, we hear songs, and they become ingrained in our lives. They transport us back to prior time periods. They trigger memories almost instantly. 

Practicing means actively getting involved in the process. For some, that might mean dance. For others, it might mean developing your voice or picking up an instrument. 

For small children, it can be as simple as clapping their hands together, marching to a beat, or picking up a spoon and hitting it on a pan. They “feel” the rhythm, and the more they practice it, the better they become. 

This expressive behavior can be encouraged as they develop, and deepened through music lessons that give them more structure to the concepts of music. 

Would your child benefit from learning the piano?

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
3 February 2017 7 Reasons Music Is Good For Our Brains  

7 Reasons Music Is Good For Our Brains  

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Want to keep your brain healthy? Step away from the television. It’s even a good idea to turn the radio down. 

Researchers are still discovering all the ways music enriches our brains, but the impact is undeniable. We know now that music plays a big part in helping our brains stay healthy and connected. We’re developing therapies and enrichment classes around music because of the differences it makes in people’s lives. 7 Reasons Music Is Good For Our Brains  

It’s not just listening to it; it’s playing it. Taking an active role in making music. 

Playing the piano offers something for everybody. You can play whether you’re 5 or 95. It’s a form of enjoyment that lasts for life. Need a reason to bring the piano in your life right now?

Right Brain, Left Brain

Studies now show that when a person is involved in making music, the white matter between the brain’s two hemispheres increases. This means greater communication between the two sides, which can mean faster communication and a greater approach to problem-solving skills. 

2.Brain Function

More white matter also makes a person better at making decisions, processing and retaining information as you learn it. It can keep you on course when having to change based on mental demands. 

3. Speech Processing

Understanding the parts of music can also help you understand verbal communication on a stronger level. Both music and speech rely on the same neural pathways for processing, which means you may become sharper at language skills including reading. 

4. Memory

Making music helps increase your brain function, including the ability to remember. It allows you to store and use information for recall, which can translate to other activities and help improve your retention overall. 

5. Focus On Emotions

Tuning an instrument and learning how it works with other instruments can put you more in tune with subtle emotional cues of those around you. It can help fine tune your relationship skills. 

6. Increases Motor Skills

Playing an instrument requires stellar hand-eye-ear coordination. It can help musicians at all ages complete complicated tasks throughout life. 

7. Slows Brain Aging

Studies are showing that the more music you bring into your life, the more adaptable your brain is to the aging process. Speech improvements are made and stick with you for life. Even those who haven’t studied music for ten years or more still remembered more sensory information, including auditory, visual and tactile data. Studying music helps. 

What would learning to play the piano do for your life?

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Music, Piano Playing Tagged With:
27 January 2017 How To Find Room For A Piano

How To Find Room For A Piano

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The buzzword floating around many design sites these days is downsizing. Many people are no longer increasing the size of their homes; they are shrinking them and going smaller instead.

And that works well for a lot of the things we use every day. But a large piece of furniture you used to love can suddenly overwhelm the space you were going to put it in.

Yes, you may have to downsize the sofa and get rid of the sectional that used to grace your family room. But that’s not an option with your piano. Your piano isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s not something you want to tuck into the corner and forget.How To Find Room For A Piano

Luckily there are a variety of ways you can build your room around the piano, leaving it as the focal point of your room. It takes a pair of fresh eyes to find the new opportunities that always exist within the four walls of your room.

Vertical or grand? Depending on the type of piano you desire will control the amount of space it takes to display it. Obviously, a grand takes up more space. But even with a vertical piano, you want it to be on display, a place where you can both play and have an audience whenever you desire.

The key is in looking beyond the obvious. It doesn’t have to go in the family room to get the most out of the instrument. We’ve seen pianos placed all throughout the home. Just look for usable space that provides an attractive background for the piano.

How about in the entryway landing by the stairs? This area often has usable space that may be sitting empty. You can slide a vertical piano into the corner and use it as a welcoming presentation when you first enter your home.

Or how about in an empty corner reserved for books and knickknacks? Reading corners often have usable space. Try moving smaller chairs and tables and reassessing the space. Can you slide a baby grand into the space?

Or how about hiring a woodworker to build customized cabinets? Many homes can benefit from customized shelving units. Place your vertical piano into the space and create an elaborate centerpiece that grabs the attention.

If you are a piano lover, there are many ways to incorporate the instrument back into your space. Think openly about where you can nestle the piano into your favorite room. With a little change, you may be surprised at how easy it is.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
23 January 2017 Practice Sight Reading Piano Music

Practice Sight Reading Piano Music

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The definition of sight reading is:

To read or perform without previous preparation or study

In reality, we all sight read every day. Pick up a new book and read it for the first time. That’s sight reading. It’s easy for us because we understand the English language so well.Practice Sight Reading Piano Music

But what happens if you pick up a book in French (providing you’re not also fluent in French)? The concept of sight reading is a little trickier. But if you study French for a bit, you can pick out some words you know. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

The same happens with music.

If you’re not a musician, understanding music may seem like a foreign language. That’s because it is. You might not understand where the notes lie on the staff, or the difference between bass and treble clef. But if you study it for a while, it becomes easier.

Mastery comes with practice. You don’t stick with the easy things; you expand and add more difficult concepts to your skill set all the time.

You can do that easily by training online. If you want new material, update your training materials so they don’t become stale. Look for sites online that have graduated exercises so that you don’t become bored at too easy of a level.

You can do that by purchasing method books. There are many books designed specifically for sight reading. They each take you through the practice methodically where each exercise builds on the one before. As it builds, it adds something new each time.

You can change it up every day. What makes you a successful sight reader is keeping it fresh every day. Read and play the music once. Then move to another song. Don’t jump beyond your skill level, yet focus in on things that will make you grow.

Be sure to look at the music all the way through before you play it for the first time. Not things like key signature, changes in clefs, and the dynamics of the piece. Look for chords and determine where they are. Also note the trickiest part of the piece – a series of sixteenth notes, for instance – and determine the speed you’ll need to play at to accomplish it all.

Then play, from beginning to end. Don’t stop if you make a mistake. Just keep playing. You’ll get better and better at it each time you try.

Filed Under: Piano Music, Piano Playing Tagged With:
17 January 2017 Why Buy A Digital Piano?

Why Buy A Digital Piano?

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There are many arguments both for and against buying a digital piano. Every music teacher has their own preferences. But with the number of technological advancements made over the last few years, it may be time to give digital pianos another look.

The digital piano was first introduced around 1984 by Yamaha. It was designed to improve the traditional acoustic piano, bringing it up to our modern way of life. Yet in many ways it missed the mark. People complained that it didn’t sound like a real piano, nor did it have the right touch and feel. But that didn’t stop people from buying them.Why Buy A Digital Piano?

People bought digital pianos, and continue to do so today, because:

  • They come with a volume button, as well as an option to use headphones to ensure the player can practice whenever they choose without disturbing others in the room.
  • The digital piano is less expensive than their acoustic counterparts.
  • They are not affected by room temperature and environmental conditions in the home.
  • They have many features that allow you to be creative with the way you play, learn and practice.
  • They can record what you do at the touch of a button. They can record to USB stick which can quickly be turned into an MP3 audio file. This brings the art of making music to a different level.
  • Most models are smaller and lighter, so they take up less space and are easier to move around.
  • Most models include a variety of sounds and rhythms beyond just the classic sound of a piano.

Digital pianos make the art of learning to play more fun and less intimidating. Because you can learn in a variety of ways – online or through apps – you can choose to learn how best suits you. It’s no longer a scary process of being intimidated by old-school teachers. If you want to play, simply play anywhere you choose.

If a digital piano is on your wish list, stop by today and learn about all of your options.

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10 January 2017 Repair, Recondition, Rebuild – What’s Your Piano?

Repair, Recondition, Rebuild – What’s Your Piano?

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Looking to restore your piano? The words repair, recondition and rebuild are often used in conjunction with the process. While there is no precise definition of these jobs, some may contain elements of more than one. It’s therefore very important that you ask questions to determine the type of restoration work done on your piano or the one you are considering for purchase.Repair, Recondition, Rebuild – What’s Your Piano?

Repair usually refers to fixing broken parts, such as a broken hammer, an improperly working pedal, or a broken string. Repair may not involve upgrading the condition of the instrument, rather it fixes a specific part on the piano and brings it back into working condition.

Reconditioning involves upgrading the entire piano, but with as little replacement of parts as possible. To recondition an upright might include resurfacing the hammer felt, and twisting the strings to improve the tone. However, the term reconditioning can vary greatly between technicians. Some would consider partial replacement of hammers, strings or tuning pins to be reconditioning, while others would look at that as a partial rebuild.

Rebuilding is considered the most complete of all levels. Rebuilding means putting the piano back to “like new” condition. Restringing the piano, replacing the pinblock, as well as repairing or replacing the soundboard would all be a part of a rebuild. Replacing hammer heads, damper felts, and key bushings would also be a part of a rebuild. It could also include refinishing the wood casing.

There is crossover between the terms all the time. There is no substitute for requesting a detailed description of all work done on a piano before you except work performed.

If you are considering purchasing a rebuilt piano, the rebuilder’s experience should be one of the main deciding factors. Keep in mind that the skills required for rebuilding a soundboard may be different from those installing a new set of hammers. Mastering each skill associated with the internal workings of a piano can take years.

Many rebuilders rely on a variety of technicians to complete a job. They may contract out portions to different people that have special expertise. Collaboration is often the best way to recreate a piano’s original sound from the ground up. But make sure you know whom your are contracting work from and who will be responsible for correcting problems should they arise.

Filed Under: Piano Renovation Tagged With: , , ,
6 January 2017 What’s Your Piano Playing Role?

What’s Your Piano Playing Role?

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Every day, we assign ourselves different roles in what we do. We may label ourselves by who we are – accountant, doctor, lawyer – or a role we play – mother, sister, daughter. We also set ourselves up for failure by action words we’ve assigned ourselves over time. Ever been told (or considered yourself) a slow learner or a bad performer? Are you unmusical or someone who can’t sit still for normal practice routines?

What’s Your Piano Playing Role?We receive labels throughout our lives. They start in our own families from a very early age. They often are introduced to new areas before we ever begin. If you tell a piano teacher before the first class that your child is highly disorganized and a slow learner, the labeling has already begun. And in most cases, these labels are self-fulfilling at best.

It takes practice to release ourselves from labeling. It takes changing things up and looking at everything you do in a slightly different manner. Here are some strategies you can use:

Paint a new picture
Put a child in an environment where they can thrive and build confidence along the way. If they aren’t good at performing in public, ease into it slowly. Allow them to play duets to have a friendly set of hands alongside them. Create a low pressure situation – one with family only.

Let them see their abilities differently
Change up how you approach new things. If someone is classified as a slow learner, introduce things in more chunkable ways. Instead of introducing new pieces, give sections to learn instead. This way a child can accomplish things at a much quicker pace, and develop more confidence early on.

Model behavior
Children often become bored with certain aspects of playing. Acknowledge it, but also demonstrate and show them how experience can pay off. Show them how slowing practice sessions can help them achieve greater proficiency, making it more enjoyable to play when their focus is on the details.

Accumulate special moments
Students will achieve different results over time. In some cases, it’s easy to forget all you achieve. Build up processes and help students see all they have achieved. It can help motivate them to put in more effort on more difficult tasks, knowing the results are more than possible.

Have you categorized the way you play? Have you labeled your child or your student in specific ways? How can you change them at your next practice session?

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30 December 2016 What Piano Teaching Method Is The Best?

What Piano Teaching Method Is The Best?

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Heading online today can give you a world of information at your fingertips. It can also leave you confused.

If you’ve been searching for a piano teacher, you might have noticed some teachers listing their preferred methods of teaching. But what does it mean? And is one better than the other?What Piano Teaching Method Is The Best?

Over the history of piano playing, piano pedagogy has changed dramatically over time. During the earliest periods, only wealthy families could afford keyboard instruments and instruction from a neighbor or teacher. Students were often taught to curl their fingers like holding a small ball. Now we know it’s more important to teach with fingers curved naturally, softly rounded.

Other aspects have changed and developed as well. The following methods are some of the most common teaching methods you’ll find as you search for the right instructor.

Suzuki Method
The late Japanese violinist Shin’ichi Suzuki created the Suzuki method, which is one of the most popular methods, especially with small children. Suzuki believed that everyone could learn music in similar fashion to how we learn language. It’s all about learning from your environment. If the pedagogical steps are small enough and instruments are scaled down to a child’s size, through positive and encouraging environment, a child would naturally perform at very high levels. Primary criticism is that Suzuki focuses on memorization and group playing, with poor sight reading ability overall. Many believe Suzuki is good during early curriculum with developing other styles as you move forward.

Bastien Piano Basics
The Bastien Piano Basics is made up of five levels of learning – primer through a more challenging level four. They are filled with colorful illustrations and fun themes. Each level is correlated with theory and technique built into the same lesson. Critics say that emphasis through this method focuses on position playing which results in students lacking sight reading skills. Learners often focus in on music that adheres to the position of the piece as opposed to more challenging music.

The Music Tree
Frances Clark and Louise Goss created the Music Tree which emphasizes sight reading, rhythm, theory and interrupted reading. This means a higher recognition of distances between notes, helping prepare students for more real world music playing capabilities. It also helps students read music faster, which can help them develop higher musicality skills overall.

While these are just a few of the many different teaching methods out there today, it’s important to remember that teaching is fluid. As a player learns, it’s important to adjust to ensure a rich education overall.

What piano playing method do you prefer?

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With:
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