26 December 2015 What Makes The Piano Different?

What Makes The Piano Different?

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In the world of musical instruments, there are four main groups: woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion.What Makes The Piano Different?

Woodwinds – woodwind instruments produce a sound by blowing into a mouthpiece, some with a reed attached to make sound. Think recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon.

Brass – brass instruments are played by buzzing the lips into the mouthpiece. Think trumpet, trombone, tuba and baritone.

String – string instruments are played by using a blow or by plucking the strings with your fingers. Think violin, cello, bass, guitar and harp.

Percussion – percussion instruments are struck with sticks or mallets. In some cases they can also be pitched and play different notes or sounds. Think drums, cymbals, chimes, xylophone, and piano.

To produce music, melody, harmony and rhythm must come together in sound and style.

Melody results from playing notes in different pitches, often with a distinguishable and sing-a-long tune.

Harmony comes from the relationship between different notes played at the same time as the harmony. It compliments the tune.

Rhythm is the beat or the pulse of the music.

What makes the piano different is it has the capability of producing all three. It is the only instrument to use both hands to produce music. While other instruments may be held by both hands, using fingers on both hands to connect and produce one note, a piano can produce notes with either hand.

Ask a musician and most will agree that while piano may be one of the easiest instruments to begin to play, it’s one of the most difficult to master over a lifetime. There is always a new challenge, something else to learn, something else to master.

No matter what level of musician you are, the piano offers something for everyone.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano, Piano Playing
22 December 2015 Tips For Buying A Piano In A Store

Tips For Buying A Piano In A Store

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Challenging yourself to learn to play the piano this year? Then you’ll have to start at the beginning and buy a piano.Tips For Buying A Piano In A Store

If you have the space, choosing an acoustic piano will provide you with the best learning approach. Whether upright or grand, an acoustic piano will never limit what you can play, and will provide you with an instrument you will never outgrow.

Yet deciding to purchase a piano is only your first step. Where do you begin? How do you find the right piano for you? Instead of relying on a “friend of a friend” or purchasing one from an online ad, your best course of action is to buy a piano in a store. Here’s what to look for while you shop.

Testability
No two pianos are ever the same. They play different. They create different sounds. They function in different ways. The only way to hear the sound and feel the piano in action is to sit down and play.

Focus On The Keys
All pianos feel a little different to play. Press down on all the keys, from the bottom up. Some will be heavier than others. Some will have a different feel. Compare a few to understand the difference. And don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson to help you with the difference. After selling many pianos, they understand the right questions to ask to lead you to your perfect choice.

New versus Used
Even when you buy a piano in a store, you’ll have the option of purchasing new or used. By shopping at a reputable music store, you can be assured that used pianos are of the highest quality and will provide you with quality sound. In some cases, buy purchasing used, you can select a higher quality piano that will give you years of enjoyment. Pianos are handed down from generation to generation for a reason.

What Brand Is It?
Just like other consumables you purchase, brand names can help you make the right selection. There is a difference between a Chevy and a Mercedes. And there is a difference between a Yamaha and a Steinway. Talk with your salesperson about branding, what quality will provide you with the results you are looking for. Yes, there is a difference. But you don’t have to shop high end to receive high end results.

In the end, your piano is designed to provide you with the ability to make beautiful music from the moment you bring it into your home. Don’t hesitate to ask those around you for their opinions. When you make your final selection, you’ll be happy with the results.

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19 December 2015 Age Specific Benefits Of Playing The Piano

Age Specific Benefits Of Playing The Piano

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Who do parents incorporate music training into their child’s life at an early age? If you’ve done any amount of research, you know that music brings a wide variety of benefits at every age. Playing the piano can do everything from helping you in school, to taking stress away as you age. It’s the perfect gift to give everyone no matter what your age.Age Specific Benefits Of Playing The Piano

But what are the specific benefits of playing the piano?

Newborns to 5 years old
While a child at this young age cannot pick up the nuances of piano playing, they can be introduced to music participation. The earlier they engage in active musical participation, the more benefits they have in enriching the brain’s development. Kids with a love of music transition into the academic world at a younger age, show more advanced language development, and also show increased opportunities in math and science skills. They develop ear training skills, with enables them to have a lifelong ability to match pitch.

5 to 8 year olds
This is the perfect age to introduce piano playing skills into their lives. By engaging in regular piano playing practice, all regions of their brains and engaged. This is the formative years, which allows enhanced academic performance and heightened hand-eye coordination to develop. This will continue to help in a variety of ways as a child ages, including better skills in sports, computers, chess, even engineering skills.

8 years to adult
By playing the piano consistently as they age, a child will learn to create orderly storage and retrieval methods of information. This helps them develop stronger functions in intellectual development, both socially and academically.

Adults and Seniors
By continuing to play the piano throughout your life, studies have found increased human growth hormones staying within the body, which can help delay the aging process. The presence of HGH can decelerate Alzheimer’s symptoms, slow down memory loss, even reduce the development of wrinkles over time.

Special Needs
At every age, piano playing can bring a variety of things to life. Piano lessons can unlock verbal communication in previously non-verbal children. It can improve the quality of life in seniors facing dementia.

Ready to make piano playing a part of your life?

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16 December 2015 Understanding Keyboard Terminology

Understanding Keyboard Terminology

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New to the world of electronic keyboards? Manuals and guides use all sorts of abbreviations and terms you might not be familiar with. Here are some of the more common abbreviations and terms you may encounter.Understanding Keyboard Terminology

Action – the mechanical design of the keys. This is used when describing the touch or feel of the keyboard.

Aftertouch – the ability to control the volume or other effect on the keyboard by applying pressure to the keys once they are played.

Amplifiers – the power available to the speakers, which will determine the overall volume of sound.

Arpeggiator – a function that generates repeated note patterns from a held note or chord.

Assignable controller – a wheel, knob or slider that allows you to specify the parameter it controls.

Cutoff – the frequency point at which a synthesizer’s filter begins to pass or block an audio signal.

Damper pedal – a pedal that, when pressed, keeps a note sustaining until it is released.

Drawbar – a slider that controls the level of specific overtones within the sound being produced.

Effects – the enhancement of a sound, such as reverb, chorus, delay, and so on.

Filter – a function that alters the tone or timbre of a sound by removing or emphasizing specific frequencies.

Fine tuning – the ability to change the pitch of a sound by small amounts. Used when a sound is only slightly out of tune.

Glide – the smooth sliding of pitch between notes.

Half pedal – the ability to press a damper pedal with graduated or varying depth and response.

Layer – the ability to play different sounds at the same time from the same keys.

MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is the protocol that allows musical instruments, computer software, and other digital devices to communicate.

Modulation – the ability to modify a parameter via a control source.

Multitimbral – an instrument that can play multiple sounds at the same time.

Oscillator – a synthesizer’s sound source.

Pan – a sound’s position from left or right in the stereo field.

Polyphony – the maximum number of voices that can be sounded simultaneously.

Recording channels – the number of tracks that can be recorded.

Rhythms – drumbeats and grooves that are built into the keyboard.

Sampling – the ability for the keyboard to capture any sound recorded via an internal or external microphone or file loaded through a USB port. The sound then becomes playable on the keyboard.

Sequencer – hardware or software used to record, edit and play back MIDI performance data.

Split – a function that allows you to divide the keyboard range into different sections and assign a different sound to each one.

Sustain – the level at which the note remains until you let go of the key.

Timbre – a sound’s tonal quality that differentiates it from those with similar pitch and volume.

Transpose – the ability for the keyboard to be transposed into any other key.

Tuning – the function that changes the pitch of the keyboard.

Velocity – the force with which you play the notes on the keyboard.

Vibrato – the wavering up and down in pitch.

Weighted action – the key mechanism designed with mass or heavy resistance to mimic the touch of an acoustic piano.

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15 December 2015 Buying A Keyboard: What You Should Know

Buying A Keyboard: What You Should Know

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What’s on your child’s wishlist this year? If they love music, if they love playing with technology, a new keyboard may be at the top of their lists.Buying A Keyboard: What You Should Know

When purchasing an acoustic piano, it’s wise to look at both the new and the used market because of the many benefits. Because an acoustic piano can last for decades if well maintained, it can be transferred from generation to generation for years of enjoyment.

With a keyboard, that isn’t so. Keyboards manufacturers in general release new models about every two years. And because technology changes so rapidly, in just a few years, a keyboard can be such old technology that it no longer works with current software and design.

Which means if a keyboard is in your future, it may be best to think for the short term, and upgrade every few years as your child’s music knowledge increases.

When considering a keyboard, there are a few basic criteria that every keyboard should have:

  • 5 octave keyboard minimum (61 keys)
    Full size keys (they should match an acoustic piano’s keys)
    Touch sensitive keys
    A full range of sounds and rhythms

The more advanced your child’s skills are, the more features you can invest in.

In some ways it is better to purchase keyboards that match your child’s abilities. As they grow and change, they will have a better understanding of what is possible and what they want to do. That makes shopping for the next keyboard that much easier, because you’ll have specific features to shop for.

When looking at new models, don’t worry as much about how new the technology is, or when the newest models will be released. If it’s the right price and has the right features for your child’s needs, it will be a reliable addition to your family and provide many years of enjoyment.

In addition to purchasing the keyboard, there are a could of accessories that can add to the experience. Headphones are a welcome addition to give your child the ability to play at any time, without interrupting other family members around them. Most types of headphones will work with your keyboard, and come with the standard 6.35mm stereo jack.

A keyboard stand from the same manufacturer as your keyboard can also be welcome purchase. By purchasing a stand from the same manufacturer, you will ensure that screws and holes align, and the keyboard remains stable and in place no matter how much playing it receives.

Have additional questions? Need help purchasing the perfect keyboard for your child? Stop by today.

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9 December 2015 How To Choose A Piano From So Many Brands

How To Choose A Piano From So Many Brands

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Pramberger. Samick. Remington. Baldwin. Kimball. Steinway.

With so many pianos to choose from, how do you know if you are selecting the right brand?How To Choose A Piano From So Many Brands

Yes, searching through the Internet will lead you to the fact that there are a lot of choices when it comes to piano brands. Over the years, there have been thousands of piano companies making pianos. Even today you’ll find dozens as you make your way from store to store.

But what makes one better than the other? Should you consider purchasing a specific brand to gain a better quality sound, or to hold it’s retail value longer? Choosing a piano should be a personal decision, not one based solely on brand. Here’s why.

For the most part, people buy a piano for it’s playability. They choose to buy a piano to have their children take piano lessons and learn the art of music. Or they choose to learn to play the piano themselves, using it as a way to de-stress and play music for lifelong enjoyment.

Which means that any instrument that creates music and will hold up to the way you play has value.

Old or new, a piano is a musical instrument. And as long as it’s been well maintained, the brand is secondary when choosing a piano. If you’re happy, if you play, you’ve found the right musical instrument for you.

So what is the difference?

In almost anything you purchase, you know and understand the differences are based on the quality of the company.

Think Walmart versus Nordstom. The two instantly bring to mind two different types of businesses, two different types of services.

Or GM versus Mercedes. Again, you think of two different qualities of car. Both do the job of transporting you from one place to another, they just do so in entirely different ways.

The same holds true with pianos. Some brands were created simply as a way to get a basic piano into the marketplace. Others were developed to provide you with exquisite sound.

Can you hear the difference? There is a reason you’ll find Steinway’s in the best performance houses in the world.

But don’t let piano brands intimidate you. There are many quality pianos on the market today that will create years of lasting enjoyment. Stop by today and let us help you select the right piano brand for you.

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6 December 2015 Does Piano Learning Software Really Work?

Does Piano Learning Software Really Work?

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Technology. Think of all that’s changed in just the past few years. We get news and information, search for products and services, even communicate with family and friends in ways none of us would have imagined even a few short years ago.Does Piano Learning Software Really Work?

Because technology has impacted every aspect of our lives, it’s no wonder it’s impacted our entertainment as well. It’s never been easier to learn to play the piano, and to take playing to whatever level you choose. Want to play for your own enjoyment? Not a problem. Want it as a career? Anything’s possible. Just look at how many musicians have been “found” with a simple search on YouTube.

Sharing your talents online is just one of the many ways technology has entered the musical world. It’s also being shifted by the way we learn.

No longer does the concept of piano lessons mean sitting in a room next to an instructor, hands on the keyboard, learning to play through one-on-one guidance. Instead, many of today’s piano players are learning to play through piano learning software. There are many options available, each with their own pros and cons.

However, keep in mind that like anything, some things work, and some not as well. Can you really learn to play the piano with software? Can software replace a teacher’s expertise?

Start With The Basics
When someone has a desire to learn to play the piano, they have the first requirement down. You can never “make” someone do something if the desire isn’t there. Software won’t do it. A teacher won’t do it.

Once the desire is there, a person is more likely to have focus, enthusiasm, persistence and patience to work at becoming better at the task at hand. Many of today’s piano learning programs incorporate a host of concepts into their packages, to give you a wide variety of things to learn. Some offer game methodology to keep you consistently active in the process. They teach different methods for all the different learn-to-play methods: rhythm, ear training, notation, and keyboard skills. They also incorporate lessons that teach all the basic elements of playing the piano: notes, chords, scales, and inversions.

They also know what keeps people motivated, allowing you to integrate with other online connections. How about sharing your progress on Facebook or Twitter? Or learning with video tutorials that incorporate music you want to hear – learning from top artists like Beyonce or Taylor Swift can’t be all bad, right?

Integrate Different Approaches
While software and online piano learning tools may work well alone, they can be even more effective when combined with a qualified piano teacher. As with all programs, they are only effective if you put them into practice and keep up with a regular routine. A piano teacher can give you the added boost of being held accountable for your practicing routine, and provide you with additional elements of technique that are sometimes lost in transition with an online program.

Software will allow you to learn at your own pace. But if you lack the discipline to push yourself to the next level, extra guidance will help. It also helps you overcome frustrations when you simply don’t know what you’re doing wrong.

There are no shortcuts to learning to play the piano proficiently. In most cases, it takes combined effort of a great learning process and regular practice to keep you motivated and inspired to move to the next level. If software can be a part of that process, why not incorporate it into your routine. The most important step is to get started, and do a little more every day.

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4 December 2015 Is Your Piano Posture Correct?

Is Your Piano Posture Correct?

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Is there an art for to sitting down to play the piano? Does it matter how you sit, what you sit on, and how you play?

If you want to play your best, and feel your best long after you get up from your practice session, the answer is yes.Is Your Piano Posture Correct?

Correct piano posture comes from a place where the functionality of your body meets the functionality of the piano. When both are at optimal level, you’ll create a beautiful sound with good technique.

Correct piano posture isn’t difficult. In fact, read through these elements once and you’ll understand the basic technique. The art comes from follow-thru every time you sit down to play.

Start with the proper state of mind
You should never sit down to play the piano because you have to. Instead, you should only sit down when you choose to. Relax before you play. Sit down and be happy to play.

Sit at the correct bench
Never pull up a chair or sit at a bench just because it’s there. A piano bench should be at the proper height. Make sure your elbows are aligned with the keyboard, or are slightly higher than the keyboard for more leverage. Place the bench far enough away from the keyboard so you have proper placement on the keys in front of you, with the ability to easily reach all the keys on the keyboard. Don’t use the entire bench; use only the front half.

Keep your back straight
You should never slouch when playing the piano. Keep your back straight, sitting with a dignified attitude.

Keep your feet on the floor
Never tuck your feet under the piano bench, or cross them in front of you while you play. You need stability while you play. Place your feet either on the pedals if you will be using them, or near the pedals for well grounded placement.

Keep your arms comfortable
Your arms are where the music comes from. If you tense up or use the wrong stance, you’ll feel it long after you are done with practice. Keep your arms relaxed. Keep your shoulders down and elbows a comfortable distance from your body. Keep your wrists flexible and without tension. Round your fingers and knuckles for easy playing.

If your piano playing posture is correct, you’ll feel good while you play and enjoy your practice more. You’ll protect your body from injury. And you’ll notice improved technique in the way you express your music.

Filed Under: Piano Music, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
28 November 2015 What Style Of Piano Music Suits You

What Style Of Piano Music Suits You

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Ready to begin piano lessons? Have the desire to play the piano on a regular basis?

There is a difference in the way you learn. Different piano teachers have different beliefs in what they teach. And if you become bored or frustrated early on, you’re more likely to quit.What Style Of Piano Music Suits You

There are several styles of piano music you can learn with and practice on a regular basis. To incorporate all the styles into your lessons will help you become a better piano player overall. But if you have a preferred style you enjoy over others, be sure your piano teacher follow your same thoughts and helps you choose music that motivates you and makes you want to play.

Classical Piano
Do you enjoy Bach, Beethoven and Mozart? They are considered the top three composers from the mid 1700s to early 1800s. Classical music transformed as the years went on, bringing in pianists like Chopin, Handel and Tchaikovsky. Classical is often one of the first styles of music to study because it forces students to learn music theory and develop a strong technique. With this understanding in place, it’s easier to move into other styles of piano.

Spiritual Piano
Piano playing has long since been used as a part of religious ceremonies. From Catholic to Protestant to Jewish celebrations have all used music as an important part of tradition and culture.

Today’s musicians are continuing the tradition by playing music that has been around for generations, as well as creating new music to engage current audiences. Many pianists start out playing for religious activities in their communities before branching out and moving to other levels.

Jazz Piano
The early 1900s brought in the sound of American jazz, which transpired throughout the country in places like New York, New Orleans and Chicago.

Jazz piano incorporates more swing, ragtime, and improvisation into playing the piano. It incorporates classic rhythms with a more modernized beat. It gives piano players the opportunity to bring a more modern sound into the music they play.

Pop – Rock Piano
From the 1950s on, piano was used to create a variety of different sounds in both rock and pop music. And as the keyboard switched from acoustic to digital, the number or sounds increased with it, allowing many different sounds to be created and used in music.

Incorporating pop and rock piano music into your lesson plan allows you to play music you are familiar with, can sing with, and can hum as you pick out the tunes. It allows you to work on both playing by ear and learning to read music, helping your build your playing skills in many ways.

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25 November 2015 Tips For Buying A Child’s First Piano

Tips For Buying A Child’s First Piano

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One of the most daunting tasks to help your child appreciate music is to buy your child her first piano. If you are not a pianist or musician yourself, where do you start? What should you buy?

There are many choices available in the marketplace today, with an equal number of sources to purchase from. Where do you start? Who do you trust?Tips For Buying A Child’s First Piano

After several decades in the business, I have helped many families face this task. And with my experience, I know there are a few things that will make the process even easier. Most people start the process with three questions in mind.

1. My child’s piano teacher recommended getting a piano with full size weighted keys. How do I know if the piano I’m selecting has this in place?

2. Should I buy an acoustic or a digital piano? Is there a difference? How will it impact playability?

3. I’m not sure if my child will continue playing the piano. This may be a six month process like many other things we’ve tried. Should I start with a small keyboard and upgrade when my child shows interest?

Here’s how I answer all three.

1. What is full size weighted keys?
A full size piano has a full set of keys in place. Smaller keyboards come with a more compact size, offering 61 or 72 note keyboards. Beginners start off playing simpler music, and therefore don’t have a full range of playability, so in many cases people settle for smaller keyboards. Yet nothing can be more frustrating than reaching your limit quickly, and not being able to find the proper notes because they simply aren’t there.

If you’ve ever touched the notes on a well built piano, you’ve probably noticed that the keys have a certain touch and feel to them. The keys on a traditional acoustic piano have a weighted action because of the playing process. When a key is pressed, it triggers the hammer into action to hit the string and create sound. Some digital pianos have weighted keys to simulate this hammer action. This is required to help a child build strength in their fingers, and understand how to make music from heavier keys. If they learn on a non-weighted piano, they may have trouble transferring this skill to other pianos, and reduce their chances of playing for the long term.

2. Is there a difference between acoustic and digital?
Some teachers are adamant that their students learn on acoustic. Other teachers concern themselves with how a child once to play. Because digital technology can emulate acoustic piano playing effectively, it’s more important that you choose a quality piano that helps keep the desire high for what your child has in mind. If they want portability and want to play in a band, you may be better investing in a high quality digital piano that allows flexibility.

3. Should I stay with an inexpensive piano until my child has a proven track record and I know she’ll continue playing?
We hear this concern a lot. A piano can be a large expense, depending on the piano you select. And if your child moves on to another interest after only a few months of playing, it can leave you frustrated. Which is why many turn to finding inexpensive models through family, friends, or an Internet search.

There is a difference between pianos. A digital piano without weighted keys has a different feel and sound than a higher end digital piano. An acoustic piano that has sat in a garage for years without tuning and without proper maintenance will never be able to produce the same sound as one well cared for.

The quality of a piano has every impact on a child’s enthusiasm to play. You can’t expect a child to love soccer if they play with a flat ball. You can’t expect a child to love music if you give them an inferior instrument to make music with. The only way to build proper skills and a love for playing is to do so with a quality piano.

If you have any further questions, please stop by our retail location any time.

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