12 November 2013 Dealing With Stage Fright Before A Piano Recital

Dealing With Stage Fright Before A Piano Recital

posted by Leave a Comment

We’ve all been there: the jitters, the butterflies, the nausea, the shakiness…all tell tale signs of stage fright.  While a minor case of nerves Dealing With Stage Fright Before A Piano Recitalcan enhance a performance, full blown stage fright can completely derail a recital.  So, how can you get control of the nerves before they get control of you?

Breathe – While this may seem simplistic and obvious, when we get nervous we often forget to breathe.  Slow, deep breaths can begin the process of steadying the nerves and clearing your mind.

Think Positive – If you spend the moments before your recital undermining yourself and your abilities, you will suffer for it.  Instead, remind yourself that you can do this.  You have done the prep work, you are ready.  Your fingers know what to do all you have to do is trust them.

Visualize – Imagine yourself playing, and playing well.  Picture a great performance.  If you imagine yourself failing, you probably will fail.  If you imagine yourself succeeding, you are much more likely to actually succeed.

Eat – While a heavy meal before a performance can make you sluggish (and potentially sick), light foods before a performance will give you the energy necessary to play with energy and enthusiasm.

Practice Performing – Before the big day, set up mock performances so you can practice handling your nerves.  Collect a few friends that don’t normally hear you practice and play through your recital.  If you can set up this mock performance in the venue of the real recital, that would be even better.

Remember you are among friends – The people gathered to hear you play are not waiting for you to mess up.  They are there to cheer you on and witness your success.  You are among friends.  Success will be met with joy; any glitches will be met with support and love.  Remind yourself that you don’t need to fear criticism because the people there are there for you.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Lessons Tagged With: ,
9 November 2013 Playing The Piano For Body, Mind and Soul

Playing The Piano For Body, Mind and Soul

posted by Leave a Comment

Music. Since the beginning of time, music has been an important part of being human. We tell stories through music. We share ideas. We celebrate. We relax. Without music in our lives, life simply wouldn’t be as we know it today.

Playing The Piano For Body, Mind and SoulAnd while everyone seems to be enjoying their own style of music 24/7 as they walk around with earbuds in, there is something to be said about pulling the earbuds out and making music on your own. Nothing is more satisfying or more therapeutic than creating music all around you. And nothing makes it more possible than playing the piano.

Continuous studies show that playing the piano offers a wealth of benefits: from physical and intellectual, to social and emotional. It doesn’t matter if you are 5 or 95, anyone can sit down, put their hands on the keyboard, and instantly feel music as they play.

If you want to start your young child on the road to successful school years, before they hit the books, have them “hit” the piano instead. Piano lessons and piano practice helps develop our bodies and improves fine motor skills. It increases our creativity and can provide ways to stay calm and focused no matter what challenges lie before us. And it has also been shown that playing the piano regularly through childhood has been linked to better math scores and increased averages on tests like the SAT.

There is also increased evidence that psychological benefits continue no matter what age you play. A recent study has shown that piano practicing activates the cerebellum, and therefore can provide benefits to stroke victims as they are regaining language and fine motor skills. And studies on the elderly learning how to play for the first time show increases in levels of the human growth hormone, which causes slowing in aging characteristics such as osteoporosis, energy levels, wrinkling, muscle mass, and aches and pains.

And because piano playing has an almost meditative quality to it, piano practicing can also benefit in physical effects such as reducing anxiety, heart and respiratory rates, reducing cardiac complications, lowering blood pressure, and increased immune responses. When people play the piano on a regular basis, they experience less stress, loneliness and depression.

All great reasons to make playing the piano a part of your regular routine.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
8 November 2013 Piano Moving Myths and Facts

Piano Moving Myths and Facts

posted by Leave a Comment

Myth: Anyone can move a piano

Fact: Piano moving is a specialty in itself. The average upright piano can weigh anywhere between 400 to 900 pounds. Grand pianos start at Piano Moving Myths and Factsaround 600 pounds and can go up to 1300 pounds and beyond. The value of a piano can range from several hundred dollars all the way up to a million or more, depending on make, model, age and condition. Add in the bulk, shape and size a piano has, and its easy to see why a piano has very unique situations when it comes to moving. Household movers understand how to move furniture and appliances in and out of your house. But adding in the unique nuances a piano gives adds a whole new dimension to the common every day move. If you trust anyone outside of a professional piano mover, you have to ask yourself first “Am I willing to take a risk?” Not only is it risky to the mover – injuries can be substantial – its also risky for the piano, especially if its antique or has sentimental value.

Myth: Moving a piano just needs more people

Fact: While brute force works in some cases, piano moving isn’t one of them. Imagine 8 people trying to move a piano by manhandling it. They pull and shove, rock and flip it, push and jerk it around until they move it from your room to the truck. Then repeat to get it back from truck to house. Piano movers believe in leverage, and with a series of special techniques can move a piano in what might appear to be effortlessly. People always exclaim after witnessing piano moving “I’ll never attempt it on my own again.”

Myth: A professional piano mover won’t damage the piano

Fact: Yep, we’re all human. Just because you hire a professional doesn’t mean the chance for injury or damage still isn’t there. Its simply decreased tenfold because of the knowledge and experience. A professional will assess the situation and will offer you options if there is a risk. And though they will do everything in their power to make sure your piano makes it safely from one place to the either, understand that at times, things happen.

Myth: To find the best piano mover, simply call the first one you find

Fact: Just like in every other industry, not all businesses are created equal. Some piano movers will take shortcuts and do things in a less than professional manner. While some piano companies that have been around for years will offer you the best customer service and attention to detail as possible. Call around. You’ll quickly be able to tell who you should trust.

Myth: Moving a piano takes very little time

Fact: If you need your piano moved on a specific day or for a specific event, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make the move a reality. In most cases a piano mover can be scheduled for your move with a day or two’s notice. But the more specific your arrangements are, the more lead time you may lead. As soon as you know a move is in your future, start the process so you can ensure you get the true professional you need to ensure the safety and security of your piano.

Filed Under: Piano Moving Tagged With: ,
2 November 2013 How To Choose The Right Piano Teacher

How To Choose The Right Piano Teacher

posted by Leave a Comment

Learning how to play the piano begins with taking lessons from a quality instructor. Choosing the right piano teacher may sound simple enough. All you need to do is look in the Yellow Pages, right? Well, you can do that, but you may not get the results you want. If you want to learn how to properly play the piano, you need to choose a teacher that has skills – not only in playing the piano, but also in teaching. Here are some tips to help you choose the How To Choose The Right Piano Teacherright piano teacher.

  • Think about what you want from a piano teacher. Do you want someone that is only interested in teaching you the basic skills, or would you prefer someone who is willing to go above and beyond in helping you reach your goals?
  • Speaking of goals, make a list of your goals pertaining to the piano. Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Do you only want to learn how to play basic pieces to keep yourself entertained? Do you want to learn how to play complex pieces and entertain the world?
  • Make the choice between private lessons and group lessons. Are you more likely to flourish under the guiding hand of a teacher with one-on-one lessons? Are you more comfortable learning in a group setting?
  • Talk to friends, family, and others about their recommendations for a good teacher. For instance, pay a visit to your local music store and ask the shop owner his/her opinion.
  • When interviewing potential teachers, ask lots of questions. Find out the basics, such as the cost per lesson, the frequency of the lessons, etc. Also inquire about each teacher’s professional background, including their teaching experience. Discuss issues such as instructional materials, evaluations, and curriculum. Ask for references.
  • Make sure that the teacher’s personality and your own mesh. The two of you will be spending lots of time together, so you need to feel comfortable in each other’s presence.
Filed Under: Piano Lessons Tagged With: ,
30 October 2013 The Basic Rules for Caring For Your Piano

The Basic Rules for Caring For Your Piano

posted by Leave a Comment

A piano is a major investment, and it needs some tender loving care from time to time.

Without the proper maintenance and care, your piano will decrease in value. If you keep all of the parts working well and the piano itself maintained, you can enjoy your piano for many, many years, and perhaps pass it down as a family heirloom. However, this is only possible if you take care of your piano.

The Basic Rules for Caring For Your PianoHere are some basic rules for caring for your piano so that it will last will years:

Get your piano tuned. It is a worthwhile investment to keep your piano in tune. Tuning is not synonymous with use. Many people think the more it is used, the more tuning it will need. A piano is tuned to maintain its quality, whether its used every day or only once a year. Check with your dealer, but as a general guideline it is recommended that a piano technician tune the piano twice a year, three or four times a year if it is brand new. It will sound its absolute best when it is properly tuned.

The best times to have your piano tuned is in the fall and in the summer, when transitions are occurring in the weather and the environment.

Be mindful of where you put your piano. Generally, you don’t want to keep your piano in a place where the humidity and temperature constantly fluctuates. Outside walls, near large windows or sliding doors, or in drafty areas can compromise the quality of your piano. Also avoid sitting next to a heating/cooling duct, or in an area where it will get daily doses of sunlight.

Keep your piano clean. It’s a good idea to keep your piano covered when not in use to help keep it clean and free from dust accumulation. You can periodically clean the piano keys yourself by wiping them with a damp cloth and again with a dry cloth. You should never use chemicals of any kind on your piano keys.

Maintain the piano’s finish. You can maintain the finish of your piano by wiping it with a damp cotton cloth. You can also remove fingerprints with a reliable emulsion-type, water-based solution. You should avoid spray polishes that contain silicone.

Play your piano regularly. Idle pianos not only fail to get the proper maintenance they require, but they require tuning and much more after sitting with no activity. Plus, if you play regularly, you’ll get more practice!

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
25 October 2013 The Differences Between Portable Keyboards and Digital Pianos

The Differences Between Portable Keyboards and Digital Pianos

posted by Leave a Comment

Pianos have long been a fixture in the household, dating as far back as the 1600s. While they have changed a small amount over the years, for the most part the piano is similar in style to the original piece created all those years ago.

The Differences Between Portable Keyboards and Digital PianosBut with the technological advances we’ve made over the past few decades, the piano has made rapid advances as well. Digital pianos and portable keyboards have made their way into the piano family. These new innovations may seem the same but they are in fact very different. So what are the differences between portable keyboards and digital pianos? It all comes to their size, their features, and how much they cost.

Size

One of the main differences between portable keyboards and digital pianos is their size. Portable keyboards are smaller for transporting. This is why they are called portable. Weighing less than 20 pounds, also have a smaller range of keys. Portable keyboards are easy to store and carry around.

On the other hand, digital pianos are impossible to store because they can weigh up to 70 pounds. They also have more keys than the portable counterpart. They typically come with their own case or stand that is meant for a more permanent display within your home.

Price

Of course, the bigger model is usually more expensive, and this is the case when comparing the prices of digital pianos and portable keyboards. Digital pianos cost a great deal more than the portable keyboards, and you can spend thousands of dollars depending on the brand and features. However, portable keyboards are less expensive. You can get a portable keyboard for a few hundred dollars depending on size.

Keys

The keys on a portable keyboard are very light and feel like plastic. They might not have touch-sensitivity, so the ability to play numerous notes at once may be limited. The keys on a digital piano are full-length, and some models have adjustable touch-sensitivity. They also have an acoustic feel to them.

The differences between portable and digital pianos can be dramatic. The best way to learn more about each and which is the best fit for you is to head in to a reputable piano dealer. You can try out a variety of makes and models, and determine which meets your objectives in the best possible way.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: ,
23 October 2013 7 Ways To Find The Best Piano Store In Memphis

7 Ways To Find The Best Piano Store In Memphis

posted by Leave a Comment

Purchasing a piano for your family can bring a lifetime of enjoyment. But deciding its time to buy a piano is the easy part. Where do you go from there? How do you know where to buy or who to trust? Is there a difference in the places you can buy a piano – new or used – in Memphis?

1. Start by assessing your needs

7 Ways To Find The Best Piano Store In MemphisWhen people are ready to buy a piano – whether its for personal pleasure or to start your kids out on playing the piano – often the first thought goes to money. Yet that’s one of the last things you should consider. Instead, start by assessing your needs. Do you want a piano that will compliment your home’s décor? What musical tone are you looking for? Where will the piano reside in your home? How often will it be played? Especially if you’ve never owned a piano before, jumping into something because of price can drastically limit your options – and allow you to purchase something that truly isn’t right for you. Ignore the price factor for now and list the things that are important to you.

2. The difference between new and used

When you are ready to buy a piano, buying doesn’t always equate to new. As a reputable Memphis Piano Store, we offer a lot of options, both new and used. Both new and used pianos can offer you the benefits of a great piano at a reasonable cost – you just have to know what to look for. A reputable piano dealer will help you through the process and show you the differences.

3. The difference between buying from a Memphis retail dealer and a private individual

When you purchase a new or used piano from a reputable retail dealer, you’ll find a host of benefits. New pianos usually come with manufacturers warranties and complimentary services to ensure your buying experience is positive. Used pianos are generally reconditioned and come with a dealer warranty to make sure you receive the ideal piano for you. And as a retail dealer here in the Memphis area for years, we also work a variety of services to help you trade up when the time is right, and receive ideal service from the moment you buy through the years of playing and enjoyment.

Purchasing a new or used piano privately offers little in the form of guarantees. The piano is usually less expensive than retail, assuming the seller has a realistic understanding of piano values. Yet the piano itself will come with no warranty, and little assurance to the true quality of the piano. Was it tuned on a regular basis? Is it in good working order now? All responsibility will fall on you, the buyer, the moment you agree to buy it – from assuring it is moved properly into your home, to the condition of the instrument and how it will play.

4. Look for longevity

Like every business, some retail piano stores come and go. When you look for longevity, you’ll find a piano retailer you can trust now and well into the future when you have additional piano needs. Pianos are lifetime investments. Working with a piano dealer who has stood the test of time will ensure you get quality service at a reasonable cost.

5. Education

Did you know young children have different piano needs than older children? And older children have different needs than an adult learning to play? Sounds simple enough. But it still can be confusing if you are trying to find a piano on your own. Small fingers have a lighter touch and need greater sensitivity to respond to their piano playing skills. A reputable piano dealer can help you through all the questions, and provide you with solid advice you can use to make your final decision.

6. Ask questions

One of the easiest ways to flush out the good from the bad is to start asking questions. A reputable piano dealer will make sure you are comfortable with all of the answers, no matter how small or detailed. If you start feeling frustrated or simply don’t understand the process, walk away. There are great dealers that are willing to work with you from beginning to end, until you are comfortable to make your final decision.

7. Okay, now its about the money

I know, you’re still thinking about the money. And rightfully so. Pianos can be a huge investment for a family. As a piano dealer right here in Memphis, I understand this and work with everyone that walks through the door. Be upfront with your budget and we can easily weigh your options and fit you into the best piano for your needs … and your budget.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
18 October 2013 Staying Motivated While Learning to Play the Piano

Staying Motivated While Learning to Play the Piano

posted by Leave a Comment

Staying Motivated While Learning to Play the Piano

The piano is a timeless instrument that has been played by many throughout the past several centuries. It remains as one of the most difficult instruments to learn, but it appeals to the masses in a way no other instrument has done. Due to this, many people worldwide introduce their children to the piano at an early age to ensure that proper posture and technique is utilized.

Staying Motivated While Learning to Play the PianoTips for Keeping Your Piano Inspiration Going

Although a most desired instrument, piano enthusiasts begin to lose inspiration and motivation once they realize how difficult the instrument is to learn. However, here are several tips to take into advisement while learning the piano to keep the inspiration and motivation alive:

Tip 1 – Hire a piano teacher or expert to teach new techniques.

Nothing helps more than having someone harping over you several times a week to ensure you are practicing, no matter how much you do not want to do so. It will be vital for all learning pianists to hire a teacher at some point so they can get proper advisement and become the best pianist possible.

Tip 2 – Never set a deadline.

Practicing for a while each day is the best method since, as they say, “Practice makes perfect.” However, never practice to a set time. Instead, try establishing goals that are more meaningful – practice scales five times, and play through newest song three times. When you get the motivation to play each day, play for as long as you want. This ensures you never get exhausted of the piano and it will always be an enjoyable experience. The piano should be an outlet to relieve stress, not a cause of stress.

Tip 3 – Play songs that interest you.

Finding songs that you enjoy playing will make the experience more positive. Pianists never excel when they work on masterpieces that they do not pour their heart and soul into it. Beethoven and Mozart, two of the most popular pianists in history, only made masterpieces that they felt were adequate and enjoyable for them. Following in their footsteps implies playing music from the soul, not what you think will “impress” people.

Tip 4 – Never Worry About Making Mistakes

Piano is not an easy instrument to learn and mistakes are bound to happen. When you begin training, expect to make a fair number of mistakes. Practicing enhances your overall playing style and lessens the number of mistakes made. Live by the quote, “Practice makes perfect.” The longer you train and practice on the piano, the less mistakes you will eventually make.

Patience is Key

The more patience you instill within yourself while training on the piano, the more motivated you will be to play every day. Ensure to never play longer than you can manage and just keep in mind that you are human. You will lose interest for a few days, you will make mistakes and you will master the piano on your own terms.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Lessons Tagged With: ,
15 October 2013 How To Sit At The Piano

How To Sit At The Piano

posted by Leave a Comment

How To Sit At The PianoWhether you are just learning how to play the piano, or you have been playing for years, posture at the piano is essential to comfortable playing. If you are not sitting in the correct position at the piano, you may find yourself with a sore back or neck. You may also find yourself struggling to play the instrument. Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that you are always sitting in the right position at the piano.

  • Sit with only your knees under the piano keys. Do not sit all the way forward in the same manner that you sit at your desk. Your thighs should not be under the piano keys – only your knees. If you sit too far forward, your arms and hands will not be in a comfortable playing position.
  • Make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Your legs should be in a relaxed, comfortable position with your feet just on the floor. You should not have to stretch your feet to place them flat on the floor. You also should not have to over-bend your knees. Your feet should just reach the floor in the flat, relaxed position. If necessary, use a small step stool underneath your feet to make sure your legs are in the right position.
  • Do not sit on the entire width of the bench – only the front half. This will keep your upper body free for movement as you play the entire expanse of the keys.
  • Think parallel when sitting at the piano. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor when your hands are on the keys. Your thighs should also be parallel to the floor or nearly parallel to the floor. Keep your music in front of you at eye level. If you need a boost to make sure you are sitting at the right height and in the right position, use a small pillow or cushion.
Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
11 October 2013 When Its Time To Upgrade Your Piano

When Its Time To Upgrade Your Piano

posted by Leave a Comment

Lets say your child announces they want to play soccer. You sign them up for a soccer team and you head to your first meeting. There they supply you with the list. So you take it out and start buying everything on the list. Team uniform – shorts, shirts, socks. A practice ball in the appropriate size. And of source a great pair of soccer shoes that help you run and play better.

When Its Time To Upgrade Your PianoYou would never think of having your daughter show up in a pair of her Mary Jane shoes. She’d fall down and hurt herself. So sticking with the appropriate equipment is mandatory – you understand it and you comply.

The same thing applies in the music world.

When your child announces that she wants to start playing the piano, you do your due diligence and find out what its all about. You find a local piano teacher that is willing to start piano lessons every week. You’ll also need to invest in a piano and the music required by the teacher.

Next comes shopping. And sticker shock. Pianos are how much?

For many people, the sticker shock wins out and they look for ways around investing in a piano. “Who knows if she’ll even like it,” they think. “Won’t one of those digital keyboards work at first until we make sure she likes it?”

It makes no sense to spend hundreds of dollars on soccer uniforms, lessons and games, equipment and practice gear, only to refuse to buy the proper shoes for your daughter to play in. Its setting her up for failure from the start.

Likewise, not buying the proper instrument for her to practice and train on is setting her up for failure right from the start.

There is more to learning how to play the piano then learning which finger goes on which key. Piano is all about sound and acoustics. Its making the connection to what you’re reading on the music, to how your fingers connect with the keys, to the sounds you are producing. If she isn’t producing a quality sound, frustration sets in. And the desire leaves.

If you’ve invested in a digital piano just to see if your child “will stick with it”, you may be setting them up for failure right from the beginning.

Don’t face sticker shock alone from looking at a few price tags online. Instead, come into the store and partner with us. There are many options for you to get a quality piano at a price you can afford. There are new and used options. There are ways to start out with a lower investment, knowing you can trade in and move up if your child continues in the future. You can learn the difference between different types of piano.

And more importantly, you can learn and hear the difference.

With just a few tips, you’ll be giving your child all she needs to move forward in a rewarding way, making music with one of the most popular instruments in the world today.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »