24 November 2016 Feng Shui and Your Piano

Feng Shui and Your Piano

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If you’ve been experimenting with creating good feng shui within your home, You’ve heard about the five feng shui elements.

Thousands of years ago, the feng shui masters were exploring the dimensions of Universal energy called Chi. Their goal was to map the influence of this energy as it applies to human well-being. Their findings determined that in order to have good Chi, or Universal energy, and to promote health and vitality, several specific elements must be present. They are:Feng Shui and Your Piano

  • Wood
  • Fire
  • Earth
  • Metal
  • Water

Each is expressed in specific colors, sounds, body organs, compass directions, planets, etc. And while feng shui can take a lifetime to master, some feng shui interior decorators spend years developing their skills, you can still achieve enormous improvement to any space with even the basic elements in mind.

Using feng shui in your home requires defining all five elements according to the bagua – your home’s energy map. The bagua tells you where things should be placed according to their proper location in your home. Each direction of your house – north, northeast, east, southeast, etc) offers a different energy, so placing different things in your home according to the grid will allow different energy fields into your home.

Most grand pianos are black – the color of mystery and sophistication – and should be placed in the most northern area of the house. The element for north is water and is symbolized by black and blue colors. North is also the area for career and life path, which provides the element of “vitality, growth and unlimited vision.”

By placing a grand piano in this area, you’re encouraging sophistication, creativity, power and success into your career and life path. You’re giving your life an added boost of energy in your growth and development.

While feng shui might not always work with the layout of your home, it is an interesting thing to keep in mind the next time you have the desire to remodel your home.

Have you used feng shui when placing a piano in your home?

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21 November 2016 What Is A Registered Piano Technician?

What Is A Registered Piano Technician?

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Can anyone repair your piano? Can anyone tune it efficiently? The answer, of course, is yes. In fact, there are many websites and books that will tell you how easy it is to perform, and how in some cases you can do it yourself.

What Is A Registered Piano Technician?Repairing a piano isn’t brain surgery. Yet a piano is a delicate instrument with thousands of parts that work together to create beautiful sound. And if even one piece isn’t working up to par, it can impact the sound entirely.

The field of piano technology is unregulated. A registered piano technician is a member of the Piano Technicians Guild that has established standards of quality for piano technicians, giving you some assurance that they are experts at what they do.

To obtain a registered piano technician classification, a member must pass three examinations:

  • A written exam that tests knowledge of piano design, tuning theory, repair techniques, and other topics related to piano technology
  • Two practical hands on exams that test tuning and technical skills

On the tuning exam, the candidate must match as closely as possible a master tuning created by the examiners. The exam is scored by using sensitive electronic equipment to record how closely the candidate’s final process compares with the established norm. They must demonstrate their ability to tune by ear, unaided by electronic devices.

The technical exam requires a candidate to demonstrate their skills in assembling a grand and a vertical piano action and in making the adjustments (regulation) so that they function properly. They must also demonstrate that they can make all common repairs involving the wood, cloth, felt, piano wire and other common materials used in creating a piano.

Only registered piano technicians can use the title in their marketing. And if you see the title, you can be assured that the person you select has a wealth of knowledge behind them in working and adjusting pianos.

Who are you trusting your piano to?

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16 October 2016 Is Piano A String Or Percussion Instrument?

Is Piano A String Or Percussion Instrument?

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Our modern day music classification system divides instruments into wind, strings, and percussion. And while this division has Greek origins dating back a couple thousand years, it has changed slightly from time to time as it moved forward. Plucked string instrument, such as guitars, were often separated from bowed string instruments, such as the violin. Wind instruments that use a reed, woodwinds, are separated from those where the air is set in motion directly by the lips, brass instruments.

Is Piano A String Or Percussion Instrument?Yet some instruments do not fit neatly into this classification system.

The piano, for instance.

Keyboard instruments are often played in a variety of ways. The piano has strings, but they are struck by hammers. The harpsichord is plucked. A digital piano uses electronics.

So where is a piano placed? In many cases, it isn’t clear if it should be classified as a string instrument or a percussion instrument. In some cases, it is placed in a class of its own.

If you start a debate in the depths of a symphony, many consider the piano to be strictly a percussion instrument.

A piano achieves its sound by hammers striking the strings. This fulfills the primary definition of a percussion instrument, which is defined as a musical instrument played by striking by the hand or a handheld or pedal operated stick.

But tone from a piano is created from the vibration of the strings, fulfilling the definition of a stringed instrument, which is defined as a musical instrument that produces sound by vibrating strings. The strings are under appropriate tension, and are set into vibration by being plucked, strummed, struck or bowed.

So which is it, string or percussion?

Do we have to choose?

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano
9 October 2016 The Ergonomics Of Piano Playing

The Ergonomics Of Piano Playing

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When most people think of the term ergonomics, they think of their computer placement on their desks.

In reality, ergonomics refers to the efficiency of a work environment, which is why many people automatically assume the working position of hands on a keyboard, typing away long hours every day. But compare your hands on a keyboard to hands on a piano.The Ergonomics Of Piano Playing

Not much different, right?

Ergonomics brings good posture while maintaining a well balanced spine.

Ergonomics refers to the normal position of joints being maintained throughout the movement process.

Ergonomics means the elimination of cramped or twisted positions, which can damage nerves and muscles.

Ergonomics means avoiding staying in one position for too long.

All of that comes into play when you’re sitting in front of a computer. All of that comes into play when you’re sitting at a keyboard.

To effectively play the piano, a pianist must operate as a machine, connecting with the keyboard in such a way that it bring no tension to the body. The fingers. The arms. The shoulders. The body.

Proper training isn’t just about creating music, it also comes from how you play. A good teacher understands it’s not just the music that is generated, it’s the process along the way.

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5 October 2016 How Music Affects The Human Brain

How Music Affects The Human Brain

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Your brain is the control center of your body.

The right brain processes information in an intuitive, creative, and engaging manner. The left brain processes information in an analytical, thinking way. This is the side that controls your verbal and mathematical skills. The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres together and facilitates the communication between the two.How Music Affects The Human Brain

In recent years, studies are showing just how powerful music is to our well being. Music impacts the human brain in a variety of ways.

Music has the potential to alter a person’s state of consciousness. With music therapy, for instance, it’s possible to shift perception of time from virtual time, perceived in the left brain, to experimental time, with is perceived through memory. Virtual time is described in hours, minutes and seconds, while experimental time is based on memories throughout our lives.

Music can also allow communication between the left and right brain to take place. Music may activate the flow of stored memory. When the right and left brain hemispheres come together to work in harmony, it triggers a therapeutic nature to flow between the two sides of the brain.

Have you ever heard the music … even when there isn’t any music playing? That’s because imagining music can activate the auditory cortex almost as strongly as listening to it.

Music can also trigger synesthesia when one sense activates a perception in another sense. If you experience music synesthesia, you may begin to see color, smell something, experience a taste, or feel a change in the environment all from the music you hear playing. That’s why music can transport us back in time, take us to places that have significance in our personal lives.

Music also triggers creativity. Do a search for many apps, programs, and playlists that use music as a single trigger. Highly creative people have a different pattern of brain waves than normal or non-creative individuals. Music stimulates both alpha and theta waves in the brain. Big bursts of alpha brain waves induce creativity. Combine them into music you listen to every day to heighten your awareness to the creativity within.

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3 September 2016 Basic Piano Finish Care

Basic Piano Finish Care

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If you’ve chosen to bring a piano into your home, it serves a unique purpose. Not only will it provide you with years of playability, but it will also serve as a piece of fine furniture for your home. Piano manufacturers understand this, and create a piano finish that will stand the test of time. Yet without proper maintenance, it will quickly fade.Basic Piano Finish Care

A piano is finished with a variety of materials, from traditional lacquer to modern polyurethanes and polyester resins. A piano finish is designed to protect the wood from dirt and spills, and reduce the effects of modern day living impacting the quality of the instrument.

Today’s modern finishes are also designed to provide years of beauty without the need of polishes or waxes. In most cases, a piano can be maintained simply by keeping it clean and avoiding exposure to extreme elements, such as direct sunlight, hard temperature variations, humidity, and water.

Dust
The best way to clean your piano is with regular dusting. Dust is an abrasive element that can scratch the finish is wiped away with a dry cloth. Instead, use a feather duster to move dust away. You can also use a soft damp cloth, being careful to avoid getting the piano too wet. To avoid swirl marks, always wipe with long straight strokes rather than with circular motions. Wipe with the grain of the piano to ensure the look of your piano. Also, take care in only dusting the wood casing. Because some exposed parts within your piano are fragile, it’s best to leave those to an experienced technician who can handle the cleaning process when a regular tuning is scheduled.

Cleaning
Occasionally you may have to remove more than dust. Smudges and fingerprints can most likely be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. If heavier cleaning is needed, choose a small amount of a mild soap solution. Avoid using polish on your piano. Most manufacturers will recommend against using it because of the potential for damage to the finish and contamination of other parts of the instrument.

If you’ve purchased a used piano that seems to have a gummy, oily or streaked finish, it may be from too much polish. Adding more polish will not correct the problem. To remove polish, use a cloth dampened with a mild soap. Wipe with the grain, applying pressure to the dulled areas. Dry with a soft cloth. Repeat until you see results. Be careful not to cause white marks or streaks with an older finish. If stronger cleaning is necessary, you can choose a wood cleaner or wax remover, be sure to speak with a technician first to avoid damaging the finish further.

It may also be time to talk with a technician about repair or renovation. If damage has occurred to the finish, it may be impacting the playability of your musical instrument. A good technician will be able to provide guidance.

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31 August 2016 What Is Piano Pedagogy?

What Is Piano Pedagogy?

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Piano pedagogy is the study of teaching piano playing.

Where standard music education taught at many college level programs pertains to teaching music in school classrooms, or group settings, piano pedagogy is focused more on teaching music skills in a one on one platform. It can be done via private or even semiprivate instruction. When a piano teacher – a piano pedagogue – teaches piano, it is referred to as piano pedagogy, or simply a piano lesson.What Is Piano Pedagogy?

The professionalism of piano teachers is vast and wide. A lot goes into creating a piano teacher with a competency that can be passed on to their students. And it’s not always as simple as asking them how long they’ve played. In includes competence in musical performance, music history, knowledge of musical genres, theory, piano repertoire, experience in teaching, and being able to adjust teaching methods depending on the personality of the student.

Here in Tennessee, piano lessons can be offered by piano teachers who have not received a degree. They do not need focused education in piano performance or piano pedagogy in order to offer their services. Some may have learned through classical training, some may have been self taught.

Still, others may have studied through academic programs culminating in a bachelor’s, masters, or even a doctoral degree at a music college or conservatory. And although most piano pedagogy programs include a significant portion of performance-based study, the pedagogy major can separate from other performance majors and focus more on teaching rather than performing.

Many piano teachers hold memberships in professional organizations in order to show their commitment to the art of pedagogy and to help them network and learn from others in the field. It’s a great way to find a qualified piano teacher if you’re looking for one. Organizations include:

American Council of Piano Performers
Music Teachers National Association
National Guild of Piano Teachers

And if you need any recommendations for a piano teacher here in Memphis, just ask.

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31 July 2016 Are All Piano Tuners The Same?

Are All Piano Tuners The Same?

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The piano is a complex series of wood and metal, a refined piece of machinery that is crafted to perfection. With a peak underneath the lid, you’ll find hundreds of parts all lined up ready to do their job. But it’s a work of art to make sure each piece comes together in such a way as to produce a quality sound you can’t wait to hear over and over again.Are All Piano Tuners The Same?

Yes, there may be 88 keys laid out in front of you ready to pressed and put into action. But every time one is pressed down, many parts go into play. This means several hundred strings are pulled and pushed through a complex series of twists and turns to create the perfect sound you are looking for. And because they move with every push of the key, occasionally they don’t return to their original position.

It takes time. It’s a gradual process. You’ll never notice it after one touch of the key. But it’s there just the same. It’s like having to tune a guitar before you play a song. Or having to tune your car before you run it in a race.

Working parts have to be tuned over and over again to maintain precision.

And while many people can work on a piano, anyone can claim to know how to turn a wire and add weight to the hammers, there is a difference in the approach that they take.

Pianos have to be tuned on a regular basis, whether they are played daily or not. It’s not just playing that impacts a piano; it’s also its location, the climate, maintenance routines, and more.

It’s also the experience of the piano tuner. A great tuner understands all the nuances that go into play; they know the right questions to ask, and more importantly, understand what to look for in the piano before they begin.

Before you hire a piano tuner, ask a few questions to anyone vying for the job.

Where did you study and for how long? What are your qualifications?

How long have you been tuning pianos?

Where have you worked? What venues and what types of pianos?

Do you have recommendations?

You can always start by giving us a call. We have a list of select tuners we use regularly, ones we know will get the job done correctly every time.

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25 July 2016 Hire A Piano Mover To Transport Your Instrument

Hire A Piano Mover To Transport Your Instrument

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Planning a move to a new home? There are a lot of things to take care of before the big day arrives.

And while a traditional mover can quote you prices on moving things like a mattress, a dresser, and a table, skip the urge for a quote on moving your piano too.Hire A Piano Mover To Transport Your Instrument

Pianos aren’t pieces of furniture. They are costly instruments that can range anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. A piano can’t be handled like any piece of furniture. One mistake can be a costly venture.

Moving a piano takes special skill. Pianos are heavy, weighing anywhere from 300 pounds on up. To further complicate the situation, their shape can make it one of the bulkiest things in your home. At least three people are needed to move most pianos.

Upright pianos can be moved intact. But moving a grand or concert piano takes special care. Parts must be dismantled and wrapped with special care. Because of their size and shape, they will be wrapped in blankets and strapped securely to a piano board, with a dolly used to move it carefully from your home to the truck, and back again.

Pianos have two parts to preserve: the working parts that create music, and the smooth exterior finish. If either is damaged, it can be an expensive repair.

Good piano moving requires good equipment and even better technique. Piano movers will usually quote you a price based on the piano, the distance of the move, the difficulty of the move, and how much equipment will be needed to finish the job.

To ensure you are getting a reputable piano mover, be sure to ask for and check customer references, licenses, insurance, and guarantees.

Once your piano is in place, your move is complete, and your piano is tuned once again, you’ll be thankful you put your trust in a reputable piano moving service.

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18 July 2016 What Are Piano Keys Made From?

What Are Piano Keys Made From?

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Ebony and ivory.

Go back in time and you’ll find pianos made from things readily found in nature. And for pianos made before the 1930s, that included ivory for the keys. Ivory worked. It worked very well. Pianists will tell you that ivory keys are better to the touch, more responsive, and less likely to stick to one’s fingers. Ivory absorbs sweat, which provides for a better feel of the instrument while you play.What Are Piano Keys Made From?

But ivory has its problems. It’s susceptible to chipping and cracking. It is vulnerable to yellowing. And most importantly of all, it may be illegal.

Plastic keys were introduced around 1929 when plastic technology began to improve. Plastics are easier to work with, less prone to damage, and cheaper to use in production. And right around the Great Depression, making things cheaper became a way of life.

Very quickly plastic keys overtook production of ivory, and they became the norm in piano key assembly.

Plastic maintains a stronghold as the material of choice in piano key production today. Resins are also used as an alternative to plastics, with an advantage being that they are more resistant to cracking, chipping or yellowing than their plastic counterparts. Even today, you’ll find both plastic and resin keys prone to “crescent moon” chips that form at the end of the key, especially with repeated abuse. And if cheap plastic keys yellow, there is no easy way to remedy the problem.

If you have an older piano and are trying to tell what the keys are made from, there is an easy way to tell.

Some plastics imitate ivory very well. You’ll see similar veins on the surface, with a comparable luster and feel. However, ivory keys differ in one distinct way. Ivory keys are made in three pieces, key, stem, and front. Plastic key tops only have two, top and front. If you look closely at the keys, you can see a fine line that is the joint between the key top and the stem. If this line is present, your keys are ivory.

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