10 April 2021 Learning To Play Piano As An Adult Is Easier Than You Think

Learning To Play Piano As An Adult Is Easier Than You Think

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Want to pick up a new hobby, something that will carry you through your life? Always had a desire to play the piano, but think you’re too old? 

Think again. 

It’s a myth that kids have an easier time learning the piano. It discourages adults from trying it, assuming they’ve passed the point where they will be able to learn. 

The truth is it might be easier for adults. Here’s why. 

You already have a greater understanding of music than kids

Think about your relationship with music. Even if you’ve never played an instrument before, you still have a history with music. What songs did you listen to in high school? What music has influenced you throughout your life? Do you hum in the shower? Do you sing with the radio while driving your car? That has taught you music theory. You understand how music is put together, what rhythm is, and how different beats work in a song. All of that helps you pick up playing faster.

You have the discipline it takes to learn music

If you decide learning to play piano as an adult is at the top of your to-do list, you’ve set your mind to put it into action. You don’t have a parent making you do it. You don’t have pressure to practice even if you don’t want to . With so many other hobbies and interests behind you, you know what it takes to get good at something. 

You want to learn

Is this something you’ve always wanted to do? You have that on your side. The hardest step is taking action. If you really want to learn the piano, give yourself one step to put it into action today. Buy the piano. Invest in piano lessons. Buy your favorite song in sheet music as motivation. All of it will set you up to succeed. 

Go into it with your “why”

Maybe you’ve wanted to learn to play the piano because you want to play your favorite song. If you’ve done any research, you also know that playing the piano has a lot of other benefits too. It relieves stress. It helps with cognitive skills. It’s something you can do for a lifetime. 

If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano, make this the year you do something about it. 

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7 April 2021 Weighted Keys vs Unweighted Keys – What Does That Mean?

Weighted Keys vs Unweighted Keys – What Does That Mean?

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A piano is a piano, right? 

Think again. 

While that might have been true years ago with acoustic pianos, with the onset of digital and electronic keyboards, that’s no longer true. 

Those keyboards you can pick up cheaply from your local big box store? They might look good on display. But once you sit down and try to play them, they might hold you back from learning. 

One of the biggest differences is the way the keys work. Are you working with weighted keys or unweighted keys? What’s the difference? 

Let’s start with a traditional acoustic piano. If you’ve ever sat down and pushed the keys, you might have felt a little resistance. That’s known as “weight”. The keys are weighted for spring action, to be sensitive to the way you touch and play them. 

If you want to play a traditional piano – vertical or grand – knowing how to play weighted keys will be a distinct advantage. 

When you move to the digital and electronic niche, you’ll find that keyboards typically come with unweighted keys, and digital pianos have weighted keys. 

The difference usually comes with cost. Less expensive models won’t create the weighted feeling. They don’t do what’s necessary to mirror the experience of an acoustic piano. 

The touch sensitivity is subtle. However, having a weighted keyboard allows you to practice and build up finger strength as you play. 

Before you invest in a piano or keyboard, as yourself one question: What is your ultimate goal? 

If you hope to transfer your skills to learn piano in many different ways, starting with a weighted keyboard will help you in the long run. It will give you the skills necessary to move freely from one instrument to another, without having to retrain for a new feeling. 

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24 March 2021 4 Things Piano Players Have Learned During a Pandemic

4 Things Piano Players Have Learned During a Pandemic

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Whether you’re a new piano player, or have been playing for decades, chances are playing the piano took on new meaning this past year. Suddenly, every day was spent closer to home. You looked for things to do to stay busy. Finding a hobby was no longer optional, it was mandatory. Luckily, playing the piano offered many benefits to getting through the year. 

Expanding your piano talent

There are so many ways you can improve your piano playing skills, right from the comfort of your own home. Want to improve the way you play your favorite songs? Sit down and play. But there are many other ways to improve as well. Download one of the many apps that can improve your skills. Want new music? You don’t even have to leave home – there’s an app for that. You could even find a variety of ways to perfect your skills. Whatever you’re looking for in a piano teacher, with a few clicks of your mouse, you can find a teacher offering you those skills. And you don’t even have to leave home to attend the lesson, which means your instructor can be anywhere in the world. 

No more busy schedules

Hobbies take time. Even with just a thirty minute lesson, you still have to account for driving time, traffic situations, running errands while you’re out – it eats up a great deal of your time. With online courses, you can login seconds before your scheduled lesson, and when you’re through, you can immediately turn around and move to your next task. That can build hours into your day that you’ve never had before. Maybe you can use that time to relax and play for fun?!

Productivity

Have you ever arrived at a music lesson … and forgot your music? It happens to the best of us. But when your music lessons are online, everything you need is right there with you, waiting. If you use an electronic piano and can move it from room to room, you might need a second or two to retrieve your music from another place in your home. But you won’t try and fill thirty minutes of time because you don’t have access to your current materials. 

Computer skills

Thanks to months of staying in place, many of us have picked up computer skills we never thought we’d learn. You might also have been introduced to things you didn’t know were possible. Have you added more equipment to your home office – a microphone and a Zoom light? Have you boosted up your internet connections, and upgraded your wifi? Connectivity is king in the future we’re moving towards, and you’re ready to use it in new ways.

As we move forward, take time to think about what has mattered most to you these past few months. Piano playing allows you to relax and enjoy a hobby you can spend a lifetime with. 

What have you learned about your piano playing skills these past few months? 

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21 March 2021 When Your Beginning Piano Player Has Dreams Of Touring With a Pop Band

When Your Beginning Piano Player Has Dreams Of Touring With a Pop Band

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People start playing the piano for many different reasons. Parents often enroll their kids in piano lessons to get them involved in music. Adults often take up the piano because it’s been a desire for years. 

While many beginning piano players simply want to make music, many others have bigger dreams. They love the idea of making music, and have dreams of touring with a pop band at some point in the future. 

If this describes your child, is it a healthy dream? Is it doable? Is it something you should help them pursue?

Yes … and Yes!

Pick out your favorite band. The members were beginning musicians at some point too. They started with basic beginning piano lessons, and progressed to dreaming bigger dreams. 

The best place to start is with practice. Change it up, learn from a variety of teachers, and in many different settings. Perfect your skills from an individual teacher. Join a group class and learn from others. Play in a band, an orchestra, and make music in many ways. 

This all gives you greater skills, and allows you to think faster on your feet. 

But it also does something more; it connects you to other like-minded people. 

Most of the people you listen to or attend their concerts started out small. They joined a local band and played local venues. They found openings for keyboard players at a local venue. 

They played at weddings, birthday parties, and bar mitzvahs. They looked for any opportunity to play and be heard. 

They also asked about managers, agents, and producers. These are the people with connections. These are the people that can say: “Have you met …” They can push you into new opportunities. 

And that’s ultimately what it means to be a professional piano player. 

It means working your connections and getting an in with someone who can further your career. 

What are your piano player dreams? Start out now as you enter beginning piano lessons, and use that to fuel your desires. 

Dream big.

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14 March 2021 Can You Excel At The Piano With Small Hands?

Can You Excel At The Piano With Small Hands?

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What can hold you back from being an accomplished pianist? Are you worried you can’t excel at piano with small hands?

Let’s talk about another passion – basketball. Think players can’t excel if they are under 6 feet tall? Don’t tell that to Isaiah Thomas or Muggsy Bogues. They excelled at their sport even though many told them they would never achieve their dreams. 

People assume that to be a great piano player, you need long, graceful fingers that can easily reach an octave or more. It may help some. But just like in basketball, hand size isn’t everything to excel at piano. 

When the first piano was created, the inventor was a man. Bartolomeo Cristofori developed a harpsichord, and designed it for his own range of playing. Naturally, as additional pianos were created, they were developed using similar dimensions to compete. This became the standard over time. 

As the years moved forward, other people created and upgraded the original harpsichord to what we have today. Vertical pianos, grand pianos, electric pianos – all are a modern day version of what was created hundreds of years ago. 

While keyboards themselves don’t change in size, what does change is a piano player’s approach. Think child prodigies are held back because of their small fingers and hands?

It comes down to compensating for your differences, and learning what method is best for you to make it work. 

If you’ve done a search looking for friendly tips on ways to conquer your holdbacks, put the advice aside. You’re researching it because you’re currently having a problem – a song that requires a big stretch between octaves, for example. Don’t panic. Instead, slow down and learn what it takes to move through the song. Develop it with your own flair. 

It also helps to keep your wrist loose and relaxed. This will help your fingers move across the keys without straining your fingers or hand. 

Learn some exercises to help your arms, hands, and fingers stay flexible. Always play a few scales for warm up. Shake your hands lightly. Flex your fingers, and gently pull them back. 

Search out specific exercises to help you stay nimble and flexible. Work with an expert to ensure you do so without strain. You can even search out a teacher who has experience in helping people achieve their goals. Sometimes what’s holding you back the most is mindset, something a good teacher can help you overcome. 

It’s human nature to look for the fastest way to success. For piano players, it should always be about playing at your best. 

What tips do you have for mastering the art of playing the piano? 

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10 March 2021 Practical Tips For Pianists Who Play At Church

Practical Tips For Pianists Who Play At Church

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Church music today can mean a variety of different things. To a small traditional church, it might mean organ and piano music with a choir. To a large congregation, it may mean a large band with modern songs. 

That can give any pianist a full array of ways to share their music with their community. 

But how can you make it even better? We have a few tips for you. 

Always be learning

If you’re playing for your church, chances are you’ve been playing piano for a while. You already know that piano playing is a lifetime endeavor, not something you can learn in a few months or even years. If you choose to play for your local congregation, step up your practice sessions to become better at what you’re sharing. Work through new songs before you ever sit down with the band or choir. The more practice you’ve had on the work you’re going to share, the more ideas you can bring to your first practice session. 

Practice with the band and choir

As you bring new music to the table, talk with other members about how you can change it up. Should you match the ranges of the singers, or should complement them in other ways? Can you add your own flavor to make the songs more meaningful? Especially if you have other highly energetic musicians, find ways to bring a new flair to your performances. It could be the boost you need to attract new members to your church. 

Always be prepared

It’s good to note that every week, you’ll be doing live performances. That takes improvisational skills too. Always be prepared for spontaneous changes in the program. Have ideas planned with the rest of the musical performers. Practice this – how can you make changes and yet have it feel like it was all planned? The more you work together, the more creative you can be. 

Church pianists have a special role in bringing the community together. Your job is to fill each program with the joy and love of music. 

What can you do to make that a more enjoyable experience? 

Filed Under: Piano Playing
7 March 2021 Scared of Performing? What To Do When You Have A Bad Performance

Scared of Performing? What To Do When You Have A Bad Performance

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Many players have dreams of creating music for other people. Whether you want to join an orchestra, play in a pop band, or simply perform for your friends and family, it can be scary to take the first step and open up your music to others. If you’re scared of performing, what can you do to overcome your fears?

First, keep in mind that even the greats have had bad days. They didn’t get to be great musicians without failure along the way. 

That’s the reason it’s important to keep performing. If you’re scared of playing in front of a crowd, do it anyway. If you have a bad performance, learn from it, and do it again. Learn from it. And remember these things. 

Keep playing

Many bad performances start when you have stage fright, and forget where you are in the piece you’re playing. Don’t stop. Keep playing. Even if you skip a large portion of the song. Make something up if you have to. If you take command of your performance, even if it goes in the wrong direction, often, the people around you won’t know. 

Say thank you

Every one of us has been in a situation similar to what you’re going through. And depending on where you’re performing, you might have a lot of support from people you know. When they tell you how well you played, or complement your performance, take it in. Say thank you. Don’t apologize for your performance – it’ll show your weaker side. Tomorrow is another day. 

Process your performance 

A bad performance hurts. But you can learn from it. Process it. What did you do wrong? What could you have done differently? How will you change up your next performance? Don’t wallow for too long. Get back in the game, and schedule your next performance. 

Get back on the stage

The best way to overcome any angst you might feel about performing is to jump on the stage again. Don’t let your feelings hold you back from your bigger dreams. 

As you evaluate what went wrong, use that to fuel change in your performance. 

Didn’t practice enough? Schedule even more before your next show. 

Had a problem getting out of your head? Find ways to increase your self-esteem. 

The good news is there are many ways to do better at your performance. Speak with your instructor about different plans of action. They’ve been there too, and often can help you select books to read, classes to take, or even other coaches to hire, all to help you improve your skills. 

Part of the beauty of being at a live performance is anything can happen. Audiences appreciate that interaction. 

It’s all in how you handle it that matters most. 

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4 March 2021 Want To Be A Better Piano Player? Go To Musical Events

Want To Be A Better Piano Player? Go To Musical Events

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Becoming a better piano player doesn’t just involve more practice. It also means becoming more musically inclined. 

When you listen to music, pick out the different instrumental parts. Listen to the way the music flows and works together. 

Don’t rely solely on your digital player to play your favorite tunes. Expand musical awareness by spreading your wings and listening to more genres. Attend musical events to learn even more. It’s one of the best ways to improve your musicality. 

Attending musical events will help you:

See other musicians in action

Listening helps you feel the music. But when you watch someone produce it, and awakens your senses. An orchestra will showcase how a pianist plays and adds to the melody. A rock band will showcase tying a performance together. Don’t just feel the music; pay attention to how the pianist adds to the overall experience. It can help fuel your own fire the next time you sit on the bench and play your favorite song. 

Realize how all instruments work together

You weaken your own ability if you focus on one type of music. Instead, attend many different types of musical events. Go to a jazz club. Buy tickets to your local symphony. Head out to the park and dance the night away to country western. R & B can teach you about rhythm. See how all of it works together to create music we know and love. 

Network for more ideas

Don’t stick with large events that draw in hundreds or even thousands of people. Find local events where you can get more personal with both the musicians and the other attendees. You can ask questions, find recommendations for teachers, or open up your mind to other possibilities: ever thought about turning your love for music into a career? Or considered composing and publishing your songs? You may discover a new love and interest merely by listening to others in your local community. 

At a minimum, attending musical events will give you a new way of looking at how you currently play the piano. Schedule one into your calendar today. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing
28 February 2021 Yes, Playing Piano Can Give You Better Health

Yes, Playing Piano Can Give You Better Health

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Why do you like to play the piano? Do you enjoy making music? Do you love the familiarity of the practice? 

According to many medical facilities, there’s an additional reason you should play the piano: for better health. What can playing the piano regularly do for your health?

Better motor skills

To play the piano well means using a variety of different skills all at the same time. Your left hand moves in one way while the other creates an entirely different sound. Your eyes follow notes on sheet music while your brain puts everything together. A young child will use this process to refine movement and focus, while a person reaching their later years can use the same process to keep their skills honed and well refined. 

Better reasoning and comprehension

Studies consistently show that people with years of piano practice do better on tests, and have a higher IQ. Focus on producing music and refining your practice approach equip you throughout life for better ways of thinking and communicating to those around you. 

Better stress relief

We live in challenging times. You can’t go through a day without hearing more about self-care and how important stress relief activities can be for your well-being. Playing the piano can accomplish that throughout your life, whether it’s to help you remain calm before an important test, or fight off heart disease when you’re older. 

Better memory

There are many medical issues we worry about as we age: heart disease and memory issues, to name just a few. Playing the piano and making music has been shown to improve memory power and reduce the chances of debilitating diseases like dementia. Even when patients with dementia sit down to play, it’s been shown to help reduce anxiety and access memories that can help with communication. In short, playing the piano can help with speech and language all throughout your life. 

If you’re looking for a hobby that can make a difference in your life, throughout your life, look no further than the piano. Start playing the piano today, do it for better health tomorrow. 

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3 February 2021 Develop These Habits To Be a Better Piano Player

Develop These Habits To Be a Better Piano Player

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What’s the one trait all great piano players have? If you said “practice”, you’re correct. 

To get better at anything, it takes a lot of practice. Ever heard of the 10,000 hour rule? According to author Malcolm Gladwell, it takes at least 10,000 hours of practice to master a talent. While the theory has been continually questioned since it was first introduced in his book Outliers a decade ago, it does bring up the idea that greatness lies in positive action. 

If you want to develop better habits, it takes commitment. What better way to become a great piano player than to practice every day!

But what does that mean? Sitting down and pounding out the same scales and songs every day would help you reach 10,000 hours, but it won’t do much for your skills or creativity. To be a better piano player, it takes work at making your practice better too. Here’s what we suggest. 

1. Start with a better environment

What’s the number one distraction of better practice? Digital devices. Declare your practice session to be digital free – even if you’re using your tablet for reading music or attending a training session. Nobody can play when they hear the constant buzz of text messages coming in, or a ringing phone announcing a new call. Pay attention to the environment you create, and make it as stress-free as you possibly can. 

2. Have a pattern to your routine

Sitting down without a plan will quickly make you look for other ways to fill your time. Athletes know they need a few minutes of warming up and cooling down before the intense training session in the middle. Approach piano playing in the same way. Warm up your fingers and wrists with stretches and scales. After your practice, spend a few minutes playing something fun – just for you. This will give you ample time to be comfortable with your playing, and love what you do. Isn’t that the purpose? 

3. Recognize your mistakes

Is there a piece you just can’t seem to get right? A passage you’ve been having trouble with for days? Can you not pick up the right speed? Sometimes the best way to correct something is to admit you’re having trouble. Then ask yourself: what can I do to fix this? Maybe it’s spending time on one specific part of a song. Or working with a teacher to correct something you’re doing wrong. 

4. Set goals

Few of us do anything without a goal in mind. For piano playing, do you want to play a specific song? Or perform in front of an audience? Or make it your career? They don’t have to be lofty goals, but you should give yourself something to reach for. It’s what keeps you working day after day. 

5. Never stop learning

The great thing about playing the piano is there is always something else to learn. If you’re bored with one way of learning, try another. It’s okay to move around to new teachers to try out new things. Give group lessons a try. Join a band. Pick up a new piece of music. The more you challenge yourself, the better you’ll enjoy the process. 

To be a better piano player, sometimes it just takes looking at things through fresh eyes. Give yourself a challenge today. 

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