24 June 2016 Why Piano Wires Brains Differently

Why Piano Wires Brains Differently

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Playing an instrument has many benefits. Science continually is proving the good that comes from introducing music into your life from a very young age.

But is there a difference between instruments? Does playing a drum have the same benefits as playing piano? Evidence is consistently showing that piano is different.Why Piano Wires Brains Differently

Piano is the ultimate instrument when it comes to skill. It takes two hands working simultaneously together while navigating 88 separate keys. A piano player can play up to 10 notes at a time, creating a mirage of sounds independently based on which note they press.

Because a piano player must use both hands equally, they have to overcome right of left-handedness. In most people’s brains, they invariably show domination on one side or the other. But in pianists, the higher the level of playing, the more demonstrable their symmetry is. Because they consistently use both hands equally, they strengthen both sides of the brain on a regular basis. Meaning they reduce domination in one side over the other.

The frontal lobe is responsible for decision making. It has a minor role in problem solving, language, and social behavior. Because all parts of the brain are more equal, each of these skills is called upon throughout the day. Pianists integrate all areas of the brain more efficiently, and can tap into spontaneous creativity when applying it to daily tasks.

When piano players play, blood pumps to each region of the brain more than average. It helps refine motor skills, making the entire thinking process easier. More blood flow means less energy is needed to concentrate. And more of what we do every day comes naturally. Like creative and purposeful interaction. Better communication. Better multi-tasking.

And the good news is it doesn’t matter when you begin. Give your child the gift of piano when they’re young, or take up piano as a hobby as you head into retirement. Either will give you every advantage of improving your brain.

Filed Under: Piano Music, Piano Playing Tagged With:
21 May 2016 How To Keep Teens Playing The Piano

How To Keep Teens Playing The Piano

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Trying to keep a young child practicing the piano on a regular basis may seem like a difficult task … until you have a teen in the house. Teens take on entirely new personalities. They become moody. They fight just to fight. They also become involved in many more activities, from more school work to an increased social life.How To Keep Teens Playing The Piano

Time for piano? It often gets pushed to the wayside.

Yet the teenager can benefit greatly from having a regular practice routine in place. Not only will it provide them with a lifelong talent they will always be able to use and enjoy, but it can also help relieve the stresses of teenage life.

As a parent or as a piano instructor, there are several things you can do that will help a teen retain their interest in the art of piano.

Accept honesty

With measurable demands comes the opportunity for stretching the truth. If you demand a teen practice twenty minutes every day of the week, you’ll often get the standard “yes” response when asked if it was completed. (Knowing full well it isn’t the case.) Demand honesty from both parties. If a teen doesn’t have time to practice because of lots of homework or an upcoming game, accept it and move on. Work together to come up with ideas on how to enjoy the process instead of using it to add more stress.

Play what’s fun

Teens can be opinionated in many ways. And what they play on the piano is no exception. Give them freedom in what they learn and what they play. While you can stretch to make sure they achieve new levels, it’s important that they enjoy the process too. Even at the risk of not challenging them to their fullest potential, it’s still equally important that they enjoy what they are doing more than pushing to learn more.

Use motivation

Usually, a teen has played piano for years. What is their ultimate goal? Do they want to play in a band? Showcase their talents in front of an audience? Move on to music in college? Talk with them and show them realistically where music can take them. If they have an interest, research and find out how to incorporate it into their lives. If they see the prize waiting for them, they are more likely to keep practicing.

Incorporate creativity 

It may be time to change up how they’ve always practiced and played. How about adding games into the mix? Or give them a composing app that lets them create their own music? Maybe it’s time to give them a digital piano they can bring into their bedrooms and play on their own. Any time at the piano bench is a good thing. It allows them to put together past lessons and strive for something new. And it can be just the thing they need to calm them down before a big test, or even release frustrations after a trying day at school.

What works for keeping your teen interested in playing the piano?

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With:
10 May 2016 Choosing A Home Keyboard For A Student That Wants To Make Music

Choosing A Home Keyboard For A Student That Wants To Make Music

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For many budding musicians, they move towards playing the piano in order to fulfill their desires of joining a band. With big dreams of a musical future, a keyboard gives them the ability to create music in a variety of ways, record it, even upload it for the world to hear all with the touch of a few buttons.Choosing A Home Keyboard For A Student That Wants To Make Music

Dating back hundreds of years, an acoustic piano is one of the most common musical instruments in history. A piano contains a series of strings stretched over a metal frame. As these strings are struck by felt-covered hammers, vibrations occur on the soundboard, creating the piano’s sound. A lot of factors go into creating proper sound: environment, temperature of the room, humidity, quality of the parts, quality of the design to name but a few.

A digital piano takes away these variables by replacing the strings with key-triggered samples. These are digital recordings of an acoustic piano, designed to replicate the sound when an appropriate key is pressed. Since there are no strings, action, or soundboards, it’s a more compact instrument. That makes them easier to carry, easier to store, easy to maneuver into the tightest of places.

The quality of a digital piano comes down to the quality of the action. Different manufacturers use different methods of applying weights to the keys to replicate an acoustic piano’s process. It’s up to you to decide if the feel of the keyboard is right for you.

If a student chooses to play songs with full accompaniment, then an arranger keyboard might be the ideal choice. These instruments combine features of synthesizers and sequencers, allowing the user to quickly change and select a style and song form based on their current desires. It allows you to choose to play in the style you want. That means choosing backing instrument sounds, like horns or drums, chord progressions, musical genres such as Latin or Jazz. Entry level arrangers offer dozens of styles, with more sophisticated choices growing in the upper levels.

While it’s easy to get lost in the details of what an arranger keyboard has to offer, pay attention to the format as well. Microphone input, digital mixer, screen displays, weighted keys, amplifiers, speakers and more will all add to the final price, but will also give the user the flexibility to create the type of music they desire.

A keyboard should be able to:

  • Create convincing sounds
  • Produce high-quality music
  • Feel close to an acoustic piano
  • Provide ample resistance

An arranger keyboard should have:

  • Amplification system
  • Metronome
  • Auto-accompaniment
  • Effective percussion styles
  • USB or smart technology for saving and loading

Have additional questions on selecting the perfect keyboard for your budding musician? Ask us today.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
5 May 2016 Regulating An Upright Piano

Regulating An Upright Piano

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A piano’s touch is equally important as its tone.

Touch refers to the responsiveness of the mechanical action of the piano. It’s what is responsible for giving a piano a full range of power.

Regulating An Upright PianoWhen an upright piano begins losing its mechanical efficiency, it is known within the industry as having gone out of regulation. Putting it back in regulation requires exacting measurements and corresponding adjustments.

What causes a piano to go out of regulation? 

Pianos are regulated in the factory where they are built. But even a piano of the finest quality can go out of regulation over time. The action of a piano is a very complex mechanical process. When a note is played, the energy from your finger puts a balanced system of levers and springs into motion. Various pivot points are maneuvered, felt cushions are utilized to produce the appropriate sounds. Over time, these felt pieces compress, adjust, and wear out. As this happens, gradual loss of performance occurs. Although this process is gradual, there becomes a point in time where you can no longer ignore the obvious problems that are occurring.

What is the process for regulating a piano?

It begins with leveling natural keys. One of several measurement tools is used to determine the exact height of each key. They are adjusted with fine paper punches to gradually bring a key back into alignment with the other keytops. After all, keys have been leveled, the leveling papers and the balance rail felts will be flipped so that the felts are on top.

In addition to leveling, regulation also includes setting the hammer blow, taking up the lost motion, adjusting the hammer letoff, setting the key dip and checking the amount of aftertouch.

How extensive is the process?

In most cases, piano regulation is a job that can be done onsite. In some cases, the action may need to be taken in for related repair work, but the actual job of regulation is done at the piano. Extensive work is completed, as adjustments are made to every note on the piano. The longer it has been since the piano was previously regulated, the more time it will take to bring it back into adjustment.

How often should a piano be regulated?

For most pianos, regulation every 5 to 10 years should be sufficient. Since a piano goes out of regulation as a result of the amount of play, a piano may need more or less regulation depending on how often it is played.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With:
27 April 2016 Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

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Imagine sitting in a world where nothing is familiar. You don’t know the people around you, are unfamiliar with your surroundings. You’re nervous, not sure where you are or what to do.

Then you hear a familiar tune. One you hummed and sang once upon a time. It calms you down. Makes you smile. Helps you feel more comfortable with your surroundings.Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

That’s reality for many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive disorders. Therapy can take place in many ways, from singing and dancing, to listening from an iPod, to playing an instrument.

While any kind of music can be helpful to the cause, studies show that participating makes more of a difference. Even patients with degenerative diseases and have reduced motor skills who are unable to do much else can participate when they have a digital piano in their presence.

They can respond when a simple tap produces a note. And with little effort, can tap out enough notes to create music, even a song. And if they are able, they can continue the process and learn piano to continue to make music every day.

Music therapy:

Improves memory – practicing piano requires repetition. It challenges a person to learn a little bit more each time they sit down to play.

Improves hand-eye coordination – these fine motor skills are often the first to go. Because a person easily connects that a note makes a sound, they quickly pick up the desire to progress and do more.

Relieves anxiety and stress – listening to music helps you relax. When you are part of the production, it can reduce stress, relieve signs of anxiety and depression.

Increase interaction – while Alzheimer’s patients often withdraw, patients who use music therapy often begin interacting with others, including family members, caregivers, and others in their lives.

Starting up a music therapy business? The perfect addition is a digital piano, one that will allow you to travel to your patients and incorporate all kinds of playing skills into their lives. We can help you select the right digital piano for your needs. Stop by today.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
20 April 2016 Adjusting The Pedals During Piano Tuning

Adjusting The Pedals During Piano Tuning

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In most cases, a piano tuner’s job entails bringing the notes back into tune by adjusting the strings. But in some cases, they may also find a pedal that isn’t doing its job. Pedals on both verticals and grand pianos occasionally stop working.Adjusting The Pedals During Piano Tuning

In many cases, it’s simply a matter of a pedal rod that has fallen out of place. By removing the kickboard on the front cabinet of a vertical piano just under the keyboard, you’ll find a vertical wood dowel or metal rod that connects to horizontal levers that extend up into the piano to a mechanism in the action. Stepping on the pedals causes the rod to move, activating the proper action mechanism inside the piano.

Since the rods are usually only inserted into the action levers with metal pins, it is very common for them to simply fall out of position, causing the pedal to stop working. The more you use a pedal, or if a piano has been moved, the greater the chance of having the pin fall out of place.

Pedal rods usually fall out of place when too much freeplay is in the movement. Freeplay means the pedal and the lever move too much before the vertical rod rises. If freeplay is enough, it can cause the rod to fall out of position, or simply not rise enough to allow the proper movement in the action.

Proper adjustment calls for freeplay of only about 1/16th or an inch. In other words, the vertical rod moves very little during the process. A professional tuner knows how to adjust the rod to the appropriate length. If you adjust it to remove all freeplay, it may jam against other action parts and leave the pedals in a position they shouldn’t be in. This can allow the dampers to stick, or to remain off the strings altogether, allowing notes to ring on and on.

Grand pianos usually have fewer problems with pedal adjustments than verticals. Grand pedal rods are encased in a wooden lyre and rarely fall out of position. However, adjustments are sometimes needed and are completed in much the same way as on a vertical.

Have a question about tuning your piano? Pedals need adjustment? Give us a call today.

Filed Under: Piano Playing, Piano Renovation Tagged With: ,
15 April 2016 How To Move Beyond The Piano Is A Chore Mentality

How To Move Beyond The Piano Is A Chore Mentality

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Whenever something becomes a daily routine, it becomes a chore. It becomes something we have to do rather than something we choose to do.

And that’s when it loses its appeal.How To Move Beyond The Piano Is A Chore Mentality

That’s when the majority of kids give up playing the piano. Because when it’s no longer fun, it becomes something your child has to do, they try to get out of doing it at all costs.

As a parent, to keep you child active in music, its important to switch around their thinking. Playing the piano should never become a chore. It should be a privilege to play. It should be a fun experience, every time they sit down at the keyboard.

And you can encourage the process.

Take Ownership
Instead of forcing a time to play, have your child set the pace. What goals do they wish to achieve? What do they enjoy most? Just a simple turnaround in thinking can move them beyond thinking of it as practice. Let them have more choice in their selections. How about composing their own? The more they see its about them, the more fun they will have with the process.

Provide Role Models
Its easier to have a desire to do something if you see how others are doing it too. Find pianists to inspire your child. People like Jim Brickman, Liz Story, John Tesh, or The Piano Guys all can provide inspiration to your budding piano player. Take them to see your local orchestra to see musicians in action. By bringing awareness of live music into their lives, they are more likely to see how it can impact them in the future.

Reach For A Goal
Piano practice sometimes means playing the same types of songs, over and over again. Break out of the habit and stretch for new music. Try jazz. Or pop. Or classical. Introducing kids to new music can have them striving for more. Maybe they hear a piece they love – how about Let It Go from Frozen? By playing something they love, they can take more ownership in their skills, and have a stronger desire to keep moving forward with their lessons.

Change Your Lingo
How do you talk about practicing? Do you say it with a chore mentality? Things like “You have to get your 30 minutes in today” sets the tone for it being a chore.  But when you build excitement with “You get to play your favorite song today” adds to their enthusiasm. Focus on changing your vocabulary and you will quickly see a change in the attitude of your child’s practice routine as well.

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
12 April 2016 Encourage Instead Of Nag Your Child To Piano Success

Encourage Instead Of Nag Your Child To Piano Success

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It’s human nature to say no to things that challenge us. After all, it’s a whole lot easier sticking with things we know. Things we can do easily.

Encourage Instead Of Nag Your Child To Piano SuccessWhich is why after the rush of wanting to bring music into our lives, it suddenly all goes away. We want to be successful at playing the piano, until we discover several weeks in just how difficult the process really is.

And once that reality sets in, especially for a child, the process is no longer fun.

Yet it’s hard to have fun with something if you’re no good at it. To get good, you have to work for it. Which is why every parent realizes they have to push, motivate, even nag their child over and over again to help them achieve piano success.

How can you do that as a parent who wants your child to succeed?

Relax
Remember, playing the piano isn’t a race. You don’t have a set goal you have to achieve in a certain amount of time. We’re driven to think everything can be solved in short bursts of time. Kids can work through entire video game series in a matter of hours. We solve large problems in two hours – we can thank Hollywood for that. But piano is something where longevity wins over time. Playing is about personal enjoyment and fulfillment, something you carry throughout your lifetime. Enjoy, that’s what it’s truly about.

Consistency
Consistency is always better than establishing strict guidelines over time. A rule of 30 minutes per day can send kids into a tailspin, dreading the time that slowly ticks away on the clock. But if they can sit down as they please, even 10 minutes per day can instill a lifelong love of something that can help them throughout life in so many ways.

Camaraderie
Instead of leaving your kids to practice on their own, have them join a group instead. A piano instructor can lead you to a variety of groups that can have them creating music together. Schools have orchestras and bands. Or have them reach out to other friends who are musically inclined as well. When kids share a common interest, they form a tighter bond. And it can lead to wonderful things.

Showmanship
Instead of asking them to practice, ask them to play you a song instead. If you know they’ve been working really hard on a piece, taking the time to sit down and listen will leave them feeling happy with their success. Reward them with your attention; it’s by far one of the best ways to keep them playing.

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
21 March 2016 How To Make Piano Lessons – And Practice Sessions – Fun!

How To Make Piano Lessons – And Practice Sessions – Fun!

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A child should never leave the piano feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

Piano playing should be fun and enjoyable. It should be challenging and rewarding.

And while a child may occasionally feel frustrated with learning a new task, it should quickly fade as they figure out the patterns and hear the end results at their fingertips.How To Make Piano Lessons – And Practice Sessions – Fun!

If your child ever becomes too frustrated when practicing, it may be time to take a break. Encouragement is needed to ensure they learn problem solving skills and have the ability to see things through. But equally important is learning when to step back and refocus, so they can approach a task in a new light.

Here are a few piano practicing tips that can help them step away from frustration for a moment, before returning to continue.

Pull out an old familiar piece of music
We all like our favorite songs, the ones we hum to and can play even without the music in place. Pull these old favorites out. Then give them new life. Play them faster. Make sections more dramatic. Add the pedal. Discover new ways to add pizzazz to an old song.

Compose their own tune
Even the youngest of students can begin composing their own tunes. They can put together a few bars from familiar pieces, mix things up and add their own notes and rhythms. Perfection is not the goal, having fun is. Combining classical with pop can create funny sounds. Mixing fast and slow rhythms can leave them feeling refreshed.

Improv
Ever sat down and tried to play a familiar tune? The more you try it, the better you get. Practice by humming out recognizable tunes and plucking them out one hand at a time. You don’t have to get the entire song out, even a few bars can leave a player feeling like they’ve accomplished a lot.

Pick up a piano game
With an iPad near by, piano games are always just a touch away. Kids today are motivated by games, they play them all the time. Find a few favorites that can pull the frustration away and help them get back into the mood of practicing.

It’s important to talk through frustrations while implementing refocus techniques to help them move forward. Not only will this make them better piano players, it can also teach them valuable life skills as well.

Do you have any other activities you use to make piano practice fun?

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
13 March 2016 How Do You Feel About Playing The Piano?

How Do You Feel About Playing The Piano?

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We all have different reasons for wanting to play the piano.

A child may be playing simply because a parent signed them up for lessons.

An adult may be fulfilling a lifelong dream.How Do You Feel About Playing The Piano?

Even a piano teacher may have the desire to play for enjoyment while sharing that passion with those around them.

But no matter the reason you started playing in the first place, playing the piano today has to come with a love for the art of playing. If you don’t know why you’re playing, its hard to enjoy it and strive always to do better.

Asking a few questions can set the stage for helping you strive for more.

How did playing that piece (section, measure, etc) feel? 

Sometimes playing music feels fine. Sometimes the hand movements feel awkward. Sometimes it’s flat out frustrating. Getting down to the feelings can help you move forward and fix things that may not be going correctly. Maybe you’re holding your hands in the wrong position. Maybe you’re holding back from learning a new pattern. It’s easy to gloss over a situation if you don’t dig down to how you handle it.

What did I do well? What can I do better?

We’re all creatures of habit. We all enjoy being the best we can be. Which means we enjoy playing well and hate it when we haven’t picked up a new skill easily. Recognize what you do well. Acknowledge what still needs work. Then spend the time bringing undeveloped skills up to par. It can empower you while helping you focus in on things that still need work.

How can I approach this struggle?

Sometimes it takes work to overcome a problem. It might not be solved in one practice session. Or two. Or three. Address the struggles and search for helpful suggestions. It may come from a teacher, a book, or even a quick search online. Don’t expect to solve the problem in one day. Instead, look at it as a journey that will help you become better all-around.

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