29 October 2014 Expectations Of The Adult Beginning Piano Student

Expectations Of The Adult Beginning Piano Student

posted by

Bucket lists are great things. They can help you realize all the things you’ve wanted to do in the past, and put some urgency towards things you hope to accomplish in the future.

One of the most popular things to make a bucket list is learning to play the piano. And while it does take a lifetime to perfect your piano playing technique, there is no better time than the present to take action.

Just like as a child learns to play the piano, there are things that can help the adult beginning piano student be even better at the process.Expectations Of The Adult Beginning Piano Student

Start with a schedule

We all have busy lives, and too often things come up that stop us from taking action on the newest parts of our lives. Yet if you want to become proficient at playing the piano, regularity is mandatory. Commit to taking lessons on a weekly basis, and stick with the schedule if at all possible. Likewise, set up regular practice times between lessons and make them a priority in your day. Beginning piano students should expect to practice their weekly assignment for about 30 minutes a day, 5 days of the week in between lessons to ensure steady progress.

Choose the right teacher

When selecting a piano teacher, make sure you choose one who works with adults on a regular basis. Adults learn differently than children, so its important to choose a piano instructor that can help you achieve results in a way well suited for adults. A child has better coordination and can imitate and pick up music at a very quick pace. Adults may need to hear music at a slower pace, or need to practice in phrases rather than entire pieces at a time. However, adults generally can stick with something for longer periods of time, which gives them the advantage of being able to sit there and do it simply for the joy of potential completion.

Teaching approaches

Keep in mind that with every instructor, they may have a slight variation to the way they teach. There isn’t a “one method for all” approach to piano teaching. Some teachers may have you tap out rhythms as you are learning a new piece. Others may have you work on small stanzas at a time to perfect different rhythms in the song. While children like to “do”, adults like to know why. Always ask why you are doing different things throughout the learning process. If you know the why, the actual doing can be easier. Also keep in mind that if you don’t resonate with one instructor and don’t feel like you are learning, its okay to move to someone with a different approach.

Overall, adults add “piano playing” to their bucket lists for a variety of reasons.

  • They want a fun leisure activity they can do into old age
  • They want to learn to read music
  • They want the experience of writing and creating their own songs
  • They want to take part in a group activity
  • They want to increase their music appreciation

And of course a whole lot more. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn to play the piano, realize there is no better time than today to get started! Enjoy!

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
15 October 2014 How Humidity Effects Pianos

How Humidity Effects Pianos

posted by

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture contained in the air, compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air is capable of holding. Moisture content is affected by weather as well as the internal conditions and activities that happen every day within your home. The amount of moisture the air is capable of holding varies strictly with the temperature.

How Humidity Effects Pianos

When the relative humidity in a room increases, moisture will tend to transfer from the air to wood and other absorbent materials in the room. When relative humidity decreases, moisture will transfer from these materials back into the air. Relative humidity changes by the hour, by the day, and by the season, always impacting the wood, felt, and other absorbent parts within your piano.

Since relative humidity is dependent on two factors – temperature and

moisture content of the air – its not possible to maintain a constant relative humidity level by controlling room temperature alone.

The first and simplest step you can take is the position your piano takes within your home. Avoid extreme conditions – direct sunlight, exposure to climate control vents, access to drafts from window and doors.

If you have specific problems in your home, you can add a room humidifier to add moisture during dry spells, or a dehumidification system to reduce moisture during wet seasons.

An easy way to control humidity problems right at the source is to have a humidity control system installed in the piano itself. They are installed out of sight, inside the case of a vertical piano or under the soundboard of a grand piano. They have a humidifier for adding moisture to the air, a dehumidifier for eliminating excess moisture, and a control unit that activates the system to add or remove moisture as needed.

While a humidity control system won’t eliminate the need for regular piano maintenance, it will provide more stable tunings by reducing the radical pitch changes your piano may experience as it moves through the seasons. When your piano stays closer to its correct pitch level, your technician does not have to perform a large pitch raising or lowering procedure, and thus balance is refined and maintained between the strings and the frame itself. In addition, it helps preserve your piano through the years. Wood, glue joints, metal parts and your piano’s finish will all last years longer if not subjected to excessive humidity swings.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With:
1 October 2014 Common Problems With Digital Pianos and How To Repair Them

Common Problems With Digital Pianos and How To Repair Them

posted by

Digital pianos and keyboards are usually sturdy instruments that will provide years of joy and entertainment if properly maintained. But there are occasions when things go wrong and you must get it repaired. The most common problems with digital pianos are:

  • Broken or sticky keysCommon Problems With Digital Pianos and How To Repair Them
  • A keyboard that won’t switch on
  • No volume or uneven tone
  • LCD is broken,cracked or won’t light up

In many cases, the repairs are fairly simple in nature, and can be completed quickly. However, remember that pianos are delicate by nature, and by applying too much pressure trying to fix it yourself could actually do more damage than good. If you bend or break a contact beyond repair, a new contact board will be required. And if the new part is no longer available, it could mean having to purchase a new instrument instead.

If the problem is a contact issue – some of the notes won’t play, or the volume is uneven or too loud – it’s a sign the contacts need to be cleaned. Most contacts are made of graphite, and a proper cleaning will generally solve the problem. Avoid using WD40 or any other chemical cleaner as they can do more harm than good.

If your piano is freezing, locking, or simply won’t turn on properly, it could need a simple rebooting. Check out the “initialize” or “factory reset” procedure in your user manual, or check on the manufacturers website for more detail. Do not attempt to reset if you have saved your own songs, styles, etc, without saving the data first, as it will restore operation to factory default.

[As a helpful reminder, it is good to regularly backup your work on to your computer or an external storage unit, especially if you save on a regular basis.]

When in doubt, the best solution is to bring your piano in to a reputable piano dealer for repair. Because most manufacturers void the warranty if work isn’t performed correctly, its easy to quickly do damage beyond repair. That can be a costly mistake, especially if it ends up requiring a new piano instead.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
27 September 2014 Tips For Relearning The Piano After Not Playing For Years

Tips For Relearning The Piano After Not Playing For Years

posted by

Sometimes we overlook the simple pleasures we took for granted as kids.

Remember when you could sit down and play the piano, relax and enjoy music for awhile with nothing else to do? Then work and family priorities set in, and with a million things on your plate, the goal of creating music slipped by the wayside

Its easier than you think to pick up piano once again.

Start SlowlyTips For Relearning The Piano After Not Playing For Years

No matter how much playing you did years ago, this is a new venture at this point in your life. Create small goals that are doable, rather than jumping in full force.

Start with a piano; do you have a quality piano to play? If you still own the same piano, yet its been tucked into a corner of your home for years without a second glance, it may need a little refurbishing to get it into quality playing condition. A simply tuning may not be enough, but it’s the best place to start. Work with a reputable piano tuning and restoration company to find out the current quality of your piano, and what it will take to bring it back to working order.

Then set aside a little time every day to practice and play. Your hands, your arms, even your entire body has to adjust to this new activity. Its easier to spend 20 minutes a day getting back into the swing of things than to sit down for several hours of frustration when you simply can’t find the notes the same way you once did.

Practice is what brought you to success the first time; its no different today. Your skills will come back quickly if you enjoy the process along the way.

Change With The Times

If you haven’t played in a long time, things have changed in many ways over the years. Your body has changed, and the way you deal with aches and pains. Likewise, piano technology and the way we approach the piano has changed over time as well.

This may be the time to work with a professional for a few lessons to get back on track the right way. If you are now used to sitting at the computer all day, how will this transfer over to the way you sit at the piano? You many need adjustment and refinement to make sure you are playing comfortably and in a way you won’t further injure yourself down the road. Are you doing all you can to be the best you can be? A few lessons can put you on the right track once again. When an instructor has experience with adults, they can make suggestions on how to keep up with the physical side of playing piano as well.

Structure Your Sessions

Twenty minutes of structured playing will do more for you overall than randomly playing pieces you like and ignoring errors you make or improvements to your overall ability. Start with warm ups, and ease your fingers and your hands back into playing mode. Play something you know well, for pure enjoyment. Give yourself a challenge; work towards something new.

By creating a plan and including all three structures into your practice section – warm ups, mastering something new, playing for enjoyment – you’re sessions will become fun instead of chore.

 

The key is to have fun, and enjoy playing the piano once more.

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
24 September 2014 How To Become A Better Piano Player

How To Become A Better Piano Player

posted by

As an adult, we have different reasons for doing things. When kids play the piano, for the most part its because mom and dad sign them up for lessons. It becomes a part of the routine; one they may grumble about but do anyway because it’s a part of the schedule.

Yet for adults, when we take on new projects, its because of a long desire we have to improve ourselves, or to try a new talent we wish we would have had before.How To Become A Better Piano Player

Playing the piano isn’t solely about sitting down at the keyboard and banging on notes. Instead, its about developing a stronger connection to music, both appreciating it and creating it.

Becoming a better piano player isn’t just about playing music, its also about understanding music as well. And there are several approaches you can take that will help you become a better piano player overall.

1. Start With Music Theory

Playing the piano isn’t just about putting a few notes together. Instead, there’s an artform to understanding how music is performed. Music theory helps you connect chords that sound good together, and helps you understand the direction a song should take next. It helps you see patterns in the way music progresses; understand and recognize key signatures, intervals and progressions. It changes your piano playing from just tinkering with the notes, to creating sound because it works together.

2. Take Lessons

It seems like an obvious thing to say, but lessons are one of the key ways to help you improve. By hiring a piano instructor, you will learn not just how to play a song, but the theory behind playing the piano. You will learn correct hand placement, correct posture, and how to set goals and deadlines to stay on track. If you’re really serious about playing the piano, its really the only way to improve.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

With every new task you choose to put into your life, the only way to get better at it is to practice. But don’t just practice for practices sake; spend the time to improve what you’re playing as well. Don’t just go through a song quickly to say you’ve played it. Concentrate on the notes. Slow the song down to make sure you are playing all of the nuances located in the song. Make sure you understand how its supposed to be played, and what you may be missing along the way. Find a tempo where you can really hear yourself play, and become comfortable with what you are playing. Focus in on doing it right, not just for the sake of doing it.

Many of the great masters play the same songs over and over again. They improve it, get better at it, change things along the way. They know there is always room for improvement; always a way to make something better. Plus the more you know a song, the more you can have fun with it. You can add things because you understand how they will sound when you do it. You can have fun for the sake of being better at what you do … playing the piano!

Playing the piano is above all fun. As long as you are having fun at what you do, there will always be ways to bring more enjoyment out of life. Stick with it, and learn to become the best piano player you can be. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime.

Filed Under: Piano Music, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
13 September 2014 Piano Playing … A Lifetime Commitment

Piano Playing … A Lifetime Commitment

posted by

So you’ve decided to take up the piano? Congratulations. Nothing can be as rewarding or as fulfilling as being able to sit down to the piano and play music. But also keep in mind that mastering the piano – any instrument for that matter – is not easy nor is it fast. It’s a long journey that can take a lifetime to master.

And that’s half of the enjoyment!Piano Playing … A Lifetime Commitment

If you’re expecting instant results after a week or two of practice, you’re sure to be disappointed. Because playing the piano isn’t something you can pick up from playing a game on the computer, or conquer with a master class in piano over a long weekend.

It takes work. It takes performance. And it takes action day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year.

Enjoyment of the arts and fulfillment in your ability to play the piano does not come from rushed goals, tensed efforts, or the desire to quickly please your parents or win a competition. If your piano goals are to reach a certain expectation in a quick manner, you will be disappointed.

Part of mastering the piano comes more from having the desire to create beautiful music no matter what level you can currently play. It comes from the dedication to play again and again until you hear the musicality in what you are doing. Piano playing brings:

  • Joy to your life
  • Fulfillment in what you can do
  • Maturity in knowing you can stick with a project
  • Wisdom to help you grow as a person
  • Meaning to your life

At the same time, it does also take sacrifice and compromise. You have to continue when you just aren’t feeling it; have faith that you will reach your goals when it feels like you never will.

Mastering piano is not easy … there is a long road ahead. But we believe the road is one well worth traveling; one that will grow and help you define who you are throughout your life.

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
10 September 2014 Piano, The Perfect After School Activity

Piano, The Perfect After School Activity

posted by

As parents, we want to give our children every advantage possible. When school bells ring, the amount of activities presented to them is sometimes overwhelming. How do we help them choose?

Parents often hear complaints from other parents that influence their decision.

“My parents forced me to play an instrument when I was young. I hated it and would never do that to my child.”Piano, The Perfect After School Activity

In order to avoid a negative attitude towards something, they put off putting their child into an activity until they actually request it. Which usually comes when a child’s friends decide to do something, and it becomes “okay” or the “in” thing to do.

While that can work for some kids, for many others, they simply don’t know what is possible, nor have the understanding of what they will truly like and want to move forward with for the rest of their lives.

Musical prodigies are all around us. Mozart wrote his first symphony at age eight. Stevie Wonder signed with Motown at eleven. What would these people have done had they not been introduced to music until later in life, when it was the acceptable thing to do?

There is growing research that shows there is a window of opportunity for kids to develop their music sensibility. Between the ages of birth through nine, the mental structures and mechanisms associated with processing and understanding music are in the prime stages of development. But it doesn’t have to be lessons alone that gives children their music sensibility; it comes from being exposed to music as well.

A child’s first lesson shouldn’t be structured and in lesson format. Instead, a child’s first “lesson” should simply be exposure to music, instruments, and the range of music in today’s society. Musical games, dancing, singing, or even playing simple instruments like the drums or flute can all encourage kids to develop an interest in how music can impact their lives.

By five, most children have a built in foundation that has prepared them for formalized music lessons. This is when you can introduce lessons to your child, and make it a standard part of their weekly routines. They won’t become a great performer at this point; instead studying music is about furthering their understanding of what is possible in the music world. The most obvious choices are the piano and violin because both give them the ability to hear and play the entire melody, as well as feel how the music sounds.

Music at an early age is extremely important because it boosts your child’s development process, giving them the skills they will use for a lifetime. Music improves language, math, and thinking abilities. And like riding a bike, these skills only grow over time, never to be forgotten in principle.

If you are helping your child make a decision on after school activities, remember the one activity that will carry through a lifetime. Give them the gift of music. Give them the gift of piano.

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
3 September 2014 When Your Piano Won’t Play

When Your Piano Won’t Play

posted by Leave a Comment

“I have an older piano that we’ve used for years in my family. My youngest daughter is now starting up piano lessons, so we’ve started using it every day again. I love it! But I also have a problem. There is one key – the F sharp/G flat right below the middle C that won’t play when you strike it. If you hit it really hard, you can hear a brief sound that is barely audible, but it immediately goes away. I know this is going to be a problem soon as her songs get more difficult. Do I need to call in a repair person? Are there things I can check to see if its an easy fix?”

We know nothing can be more frustrating than to want to play the piano and have it not in good, working order.

pianoThere could be a number of things wrong with your piano.

First, open the piano lid and press the piano key that isn’t playing. Check to see if the hammer mechanics are working. If the hammer isn’t properly striking the string, either the hammer or other components are broken and will need to be fixed by a reputable piano repair company.

Sometimes the string isn’t working properly. When the piano key is pressed, check to make sure the string is properly functioning and doesn’t have a tear or breakage. It may require simple tuning, or it may need complete restringing. A piano tuner will be able to fix the problem and make sure your piano is back in working order.

Lastly, it may be a lack of tuning. When was the last time your piano was tuned? In some cases, the strings can be stretched and pulled, and simply not be tight enough to create a sound. Tuning the piano string will bring it back into tune, and give you a proper working piano.

The easiest way to bring your piano back into good working order is to call and schedule an appointment today. We’ll send a reputable piano tuner to your location, and have your piano tuned and ready for your daughter to play in no time.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: , ,
9 August 2014 Should You Learn On A Piano or a Keyboard?

Should You Learn On A Piano or a Keyboard?

posted by Leave a Comment

We hear it time and time again. Parents want to introduce their kids to music, yet aren’t sure if their kids will enjoy it.

“I just want something inexpensive to see if they like it before I move towards a bigger investment.”

So they pick up a random piano through Craigslist, or choose a keyboard on sale at the big box store. This can be a big mistake. Would you start your child out in a basketball camp with a flat ball and sandals on their feet? Of course not. Yet the same applies to the world of music. If they don’t have the proper tool, they won’t be able to enjoy the beginning processes because it will be frustrating at best.Should You Learn On A Piano or a Keyboard?

If you are in the market for a piano to help your kids get started down the path of music, you can do it on a budget. There are many pianos and keyboards available within all price ranges, the key is knowing what’s the best choice for your situation.

Living Arrangements

Start with your current living arrangements. Are you in a small apartment or a large home? Do you want the piano to be available to your child in her room, or a part of the décor in your living space? Will your child be off to college soon, or do you plan on having the piano in your home for decades? Acoustic pianos come in all shapes and sizes, from the smallest of uprights to the largest of grand pianos. Keyboards are meant to be portable and are perfect for those that choose to move them regularly. Only you know which is best for your situation.

Style

If you are starting a small child out on piano for the first time, they may not understand what style is best. The older a child is, the more they can be a part of the process. A digital piano can be a versatile option for those that want to stretch into many types of music, and have access to turn their skills into something more. If they want access to the latest computerized techniques as well as learning to play the piano, digital may be the way to go.

Keyboard

If you are thinking about heading in the direction of a keyboard, keep in mind that there are many sizes and options. An acoustic piano has 88 keys; digital keyboards have several ranges. You can find a keyboard with 88 notes, but 76 or even 61 key models are popular too. You can also choose keyboards that resemble acoustic piano keys – they are weighted for a more realistic experience – or less expensive models will have smaller, thinner keys with a plastic feel. In order to transition between the two and be able to play any piano overall, make sure you choose one with a realistic feel.

The best way to learn about your options and discover the right choice for you is to compare. You can’t do that through a Craigslist ad, but you can by stopping by our store and seeing which is the right choice for you. Stop by today; we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
29 July 2014 Back To School: Piano Players More Likely To Go To College

Back To School: Piano Players More Likely To Go To College

posted by Leave a Comment

Kids all across America are getting ready to head back to school in the next few weeks. And while they begin thinking of homework and early morning routines, parents begin thinking of a whole lot more. Things like:

  • Are they doing enough to place their kids on the right track?
  • Are they receiving the best instruction in STEM activities?
  • Are they on the right track for college?

Back To School: Piano Players More Likely To Go To CollegeAs a parent, STEM activities are the new pressure point. Everything the school system and the media talks about is how to get your kids on the right track for science and math. These activities will ensure a bright future. These activities are the key to getting into college and succeeding in life overall.

And while we agree emphasis in these areas is a good thing, there is also another way to give your kids a gift they can use for a lifetime, and will give them a better chance at college too: the gift of piano.

According to a variety of surveys performed over the years, if you played an instrument as a child, there was a better chance you continued your education through college as well. Creating music gives you:

  • Heightened mental focus
  • Enhanced creativity
  • Improved confidence
  • The ability to self teach

Many will argue that its as important as learning a second language, and even more important than being involved in sports.

While studies show music as a whole is beneficial in children’s lives, overall one of the best instruments to learn on is the piano. Why? Piano has the benefit of being able to create both harmony and melody, and allowing a child to hear music even at the youngest age and with the most basic skills. With other instruments, they quickly learn it needs many to play a complete song; not so with the piano.

While its important to start out kids young, its equally as important to keep them interested along the way. A child that continues with music is more likely to raise their scores on basic comprehension testing, and will do better on college entrance exams like the SAT. Once in college, studies show that more music majors continue on with medical school and do very well in the process.

If you’re convinced music is the right future for your kids, stop by today. We have pianos that fit any budget, and can point you in the right direction to give your kids every chance at success possible.

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