10 July 2014 Do Digital Pianos Need Tuning?

Do Digital Pianos Need Tuning?

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When people say the word piano, they are usually referring to the more traditional acoustic piano. But by no means is that your only option.

A digital piano is an instrument that duplicates the sound and feel of playing an acoustic piano, and takes it to a different level. It uses digitally sampled sounds, amplifiers and speakers instead of strings and hammer in order to produce its sound. The keys are weighted to imitate the action of playing an acoustic piano, thereby making the transition between the two easy.Do Digital Pianos Need Tuning?

Of course digital pianos come in all types of styles, options and price ranges. What makes a digital piano a great choice in today’s world is its ability to create many different sounds, combined with the technology to produce and record music in many different ways. Since all sounds are produced and stored in electronic form, you can listen through headphones instead of speakers, store recordings in many computerized formats, and stay portable to bring it easily into any venue.

It’s a great instrument to bring into tight spaces. From tiny studio apartments, to college dorm rooms, to living with room mates who might not appreciate your jam sessions until the wee hours of the morning, a digital piano allows you play silently without bothering those around you.

It’s also low maintenance.

  • Keep liquids away from the keyboard
  • Keep it away from direct sunlight
  • Dust regularly
  • Clean the keys with a soft cloth and occasional soap and water

And if you are used to the regular tuning and repair process that comes with acoustic pianos, you are in for a surprise. Digital pianos never require tuning. The sounds for a digital piano are recorded and stored digitally within the hardware of the piano, so it will never go out of tune.

Think a digital piano may be the perfect choice for you? The best place to start is by comparing your options and finding one that meets your needs. Come in today and we’ll show you a complete line, and help you select the right digital piano for you.

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14 June 2014 Should You Learn To Play The Piano On An Inexpensive Piano?

Should You Learn To Play The Piano On An Inexpensive Piano?

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One of the most common questions people ask us is about purchasing a piano for the very first time when you have a small child ready to take piano lessons. Since no one else in the home plays, and the parents aren’t sure if the child will really enjoy the piano, can they buy the least expensive piano they can find to “test the waters” before moving up and investing in something of better quality?Should You Learn To Play The Piano On An Inexpensive Piano?

The short answer to this question is no. Buying a piano should never be about price alone. You should never buy the least expensive piano you can find just for the sake of getting a piano. Instead, you should focus on getting the best possible piano you can at the price you are willing to spend.

Here’s why.

When you focus in on price, you’ll wind up purchasing a piano that may be anything but musically inclined. Let’s say you purchase a piano off of Craigslist. Its been sitting in storage for several decades until the family clears out the home to sell it. They sell the piano for “nothing” because they are simply trying to get rid of it and make a little money in the process. It hasn’t been played or tuned in years. And it may or may not be in need of serious repair.

When your child sits down to play, she starts out playing a few notes and simple songs. But as she taps out the tune, it doesn’t make sense. What she hears at her piano teacher’s place isn’t what she hears on her own piano. The notes are off and don’t create the same musicality she hears on one that was well taken care of. She doesn’t “get” the song or understand the tune because it simply isn’t there.

Her frustration grows. She fights about practicing. And the entire concept is dropped as she moves into some other activity in her life.

If you’ve ever heard a musician play slightly out of tune, you understand how detrimental it can be.

In order to appreciate music, you have to be able to hear the tune, no matter how simple your beginning songs may be.

Which is why purchasing the best instrument you can afford, and making sure it’s the best quality it can be, is vital to starting and continuing to play the piano.

If you get the best instrument you can afford, you won’t be sorry. Your child will appreciate the sound she is making and hearing, and possibly continue down the path of playing for a much longer period of time. And because a high quality piano holds its value as well, if you do choose to sell it in the future, you will be glad you made the sound decision of purchasing a high quality instrument.

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22 April 2014 How To Motivate Your Child To Practice Piano Over Summer Break

How To Motivate Your Child To Practice Piano Over Summer Break

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Once again, summer break from school is a few short weeks ahead of us. Longer days, warm breezes, family vacations, freedom from the work that fills our schedules all year long.

While its important to take breaks now and again, should you take a break from everything? In some cases, the answer may be no.

Freedom is a good thing. But an idle mind is not. While pushing math problems several hours a day might make them beg to go back to school, something fun like piano can actually make them enjoy music that much more.How To Motivate Your Child To Practice Piano Over Summer Break

To start, find a piano teacher that has a slightly different approach in the summer months. Because there may be weeks without lessons while you enjoy a family vacation, make the music about fun as well. See if your child can choose fun, modern day music rather than sticking with the classics.

In some cases, having a new selection may be all that it takes to motivate your child to sit down at the piano every day. If they enjoy it, they may play it without asking. If you find that two days turn into four, and your child is soon returning to piano lessons without practicing at all, it may be time to add a little structure to the day.

When is your child most likely to appreciate time at the piano? Every child is different. Some have a lot of energy first thing in the morning; some prefer around dinner time. Whatever works for your child and your schedule,

Rather than instilling a time limit, try and work your summer schedule around achievements.

  • Play this song three times every day.
  • Practice these scales four times each.
  • Play this section until you feel comfortable with it.

The problem with time limits is they are something to be endured. If a child knows she has to put in 30 minutes before she can go out and play, she’ll become a clock watcher. But if she can work on feeling comfortable with a certain selection of the song, she can adjust her time around her comfort level, and may wind up practicing longer because of her appreciation for what she is doing.

Above all, realize that she probably won’t accomplish as much in the summer as she does the rest of the year. And that’s okay. As long as she continues her appreciation for the art of piano, it will be instilled in her for the long term.

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16 April 2014 What Is The Best Age For Piano Lessons?

What Is The Best Age For Piano Lessons?

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From the time your child is a baby, you’re always looking for ways to help her grow and mature. And for many parents, that path includes the gift of music.

Piano enriches their lives in many ways. Piano has been shown to increase intelligence, build up self esteem, increase hand eye coordination, and bring out the performer in your child. Its also been shown to increase brain activity, develop fine motor skills, and even increase subject comprehension and overall test scores as your child ages.What Is The Best Age For Piano Lessons?

With all that going for it, why not start piano lessons as soon as possible? While it is true you can find child prodigy videos on YouTube depicting 3 year old maestros, there may be such a thing as introducing lessons too early.

Most three year olds won’t respond well to an adult imposed learning structure. They like to sing and dance and play. Which is where the love of music should begin. A great preschool or music class that allows a child to discover their musicality will make the thought of producing music that much more enticing in the coming years.

The best time to start piano lessons will be different for every child, yet overall we find the best time often lies between the ages of 5 and 8. Here are a few things to watch for.

How large is the child’s hand? A child should be able to comfortably be able to place five fingers on five adjacent white keys. That may be a big stretch for some petite 5 year olds. If they can’t comfortably play a song and reach the notes required for a song, frustration sets in and the desire to play decreases.

Do they have finger coordination? Piano playing and piano lessons involve a child playing individual notes together with each finger moving separately from one another. If they still play using the hunt and peck method instead of wanting to use the hand to create a multidimensional sound, its best to wait.

Will they be learning by the Suzuki method, or an ear based method of piano playing? Five or six may be a good age since its based on listening and imitating. If they will be diving into the world of reading notes and music, waiting until they are seven or eight and have a better understanding of reading may help eliminate frustration at trying to learn two major tasks at once.

Is it ever too late? No! People take up the piano at every age. As long as you have a desire and willingness to learn, you can learn to play the piano from the comfort of your home. Studying music is good for the body, mind and spirit at any age; its something you’ll enjoy for a lifetime.

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10 April 2014 The Difference Between Acoustic Pianos, Digital Pianos and Electric Pianos

The Difference Between Acoustic Pianos, Digital Pianos and Electric Pianos

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When someone mentions the word piano, where does your mind go? Chances are its to the stage of a concert hall, grand piano center stage, with one of the best pianists in the world sitting at the keys.

In reality, pianos come in many styles, shapes, sizes and formats.The Difference Between Acoustic Pianos, Digital Pianos and Electric Pianos

The concert grand piano falls into the first category, the acoustic piano. The most common type of acoustic piano is called an upright piano, or sometimes a vertical or box piano. In general you will find uprights in homes or commercial locations where space is limited. The second type is the grand piano. Grand pianos are typically on display where performances will be made, or in some cases in larger, upper class homes where more space is available.

All types of acoustic pianos share several characteristics. All have 88 keys, 52 while and 36 black. They are made with a string/hammer technique in which the harder you strike the key, the harder the hammer hits the string, the louder the sound. Most will also have 3 pedals used to control sound in various ways.

Digital pianos are a recent invention designed to replicate the sound of an acoustic piano. They are electronically driven and use computer chips to detect input and replicate the sounds of the piano and other instruments. Their sound comes from a speaker system as opposed to the string/hammer construction used in an acoustic piano.

One of the big benefits of digital pianos is a headphone jack that allows a person to practice without making noise. This is perfect in a location where there are many people doing different things, and practicing may be disturbed because of the commotion. Digital pianos are lightweight and portable, meaning its easy to bring to a performance and set up anywhere.

Electric keyboards resemble digital pianos; yet there are distinct differences. Electric keyboards lack the weighted key feel. Piano keys are usually just plastic molded to fit the shape, without the “feel” that goes along with it – a big problem for people wanting to transfer their skills from one type of piano to the next. For that reason, electric keyboards are often thought of and used more for toys than actually piano playing. They typically have less than the standards 88 keys, and you’ll find them at much lower prices than either the acoustic or digital pianos sell for.

What’s the right choice for you?

  • Are you looking for a piece of furniture; something that will stand out in a room?
  • Are you looking at a practice instrument for someone trying to learn?
  • Do you want a toy for a child, or something for them to learn a lifelong skill?
  • Do you want something you can perform on?
  • Do you need to move it frequently?

Come on in and talk to us about your answers. We can help you make the right selection for your needs.

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5 April 2014 The Sound Of Your Piano

The Sound Of Your Piano

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When it comes to playing piano, sound is everything. With the help of sound, you can feel the music and understand what the composer was trying to get across when he composed each note. Music expresses thoughts, feelings, ideas, harmony, beauty, happiness and emotions. Within a few seconds, you instantly understand what each song is trying to convey.

Likewise you can tell the era each song comes from. Can you pick out a Chopin or Mozart piece? How about a Rachmaninoff?

The more you come to understand music, the more you’ll understand it comes down to the control of the sound being made through the piano itself. If a piano is old and out of tune, you can still play the appropriate notes to a song. But without the musicality, it won’t be as enjoyable for the people around you. (Yourself included.)The Sound Of Your Piano

Piano playing is not a sport. Your goal isn’t to give yourself a vigorous workout over the course of a practice session. You won’t develop the muscles in your fingers over time, nor will you work up endurance in your hands and wrists.

The purpose isn’t velocity and technical results. Instead, playing the piano should always be about expression, meaning and the art of making music in the first place.

Your piano isn’t a percussion instrument. It isn’t made to pound out the notes to get the loudest sound. Instead, its all about quality. Work on the sound and the technique will come.

Mastering piano is about training yourself to influence the sound, depth, openness and softness of the sounds you are producing. Its how you position your hands to get the most expression from every note you touch.

When you touch each key, keep your wrists relaxed and your fingertips controlled. Use the entire weight of your hand to put soft pressure on each note you touch. Focus in on the sound you create – does it match the music you are trying to produce? Does it convey your message?

And while your technique is what you learn and grow over time, always remember that you have to start with the best tool in the first place.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a “starter” piano without thought as to the purpose. If you want to develop a love for music, you can’t do it with an out of tune piano that won’t allow you to play a full range of notes. If cost is of concern, don’t buy at the lowest price from someone on Craigslist. Instead, start with a reputable dealer that can fit you into a quality piano at your budgeted price.

Investing in the right piano now will help you achieve a love for music overall as you learn to play and get better every day. And isn’t that the true goal anyway?

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26 March 2014 How Piano Can Change Your Life

How Piano Can Change Your Life

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Walk into a room with a piano in it and you’ll instantly find something that attracts just about everyone. Invariably someone will know how to play and soon everyone will be caught up in the beauty of the sound and music. No other skill or hobby has quite the same affect.

You Can Learn Piano In Your Own WayHow Piano Can Change Your Life

Many people learn the piano as kids – their parents realize the importance and start them on the path of piano lessons from an early age. Still others begin to take up the piano in their 70s or even 80s, looking to fulfill a lifelong dream.

You don’t have to be born to play the piano. You don’t have to change the world with your songs. Piano is about appreciating music and enjoying the interactivity that comes from playing the piano and entertaining those around you.

An Entire Orchestra In One Instrument

It takes an orchestra to create a song. Well, maybe not when it comes to the piano. The piano takes on every role, every voice, and can provide an entire symphony all on its own accord. When people see a baby grand or grand piano in a room, it instantly commands attention.

The greatest composers of our time wrote music exclusively for the piano. Add in voice and you have full gratification. Many of the songs written hundreds of years ago are still popular for the simple reason they are classics. When you sit down to play them, one instrument says it all. The piano. It is its own orchestra.

Piano Can Be The Ultimate Hobby

Certain hobbies have a short timeline in your life. Playing basketball is entertaining and great exercise, but is it something you can carry into your 70s, 80s and beyond?

Piano can be fun, relieve stress, work areas of your brain on a new level with each new phase you conquer, and expand your social circle as well.

It can also deepen your appreciation for music as a whole. Would you enjoy concerts more when you recognize the notes and the instruments producing the sounds?

And if you thoroughly enjoy the art of playing the piano, there may even be opportunity for you to play and entertain right in your own community. Try the local shopping mall. Or maybe start up a band at the local rec club on Saturday nights.

However you choose to look at the world of piano, it has a place in your life. But it all starts with making the first move, buying a piano and learning to play. Let it change your life today.

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22 March 2014 What’s The Difference Between Grand And Baby Grand Pianos?

What’s The Difference Between Grand And Baby Grand Pianos?

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One of most prized possessions in many homes across America is their piano. And usually when a home is ready to showcase their piano, they move to the grand piano class.

The most obvious difference between what we call a baby grand and a “regular” grand piano is the size. Sizes typically range like this:What’s The Difference Between Grand And Baby Grand Pianos?

Concert Grand – 9 to 10 feet

Semiconcert – 7 to 8 feet

Parlor – 6’3” to 6’10”

Professional Grand – 6 feet

Medium Grand – 5’6” to 5’8”

Baby Grand – 4’11” to 5’6”

Petite Grand – 4’5” to 4’10”

With size change also comes a variety of other changes as well.

A grand piano’s voice comes from the strings, soundboard, and the quality and workmanship of these parts. The longer the string, the more frequency to resonate from a larger surface area, the more balanced and full bodied the tone.

The smaller the grand piano, the more exaggerated the voice can be, with varying dynamics from octave to octave. For tonal superiority, most pianists look for a full grand, 5’7” or greater when making their final selection.

Cost is often a deciding factor when it comes to selecting a grand piano. Remember, grand pianos are an investment that holds value over time. New and used grand pianos tend to stay in the same price range because of their longevity. Talk with a reputable dealer to find the perfect piano for you.

If you opt for the baby grand because of price, aim for the longest model possible. Some baby grands are mass produced because of the strong desire, and therefore won’t provide the overall sound qualities you are looking for.

Make sure your piano room will have desired moisture and room temperatures. These elements are especially dangerous to grand pianos because of their revealing lids.

And finally, remember that grand pianos take up a large amount of space – around 63 square feet. Make sure you take into consideration doorways and stairwells when measuring your room. And don’t forget to add another two to four feet of space for the bench.

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15 March 2014 How Is Your Child Learning The Piano?

How Is Your Child Learning The Piano?

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One of the most widely sought after “bucket list” items is the ability to play the piano. Piano is considered to be the kind of all instruments. A child as early as 2 can begin touching and playing the notes, feeling the musicality, and understanding rhythm far beyond what would be capable if he were to choose another instrument. Likewise, the piano can be played into our 90’s, even 100’s and beyond because of its ease of use.

Yet for many people, traditional piano lessons have done anything but help them learn the piano. Why? Is there a better way? How Is Your Child Learning The Piano?

Studies are now showing that a more traditional way of approaching lessons may do more harm than good, especially for the very young.

A child must learn how to crawl before he can stand, stand before he can walk, walk before he can run. Each skill level builds on the other, giving you what’s necessary to move to the next level.

Piano lessons are no different.

To develop fine motor skills in playing the piano, a child must move through various stages:

  • Find the correct keys using any finger
  • Fined the correct keys with proper fingering
  • Play the keys with different rhythms
  • Play in consideration to the tempo of the music
  • Play in consideration to the quality of the sounds

If you push beyond the capabilities, it will simply have no meaning to the child. For instance, if you try and teach rhythm before the child has an understanding of the proper finger placement on the keys, he will have no understanding of the lesson and will soon grow frustrated and bored.

A newfound skill is clumsy and awkward until its perfected. Only after trying and trying again does it begin to make sense and become almost routine. When its second nature, only than can we move on and upgrade our skills and our desire for a more complex level.

If your child is feeling frustrated with piano lessons, how has he been approaching it? It may be time to consider a new approach. We can help you find the perfect piano instructor to suit your needs. Give us a call today.

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12 March 2014 How Music Affects Your Brain

How Music Affects Your Brain

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March is Music In Our Schools Month, and as a way of promoting the benefits of music in your child’s life, we wanted to share with you how music affects your brain. Studies consistently show that music has a major impact on our lives – more then we even realize. So as you’re planning your young child’s daily activities, and are contemplating the benefits of adding a sport versus a musical class, keep these ideas in mind.

Music improves our creativityHow Music Affects Your Brain

Kids today always seem to be attached to a pair of headphones. From listening to music, to playing games, portable units make everything possible. But when it comes to doing some good, music may be the way to go. A moderate noise level has been proven to be the sweet spot for creativity. When a moderate noise level is going on in the background, it actually increases your processing levels, which in turn will lead to increased abstract processing. In other words, if you approach a subject in a normal way with a moderate level of music in the background, your creative juices will kick into play and you’ll be able to find more solutions to your problem. Yes, there may be a very good reason why you should allow your child to study with music on … within reason of course.

The type of music listened is influenced by your personality

Think you can find a friend by determining if your music choices are in line with each other? Yes, it may actually be true. Studies have shown that the type of genre of music you prefer can tell the world what type of person you are. For instance:

  • Blues fans have high self esteem, are creative, outgoing and gentle
  • Jazz fans have high self esteem, are creative, outgoing and at ease
  • Classical fans have high self esteem, are creative, introvert and at ease
  • Country fans are hardworking and outgoing
  • Rock fans tend to have lower self esteem, are creative and gentle, but not hard working, not outgoing
  • Pop fans have high self esteem, hardworking and outgoing, but have lower levels of creativity

While this is all generalized, the sooner you introduce various types of music to your child, the better appreciation they will have for music, and the more influence music will have in their lives.

Music can significantly improve our motor and reasoning skills

Playing music has its benefits; the studies continuously show that. But studies also show that the more influence music has in your life, the more significantly your motor and reasoning skills will be. A child with three years or more of practice and playing on a musical instrument will show more auditory discrimination abilities and fine motor skills. They will also test better on vocabulary and nonverbal reasoning skills. Which means they will have a higher understanding and be able to analyze visual information better, such as identifying relationships, similarities and differences in patterns and shapes.

Music can make you more active

When its time to get active and put exercise into our daily routines, music will help you along the way. Listening to music competes for our brain’s attention, and can help override the signals of fatigue we may have from a busy day. Not only can we exercise longer and harder when we listen to music, but it can also help us use our energy more efficiently. Different genres affect us differently – that’s why you’ll always find upbeat music during dance, rumba or even aerobics classes that help you stay with the beat and keep your energy levels high.

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