21 September 2022 You’re Never Too Old To Learn The Piano

You’re Never Too Old To Learn The Piano

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When are you too old to learn the piano? Is age ever a factor? Many adults might feel they should hold back, and let children have all the fun making music. 

While adults may learn differently than kids, it’s never too late to take up the piano. In fact, some evidence suggests you may have an easier time because you’re more committed to following through and getting to the end result you desire. 

Need a few more benefits? 

Better health

As we age, we focus more on doing what’s right for our bodies. We eat better. We pay attention to the amount of exercise we get. We do activities for brain health. 

brain-than-just-listening in your 60s and beyond can boost your brain’s health as well as help decrease memory loss and cognitive function. One study found that people who learned to play the piano between ages 60 and 85 showed more robust gains in memory, verbal fluency, speed at which they processed information, planning ability, and other cognitive functions than those who hadn’t received lessons. 

Think it’s too late? Think again. 

More time, less failure

As we age, we tend to understand how to prioritize the things that are important to us. We have more time for the things we truly want in our lives. If you want to play the piano, dedicate the time it takes to practice. Carve out time you spend watching television or reading, and start to play instead. 

Adults are also more aware of what it takes to move past failure. Their dreams shift. Priorities change. Instead of seeing yourself in a full time career, maybe your desire to play is to learn to play your favorite songs. You understand goal setting. You know what it takes to achieve results. You may also better understand how to set realistic goals, and what it takes for you to see the end result. 

Life experience

When kids sit down to play a song, it may be the first time they’ve heard it. As adults, we have the advantage of a lifetime of learning. Want to play Elton John, Maroon 5, Bach or Beethoven? You’ve heard it before, and have a good understanding of how the rhythm goes. 

That comes from a lifetime of experiences. You may never have sat down at a piano before, but you’ve been to enough concerts to understand how music works. You see how the various instruments work together to create a magical sound. You understand harmony and melody. 

Maybe you’ve never played piano before, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start now. 

There are many reasons why you’re never too old to learn the piano. The question is: Will now be your time? 

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18 September 2022 Want to Improve Your Health? Play the Piano

Want to Improve Your Health? Play the Piano

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People learn to play the piano for many different reasons:

  • To create music
  • To learn the classics
  • To pursue a career in music
  • To increase memory skills
  • To play a favorite song

It’s usually about the music. But there may be another reason too. Studies consistently show that if you want to improve your health, learn to play the piano. 

We’ve become more aware in recent years of the importance of mental health. Playing the piano helps people relax, experience less anxiety, and overall have less stress. Want even more benefits for playing the piano?

Stress relief – sitting down at the keyboard gives you an outlet for your stress. Pour out your anxiety into your music and let the stress fall away. 

Confidence – as you work through a song, you’ll discover your “can do” attitude improves as you accomplish more with your music. 

Memory – it takes a lot of coordination to play with both hands while reading music in front of you. As you work your way through harder music, you’ll find your memory improves too. 

Multi-tasking – working two hands together while they are each doing different things can seem a bit challenging at first. But the more practice you have, the more you’ll find your mind stays on track with several tasks at hand. 

Focus – pay attention to the rhythm, tempo, music, and how your body moves to the song. Block everything else around you, feeling how the music moves through you. You’ll be able to bring these skills forward into other areas of your life. 

Playing the piano should never cause pain. As you move forward, a teacher can ensure you use proper technique, and gain all of the benefits of playing the piano correctly. 

And enjoying playing the piano for life.

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10 September 2022 Are Acoustic Pianos Still Relevant?

Are Acoustic Pianos Still Relevant?

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You’re thinking of buying a new piano. Should you look for an acoustic piano? Or should you move towards a digital piano? Which is more relevant, and will provide you with an experience you can grow with? 

Old versus new technology

Over the last two hundred years, we’ve had a whirlwind of technological advances. 

Cars have gone from basic forms of transformation to vehicles with impeccable safety standards. They’re even starting to drive themselves. 

Film cameras were once the norm. Now you can accomplish so much more with even just a phone in your hand. 

Or consider the novelty of a typewriter. Yes, they’re still fun to have in an office. They can be reminiscent of days gone by. But when you really want to sit down to work, you’re going to pull up your computer every time. 

Acoustic or digital?

For today’s piano players, if they walk into a room to practice before a concert and they see an acoustic and a digital, which will they choose? In most cases, they’ll move towards the digital. 

We’re accustomed to the precise movement that comes with digital. We can open up our computers and have access to the best editing software, sometimes for free. We’ve grown accustomed to precise sounds – and a clunky, out of tune acoustic piano might not be the first choice when two options are available. 

Today’s digital pianos offer preciseness you’ll never find with old technology. While it’s fun to look at, may hold memories from our ancestry, they don’t have the quality that comes with upgraded technology. 

Is it time to upgrade your piano? 

If you haven’t looked at today’s pianos, you haven’t discovered what upgraded technology can do for the way you play. 

Today’s top digital pianos play like the acoustic you learned on. They aren’t keyboards you’ll find at your local big box store. 

Instead, they offer the best of what an acoustic piano delivers. And then they offer more. They give you the opportunity to play even better; to use technology to its fullest. Play. Record. Enhance. Whether you just want to sit and relax and play your favorite song, or you have the desire to be the next YouTube sensation, it’s possible with today’s technology. 

Are you ready to upgrade to something that transforms the way you play the piano? 

Stop by today and check out our latest technology. There’s a perfect piano waiting for you. 

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10 August 2022 5 Things To Know Before You Start Playing The Piano

5 Things To Know Before You Start Playing The Piano

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Why do you want to start playing the piano? To make music, of course. While everyone starts with a slightly different idea in mind, few would assume they could master it in a short time. Playing the piano is something everyone can do, but to truly master it takes a lifetime. 

Knowing that, how can you start with the right frame of mind? What have other piano players discovered that they wish they had learned from the start? 

Get to know the keyboard

Remember the first time you sat down at a computer and plucked one finger at a time to spell a word? That QWERTY keyboard was a bit strange as you tried to figure out proper finger placement. A piano keyboard is similar. On average, pianos have 88 keys. It’s a series of white and black keys, each with different sounds. Where do you start? How about finger placement? There’s a lot to take in as a newbie, so take it slow and learn proper placement. It’ll help you expand your piano skills faster. 

Playing is a lot harder than it looks

From the first time you touch a piano, it’s fairly easy to pluck out an easy song. But as you progress, you’ll quickly realize how difficult the process is. Piano playing is about connecting your brain to each hand, which are each working independently of one another. You’ll also keep an eye on the music in front of you, taking in the notes written on the page. That’s difficult at first. It’s hard getting everything to work together. While you’ll pick it up quickly, realize that it does take time. 

There are always ways to play your favorite tunes

Do you have a song you’re dying to play? Did you start piano lessons to work up to one particular song? The good news is you can play it now. Music comes in all shapes and sizes, and comes in a variety of different playing levels. If you have a goal, share it with your piano instructor. They can help you work up to it quickly. That may be just the motivation you need to continue. 

Practice, practice, practice

This isn’t something that has to be complicated. If you’re worried about becoming too regimented with your practice, look for other ways. Practice is designed to be fun, not a chore. Don’t settle on one method, look for a method that works best for your lifestyle. 

Making the right choice in pianos

Too often, people look for the least expensive way to start playing the piano. They accept a free piano from a friend. Or invest in an inexpensive keyboard at their favorite big box store. To play beautiful music and have fun doing so, you need to ensure you have the right tools for the job. You wouldn’t start soccer practice with a flat ball? You shouldn’t begin piano practice with a piano not fit for practice. 

To love the music you’re creating, it’s necessary to start with the right tool. That’s where we can help. Give us a call today. 

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28 July 2022 How To Describe The Voice of Your Piano

How To Describe The Voice of Your Piano

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Just like people, pianos have unique voices.

The grand piano in the lobby of a five-star hotel sounds a lot different than the piano that lived in the living room of your parents’ home. But what makes pianos sound different from one another?

A piano’s voice differs from whether it’s in tune. Tuning a piano involves adjusting the strings’ tension.

A piano’s unique voice comes from the sound that the hammers make when they hit the piano’s strings. The felt covering on these hammers can vary in hardness, density, surface area, and quality. All of these factors affect the sound of each note played, giving your piano its unique voice.

A piano’s tone can be shifted with a process called “piano voicing.” Experienced piano technicians usually do this in order to even out the tones of individual notes. Voicing the whole piano to make it have a different voice is possible, but it takes an experienced professional to do it well, and it takes a long time.

Want to describe your piano’s voice? Here are some words to do so.

Warm, Mellow

Warm-sounding pianos are well-balanced and appealing. Many technicians try to voice pianos to sound warm, as it works for most types of music. A warm sound is also generally appealing to listeners. 

Bright, Shrill

Bright voiced pianos have a higher sound, creating music that is lively, clear, and pleasant. This higher sound may sound shrill to some ears.

Dark

Pianos that are bass-heavy have a dark voice with a booming, rich sound. Too much bass can make a piano sound unbalanced, and this can sometimes be a sign of cheaply-made hammers.

Rich

Rich-sounding pianos have a lot of auditory interest. They have enhanced bass and treble tones, while still feeling balanced. A rich-sounding piano is more interesting to listen to, as it provides more complex tones.

Big, Powerful

Pianos with a “big” sound are usually found in concert halls and stages, where they can be heard and enjoyed by many. Pianos with a big voice have a lot of power and can easily fill a room.

Clear and Even

Clarity of piano sound generally comes from a well-made piano that’s been finely tuned. It’s hard to sustain perfect clarity and evenness in a piano, especially over time. New pianos are naturally more even, as the felt on the hammers has not been worn down yet.

So which sound is best?

A concert pianist may prefer a piano with a big, rich sound, while you might prefer the relaxing sound of a warm, mellow piano in your own home. While some pianos sound generally appealing to people, such as ones with a warm or rich sound, there is ultimately not a definitive “best sounding” piano out there. It’s all down to personal preference: beauty is in the ear of the listener!

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24 July 2022 Why Playing The Piano Can Bring Comfort

Why Playing The Piano Can Bring Comfort

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Think back to your childhood. What songs take you back?

Or how about your high school prom? Is there music that quickly makes you reminisce about that time in your life? 

Or a song played at your wedding? A favorite band you have every song downloaded to your phone? 

Or even played an instrument from the time you were little, enjoying the process of creating music? 

There’s a reason for that. Music stimulates natural chemicals inside each of us. It triggers endorphins and impacts our mood. Ever been in a lousy mood, listened to a few of your favorite songs, and felt your feeling lift? That’s music in all its power. 

While we’ve long since realized music is perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and even distraction, we’re only just starting to realize its power for so much more. Music therapy is a growing modality that can help with all kinds of issues, including developmental, rehabilitative, preventative, wellness care, and mental healing. 

There are many ways to use music in therapy. For some, the mere act of listening can have amazing calming effects. 

Increasingly, we’re also finding being involved in music can take wellness to an entirely different level. The act of playing can stimulate many different triggers, help you find peace and wellness from within. 

Head to your favorite music site – Pandora, Spotify, or Sirius. Now look at playlists meant for calming or relaxing moments. Chances are you’ll find a variety of piano solos and acoustic numbers there to help you calm. 

Piano is soothing to the soul. Listening to it can bring a sense of well-being just by listening to it. Now get in the act, touch the keys, and play. It increases heightened awareness, and brings relaxation to an entirely different level. 

One study found in dementia, music can improve mood, behavior, and in some cases, cognitive function, which can persist for hours and days after the music stops.

Another found that Music Therapy has been proven to bring patients suffering from the effects of dementia to a better place emotionally and cognitively.

Some patients who have severe dementia may show little cognitive function in many areas of life, yet still have the ability to create music. 

No matter where you are today, if you’ve ever had a desire to start playing the piano, it can be one of the best decisions you’ll make for a more stress-free, happier life. 

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21 July 2022 20, 40, 60 – How Many Lessons To Master The Piano

20, 40, 60 – How Many Lessons To Master The Piano

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Taking up a new hobby isn’t an easy task. We have a desire to start something new. We watch the greats of the world make it look easy. We have goals – we want to feel a sense of accomplishment. But is it doable? 

The shortest way to success is to follow in the footsteps of others. Teachers can cut the learning curve, but what are your expectations?

A common question people have about mastering the piano is: How long until I can play? How many lessons does it take to master the piano? 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a set answer. 

There are two parts to this question?

  • What do you mean by mastering the piano?
  • How do you define a lesson?

What do you mean by mastering the piano?

When people decide to take up the piano, they have different goals in mind. Some have a song they really want to play. Others want to join a band and make it their career. 

What’s your goal? How do you see yourself in the future? How far do you want to take playing the piano? 

The more complex your skills, the longer it will take. You can achieve different levels with realistic goals in mind. 

How do you define a lesson?

Along with different goals and desires comes the ability to work towards your goals. How would you define your approach? 

Does a lesson to you mean a 30-minute, once-per-week session with an instructor? Or do you look at lessons as working with workbooks, playing along with apps and videos, and even working in group format online? 

Do you count the practice it takes to achieve your weekly goals? Do you have the time to dedicate yourself to many different playing levels throughout the week? 

The difference can change both your expectations and your outcomes. 

How much playing is needed to master the piano? 

The number of hours of instruction varies depending on who you are. We all have our own approaches, our own desires, and our own sense of accomplishment. The important thing is sticking to your plan and getting to a level that makes you happy. 

This is all about enjoyment. Playing the piano is about improving each day, and loving what you do. 

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7 July 2022 Summertime Piano Practice Tips

Summertime Piano Practice Tips

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It’s summertime! Time to slow down and enjoy a few weeks of lazy days and summertime play. 

But before you put your books on the shelf and close the lid to your piano until cooler days, think again. 

There are ways to incorporate the things you love into your daily routines without it feeling like a chore. Your child doesn’t have to leave all of their hobbies behind, waiting for the school bells to ring again. In fact, it’s better if they keep practicing, and don’t let their newly acquired skills disappear. 

What can you do to encourage piano playing without it feeling like they’re back in school? Consider these piano practice tips to avoid the summertime blues.

Change when you practice

During the school year, you build piano practice into your daily routine. Maybe before your child catches the bus for school. Or immediately upon arriving home from school. Because summertime changes that routine, make your piano practicing routine different too. How about after their favorite morning TV show? Or in the heat of the day when it’s time to cool down from being outside? Selecting a new time can bring freshness to the routine, and make your child a more willing participant. 

Select new music

What music does your child like to listen to? Do they have a favorite musician? You can find sheet music at all kinds of playing levels. If you haven’t searched online for sheet music, try SheetMusicPlus or MusicNotes. You’ll find thousands of arrangements, something perfect for every level of piano player in your home. Push aside more traditional routines, and let your child have fun with how they learn. 

Incorporate piano into vacation plans

Have you found a way to bring piano into your vacation plans? Concerts in the park take place all across the world, and offer a fun way to bring music into your life. Check in with your local symphony; they often bring a traveling orchestra into the community. Bringing your child can open up opportunity. They may see their new hobby in a different light. Depending on where you travel, you may be able to see some of the biggest musicians in the world. Be sure to point out the instruments being played, and talk about their impact on the song. It’s a great way for kids to see what’s possible if they keep pursuing music. 

Summertime is here. But that doesn’t mean you have to push all of your hobbies aside until the days grow cooler. Keep playing the piano, and enjoying all the benefits it brings. With these piano practicing tips, you’ll give your summertime plans a slightly different vibe, one your whole family may enjoy.

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4 July 2022 A Guide To Using Pedals While Playing The Piano

A Guide To Using Pedals While Playing The Piano

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When you’re just getting started with playing the piano, it’s only natural to look for shortcuts to buying equipment and learning to play. 

The piano can be an intimidating instrument when you first look at it. Eighty-eight keys stretched across the keyboard with white and black keys – how will you ever be able to coordinate your hands together to create music? 

And when you look down at the pedals – is it possible to coordinate everything together? 

It’s easy to tell yourself you only want to start simply. Do you really need pedals? And what about all of those keys? Won’t a simple keyboard do?

What pedals do

As you’re first starting to play the piano, you won’t use the pedals. Most teachers pay more attention to hand placement, and coordinating the hands together to play music. Pedals come later as you start to get more comfortable making music. 

Yet it’s still a good idea to have them in place and learn what they do. 

Most pedal setups come with three pedals. 

You’ll find the damper pedal on the right. It’s the most common pedal, and is often referred to as the sustain pedal. When you press it down, it lifts the damper from the strings and lets the notes ring out for longer. It creates a longer, more resonant tone. 

The middle pedal is the Sostenuto pedal. It holds the notes pressed as you press down on this pedal. Any notes you play after won’t carry past the initial play. 

The left pedal is the Una Corda pedal, also known as the soft pedal. When you press a key, it triggers a hammer hitting three strings. If you press a key using the Una Corda pedal, it only hits one, softening the sound. 

Do you need pedals?

Pedals may not be a priority for beginners, but they are a part of the learning process. If you keep playing and want to improve your musicality, pedals will eventually be a part of the process. 

Most pianists start with the sustain pedal. For many musicians, it’s the only pedal they will ever use. 

Pedals are often part of classical music. If you hope to dive deep and wide in discovering music to play, you’ll find yourself experimenting with each of the pedals over time. 

Many pop musicians don’t rely on the pedals at all. They create tonal quality in other ways. 

Are pedals important for learning to play the piano? Only you can decide. 

But for a richer, more well-rounded playing experience, pedals may be just what you need to create music.

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24 June 2022 The Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Love Music

The Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Love Music

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Music has a big impact on each of our lives. Think back over time – chances are you can associate music with different points in your life. 

  • The first song you remember on the radio
  • The first song you danced to
  • The song you fell in love to
  • The song that pulled you out of a slump

Throughout history, music has been an important part of the human experience. It’s a language that holds us together as a culture. 

For kids, it does even more. 

Teaching kids to love music benefits them in many ways:

  • Playing an instrument significantly increases higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12
  • Improves SAT scores
  • Increases both attendance rates and graduation rates throughout school
  • Lowers current and lifetime substance abuse
  • Teaches self-discipline
  • Shows as higher creativity throughout life

The benefits are many. 

Want to give your child the gift of making music?

Participate

The first step is making it a big part of your lives. Make it something you do together as a family. Introduce music in different ways – place a piano in your living space, listen to music together, or sing together in the car. Kids learn best when it’s a family affair. No need to worry if you sing slightly off-key. 

Expand

The good news is music is a huge part of our culture, and there are many ways to participate. You’ll find free concerts in your local park in the summer. Or go big and attend a show by your favorite musician. Move across genres, too – when was the last time you heard your local symphony? Check out a musical at your local theater. You may just find you fall in love with a music type you’ve never considered before. 

Together

The wonderful thing about music is that you can participate no matter your age. Sing together. Take piano lessons together. Attend concerts and musicals together. As a family, it gives you something to talk about. It brings you closer because of the way you learn and grow together. 

Chances are you remember music from your life, from when you were a small child to today. It’s impacted you in a big way. 

With all the benefits music can bring, why not expand music in your lives together, to give your child a huge leap of knowledge that will help them throughout their lives. 

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