I love the facial expressions of new students the first day they sit in front of a piano and actually get to play some notes. Most find it daunting, others find somewhat complex, and a few are excited to know they soon will be able to play their favorite song on the piano.
The truth is that all the best piano virtuosos have spent a lot of time refining their skills, continuing to learn new notes, and reading sheet music in order to get better every single year. Most have dedicated a lifetime exclusively focused on learning about the piano and the music industry.
For instance, not many people know who the inventor of the piano is. He was an Italian shop owner named Bartolomeo Cristofori. He is given credit for inventing the piano and presenting to the public in the early 1700's. The first few hundred years after this invention, the piano was incredibly expensive that the general public was not able to afford it. Instead, it was seen as a social status symbol and only placed in the homes of kings, queens and the super affluent.
The white keys from the very first pianos were made out of ivory and the black keys from ebony. Today, they are made from plastic although the keys in the highest quality pianos are typically made from spruce. Overall, most of the components in the piano are made from wood and the remaining parts are made from metals such as iron and carbon steel, which is used for the strings.
As far as piano maintenance, it is recommended that pianos get a tune up every quarter the first year of its purchase and twice a year thereafter. If you are unaware, temperature fluctuations could change the elasticity of the strings in the piano and therefore have an effect on the sound that each key makes. For piano professional, having the perfect note is critical, especially if giving a concert to a sophisticated and affluent audience.
Other information to know before your first piano lesson is that most standard pianos have 88 keys, which consist of black and white colors only -- but most keyboards have 61 keys. Piano musical notes are easy to remember because they only range from the alphabet letters A through G. As you start playing your first notes, you will realize that the notes on the right side are "lighter" in pitch relative to the notes on the other end, which have a "deeper" pitch sound.
As you advance in your ability of playing the piano, your body posture will become critical, especially if you plan on making a living from playing music. However, it is your hands that will be more critical to your success. Your hands must always be flexible for maximum mobility around the piano, especially when playing fast notes. Also, your hand "curve" can reveal a lot of your expertise as a musician. A great way to become accustomed with this hand curve is placing your and in your knees while sitting down. Take that hand shape and lightly place your hands on the piano keys and voila! That is the shape you need to maintain throughout your piano lessons.
I dislike seeing new students quit their piano lessons because most have not given this instrument enough time to learn about it. The truth is that this is a wonderful instrument and you learn how to play it you will be grateful you did. Just think about all the great musicians and the time they have devoted to their profession. Think about it - if you invest sufficient time to the piano or any other endeavor you will master it and become great at it. That is the secret. Period.
Learning how to play a piano takes desire, discipline, persistence, and a huge time investment. The best advice I can give you as a beginner is to practice at least 15 minutes daily during the first two months of starting piano lessons. The secret is that repetition will lead to recognition of the sounds, keys, and help you learn how to read sheet music faster if you practice daily. Try it and you will be surprised at your progress in as little as 8 weeks.
The truth is that all the best piano virtuosos have spent a lot of time refining their skills, continuing to learn new notes, and reading sheet music in order to get better every single year. Most have dedicated a lifetime exclusively focused on learning about the piano and the music industry.
For instance, not many people know who the inventor of the piano is. He was an Italian shop owner named Bartolomeo Cristofori. He is given credit for inventing the piano and presenting to the public in the early 1700's. The first few hundred years after this invention, the piano was incredibly expensive that the general public was not able to afford it. Instead, it was seen as a social status symbol and only placed in the homes of kings, queens and the super affluent.
The white keys from the very first pianos were made out of ivory and the black keys from ebony. Today, they are made from plastic although the keys in the highest quality pianos are typically made from spruce. Overall, most of the components in the piano are made from wood and the remaining parts are made from metals such as iron and carbon steel, which is used for the strings.
As far as piano maintenance, it is recommended that pianos get a tune up every quarter the first year of its purchase and twice a year thereafter. If you are unaware, temperature fluctuations could change the elasticity of the strings in the piano and therefore have an effect on the sound that each key makes. For piano professional, having the perfect note is critical, especially if giving a concert to a sophisticated and affluent audience.
Other information to know before your first piano lesson is that most standard pianos have 88 keys, which consist of black and white colors only -- but most keyboards have 61 keys. Piano musical notes are easy to remember because they only range from the alphabet letters A through G. As you start playing your first notes, you will realize that the notes on the right side are "lighter" in pitch relative to the notes on the other end, which have a "deeper" pitch sound.
As you advance in your ability of playing the piano, your body posture will become critical, especially if you plan on making a living from playing music. However, it is your hands that will be more critical to your success. Your hands must always be flexible for maximum mobility around the piano, especially when playing fast notes. Also, your hand "curve" can reveal a lot of your expertise as a musician. A great way to become accustomed with this hand curve is placing your and in your knees while sitting down. Take that hand shape and lightly place your hands on the piano keys and voila! That is the shape you need to maintain throughout your piano lessons.
I dislike seeing new students quit their piano lessons because most have not given this instrument enough time to learn about it. The truth is that this is a wonderful instrument and you learn how to play it you will be grateful you did. Just think about all the great musicians and the time they have devoted to their profession. Think about it - if you invest sufficient time to the piano or any other endeavor you will master it and become great at it. That is the secret. Period.
Learning how to play a piano takes desire, discipline, persistence, and a huge time investment. The best advice I can give you as a beginner is to practice at least 15 minutes daily during the first two months of starting piano lessons. The secret is that repetition will lead to recognition of the sounds, keys, and help you learn how to read sheet music faster if you practice daily. Try it and you will be surprised at your progress in as little as 8 weeks.
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