The history of rock and roll music is covered with larger-than-life personas and some of the most talented artists to ever grace the stage. These legends changed music with their talents and charisma, and set the benchmark for cool throughout history.

Even though they are all iconic musicians in their own right, these guys share one more thing in common. Despite their fame coming from different areas in bands, these guys are also legendary for the skills behind the ivories. They are the renaissance men of rock history, and we should take the time to salute these five music legends for their amazing skills while we learn piano!

1. Freddy Mercury – Queen

Without a doubt one of the greatest showmen in history, Freddy Mercury was also one of the most talented musicians ever. His natural skills as a singer gave Queen its signature sound, but his keyboard skills turned the band’s songs, including “Bohemian Rhapsody, and ‘My Best Friend”, into anthems that are still remembered to this day. His piano riffs have become the stuff of legend.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oozJH6jSr2U[/embedyt]

2. Geddy Lee – Rush

The frontman for the greatest prog-rock band to come out of Canada, Geddy Lee is a multi-faceted man. Rush is known for its over-the-top science fiction infused lyrics, as well as its ridiculously talented musicians. Lee stands out, however, as the man who can pull off playing amazing keyboard arrangements while making songs about arguing trees sound epic!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYYdQB0mkEU[/embedyt]

3. John Paul Jones – Led Zeppelin

Although he’s known as Led Zeppelin’s Bassist, Jones also split duties on keyboard, and is responsible for some of the band’s most iconic sounds, such as “No Quarter’s” haunting introduction. His playing style, while very subtle, shines through on more upbeat songs like “Houses of the Holy” and “Trampled Underfoot”, and his footprint is a steady presence in a band driven by larger-than-life egos such as Page, Plant, and Bonham.

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4. Billy Preston – Various Acts

In addition to being in the running for best hairstyle of the 60s and 70s, Billy Preston had a resume that most musicians would kill for. Preston worked with everyone from Ray Charles to the Rolling Stones to Sly & the Family Stone, and is one of only two additional musicians to be credited in a Beatles song. Preston also had a long and successful solo career playing synths and keyboards.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_DV54ddNHE[/embedyt]

5. Axl Rose – Guns ‘n’ Roses

Axl Rose is one of the greatest rock frontmen in history. The original lineup of Guns ‘n’ Roses is still in the conversation for greatest rock bands in history, and it’s hard to deny that without Axl’s talents, the band would not have been as legendary. Aside from his iconic voice, Rose was able to help make some of the band’s most iconic songs with his impressive piano chops. Shining especially bright on the classic “November Rain”, Rose’s skill on the keyboards was an underrated part of the band’s mystique.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_OJAzREk98[/embedyt]

Pick up a piano or keyboard today and try out one of these legends’ riffs!

The post 5 Musicians Who Also Rocked at the Piano or Keyboard appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Recorder

The recorder is one of the least appreciated instruments you can learn. In fact, this is one of the simplest ways to learn some of the fundamentals of playing music, making it an ideal choice for first-time music learners. It’s also easy to use, so you can see progress really quickly. For just $15, you will learn about tempo, breathing, and ensemble playing within a few weeks.

Xylophone

The xylophone is another great instrument for beginners because it doesn’t demand the same complexity as other instruments do. Players use wooden sticks to beat out sounds on metal slats tuned to the various scales for a simple and lovely melody. Xylophones can be purchased for $10-$25. What’s really nice about the xylophone is that if you enjoy this basic level instrument, you can quickly advance to learning to play the piano because the same basic principles apply.

Tambourine

If you’re a Bob Dylan fan, then you know the power of a good tambourine. For just $25, you can have your own “jingle jangle mornin’” and enjoy the playful cadence of a riveting tambourine jam. Beat out a light tune to just have fun, or get more involved with a faster, heavier rhythm that really gets the blood rushing.

Keyboard 

While this is the most expensive instrument on our list, the keyboard is a fabulous option because it gives you a taste of so many different types of instruments (and it’s still cheaper than a baby grand). You can change up the tempo, style, and sound, practice on different keys, and most importantly, see what it’s like to play the piano without spending the money on this higher ticket item. (Remember, you can always invest in the real thing later on once you’ve seen how magnificent playing the piano can be.) Low-priced keyboards will run from about $50-$150. 

Once you start playing music, you’ll see how much fun it is. And when you’ve mastered these simpler instruments, you can move on to more advanced instruments, like learning to play piano, guitar, or a full drum set.

Jump into the beauty and pleasure of learning music, and see the world with new eyes, one note at a time.

The post Learn to Love Playing Music for Less: Cheap Instruments to Get You Inspired appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Pianos can be super expensive, but a keyboard is a great alternative to a piano and just as effective! Acoustic pianos are great but they do require upkeep and maintenance. Regular tuning, regular playing, strategic positioning in your home, humidifiers- these are all things to consider.  I recommend starting with a keyboard/digital piano which is a great and cheaper alternative to the acoustic piano. Digital pianos need no tuning, no strategic positioning, no humidifiers, and really, what's one more computer in your house!  

Here are my top recommendations when searching for a digital piano or keyboard:

YAMAHA ARIUS YDP 181- Beginners

The Yamaha Aruis YDP 181 is a great starter with awesome features.  Tickling the ivories is a pleasure with key action that feels close to the real thing.  The instrument sounds are super lush.  All the bells and whistles and a nice starter keyboard for a beginner.

KORG SP170s- Beginners and Intermediates

Another great full keyboard is the Korg SP180S. Korg has done a great job of bringing true sound and feel to a full 88 key keyboard.  This one is perfect for beginners to intermediates.  It comes with a damper pedal but not the other 2 traditionAlly found on an acoustic piano but that's ok- you won't use them for a while anyway!

CASIO PX 850 PRIVIA – Intermediates and Advanced

The Casio PX 850 PRIVIA is a really noice for a keyboard The keys, when pressed, sound likethey are hitting wood.  You have 3 pedals and a cool recording feature to listen to your playbacks.   18 voices to play around with will make practicing (and developing your ear and technique) a real treat.  That it comes with a great stand is a bonus and really gives you that "piano" feel!

Some points to look out for:

– Simple Features: Try not to get distracted with all the extra features. Simple is better.

– Number of Keys: Stick to 88 keys- it's easier!

– Midi Connection: Cable to connect your iPad or iPhone Apps like Simply Piano or Piano Maestro 

– Maximum Polyphony: Refers to the maximum number of notes that a keyboard or sound module can produce at one time. The higher the better!

– Touch Response: Ability of a keyboard to sense the force or speed with which a key is pressed and create a sound

So which keyboard will you buy this holiday? After all 2016 is just around the corner and the perfect time to pick up a new skill!

The post Want To Buy A Piano Or Keyboard? Read This First. appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Still in beta stage, the JoyTunes glove will take you from 1 note to Beethoven in a flash. Our gloves allow your hands to auto magically bend and move to play any song your heart desires! Check out this video for more info.

Want to order your very own JoyTunes glove & start playing like Mozart today?

Purchase your gloves here!

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