The piano is one of the most loved instruments in the world. Get inspired and inspire others to become pianists with these beautiful piano quotes.

Everything from the piano’s sleek design to the beautiful sounds it emits is the result of individuals investing time, focus, and energy into the instrument. When you devote yourself to something, particularly playing an instrument, you develop a relationship with it. Eventually, it becomes a means of expression, in some cases, one that is more articulate than language. 

There are many pianists capable of leaving listeners in awe. Their fingers effortlessly glide across the majestic keyboard, producing sounds that take us to places we may not have thought possible. Truly, sound, music, and piano are marvelous. 

Many of those adept at playing the instrument have left our listeners and practitioners with words that give us a taste of what playing the piano can mean.

But why exactly does the piano affect people so profoundly?

The article provides insight into why the piano impacts people and presents 20 lovely quotes from pianists, musicians, and authors that describe the piano from their perspectives. 

Sound.

It all begins with sound, or rather, vibration. 

Science finally backs up the claim that everything in existence moves and vibrates. Regardless of what science says about vibration, we are no strangers to sound. Everything from rustling leaves to the words we speak creates vibrations. 

The point is that vibrations play a central role in our lives, affecting our mental and emotional states. 

Humans are pretty good at making sounds. Many people devote their lives to making sounds by making music.

Music.

Music is the expressive art of arranging sounds in a combination of form, harmony, melody, and rhythm.

It hugely impacts us, and we can’t get enough of it. It speaks to us in ways we still don’t fully understand–affecting our brain in measurable ways. 

If you’re curious about how playing the piano affects the brain, check out our blog Why Playing Piano Is a Brain Booster. 

Music makes us feel happy, sad, angry, and all sorts of other ways that we can’t necessarily describe with language. Music brings us closer together through collaboration and dance. 

And through these musical experiences, whether it’s be creating or listening to a mind-blowing sequence of notes, or profound lyrics, music can bring us closer to the essence of life.

Piano.

We create music in many different ways. There are countless musical instruments that we use to make diverse sounds. Surely one of the most beloved is the piano. 

With 88 keys, 230 strings of varying widths, and a massive soundboard, the piano is a unique instrument that touches the hearts of countless musicians and listeners. 

Piano quotes on expression.

The piano is far more than a musical instrument. To many, it’s a tool that offers the means to express themselves beyond words. 

1. “The piano as a medium for expression is a whole world by itself. No other instrument can fill or replace its own say in the world of emotion, sentiment, poetry, imagery, and fancy.” — Leopold Godowsky, Polish-American Pianist

2. “To me, the piano in itself is an orchestra.” — Cecil Taylor, American Pianist, and Poe

3. “One of my biggest thrills for me still is sitting down with a guitar or a piano and just out of nowhere trying to make a song happen.” — Sir Paul McCartney, English Singer-Songwriter

4. “I’m able to sometimes express things even more articulately on the piano than I am with singing.” — Harry Connick Jr., American Musician

5. “I tell my piano the things I used to tell you.” – Frederic Chopin
6.  “Sometimes I can only groan, and suffer, and pour out my despair at the piano.” – Frederic Chopin

7. “The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it.” – Ray Charles

8. “I had never before thought of how awful the relationship must be between the musician and his instrument. He has to fill it, this instrument, with the breath of life, his own.” — James Baldwin, American Author

Funny piano quotes.

Quotes don’t always have to be profound. Sometimes, someone’s description of the piano can be lighthearted, allow us to see the instrument uniquely, or point out human characteristics. 

1. “The piano is a monster that screams when you touch its teeth.” – Andre Segovia

2. “I wish the government would put a tax on pianos for the incompetent.” – Edith Sitwell

3. “The public is like a piano. You just have to know what keys to poke.” – Al Capp

4. “What has keys but can’t listen to the beauty it unlocks? A piano. – Jarod Kintz

5. “The piano is a monster that screams when you touch its teeth.” – Andre Segovia

6. “There’s nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.” – Johann Sebastian Bach

Philosophical piano quotes.

Vibration permeates existence. And the manipulation of sound can be an intense and profound experience. The following quotes express the sense of wonder we can plunge into thanks to the piano. 

1. “The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air.” — Kenneth Miller, American Biologist

2. “Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” –Tom Lehrer

3. “The piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colors in your mind.” — Maria Cristina Mena, Author

4. “Prayer is when you talk to God. Meditation is when you’re listening. Playing the piano allows you to do both at the same time.” — Kelsey Grammer, American Actor

5. “There are eighty-eight keys on a piano and within that, an entire universe.” ― James Rhodes

6. “The piano as a medium for expression is a whole world by itself. No other instrument can fill or replace its own say in the world of emotion, sentiment, poetry, imagery and fancy” – Leopold Godowsky

Music is a wondrous phenomenon. Musicians and listeners gather regularly to celebrate and take a melodic journey inward. Just as the sounds emanating from the piano can be emotionally captivating, so can the quotes and sayings that describe this instrument. 

While listening to the piano can be a beautiful experience, playing it can be much more fulfilling. Even the adventure of learning the instrument can be fun and rewarding. 

Are you learning how to play the piano?

Simply Piano is a fantastic app that provides students everything they need to learn how to play, from reading sheet music to playing your favorite songs. Give it a try today!

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If you’re looking for the best keyboard piano for beginners, look no further! Simply Piano has the perfect instrument for you.

When choosing your keyboard, it’s essential to strike the right balance between cost and a beginner-friendly instrument that motivates you and provides room to grow.

There are all sorts of keyboards. Some prioritize portability, sound quality, and even aesthetics.

A lot goes into a keyboard. Each design offers unique qualities and capabilities that may be what sways your decision. 

So let’s dive into the world of keyboards and find the best keyboard piano for a beginner.

The number of keys for a beginner.

Generally speaking, most keyboards come with 49, 61, 73, or a full 88 keys, like a piano. There is no correct number of keys per se, but you may develop a preference as you continue practicing. Until then, you might not know the type of music you want to play or what qualities you will most appreciate from your keyboard. 

And there are qualities aplenty!

Keyboards come in various shapes, sizes, styles, with different numbers of keys and tools built in. You can learn a lot about playing the piano with just 49 keys. However, we recommend going with 88. You won’t be able to make the most out of all 88 keys when you begin. But that’s okay –  you will have plenty of room to grow. 

Weighted versus unweighted keys.

As a beginner, you will need to consider buying a keyboard with weighted versus unweighted keys. You have a third choice too – semi-weighted. Each of these keys offers unique qualities and changes how it feels to play.

Why weighted keys are better.

Weighted keys are better because they provide a similar feel to a classical acoustic piano. As such, keyboards with weighted keys have greater articulation and sound control than keyboards with unweighted keys.

For instance, applying more pressure on a key produces a vastly different sound than using a softer touch. These subtleties can drastically affect the energy and emotion in music.

This will help you understand and feel the sensitivity needed to push down the keys with different levels of control.

Number of sounds.

Part of what makes the keyboard so fun to play and an excellent instrument for beginners is its number of sounds. 

Keyboards can have from ten to 400 different sounds! This gives you the chance to explore a range of possible musical styles.

So if you’re feeling funky, you can adjust the settings and play funk music. Additionally, you can synchronize your sounds to mesh with other musicians because of the electronic nature of your keyboard. 

The best keyboard piano for beginners.

Whether you’re just starting out or nearing the level of masterhood, it’s essential to be inspired by your instrument. 

Playing on a keyboard that feels more like a toy than an instrument can negatively impact your experience. That’s why we recommend the following keyboard as the best keyboard for a beginner.

Introducing the Korg B2N. 

This keyboard has 88 semi-weighted keys on an NT (Natural Touch) keyboard. 

The NT keyboard reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano, with heavier action in the low register and a lighter feel in the upper register. 

Korg gives the right balance of beginner-friendly playability while allowing you to dip your toes into the intricate world of sensitive key strikes. 

As far as aesthetics go, the Korg B2N makes most beginner keyboards look and feel cheap. For a portable keyboard, it’s on the larger side and costs just over $500. 

The B2N comes with twelve different sound settings, from the electric organ to the harpsichord. These sounds create powerful and vibrant reverberations thanks to Korg’s latest piano engine. 

Another helpful feature is the USB port that you can plug into various music software and hardware. That means you can create and record music from your tablet or phone! 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any pedals. However, you only need a sustain pedal for digital pianos and keyboards that you can find a separate pedal and plug into your keyboard.

There’s a lot to consider when purchasing an instrument. Knowing what you want from your keyboard, the kind of music you want to play, the price, and its portability should all factor into your decision. 

Regardless of what keyboard you choose, it’s ultimately a tool – a rather important one, to be sure – in the journey of learning and playing music. 

Many tools can help you get better. It’s just about knowing where to look and what to look for.

Add some spice and speed up the process of your keyboard journey with Simply Piano!

FAQs.

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Wondering what are the best piano apps for Android in 2022? This article is a compilation of the best apps to start learning piano.

The Android versus Apple battle is ongoing. The camps are forming. Swapping sides is akin to treason.

Each device has its benefits, but not all apps can run on both platforms. So, if you are looking for a piano app for your Android, you want to make sure you find one compatible with your device.

Luckily, when looking for the best piano app, you can find a wide array of options available for your Android.

Find the best piano apps for your Android.

If you want to learn piano, an app can help you progress. But with so many options on the table, you need to narrow down your choices. 

Before you purchase a lifetime subscription to a piano app, ask yourself the following questions:

Who’s learning to play the piano?

Some piano apps are kid-friendly, while others are better suited for adults. Some apps are flexible and meet the needs of either party.

Do you want to pick up a new hobby? Or, are you looking for a more productive way for your kid to spend time than playing video games all day? 

Look at the app’s target audience to know which app is the best choice for you (or your kid).

What skill level do you need?

If you are a beginning student, you want an app that covers the basics. However, you don’t want to reinvent the wheel if you just need to brush up on your skills. Some apps focus on games and very basic skills, while others can take you from beginner to advanced. 

Think about what you already know and want to learn before making your final choice.

Do you have an acoustic piano, digital piano, or keyboard?

Some apps are flexible. You can use them with acoustic pianos, digital pianos, and keyboards. 

However, you have to plug some apps into the keyboard or digital piano to give you real-time advice on your skills.

Other apps are designed to learn directly on the app without needing to access a real instrument. Consider what instrument you have or don’t have before signing on the dotted line.

What is your price range?

Most apps offer a free trial period where you can see if the app works for you. Others offer limited free services that you can enjoy long-term.

However, when you purchase an app, you get a wide range of benefits that you can’t get for free. If you try the app and enjoy it, you can sign up on a monthly or year-long basis. Some even offer lifetime subscriptions!

Subscribing to an app is significantly cheaper than in-person lessons. Also, with an app, you can pick up your device as often as you want to improve your piano skills on the piano.  

Let’s look at some of the top piano apps for Android devices in 2022.

1. Simply Piano

The Simply Piano app has millions of users and is available for Android and Apple devices. You can also buy a family plan to download on multiple devices. Whether you are a child or an adult, you can enjoy the step-by-step teaching methods of this app. 

Simply piano shows you proper hand position and note names. They also walk you through the treble and bass clef as you put both hands together on the keys. 

You can use this app with an acoustic piano, electric keyboard, or digital piano. It uses a microphone to listen as you practice and then gives you real-time feedback so you can correct your mistakes. Or, you can use a MIDI cable to connect to a device.

If you are traveling, the Touch Course allows you to keep up with your skills on the go. Your android phone becomes a piano, so you don’t lose any of your hard-earned progress. 

Learning to play your favorite pop songs and classical music has never been easier. 

This highly-rated app has been downloaded over ten million times, making Simply Piano one of the most popular apps in 2022. 

2. Perfect Piano

Perfect Piano is an 88-key piano simulator for Android systems.

If you don’t have a piano nearby, you can keep up your skills by playing on your device. You can also connect a USB MIDI keyboard to take your skills to the next level. Record the songs you learn and save them to listen to.

This app teaches you the tools for playing music by creating weekly challenges where you can compete with other learners. You can also team up with friends and show off your newly-learned skills.

With Perfect Piano, you have thousands of songs at your fingertips and the opportunity to connect with other piano students worldwide. Create your own community and support each other as you learn to play piano.

3. Real Piano Teacher 2

Android users highly rated the Real Piano Teacher app, and the 2.0 version is even better. Real Piano Teacher 2 comes with challenging family and friends to play-offs. This puts your skills to the test in a fun, interactive way.

You can be your own teacher with this app and learn at your own pace. If you want guidance, the app can take you by the hand. However, if you know what you are doing or just want to go it alone, you have that option. 

Choose from various lesson plans and play with different instrumental sounds while at it.

Real Piano Teacher 2 could be for you if you want to make learning a game.

4. Flowkey

Flowkey is a simple and constructive way to learn piano. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. It has a bit of everything, including theory, piano history, and popular tunes that you can play on the piano. 

Whether you are a brand new beginner or already have some piano skills, this app can meet you where you are. Master new songs, and add them to your repertoire as you go.

You can use this app with an acoustic piano or a MIDI keyboard. The in-app microphone listens to the notes you play and gives you feedback as you go. This way, you can catch your mistakes promptly. 

The Flowkey app is a perfect supplemental tool to pair with in-person lessons.

5. Perfect Ear

If you already have some piano basics, you may be ready to expand your skill set in new areas. 

The Perfect Ear app focuses less on basic finger placement and on training your ear to discern rhythms and note patterns. Learn to recognize chord progressions, triads, intervals, and more. 

Practicing your listening skills can help you play scales correctly and improve your improvisation on the keys. Whether a beginner or an experienced pianist, you can grow your musical skills with this app. 

Ready to play the piano?

A piano app can give you the structure to build skills and practice what you learn. You can even try free trials of a few different apps before making your final decision. Once you decide which app best suits your needs, download it and start creating music! 

To get a headstart on some piano basics, check out this article on How to Read Sheet Music 101.

Are you ready to play the piano? Let’s go!

FAQs.

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Wondering what the best piano applications for kids in 2022 are? Let’s explore a list of the best apps to start learning piano.

Learning to play the piano through an app can be fun for kids and a time-saver for their parents. Instead of spending a few hours a day running kids to piano lessons across town, your kids can use that time to practice piano. 

Apps are designed to be fun and friendly. Most of them prepare material in simple soundbites. The child can play through different skill-building exercises and piano pieces, then move on when they master a lesson. 

If your child loves playing video games, a piano app can be a fun and motivational tool for learning to play the piano. We’ve put together a list of the best piano applications for kids today.

How to find the best piano applications for you.

With so many piano apps for kids available, the choices can be overwhelming! Different piano apps focus on various skill levels and learning goals. Some are more game-oriented, and others put a greater emphasis on piano notes and theory.

The good news is there are plenty of options to choose from! The following criteria can help you narrow down your choices.

The five best piano applications for kids today.

1. Simply

The Simply Piano app is a well-known app popular with children and adults. The music selections range from pop songs on the radio to the classics.  You can learn where the notes are on the piano, how to read sheet music, and how to play the treble and bass clefs. 

This app is compatible with acoustic pianos, electric keyboards, and digital pianos. It uses a microphone to listen as you play and gives you valuable real-time feedback. This can help you recognize and correct your mistakes as you go. 

If you don’t have a piano yet, this app can still walk you through the basics. The Touch Course allows a phone to serve as a backup piano that a child can take with them on the go. 

With the Simply Piano app, you can even purchase a family package. The whole family can learn piano on personalized profiles at a reduced rate.

Playing the piano has never been easier with this piano app. With over ten million downloads, Simply Piano is one of the most popular apps on today’s market. 

2. Flowkey

Flowkey is a simple yet comprehensive learning platform for kids. This app includes piano theory, some history of the instrument, and a good selection of tunes to play on the piano. 

Flowkey is helpful for both beginning piano students and those with more advanced skills. Kids can build their repertoire as they play and master various songs in the program. 

Whether you have an acoustic piano or a MIDI keyboard, this app can keep your fingers on the right keys. It uses a microphone to listen to the notes you play and lets you know when you strike a wrong chord. 

You can watch videos to learn more about the piano and play along with the music on your device. The Flowkey app works on both Android and iOS devices and is a great supplemental learning tool for children enrolled in piano lessons.

3. Pianokids

Pianokids target a younger audience. It uses simple practice exercises to teach kids notes —breaking down simple music lessons with educational games and puzzles. 

Young children play music and games directly on a tablet or phone. You can also print off worksheets from the app. The Pianokids app inspires a love of music in children and teaches them short soundbites of information. 

If you are looking for a way to introduce your child to music early, this app can be a fun-packed way for a kid to learn.

4. Gismart Piano

Gismart Piano can be a fun tool for kids who love to learn through play. This app turns a phone into a piano keyboard and uses games to teach your child piano.

 Even if your child isn’t familiar with music or keyboards, they can still play along with the app’s guidance. Kids can choose to play games or record their own songs. 

Gismart Piano allows a child to experiment with sounds in different octaves on the piano or other instruments. Some sounds that the app includes are the grand piano, guitar, harpsichord, organ, and accordion.

This app is more of a game than an instructional program. However, through games and experimentation with sounds, your child can develop a love for music that can spark a life-long interest in the piano.

5. Playground Sessions

With Playground Sessions, kids start in Bootcamp to learn the basics. Bootcamp takes a kid from ground-level skills to advanced levels. 

Once kids succeed in a level, they can unlock more learning tools and games to advance. Each child gets a score and points for their performance to mark their progress on a level. Your kid can even compete against others as they level up.

This app includes the opportunity for supplemental courses, in-depth theory, and improvisation. 

It can be a good fit for kids who love a challenge and competition.

However, unlike other apps, Playground Sessions is exclusive to MIDI keyboards and is incompatible with acoustic pianos. 

Download an app, and your kid can start playing today!

Apps can be a fun way for kids to learn piano. These kid-oriented platforms allow kids to succeed without the fear of failure. You can combine an app with in-person lessons or allow your child to be the master of their progress. 

For more ideas on encouraging your child’s learning experience, you can also check out this Ultimate Guide to Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids. 

Download your app of choice, and your child can start learning to play piano today! 

FAQs.

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Are you curious about what is the most expensive piano ever? Here is the list of the most expensive pianos in the world in 2022.

If you are in the market for a new piano, you know that a good-quality piano doesn’t come cheap. Just for an upright, you can easily pay $3,000 for a low-end upright, and some high-end uprights can cost as much as $25,000. Grand pianos are some of the most expensive keys you can buy for as much as $190,000. 

But the most expensive pianos in the world make even grand pianos look cheap by comparison. 

Let’s look at the pianos with a top-dollar value worldwide and see what factors make them valuable.

Which aspects give a piano value?

Pianos happen to be more expensive than many other instruments on the market. Many of the materials are high quality and can take up to nine months to build pianos. Here are some of the reasons that some pianos cost more.

High-quality materials

Expensive pianos are built with high-quality, exotic wood types. They may incorporate birch, maple, fir, mahogany, ebony, or spruce. These wood types allow the soundboard to resonate. Some pianos may incorporate ivory keys, wood inlays, or precious metals.

The brand

Just like shoes, clothes, and cars, the brand name may influence the cost of a piano. Some brands have made a name for themselves by building quality pianos that satisfy customers and make their way into stage performances. Some of the most expensive brands are Bechstein, Bluthner, Steinway & Sons, Stuart & Sons, Bösendorfer, and Baldwin, among others. 

Brands such as Yamaha and Kawai may not belong in the “luxury piano” category. Still, these brands can deliver a durable, good-quality piano. Many pianists are willing to invest in a piano with a solid brand name rather than choosing a cheaper, unknown brand.

Skilled engineers

The more time and effort put into a piano, the more it can cost. More expensive pianos are usually carefully built by qualified engineers. With all the intricate pieces in a piano, it is essential to have skilled workers on the job. A poorly constructed piano can affect its durability and sound quality. 

A brush with fame

Pianos also may cost more depending on their history. Some of the most expensive pianos in the world may look rough on the outside. However, if they may have been involved in a well-loved film or owned by a famous musician. In this case, the piano’s brush with fame adds intrinsic value.

Let’s look at some of the most expensive pianos in the world.

The top 5 most expensive pianos.

While any piano can be expensive, the pianos on this list take the price tag to the extreme. Look at the most costly pianos ever sold and find out what makes them valuable.

1. Casablanca “As Time Goes By” Piano

$3.4 Million

The upright piano featured in the 1943 film, Casablanca, became the most expensive piano ever sold. This piano takes the stage in many well-loved scenes in the film. Sam sings the song “As Time Goes By” at this piano, which is the love song of Humphrey Bogart’s and Ingrid Bergman’s characters. This song is a classic next to Humphrey Bogart’s unforgettable line: “Here’s looking at you, Kid.” The piano is present in a few key scenes and is a symbolic part of the film. 

Dr. Milan owned the famous piano for years before selling it at Bonham’s auction house to an anonymous buyer. The price tag included a photograph signed by Humphrey Bogart and the chewing gum stuck under the keyboard (possibly from one of the actors in the film). This upright, wooden piano is decorated with intricate designs and has only 58 keys. 

The sound quality of this famous piano remains a mystery since nobody played it in the film. Instead, a pianist off-stage played the song while the characters acted out their parts.

2. The Heintzman Crystal Piano 

3.22 Million

The Heintzman Crystal Piano gets second place among the most expensive pianos in the world. While most crystal pianos are made from acrylic, the rumor is that this piano was crafted entirely from crystal. Its transparent case is stunning to view and shows off the inner workings of the keys. The Japanese pianist Lang Lang played the Yellow River Cantata on this piano in the opening ceremony of the Bejing Olympics in 2008.

Since this piano is too fragile for regular use, it was retired after this one use. It sold for 3.22 million at auction.

3. Steinway & Sons “Pictures at an Exhibition”

$2.5 million

The Pictures at an Exhibition piano references a musical piece written in 1874 by the Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. Paul Wyse painted this Model D Steinway in intricate detail. Looking closely, you can see a portrait of Mussorgsky amongst cuckoo clocks and Russian scenery. 

So far, no one seems to have put down the cash to bring this fantastic work of art home. For now, it is waiting in Steinway’s vault until the perfect buyer comes along. For the tune of 2.5 million dollars, you could own the most expensive Steinway piano and the third most expensive piano in the world.

4. Steinway & Sons Fibonacci 

$2.4 million 

Steinway seems to have several pianos on the top 5 most valuable pianos. This Fibonacci piano was built to honor the making of Steinway’s 600,000th piano. It took over four years and 6,000 hours to make it right. 

This limited edition piano was built by Frank Pollaro using Fibonacci’s “Golden Ratio” as inspiration. The wood veneer is placed by hand to look like a three-dimensional spiral design. The long hours put into this piece and the expensive wood pieces are reflected in its $2.4 million price tag.

5. John Lennon’s Steinway & Sons Model Z

$2.37 million

John Lennon bought this simple-looking Steinway Model Z piano in 1970. The wooden piano only cost him £1,000 at the time. However, this piano only appreciated in value. In 2000, George Michael outbid Robbie Williams and other musicians to buy this piano for a stunning $2.37 million. Not only was this piano played by a master musician, but John Lennon also used these unassuming keys to write his classic song Imagine and other singles. It is even autographed with a cigarette burn mark from the Beatle’s musician. 

The famous Model Z piano returned to the Strawberry Field exhibition in honor of John Lennon’s 80th birthday in 2020.

While owning one of the most expensive pianos in the world might not be a realistic goal for everyone, the world of music is open to a variety of budgets. If you are interested in playing an instrument but don’t have thousands of dollars, you can Learn to Love Playing Music for Less. 

Instruments like recorders, tambourines, xylophones, and keyboards are more affordable for the average household.  Even John Lennon’s piano was a relatively cheap instrument when he bought it. However, the touch of a master pianist and musical artist gave a regular piano its high-dollar value.

Whether you bring home a piano that is fit for a king’s palace or find a more budget-friendly option, anyone can learn to play music. 

On the other hand, save time and resources with the Simply Piano app that teaches you piano in 5 minutes a day.

FAQs.

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If you want to play something extraordinary on the piano this Christmas but aren’t sure where to start, here are some beginner-level Christmas songs for novice pianists!

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the music, and this year you can join and add to the atmosphere in a new way. Instead of just singing, beginner piano players can play along when friends and family want to have a sing-along.

Our shortlist shows you which popular festive season songs are easy enough, even without advanced knowledge or experience. We promise some of your favorites are on this list!

1. Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells is a typical Christmas song, but James Pierpont, the composer, didn’t write it. He published it as ‘One Horse Open Sleigh.’ People placed bells on sleigh horses during winter, so it doesn’t refer to Christmas. 

The simplicity of the sheet music makes it an excellent song to gain confidence. Your left hand mostly plays a single clef note while your right hand handles the melody. 

2. Silent Night

Silent Night, which tells the story of Jesus’ birth, is a famous hymn. Franz Xaver Gruber composed the melody, using lyrics from Joseph Mohr. Within a few decades, it was popular in New York. Bing Crosby recorded it in 1935 and sold 10 million copies.

It’s popular with beginner players because it mostly requires playing white notes. Also, use it to practice using the pedal during longer phrases. 

3. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

The Rudolph in this song is a fictional character. Writer Robert May published booklets with his story in 1939. 

In 1949, Gene Autry released a single of this song which Johnny Marks–Robert May’s brother in law–wrote. It rose to the top of US charts that year and in 2018.

This song has challenging elements, including the rhythm that changes when you transition from the introduction to the verses. Use it to challenge yourself, and use the SimplyPiano app to practice if you struggle. 

https://www.letsplaykidsmusic.com/easy-piano-music-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/

4. O Holy Night

This song started as a French poem by Placide Cappeau, and Adolphe Adam wrote the melody in 1847. Later, John Sullivan Dwight created the English lyrics. 

To be comfortable playing this hymn, sharpen your knowledge of piano chord structures. It challenges beginner players’ skills because of chord inversions, but once you master it, the rest is easy.

The song’s time signature is 3/4. Use your metronome and aim to play it at 164 bpm.

https://musescore.com/user/278331/scores/520771

5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Here is another easy song to help build your confidence. Because the chorus repeats the same words and notes, you’ll master it quickly. It’s a fun song that people love to sing, and the audience’s enthusiasm helps new players play with more bravado.

The origin of this song isn’t known, but it became popular around 1935 when conductor Arthur Warrell included it in a university singing group’s repertoire. It’s relevant for Christmas and New Year, so you only have to learn one song to be your family’s star performer on both occasions. 

https://musescore.com/user/1011626/scores/492771

6. What Child is This?

This song is easy to master because of the well-known melody, ‘Greensleeves.’ In 1865, William Chatterton Dix combined it with his new lyrics to form a Christmas carol. 

https://www.8notes.com/scores/1577.asp

7. Let it Snow

Beginner piano players who love jazz can use ‘Let it Snow’ to practice their skills in this genre. The piece helps you practice playing half notes on the left and eighth notes on the right. 

The correct name is ‘Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!’ Don’t confuse this with Boyz II Men’s version. Although there’s no mention of Christmas, we associate it with the festive season. The classic melody dates back to 1945, and it performed well on Billboard charts, with different recordings all reaching the Top 10. 

https://sheetmusic-free.com/let-it-snow-sheet-music-christmas-carol/

8. Frosty the Snowman

This song is super fun to sing and great for entertaining kids. It requires some practice because it’s one of the trickier melodies on our list. Start off playing it slowly to become comfortable with the movements. 

When using simpler versions, an advantage is that you’ll only play the following chords in most of the song:

• C major
• F major
• G major

You can use 1st inversion for G major and 2nd inversion for F major to keep finger movement to a minimum.

Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote the song in 1950. It’s another song Gene Autry recorded. The singer and his team wanted another hit after Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, and it reached the top 10 on multiple US charts that year.

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Here’s one of the more complex songs on our list, but use a simple version, and you’ll get it after sufficiently practicing each hand on its own before putting it all together. When performing, people will likely clap along, helping you keep rhythm. 

If you struggle a lot, a handy method is to destupefy your left hand with intentional exercises. 

J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie wrote this classic. Early recordings come from 1934, and over the years, over 200 artists have included it in their albums, including Mariah Carey. 

https://pianosheetmusic.writtenmelodies.com/Seasonal/Sheets/Santa-Claus-Is-Comin-To-Town.pdf

10. Deck the Halls

This melody comes from a 1500s song, ‘Nos Galan’, which translates to ‘New Year’s Eve.’ Thomas Oliphant wrote the words we know today in 1862. The catchy phrase ‘Fa la la la la la la la la’ is synonymous with Christmas and easy enough for kids to sing along to.

Deck the Halls is also easy to add to a beginner piano player’s festive repertoire because of all the repetition. Line one, two, and four are very similar, so you have fewer details to practice. The third line only has minor differences, so beginners can feel comfortable performing this melody faster than in some other songs. 

https://musescore.com/user/27997005/scores/5347261

So many many Christmas songs.

Using your music, help create that Christmassy atmosphere and enjoy the season even more than before. You can find more songs for special occasions online, and if you have suggestions of songs other beginners can try, please share in the comments section.

FAQs.

The post Top 10 Christmas Songs on Piano for Beginners appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Want to get your witch on? We’ve broken down some of your favorite musical themes from Harry Potter for beginners. 

The Harry Potter feature films are filled with magical music. They’re crafted with just the right amount of charm and suspense, drawing you into a world where broomsticks fly, potions make you fall in love, and diaries carry evil spirits. 

Musically, the Harry Potter soundtrack is complex, especially for beginners. But with your natural knack for sounds and sorcery, you will surely succeed! Pull out your wand and wander into the wonderful world of wizardry with this guide to Harry Potter sheet music for piano. 

Hedwig’s Theme.

Here is an excerpt from the sheet music for Hedwig’s Theme–one of the most popular musical motifs from the Harry Potter films. 

As you can see, this music is in the ⅜ time signature3/8, meaning that there are three eighth notes per bar. It’s also in the G major key which includes the following notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#.

Before diving into this sheet music, it’s essential to practice the fundamentals. Here is an exercise that trains your brain and your wand (I mean, fingers) to play in G major and 3/8:

1. Place the metronome on 125bpm in the time signature 3/8.
2. Now play the G major scale in time with the metronome–one note per click.
3. Once that feels comfortable, change up the pattern. Play three notes in a row, and then go back one note. For example, GAB, ABC, BCD, CDE, and so on. 
4. When this is sitting well, take the metronome up to 140bpm. 

Nimbus 2000.

This is one of the more upbeat and light-hearted themes in the Harry Potter films. To play this theme with the right energy, we have to learn about two musical terms: staccato and accent. 

Staccato means ‘detached’ in Italian. On the piano, this is when you play each note short and sharp, lifting your hand off the keys between each one. In music notation, it gets a small dot above the circle or head of the note. You can see them pictured on all of the notes below:

An accent is when you emphasize a note with volume and intensity. You can see it in the above sheet music with a small arrow symbol above the note head.

We recommend isolating these music techniques before you start to learn the Nimbus 2000 theme. Try the following exercise to practice playing notes staccato and with accents:

1. Put the metronome on 100 bpm in a 4/4 time signature. Play a C major scale with your right hand, one note per click.
2. Now play it again, this time making the last four notes of the scale staccato. Press lightly, but with presence, on the keys. Lift your hand slightly between each note.
3. Now turn the tempo up to 120bpm. Play the whole C major scale staccato. 
4. Play it again, accenting the first and fifth degrees of the scale. Press a little harder on these notes, and lean into the key more. Make sure the notes before and after are shorter and gentler but still staccato. 
5. If that feels comfortable, try accenting every second note of the scale. Then, every third note. 

Potter Waltz.

There’s nothing like a waltz to get your wand waving! This is a classic Harry Potter theme from the fourth movie, famous for its appearance in the ballroom scenes. A waltz is a musical form that is always in a 3/4 time signature and follows a specific pattern. 

Looking at the bass clef (lower staff) in the sheet music excerpt below, you can see that the left hand is playing a broken chord, with the root note on the first beat, and two other notes on beats two and three. 

This is a simple pattern to practice and an essential one for playing any kind of waltz. Here is an easy exercise for mastering this musical style:

1. Let’s play in the key of D major because this is the key of the Potter Waltz. We can choose four chords from the D major scale: D major, G major, E minor, and A major. 
2. Play each chord on its own, in root position (eg: D, F#, A or G, B, D).
3. Put your metronome on 100bpm in a 3/4 time signature. Now play the whole chord progression in time, playing each chord three times along with the metronome clicks. 
4. When this feels comfortable, separate the lowest note of each chord from the upper two. Play the low note on beat one (with your thumb), and the upper two together on beats two and three (with your middle and pinky fingers). For example, the chord D major would look something like this:

5. If this feels good, take the tempo up to 120bpm. Then, try it in your left hand. 

Don’t forget to sing your incantations.

The best way to learn and internalize music is to sing it aloud. Reading notes and understanding musical symbols is essential, but this shouldn’t come at the expense of developing our musical ear. 

Make sure you listen to the Harry Potter themes you want to learn, practice singing them back, and even sing along while you play. This will make your playing more musical, and more intuitive and help you acquire useful tools so that your Harry Potter experience carries through into other music you want to learn. Don’t just make a wish–say a spell! 

Find more cinematic sheet music on our Simply Piano app, that practically sits with you at the piano and teaches you to play.

The post How to Play Harry Potter Music for Beginners appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

If you’re new to the keyboard and want to learn how to play, these keyboard lessons for beginners set you out on the right foot. 

You don’t always need face-to-face lessons to learn a new skill. If learning to play the keyboard is on your bucket list, this article will be a dynamic way to start. These keyboard lessons for beginners include critical first steps and tips like practice habits, hand placement, and connecting notes to the keys. Let’s help you lay a good foundation for your keyboard journey.

Understanding the positions of keys.

Each note on a keyboard has a name–a letter between A and G–that you need to know by heart. Music sheets or charts tell you which notes to play using symbols and letters. 

A keyboard’s layout consists of a few sets of octaves. An octave constitutes seven white and five black keys:

• White keys are whole notes.
• Black keys are semitones higher or lower than the white ones they’re next to. 

There are two groups of black keys in an octave, one with two black keys and the other with three. These are flats and sharps, and we use ‘♭’ and ‘#’ respectively to refer to them in music notation. 

There is a letter for each whole note in that set. Sheet music and chord charts tell you which of those notes to play. The faster you learn the name of each key, the quicker you can start reading music on a page.

An effective way to start is by labeling each key. Here’s how you figure out each one’s letter:

1. Look for a grouping of two black keys anywhere on the keyboard 
2. Find the white key to the left of these black keys
3. Label this key C
4. The first four keys to its right are D, E, F, and G
5. The next two are A and B
6. Then you start from C again 

So, you can quickly identify any C note by simply looking for a group of two black keys and playing the white key to the left.

The notes to your right get higher in pitch, while you’ll find the pitch gets lower to your left. After labeling all the notes, you’ll see a C more or less in the center of the piano. This is middle C. 

Learning chords.

Playing music also requires an understanding of scales and chords.

Scales are sequences of notes that explore the tonality of a key. Each note is either a whole or a half step up from the previous one. You’ll find major scales most commonly in music. They are as follows:

• A major: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
• B major: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
• C major: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
• D major: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D
• E major: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E
• F major: F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
• G major: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G

You play a chord when you push down two or more notes simultaneously. In most cases, a chord consists of three notes–a triad. The three notes in a chord are the:

• Root note–the first note in the scale, giving the chord its name
• Third note–the third note in the scale (for major chords)
• Fifth note–the fifth note of the scale

There are different types of chords, with rules that stipulate how one should create the chords in that set. Common types include the major chords and the minor chords. The latter is simply changing the third of the chord by one half-step or a semitone.

Based on these rules, here’s a summary of major and minor chords you’ll use most often.

A chord sheet tells you which chords to play, or you can see a visual representation of what to play when playing from a musical staff on sheet music. Often, you’ll play a chord with your left hand while playing a melody with your right. 

Practicing hand and finger position on a keyboard.

Knowing how to place your hands over the keys is as important as understanding music theory. When correct placement becomes a habit, you advance quicker in learning to play the keyboard. 

For one thing, your hands are in the right position to reach notes far from each other. Also, many sheet music and chord sheets include guidelines about which fingers to use, so you need to understand what they refer to. 

First, place your hands palms-down in front of you. Starting at your thumbs and moving outward, number each finger from one to five. Now you know which fingers a keyboard exercise or sheet music refers to. 

Part of keyboard exercises is to help you become comfortable pushing down the keys. Here are a few exercises.

Exercise 1

With your hands on the piano, put your right thumb on middle C and label it number one. Now play C, D with finger two, E with finger three, and continue up to five. Vocalize which note you’re playing each time you press down to start memorizing their names. 

Now play the sequence backward until you reach middle C again. Do the same with your left hand, playing downwards towards the lower tones and back to middle C.

You can continue practicing by moving your right hand one key to the right, so your thumb rests on D. Using the list of scales above, play the first five notes in that sequence. You’re playing a part of a scale! 

Now do the same with each note in the octave.

Do the same with the left hand; as you feel more comfortable, you can do the exercise at a higher tempo. But don’t rush too much–you need to ensure proper form at all times:

• Curve your fingers
• Relax your wrist
• Line up your pinkies with wrists and elbows
• Relax your shoulders

Exercise 2

Practicing scales is also essential as part of piano lessons for beginners. Once again, play the entire sequence using the list of scales above.

For the C major scale, from C to C, use the following fingers, with the thumb going underneath the other fingers to play the fourth note in the sequence:

1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5

Do this going forwards and backward on both hands. This is how you improve speed, get to know your scales, and improve the independence of your two hands. 

Practice coordination between your left and right hand.

Part of becoming a great keyboard player is having your left and right hand do entirely different actions. They need to function independently of each other. 

Start practicing this by playing your C major scale using both hands, but in opposite directions. Your right hand moves up the keys, and your left hand goes down before returning to middle C.

After you feel comfortable doing this, play the scale with both hands moving in the same direction:

• Your right thumb starts on middle C, while your left pinky starts on an octave lower
• The right hand plays the scale as usual
• The finger sequence for your left hand will be 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2 – 1, ending with the left thumb on middle C
• Then, do everything in reverse 

For more exercises, you can use our article on the Best Piano Books for Beginners to find some excellent keyboard piano lessons for beginners to practice both hands. 

A keyboard is a versatile instrument, and if you’re not sure yet which one to buy, our article on the Best Keyboard Piano for Beginners will be a great help. We cover more keyboard basics for beginners and review a few keyboard models. 

Do you have any other questions to get your keyboard career started? Please leave a comment!

FAQs

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