Trying to learn all the major and minor chords? This short article breaks down what you need to know to play the Bb minor chord.

Chords can be a whirlwind of numbers, letters, and sounds. It’s easy to get lost and confused, especially when just beginning on the piano. 

Luckily for you, music theory is full of easy tools to help you figure out and understand chords. We’ve collected all the essential information, including clear and easy tables, to help you play Bb/A# minor. 

Chords and inversions.

The definition of a chord is to play two or more notes simultaneously. When you play three notes at the same time, you’re playing a triad. 

A triad generally will be major or minor. You build a major chord using the major scale’s first, third, and fifth notes. It comprises two intervals, a major third and then a minor third.

Minor chords have the same two intervals in reverse – a minor third and then a major third. You build them from the major scale’s first, third, and fifth notes, but the third is flat (lower by a semitone).

An inversion is when you play these notes in a different order. Triads can appear in three positions:

Root position: 1, 3, 5.

First inversion: 3, 5, 1.

Second inversion: 5, 1, 3. 

Building a Bb minor chord. 

To make a Bb minor chord, we begin with the Bb major scale.

Then make a Bb major chord, using the first, third, and fifth degrees of the scale: 

To make it minor, flatten the third degree of the scale (which is the second note of the chord):

First inversion – Bb minor.

The first inversion is when you play the chord like this:

3, 5, 1.

Here is Bb minor in first inversion:

Second inversion – Bb minor.

The second inversion is when you play the chord in the following order:

5, 1, 3.

This is Bbm in second inversion:

Bb’s long lost sister: A# 

Did you know Bb is also called A#? It’s all about the context. This system comes from a rule that you cannot have the same letter appear twice in a scale or chord. 

In the case of A#, this causes a confusing lettering situation. The letters C, F, and G all have a ‘double sharp’ symbol (which looks like x). This is because all of these notes are already sharp on an A major scale. So when A becomes A#, they all raise up by another semitone. 

All of the above Bb tables are here below, with the new lettering of A#. Remember that they still sound exactly the same as each other. 

A# major scale:

G# major chord:

G# minor chord:

G# minor first inversion:

G# minor second inversion:

You can find a fast and effective rundown on our blog to Quickly Learn Piano Notes and Chords.

Popular songs with Bb/A# minor.

Do you want to figure out some popular songs that use the Ab/G# minor chord? Check out these:

• Burn – Ellie Goulding
• Midnight in Manhattan – Peter White
• Sleeping with Ghosts – Placebo
• I See Fire – Ed Sheeran

Here we go!

There is no time like the present for learning chords. They give you a major step-up in your musical journey and get you through every minor challenge! Start to play Bb/A# minor, and make sure you download the Simply Piano app–it’s an interactive, fun, and easy guide to learning chords. 

The post Playing the Bb Minor Chord on Piano appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

So, you’ve started learning how to play the piano? Looking for a way to bring a little excitement to your piano lessons? At JoyTunes, we figured that including some piano games for beginners into your routine is a nice way to spice things up!

Learning to play an instrument is a journey. One that comes with its fair share of challenges – especially at the beginning. A part of overcoming obstacles is taking a different approach to the problem! 

And what better way to shake things up than by playing a game? 

By mixing a little fun into your lessons, you can make your musical journey more alive and enjoyable. 

Not to mention all the dexterity your mind and fingers will gain! 

Besides, changing up the routine is nice every so often.  

So without further ado, let the games begin!

The best games for piano beginners.

Countless creative games can help you improve your piano skills in a fun way. So we cut that list down to the best three piano games for beginners. Each game offers a unique approach to practicing your piano skills.

1. Finger Twister

Sometimes stepping away from the piano can be helpful. Too much of anything can become overwhelming or redundant. 

As an athlete, if you only practice a single exercise, you may find that the path you’ve taken to improve yourself narrows or constricts, limiting your ability to learn and grow.

The first game we thought of for beginner piano students is Finger Twister! It’s like the kid’s game (or adult, if the only things twisted are the ice teas). There’s just one difference – this version is only for your fingers (ice tea optional). 

While this may seem like an odd approach, the idea has merit.

Rules & pieces.

For this game, you’ll need a spinner and a color-coded board. 

If you’re a DIY person, you can be creative and make your own. On the other hand, if you’re more goal-oriented or itching to get straight to it, the only thing standing between you and an existing template is a quick Google search. 

The standard board has five colors that line up with one color per column. The dots should form a square with 25 colored dots. 

As for the spinner should be at the center of the circle with an arrow pointing towards the perimeter of the circle and the various colors. 

You can make the game more complex by adding a ‘left hand’ and ‘right hand’ section of the spinner, increasing the number of dots on the board, or including numbers in the spinner and board.

It’s essential to consider the size of the board. Ideally, it will share a similar measurement to that of the keys of a piano.

All you need to do is spin the spinner and place your fingers in the right spot to play the game! 

Why you should play.

As someone just starting their musical journey, you might find that your fingers can’t quite make specific movements or positions, and reaching for some keys feels a little unnatural. 

Finger Twister is one of the best piano games for beginners because it can improve the agility and strength of your fingers. 

Like any athlete, you need to spend some time in the gym to maximize your potential. While it’s essential to play the sport (or piano) and practice specific drills (or musical sequences), a little training can go a long way. 

Including exercises that keep your body in the best possible condition will help you perform the specific movements for your given hobby.

Stepping away from your piano and taking the time to explore your movements and improve your mobility can drastically affect your ability to reach all the keys. 

2. Musical Alphabet Game

While having mobile, fast fingers helps you hit the notes more proficiently, you need to sharpen your mind too.  

Playing the piano is a significant part of your ability to read sheet music. The best piano players can simultaneously read music sheets and play at the same time. 

But you need to master the alphabet before writing words, or in this case, learn the notes before playing music.

Improving your piano skills with music theory games for beginners like Musical Alphabet can help familiarize you with your piano’s various notes and keys.

Rules & pieces.

For this game, you’ll need a couple of items:

• 2x dice
• A timer
• A piece of paper
• Several sheets of music

To play the game, you need to mark down the letters or notes of the piano – A, B, C, D, E, F, G – on a piece of paper. 

Next, you’ll want to assign each note to a number. 

Roll the dice and see which letter you get! The goal of this music game for beginners is to identify every time that particular note appears on the sheet music.

As you get better, you can increase the intensity of the game. 

For example, you can add a time constraint. Now, not only do you have to identify the note on the sheet, but you also have to do it within a specific time frame. You can also increase the number of pages you have to cover or add a letter to locate!

The faster you can read, the more you can focus on moving your fingers!

Why you should play.

When you’re just starting, reading music can be a little confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the symbols on the page. However, learning to read music sheets can make learning the piano and playing songs you love that much more accessible. 

Ideally, you will develop an intuitive touch with your instrument. Meaning your hands will feel where they are on the keyboard. This way, your eyes can focus on which note comes next. 

This game can drastically improve your ability to read sheet music. 

By sharpening your ability to spot and identify the notes on the sheet, you can focus on moving your fingers to the correct key. Gradually your ability to read and play music will become more fluid. 

3. Smarties

Smarties harnesses the timeless teaching method of rewarding good behavior. As we said earlier, learning the piano is a journey. And that path can be filled with heartache and frustration or a challenging and fulfilling experience.

It’s easy to get lost in our thoughts, and if you’re not careful, the same hobby you pursue can become a source of stress. So, it’s vital to ensure that your relationship with the piano remains positive. Besides, learning is smoother and more enjoyable when you feel the inspiration!

So knock those barriers down with some positive reinforcement!

Rules & materials.

This game is ideal because it only requires one thing. 

Smarties! 

Although, if you’re not into smarties, you can switch the reward to something more delicious for you. 

Place a set number of smarties on one side of the piano to play the game. To determine the correct number of treats to use, set a goal of how many successful repetitions you want to perform. Move one smarty to the other when you complete the sequence you’re working on. 

Each smarty or treat that makes it to the other side is yours to keep!

Why you should play.

No matter what you’re working on, practicing, or learning, there will always be hurdles to overcome. Sometimes the things we struggle with can feel like a wall blocking our path. 

That can be discouraging. 

However, moving past obstacles just takes patience and consistency. 

Implementing a reward system provides you with an additional incentive to push forward even when you feel stuck. This can alter your perception of the barrier that you’re facing. 

Instead of seeing a sequence as difficult or unpleasant, you can see it as a challenge – the perfect lesson to help you improve. 

Piano games for beginners – a tool for learning.

Playing the piano is a great way to develop a skill you’ll carry throughout your life. No matter what level you’re at, learning is part of the journey. 

So, it’s essential to enjoy the process. 

These games can help you improve creatively, sharpen and strengthen your mind, increase your digital agility, and ultimately make your piano journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

For more unique and fun ways to learn the piano, check out the Simply Piano app!

FAQs.

The post 3 Ridiculously Fun Games for Piano Beginners appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

In this article, you will learn how to play the famous song Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel on the piano in an easy way (sheet music included).

When you hear Pachelbel’s Canon in D, you probably start looking around for the bride. This music is synonymous with weddings and is an easy classical tune to play on the piano.

However, Pachelbel’s baroque melody didn’t become a hit overnight. It took a few hundred years for it to gain popularity. 

So, how did this song become popular, and how do you play Canon in D on the piano? 

What is the Canon in D? A bit about the piece

The Canon in D Major is Johann Pachelbel’s one-hit wonder. He wrote it around 1680 in the Baroque era. It stayed buried for 100 years. 

While the piece is familiar to the ear, some details about its history may surprise you. Here are some facts to know about the Canon in D:

• The German composer, Johann Pachelbel, is the composer of this piece
• Canon in D is one movement in a two-movement piece
• It is a Baroque-era piece
• Three violins and basso continuo are the principal instruments
• It was not written as a wedding song

Let’s see how Pachelbel’s piece stands out from other classics.

Why is Canon in D so popular?

Canon in D wasn’t widely popular in Pachelbel’s day. It wasn’t even intended to be a wedding song. In the 1960s, Canon in D started making its splash into popularity. Much of this rediscovery was due to the French conductor Jean-Francois Paillard. Paillard published Canon in D in 1968, and his track inspired many other musicians to follow suit.

Now, Canon in D’s popularity ranks up there with Wagner’s Here Comes the Bride. Rumor has it that Pachelbel wrote Canon in D as a wedding gift for his student, the older brother of the famous Johann Sebastian Bach. However, the composition is not a wedding march. 

So, how did it become such a wedding hit? No one knows exactly how this trend took off. Some suggest that Canon in D has religious connections in classical circles. Some think it’s because Princess Diana and Prince Charles played a Baroque song at their wedding, and so others started choosing Baroque tunes. Or, some may just use it because it sounds poignant and is an alternative to other overused wedding marches.

Although wedding trends are currently moving more and more toward trendy pop songs, it’s safe to say that Pachelbel’s piece, Canon in D, won’t soon be forgotten.

How to play Canon in D on the piano?

Canon in D is in the key signature D major. You only have two sharps to worry about in this key signature: F# and C#. This simple key signature already makes this piece easier to learn than many famous classical pieces.

Canon in D contains both major and minor chords. These chords are diatonic, which relates to the original key signature. The chords in Canon in D are A major, B minor, F# minor, G major, D major, G major, and A major. This chord progression lasts for four measures and then repeats itself. 

Check out Piano Chords for Beginners: A Simple Guide for more tips on playing basic chords.

As you play through the piece, keep a smooth legato pace throughout. You can add depth and feeling by building volume and then minimizing it with crescendos and decrescendos. Try it hands separately first until your fingers have the notes down. Then slowly put the piece together. 

Try these Left Hand Piano Exercises to Help Your Hands Cooperate to build more strength and agility in your left hand.

The simple key signature, repetition of the chords, and steady legato pace make the Canon in D easy for beginning piano players to learn! 

We’ll answer other common questions about this Baroque piece so you know what to expect when you sit down to play.

Is Canon in D written for the piano (and what is basso continuo)?

Many classical composers, like Beethoven, wrote pieces for just the piano or harpsichord. However, in the baroque period, string quartets were a big deal. So, is Canon in D originally a piano piece, or did modern musicians adapt it for the piano?

The original Canon in D composition notes that this piece is for three violins and basso continuo. The Italian term basso continuo does not refer to a stringed bass instrument. 

A basso continuo usually includes a stringed instrument with deep notes, such as a cello or bassoon. These instruments work in tandem with a harpsichord, lute, or organ. 

The piano is the updated version of a harpsichord. So, yes, Canon in D was written for the piano in combination with strings.

What is a canon?

The complete title of the piece we know as Canon in D is Kanon und Gigue in D-Dur für drei Violinen und Basso Continuo. Canon in D is only the first half of a piece, and the second movement is a jig. 

A canon in musical terminology is a counterpoint melody. Essentially this is just a round like, “Are you sleeping, Brother John?” One musical phrase begins the tune, and then another instrument echos it. You can hear the repetition and overlap of the violin section in Canon in D. The melody line layers and builds to create an emotional piece.

What are the elements of Baroque music?

We’ve all heard, “If it ain’t Baroque, don’t fix it.” But what should you do when a piece is Baroque?

Baroque music usually includes some of the following characteristics:

• Smooth melody lines with ornamentation
• A fast, upbeat movement
• A homophonic melody line layered with polyphonic textures
• Expressive contrasts in tempo and volume 
• An echo effect 
• A basso continuo section

Canon in D showcases many musical techniques from the Baroque period, including the smooth melody, echoing musical lines, crescendos and decrescendos, and alternating loud and soft dynamics. As you play this Canon in D, these techniques allow you to create an expressive musical piece for the audience.  

Ready to play?

It’s safe to say that Canon in D is one our ears quickly recognize. Now that you know more about this piece’s origin and structure, you can add musical depth as you play it on the piano. 

Download a free copy of the sheet music to start playing Canon in D today. 

Johann Pachelbel will be proud that his musical masterpiece is not forgotten.

FAQs.

The post How to Play Canon In D on The Piano  appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Learning to play the piano is a long journey; we shouldn’t walk it alone. Luckily, there are many online piano forums where you can read about and discuss your questions about piano. In this short article, we’ve picked out our ten favorites for you. 

These days, it is so easy to learn piano independently from the comfort of your home. There are online courses, applications such as Simply Piano, and teachers on Zoom. This has enormous benefits in convenience and accessibility but can sometimes make the piano learning journey lonely. Not only that, but there may be moments during your practice where you have a burning question. Your teacher will not always be available to assist, and your app won’t necessarily have the answer. 

There are many piano forums where you can discuss and consult with other piano players from all levels worldwide. In this article, we narrow down a short list of our top ten piano forums for you. 

8 Notes

A user-friendly forum where people post questions, give answers, and sometimes just share their music for the sake of it. 8 Notes has a community of piano players ranging from beginners to advanced, where they ask questions on various topics – from technical or gear-related to music theory and performance queries. The forum has been slightly less active in recent years, so if you have a specific question and want a quick response, this may not be your best option.  

Piano Street

This forum is organized very conveniently into clear categories: performance, repertoire, teaching, student’s corner, instruments, and even an ‘audition room’ section where you can post a video or recording of your playing and receive feedback from the other members. 

This forum is especially good for beginners stuck on topics related to music theory because there is a large bank of theory-related discussions already there, guided by piano teachers who are active and responsive on the forum. 

Piano Society

Welcome to the piano society! These words appear when you first open this website, alongside a row of pictures of the greatest classical piano players of all time. This is an old-school piano forum with an advanced search engine for finding piano-related topics. You can search for keywords according to the date of the post, or you can even search for the posts with the most replies if you want to find an in-depth forum discussion. If this forum floats your boat, sign up to become a member and receive access to their full range of services and information. 

Piano World 

This forum is a whole world of piano! There are specific categories for all of your piano-related needs: digital pianos, non-classical pianos, adult beginners, composers, pianos for sale, and the list goes on. 

The forum is highly active. You can find discussions with up to 53,000 threads of questions and responses. The website advertises all piano-related equipment and can even help connect you to a local piano teacher.

The best part is that you can sign up free to this piano forum, receive a monthly newsletter with all of the hottest discussion topics, and purchase deals for piano gear. 

UK Piano Page 

This is a UK-based forum, but it is relevant for piano players everywhere. It has a clean layout with four clear categories: pianos (mostly related to buying a piano), digital pianos (about purchasing a digital piano), piano musicians (for performance and theory-related queries), and non-piano (in case you have another gnawing question). 

If you’re looking to purchase a piano or digital piano, this is a great place to research the best models and prices, though most of the actual purchase options are UK-specific. If you’re in the UK, this is also a great place to connect to a piano professional, be it a teacher, tuner, or seller. 

Piano Facts

Here’s a small, modest piano forum with few categories and little activity. This is a good place for you if you find the bigger and more popular forums to be dense and overwhelming. 

Interestingly, the most popular discussion in this forum is “video sharing.” This is where piano players share some of their favorite piano music or even videos of themselves playing. 

Their catchphrase is “we’re a group of enthusiasts who just like to socialize” – indeed, Piano Facts is an approachable platform for engaging with other piano players and sharing your piano-related questions or experiences. 

The Electric Piano Forum

If you’ve got an e-piano fetish, you’ve found your wonderland! This forum gives you the low-down on the best models, brands, and prices for electric pianos on the market. 

It is a highly active forum, with tens of thousands of posts and high engagement. 

If you’re thinking about purchasing a clavinet, are having trouble with your Wurlitzer, or want to learn more about a Rhodes – you can find all this and more on the electric piano forum. They have specific discussions for buying,  selling, maintenance, and repairs. This forum is a one-stop shop for getting all the electric piano bugs out of your system.  

Casio Music Forums

You don’t need a Casio piano to find this forum useful. Many piano issues repeat themselves across all the piano brands. Casio just happens to have a website for discussing different technical issues which might arise when using their keyboards. 

The forum is organized according to Casio piano models – don’t get too confused by this. If you’ve checked out the other piano forums and haven’t had any luck, try clicking on the Casio model. It is most similar to your piano or electric piano, and see if there is any useful information. 

Just Answer Digital Pianos

This is a modern, state-of-the-art forum dealing with technical issues in your digital piano. Rather than the old-school discussions with thousands of posts and comments, this interactive platform lets you chat about your piano situation with a professional in real-time. 

For just $50 a month, you can join this platform and have instant assistance from experts in the industry at your beck and call. Though it’s not a free service like some other forums, it has a quality guarantee and a flexible policy that allows you to cancel your subscription anytime. 

Taxi 

This is a wildly popular website. Though it’s not a specific piano forum, there are certain categories with an abundance of information about different music and piano-related needs. 

Check out  “Songwriter’s Nook” if you’re looking for some creative guidance and inspiration or “Your Home Studio” page if you’re looking to build a little music cave in your bedroom. 

The website is easy to navigate. If you need more convincing, check out the “Taxi Success Stories” to read about how others have used this website to get all the help they need.  

Ask away.

We hope you find a forum from this short-list that is right for you. There are other piano forums, but these are the big players in the game. 

Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question when learning piano. Every uncertainty or challenge is valid. It is an essential step on the road to becoming a piano player. Above all, we must cultivate an online musician community with a friendly, approachable, and helpful culture. Get onto one of these piano forums and be a part of it. 

Don’t forget to try out Simply Piano, a world-class piano-learning app.

The post The 10 Best Piano Forums to Discuss and Learn Piano appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Don’t know what to buy? Relax! We’ve got tons of unique piano gift ideas that even the most complicated people on your list are sure to love.

Whether heading to a piano recital or your favorite pianist’s birthday, you want to give the right gift for the occasion. But, it can be hard to wade through the hundreds of options on the market to find the perfect item. 

What do you get for the pianist that has it all? We’ve searched through shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to buy something unique. These presents will bring a smile to the piano player you love.

Ready to have a look? 

Best gifts for beginning pianists.

Practical gifts can be handy, especially for piano students just starting a musical journey. Musical equipment can be expensive when you are starting from scratch. It may be difficult for a beginning pianist to scrape the funds for all the necessary musical equipment. 

Gifts such as music books, scales, metronomes, and more can encourage a musician on their journey. When you invest in tools for a musician, you can be a part of a piano player’s progress! 

Here are some gift ideas to consider for the beginning pianist you know and love.

1. Metal Music Book Clip and Page Holder

This small but practical gift is flat enough to send in the mail and can be a lifesaver for a pianist. It keeps your book or sheet music open to the right page so you can play through your music smoothly without worrying about losing your place.

No one wants to play smoothly through a piece only to have the book close up and obliterate those final crashing chord notes! This page holder holds your sheet music open so you can easily read the notes and work through trouble spots. 

2. Piano Keys Music Waterproof Oxford Cloth Shoulder Tote

Every pianist needs a way to carry music on the go. This oxford cloth shoulder tote is perfect for the job. It has enough room for piano books, a binder, and an outer pocket for keys, pens, and other small items. You can even pack a bottle of water in the side pouch. The waterproof material protects music books and personal articles in a downpour.

The piano keys and eighth notes on the front of the bag are eye-catching. Everyone will know you are a piano player when you carry this bag over your shoulder.

3. Removable Color Piano Key Stickers

There are many different ways to Label Piano Keys for Beginners. However, removable stickers are the simplest way to get the job done. These stickers can help beginning students get comfortable with the layout of the piano. Not only are they color-coded, but they also show the note name and its location on the staff. 

For visual learners, this can be an invaluable tool as they learn to play the piano. Once students feel confident with the keys, the stickers are easy to remove. Unlike clunky markers, these stickers don’t damage the keys. These piano stickers work for pianos and keyboards with 37 up to 88 keys.

4. Crystal Eighth Note Sculpture

Music adds an extra spark to life, and this crystal eighth-note figurine can add sparkle to a music nook. This crystal music note is a great gift to honor a student’s achievement. It comes in a gift box and is ready for a special occasion. A pianist can proudly display this small sculpture on a music shelf or on the top of a piano. 

5. Tempi Metronome for Musicians – Includes Ebook and 2-Year Warranty 

The Tempi Metronome sets the pace for practice sessions using visual cues and sound. Check the Italian tempo and set the metronome accordingly. Wind the metronome to start a steady beat. One wind should last for about 18 minutes of practice time.

The mahogany veneer and retro charm make this an excellent gift choice. Not only does this metronome serve a useful purpose, but it also adds a conversation piece to your piano corner.

6. RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano Starter Kit 

This Rock Jam 61-key keyboard includes everything a budding pianist needs to start learning music. This package includes a keyboard, stand, piano bench, keynote stickers, and headphones. It even includes the app Simply Piano so a beginner can learn to play the piano at home. Your musician can feel like a rockstar with this full keyboard set-up. 

Gifts for intermediate and advanced piano players.

Intermediate and advanced pianists may already have the necessary equipment to play the piano. However, there are still many educational gifts that these piano players may want or need. Here are some useful tools for intermediate and advanced piano players.

7. Ultimate Piano Reference Poster

There is a lot of music theory to learn and remember when you play the piano. This ultimate piano reference poster includes major and minor keys, scales, chord inversions, and that tricky circle of fifths. Also, the colorful posters look pretty impressive when you hang them up in a music nook. These posters can be a lifesaver if you learn well with visual stimulation.

8. Adjustable Hand Grip Exerciser

As piano students learn and grow, the musical pieces become more complicated and the fingerwork more intricate. Some classical composers are notorious for saving the primary notes for your weakest fingers. (We’re looking at you, Beethoven). This hand grip exerciser helps pianists strengthen their fingers to attack those tricky keys. Even when you are not near a piano, you can still work on your skills to become the best pianist you can be. 

9. Keyboard Dust Cover

Maintainance for a keyboard or digital piano is pretty low-key. Unlike a piano, it doesn’t need tuning. However, if dust builds up on a keyboard, it can affect the sound. Since keyboards can be tricky to clean, the best course is to cover your keys when they’re not in use. This perky keyboard dust cover works for 61-key keyboards and 88-keys. The stretchy, elastic seam holds the cover in place and keeps your keys clean and sounding fine.

10. Piano Key USB Flash Drive 32GB

A flash drive is a handy device for recording practice sessions, layering keyboard sounds, and downloading free sheet music. This 32-gigabyte USB flash drive is perfect for storing music and songs. It has a high read and write speed, is waterproof, and can easily attach to your key ring. Its subtle piano key design makes this USB drive stand out from the rest.

Gifts for guys who love piano.

If you know a guy who loves the piano, we have some great gift choices to brighten his day. These fun gifts are perfect for a boyfriend, piano teacher, and work friend who loves spending his spare time at the keys. 

11. Piano Neck Tie T-Shirt

If the pianist you know seems to have it all, a fun t-shirt can be a nice surprise. This black 100% cotton shirt has a piano necktie printed on the front. You can look like you’re dressing up while still staying comfy. Any musician can look stylish in this playful piano T-shirt.

12. Beethoven Engraved Quote Pen

Beethoven said, “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” This upscale pen includes his famous quote as part of the design. It can be the perfect gift for a classical pianist and a fan of Beethoven. A musician may even continue Beethoven’s legacy by penning some memorable lines and scores of his own.

13. Music Whiskey Glass

When it comes time to relax, a musician can sit with a drink using this novelty whiskey glass. Piano keys decorate the clear exterior creating an artistic vibe. The whiskey glass comes in a gift box with a card for you to write a sweet note. This present can be a special surprise for a pianist.

14. Piano Keys Music Pair Cufflinks

These cufflinks can add an artistic and fun statement to his ensemble for a guy who has to dress up for performances. The piano keys are in proper octave placement and accented with gold. The set comes in a gift box, ready to surprise a musician you love.

Gifts for women who love piano.

Looking for a gift for your girlfriend, a piano teacher, a colleague, or a classmate? These gifts are unique and fun for a special lady in your life.

15. Chala Mini Crossbody Handbag

This mini crossbody handbag is perfect for keeping your cash, keys, sunglasses, cell phone, and more in one place. The front pocket can hold small items for easy access. Inside the bag, you also have pockets for credit cards and I.D.s. The vegan leather and the piano key design add an artistic touch to this fun and purposeful gift. 

16. Music Lover Gift Set

If you don’t know what to get a woman who loves piano, this gift set with a piano theme will be a hit. It includes a scarf with musical notes, a handbag with a piano key design, and a unique music mug. This cozy gift is perfect for crisp fall weather at the beginning of the school year. It can be a great gift idea for a piano teacher or piano student. A special lady is sure to feel spoiled by this thoughtful gift.

17. Piano Jewelry Box

What better way for a pianist to store rings and jewelry than this piano jewelry box? This pewter-colored box has a classic piano design with delicate roses. The soft, velvety lining can keep rings and necklaces safe. It can be a romantic gift for a girlfriend who loves the piano. You can make this gift extra special by including a unique piece of jewelry inside.

18. Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Gift Set 

Piano hands spend a lot of time exercising and giving those notes their all. It’s time to show these nimble fingers some love and care with this Burt’s Bees Hand Repair gift set. Sweet almond oil, aloe vera, Vitamin E, and botanical oils can keep a pianist’s hands feeling soft and smooth. This self-care set is an excellent way for a piano player to sit back and relax after a long day’s work.

Gifts for pianists who have everything.

If the pianist you know seems to have everything, finding the perfect gift for a special occasion can be difficult. Here are a few unique gifts to surprise a pianist with everything he needs. 

19. Piano Music Note Soft Blanket

This extra soft throw blanket is perfect for staying warm and cozy on a cold day. The black and white piano design adds a fun accent to a room and easily fits in with any decor. A musician can wrap up in this piano blanket while enjoying some classical tunes. 

20. Black Piano Wall Clock

For pianists, being punctual is part of the job. They need a reliable clock to keep track of their practice sessions and make it to piano lessons and performances on time. This stylish wall clock with a musical flair is perfect for a piano nook. The sleek wall clock serves a practical purpose and is the perfect addition to a musician’s home. 

21. Piano Cheese Board Set

Man can’t live on music alone–food and drink are also important. A pianist can use this artistic charcuterie board to host an upscale wine and cheese party. The bamboo board looks like a piano, and the keys have an intricate design. Under the lid of the piano are brushed stainless steel tools. These include a cheese fork, a pronged knife, and a compact corkscrew. This bamboo cheese board set can be a treat for a musical artist. 

22. Handmade Wooden Secret Trinket Box

A musician may think they have it all, but this unique gift will surely be a surprise! The handcrafted puzzle box looks like a piano; you must find the trick to open it. This trinket box is a gift in itself. However, you can also surprise a musician with a special message, a piece of jewelry, or a gift card inside. 

23. Grand Piano 3D Pop-Up Card

If you can’t be there for a musician’s special day, a heartfelt card can let you know you are thinking of them. This 3-D pop-up card is a work of art. It pops up into a grand piano, giving you plenty of room to add a special note. A pianist can display this card with pride.

Now, which gift is the best choice for your piano player?

Finding the right gift for that special person in your life can be difficult. However, if you know they have a passion for playing the piano, this can point you in the right direction. We found many practical and unique gifts for pianists. Now it’s time for you to decide which gift will bring a smile to your musician’s face. 

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This article spotlights the accompaniment instead of the leading musician. We teach you some piano accompaniment patterns and help you get better at playing them. 

The piano is the ultimate wingman. It makes you sound outstanding when you want to sing a vocal ballad or smash out a saxophone solo. 

Because of the piano’s wide dynamic range and infinite chordal options, it is a diverse and reliable partner for telling your story and playing your music. 

But there are challenging accompaniment elements: figuring out what rhythms and patterns to play, how to play with confidence but still maintain a supporting role, and some others that we’ll dive into today.

What is piano accompaniment?

The lead ultimately carries the song’s message or essence. But the accompaniment creates the atmosphere and sets the scene for the story to unfold. 

Piano accompaniment comprises a range of techniques, patterns, and combinations from which you can choose to create the perfect vibe for your song. The key (pun intended) is not to get stuck in these structures: they are learning tools for compiling your language and refining a unique sound. 

Piano accompaniment patterns.

Time to learn some ABCs of piano accompaniment so you can learn to speak on your own! Here are three techniques, from easy to advanced.

1: Block chords accompaniment

Chords are the foundation of all piano accompaniment. The lead singer or instrument usually only sings or plays single-line melodies, so it is up to the piano to provide all harmonic contexts. 

The simplest way to play chords is in blocks. This means playing basic triads (three-note chords) or seven chords (four notes) in the right hand to a simple and repetitive rhythmic pattern. In 4/4, this might be one chord on every quarter note. In 6/8, you could play one chord on each dotted quarter note with subtle embellishments. If you want to spice it up a bit, you could use syncopation by placing some chords on the off beats.  

In the left hand, you can play the bass notes of the chords in octaves, with the fifth in the middle. The rhythm of the left-hand part varies, but is often just one long, held note on the first beat of every bar. If the song is funkier and up-tempo, the left hand should play a groovy bass line. 

For block chords, it’s extra important to understand chord inversions. This is when the notes of a chord are rearranged into a different order, and you can learn more about them with these 10 Piano Exercises for Beginners. 

This allows for good voice-leading, the art of playing a chord progression without moving your hand too much. Inversions provide so many voice-leading options that you could play them all within one octave of the piano. Here is an example of a four-chord voice-lead progression that would sound great in a block chords piano accompaniment:

2: Broken chords accompaniment

There’s nothing that you need to fix about broken chords. They sound amazing! But we call them broken chords because they involve separating a chord’s notes and playing them one after another in a specific pattern. 

The beauty of broken chords is that they have a rich harmonic sound but also subtle and supportive melodies interwoven through them. This is where inversions and voice-leading also become relevant in broken chords – they give you flexibility and variety in your note choices. 

Broken chords are a great place to get creative. Pick your favorite chords, tear them apart, and experiment with different patterns and combinations of the notes in any time signature. Are you ready for some of our favorite broken chord patterns? We’ve even given them special names to help you remember them.

*L = Low, H = High. The other notes in the chord are no higher than H1 and no lower than L1. 

3: Counterpoint accompaniment 

A counterpoint is when two or more moving melodies interact with one another. It is a technique common amongst classical composers, who arranged the music so that different instruments could have a musical conversation using their melodies. In the context of accompaniment, counterpoint means playing a piano part with a melody that weaves in and out of the singer or solo instrument’s lead melody. 

This is a more complicated style of piano accompaniment. In addition to a deep understanding of harmony and form, you need to have strong melodic instincts. But there are small contrapuntal ideas that you can use to decorate your block or broken chord accompaniment pattern. This technique is very song-specific, so we can’t give you precise patterns, but here are a couple of tips:

• Play an exact harmony, for example, a third above the melody. You don’t want to play this the whole time because it will make the piano sound more like a backing vocalist than an accompaniment. But it provides a beautiful moment of catharsis and sweetness when you use it well.
  
• Try a call and response. There are usually breaths or spaces in the melody, which are great moments for the piano accompaniment to reprise a melodic refrain from earlier in the song or even directly repeat the most recent phrase, like a parrot. Remember that the accompaniment is a balancing force in the music: if the lead melody poses a question, respond with the answer. If the lead melody resolves the tension, use the accompaniment to open up a new question. 
  
• Create a hook. This is especially important if the melody contains many notes and a lot of movement. An instrumental hook in the accompaniment will make the melody more grounded and digestible. It can be a short groovy rhythm or an uplifting melodic phrase. 

Tips for piano accompaniment. 

Less is more 

Paradoxically, the accompanists who stand out most are the ones who don’t try to. Remember that you are there to serve something bigger than yourself – not the lead musician but the music itself. Stay true to that intention, to play the music with as much clarity and honesty as possible. If you do, you will find that playing piano accompaniment is simple, minimalistic, but incredibly deep and fulfilling. Your role is to create a safe and inspiring musical environment where the lead singer can communicate the story’s message. 

Express yourself

The flip-side of “less is more” is that you don’t want to make yourself small or be lazy. If the accompanist is sleepy, bored, or feeling insecure and restrained, then the whole energy of the music will fall. Part of your role as an accompanist is to lift the spirits and throw sparks of inspiration into the music when the lead musician’s energy is falling. So be yourself! Choose moments to be spontaneous, make a statement, or throw a new sound into the mix. 

Learn your major scales

This is a pro-tip for those serious about being a piano accompanist. Being thoroughly familiar with your major scales is an essential skill, allowing you to change the song’s key to suit the range of the lead musician. When you’re accompanying a singer at a cocktail bar, and she says, “Hey, can we do Eleanor Rigby in G minor tonight?” you want to be able to say, “Of course, no sweat” – as opposed to going to the bathroom and sweating profusely because you only know the song in D minor. You can practice your major scales and some more advanced major modes with this Guide to Major Modes.

Want some piano accompaniment?

Looking for some company while you learn to accompany on the piano? Download the Simply Piano app for step-by-step and interactive guidance in learning chords, inversions, scales, and everything else you need to know to master piano accompaniment. 

FAQs.

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Find out what piano casters are, why you need them, and when and how to replace them.

When you buy a used upright or a grand piano, you usually take stock of the piano sound, its size, the pedals, and maybe even the color. 

You may not think to check below the piano frame to see the condition of the piano casters. However, these small wheels can play a surprisingly significant role.

What are piano casters?

Piano casters are those insignificant-looking wheels at the base of your piano’s legs. They are much easier to identify on a grand piano than on an upright.

This is because the grand piano sits up on legs, and the upright’s hulky box frame tends to cover up those tiny wheels.

At first glance, it may seem that piano casters don’t matter, but they play a significant role in the structure of your piano.

Why do you need them on your piano?

Pianos can weigh from 300 to 1,000 pounds. Casters can support the weight of your piano, keep it level, and out some space between your instrument and the floor.

Just think if your upright or spinet sat directly on the floor, and you wanted to move it. It’s hard to find a tool that could get under that weight without turning your beloved instrument into firewood!

Casters are also perfect for adjusting your piano in its corner. However, you shouldn’t rely on casters to move a piano to the other side of your home. This could result in a broken piano leg.

The different types of replacement piano casters.

It’s easy to assume that when you’ve met one piano wheel caster, you’ve met them all. However, just like cars and bicycles have different sizes, styles, and treads, there are also many styles of piano casters.

The two major caster categories are rigid and swivel. 

Caster mount types

You can mount piano casters in either stem or plate mounts.

Caster styles and materials.

Many pianos come with simple metal casters. However, there are other styles and colors if you want to make a change. 

Some of the most common materials for replacement casters are rubber and brass.

When should you replace your piano wheels?

When casters start to rust, deform, or scratch up your floor, it may be time to invest in new ones. You can protect your floors and instrument by replacing old casters with new hardware and wheels.

Your music colleagues may tell you to “break a leg” before you perform on stage, but you don’t want your piano to break its leg from an old, weak caster. Much better to replace it in time!

If you need to replace your casters, there’s no need to ‘reinvent the wheel.’ You should replace your casters with wheels as close as possible to those currently on your piano. 

When you use the same size wheels, your piano stays at the appropriate height. Similar casters should also be easy to install with less risk of invasive changes that could compromise your piano’s structure.

To get the right caster for your piano, choose a plate or stem-mount, and take the measurements of your casters. 

How to replace a caster.

Once you find the right casters for your grand piano or upright, it’s time to set the wheels in motion for a replacement job.

This is not a DIY project. So, call in some skilled friends, or ask for professional help. Pianos are heavy! You don’t want to break your piano (or back).

Once you call in your crew, here are the steps to follow.

Use a piano tilter or piano jack

If you have an upright piano, you need to either lay the piano on its back or tilt it. If you do lay it on its back, make sure you set wooden blocks under it. This gap between the instrument and floor lets you get the piano back in an upright position when you finish. 

However, a piano tilter makes your job less intense and is also easier on the instrument. The tilter slips under your pianos frame and lifts it like a dolly. It holds the piano frame in place while you change out those wheels.

For a grand piano, use a piano jack to raise the instrument. Take off one leg and replace the wheel. Then, reinstall the leg before you move on to the next one.

Remove the wheels

Once you prop up your instrument securely, it’s time to remove the wheels. Unscrew the caster from the base of the piano leg. The old hardware may be brittle. Work carefully, so you don’t leave old hardware pieces inside the leg. Clean the area with a brush.

Now, you are ready to install your new wheels. For a stem caster, make sure the stem fits the hole exactly. The wheel may tilt or break under the piano weight if it’s loose. If you are using plate casters, you may need to drill new holes for the caster to stay securely in place.

Add caster cups

As you lift and tilt your piano to replace the wheels, take a few extra minutes to add caster cups, as well. Caster cups are usually wood or rubber. They are inexpensive and can protect your floor from dinting under the weight of your piano. Caster cups can also keep your piano securely in place. You don’t want it to move around when you practice those intense Beethoven pieces.

If it’s not baroque–don’t fix it. Play the piano, instead.

When you invest in an old piano, you preserve a piece of history. As you fix and tune your instrument, don’t forget to check the condition of the piano casters. Making sure your piano is stable, and level is important when you learn to play the piano. 

To get real-time feedback as you work up to Beethoven and Bach, try out a one-week trial of the Simply Piano app. This app can teach you the basics and walk you through intermediate pieces. It’s fun, it’s easy, and for one week, it’s free! 

Learning the piano is a gift that keeps on giving.

FAQs.

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In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about cleaning different types of piano keys and how to keep them clean for longer.

You may play an antique piano, or perhaps you just bought a new piano last year. Either way, when you sit down for regular practice sessions, you want your instrument to be clean. It’s easy to dust the top off, but how do you safely clean the piano keys? 

Cleaning piano keys can be a tricky business. 

We’ll give you the best tips on cleaning your piano, whether you have old ivory keys or modern plastic ones.

General tips for cleaning piano keys.

Are you ready to clean your piano keys? There are a few general cleaning tips that apply to both ivory and plastic keys.

1. Use only lightly damp cloths to clean your keys. Too much moisture can damage your instrument. Always wipe the keys with a dry cloth after you finish cleaning them.

2. Wipe keys in a top to bottom motion. Don’t wipe them from side to side, as this can cause the keys to become loose and wiggle.

3. Avoid using paper towels and colored cloths. Instead, soft, white cloth is the best choice. Use one cloth for the white keys and a separate one for the black. Sometimes the black stain may rub off. You don’t want the surprise of black streaks on your white keys.

When cleaning piano keys, make sure not to leave any residue, polish, oils, or chemicals behind. Ivory keys are irreplaceable, and even plastic keys are sensitive to harsh chemicals. 

What kind of piano keys do you have?

Before you start cleaning, check the material of your piano keys. Most modern keys are plastic, while many antique pianos have true ivory keys. 

Yamaha and other piano brands currently manufacture plastic keys with ivory looks and feel. This plastic-based material is called synthetic ivory, simulated ivory, and ivorite, among other names.

So, how do you decipher whether your keys are plastic or ivory?

In the 1950s, laws were established to protect elephants, and plastic piano keys started a trend. Then, in 1989, ivory was banned altogether. 

So if your piano is older than 1950, it likely has ivory keys. However, if it is newer than 1990, it’s safe to say the piano keys are a plastic material.

If you have an old piano, there are a few ways to determine whether your keys are ivory. 

• You may notice a texture when you touch the keys. 
• Ivory is porous, so it yellows and stains easier than plastic.
• While plastic keys are made from a mold, ivory piano keys are often pieced together. You can usually find seam lines in the ivory veneer. 
• Using a magnifying glass, you can see a grain similar to a fingerprint on ivory keys.
• Under a blacklight, ivory will glow white or blue.

After you determine what type of material your piano keys are, you can choose the right type of material to clean them. Now, let’s clean up those keys and make them shine. 

How to clean ivory keys.

After you deduce that your piano keys are ivory, you want to choose the best cleaning products for the job. 

A lightly damp cloth with a mild soap works best if your keys are dusty. Wipe vertically until clean. 

However, ivory keys tend to yellow over time and stain easily from finger oils. Many look at this yellow patina as desirable and say it adds to the value of the ivory. If it bothers you, there are some ways to whiten the keys.

One of the most gentle ways to whiten ivory keys is to buff the surface with mild toothpaste on a cloth. This may seem like a curious cleaning product to use. However, ivory is a type of tooth material when you think about it. 

Try it out on one key to ensure you get the desired effect. Then take it slowly from key to key. Less is more when you use toothpaste on keys. You don’t want to get toothpaste in the cracks, or you may have more to clean.  

When you finish, wipe the keys with a damp cloth and then a dry one. A layer of grime is now history. 

How to clean and disinfect plastic piano keys.

Plastic keys may seem like the more resistant key type. You are less likely to get cracks in the veneer, and they tend to stay whiter than ivory keys. However, you still don’t want to use tough cleaning products, or you can melt the plastic coating off the keys. 

Steinway and other piano experts recommend using hydrogen peroxide to clean plastic piano keys.

Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to a soft, damp cloth. (Never pour or spray a cleaner directly on the keys.) Then, wipe each key in a vertical motion. 

Hydrogen peroxide is easy to find over the counter at any pharmacy. It can both disinfect the keys and remove oil stains. This product is also safe for the finish of most piano keys. 

Dos and don’ts for piano cleaning.

Here are a few key points to remember when you go to clean your piano keys:

• Don’t use colored cloths to clean as the color may rub off on your keys.
• Do use a white, lint-free cloth.
• Don’t use any type of solvent to clean your keys. Harsh cleaning products can damage the finish of your keys.
• Do test your cleaning product on a small area of a key before trying it out on all the keys.
• Don’t spray the piano keys directly with any cleaning materials. Instead, spray a cloth.
• Do use a different cloth for black keys and white keys.
• Don’t use bleach-based products to clean your keys.
• Do dilute alcohol-based products before you use them to clean your keys.
• Don’t use lemon juice or other citrus products on the keys.
• Do wipe down keys with a dry cloth after cleaning to ensure no moisture remains.
• Don’t use canned air to dust the keys. This can damage sensitive mechanisms in your piano.

Now that the keys are clean, how do you keep them that way?

Since you probably won’t be wiping your piano keys with toothpaste or hydrogen peroxide every day (nor should you), what is the best way to maintain clean keys?

How often you should wipe down your piano depends on how often the piano is used. Wiping down the piano two to three times a week should be enough for a home piano that gets regular use. 

This keeps dust from building up in your piano and helps to preserve its sound quality. It also removes finger oils that can stain the keys over time. 

When you finish a practice session, close the lid of the piano. This is extra protection to keep your keys clean.

If you share a practice room with many other musicians, you may want to clean the keys each time you sit at the piano. Simple disinfectant wipes can clean the surface without damaging the keys. These are also easy to take with you. 

You’ve got clean keys. Now it’s time to play.

Nothing beats the feel of freshly cleaned piano keys. Also, if you want to Label Piano Keys for Beginners, right after a good cleaning is a good time. 

Once you clean, disinfect, and possibly label your piano keys, it’s time to play the piano. For extra input on your piano skills, try out the Simply Piano app. This app gives you feedback in real-time, so your fingers stay on the right keys. 

FAQs.

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