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!

The post 20 Lovely Piano Quotes To Share With Your Friends appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

The end of January marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, better known as the Spring Festival in China. Since music is so important to Chinese culture, I figured there isn’t a better way to welcome in the New Year than to write about some of the coolest and most interesting Chinese instruments!

Erhu 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZT1l5jf7vs[/embedyt]

The Erhu is one of the most popular Chinese instruments. It can be played as a solo instrument or used as a single instrument in a bigger ensemble. This two-stringed instrument produces beautiful tones, with a fairly high pitch. It is believed to have evolved from previous Chinese instruments around the 10th century.

Want to play the Erhu but don’t want to buy the actual instrument? Apple released an update for their Garageband App that allows your to play this instrument in place of the normal piano. Super nice!

Guzheng 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62Y7BXIuX6Y[/embedyt]

The Guzheng, or the Chinese Zither, is a stringed instrument over 2,500 years old. It has over 16 strings and is generally played using fingerpicks on both hands. The Guzheng has changed over the years, and the modern instrument is much different than the original. It can now be used to play more western songs, such as the one in the video above.

You can simulate the Guzheng by downloading the app called iGuzheng. It should give you a good feel for the sound of the instrument!

Pipa 

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

The Pipa is basically the Chinese version of the Lute. It is over two-thousand years old, and multiple other instruments have evolved from the Pipa. It can have as few as 12 frets, and as many as 26.

The Pipa is another instrument that you can play using the GarageBand app on the iPad. Try it out as you welcome in the Chinese New Year!

Chau Gong (Tam-Tam) 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GORlNt6QMos[/embedyt]

The Chau Gong is definitely one of the most familiar Chinese instruments to Westerners. This is possibly because it was introduced to the West by François-Joseph Gossec as an orchestral instrument. There are actually many types of Gongs in China, even though this is the one that most people think of when the term is used. The Chau Gong was originally used as a way to clear people out of the road when important officials were traveling.

This is yet another instrument that can be played in the GarageBand App! It is one of the many percussion instruments available in the update.

Xiao 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-I1CFa5T7I[/embedyt]

The Xiao is a beautiful Chinese Flute, typically made from Bamboo. The Xiao came onto the scene in 206 BC, during the Han Dynasty. It has a soft, soothing sound, and is commonly played in small ensembles.

So far I have suggested an app for each instrument mentioned, so I felt compelled to locate one for this unique instrument! You can blow into your device’s microphone, and put your fingers on the instrument’s sound holes to change the tone. Super cool.

Chinese New Year Fun

Hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to the wonderful world of Chinese musical instruments. I encourage you to check out different songs that use these instruments as you celebrate the New Year! 

We here at JoyTunes are super excited to celebrate, as our Simply Piano app is offering a Chinese New Year music special for the occasion, where you can play festive Chinese songs as you boost your piano skills. Try it out today!

The post 5 Musical Instruments to Bring in the Chinese New Year appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

Nailing harmonies requires a trained ear and solid timing. Learn how to skillfully sing them with these helpful tips.

Practically every genre of music harnesses the power of harmonies, from holiday carols and hymns to your favorite pop song. You can recognize harmonies when two or more voices sing in unison. It adds a unique and aggrandizing effect to the music. 

When first listening to harmony, you may find them to be complex, angelic echoes. It can seem like creating your own is out of reach. However, just like learning any new skill, learning and improving is much smoother by taking small purposeful steps.

So let’s dive into the majestic world of harmony and build your skill up with these simple steps.

Learn basic music theory.

While it isn’t essential for singing harmonies, knowing basic music theory is an excellent place to start. 

Understanding the framework and the essential moving parts of anything grants you insights you wouldn’t otherwise have. For instance, knowing how intervals work or putting chords together makes timing easier, and choosing notes that resonate comes naturally. It can help with the cohesiveness of your harmony. 

• Intervals–represent the distance between two notes within a scale.
• Chords–are a series of notes that you play together.

Understanding chords and intervals make creating harmonies much more straightforward. In essence, they’re the same thing.

Sing along to your favorite harmonies.

An easy way to get some practice in is to sing along with your favorite songs! However, we’re not talking about the casual shower singing (although perhaps that could be useful too). Start with simple harmonies to get your bearings. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try writing your own!

Timing.

When it comes to harmony, timing is everything. Part of what makes a harmony create the effect it does is how it is used. You can memorize lyrics by heart and sing pitch-perfect, but none of that matters if your timing is off.

While some music genres implement harmony throughout the song, other styles use harmony at specific times–which means timing your entry is crucial. 

But how exactly can you improve your timing? 

(How about a bit of…)

Practice.

Practice, practice, and then practice some more! Like any skill you’re honing, the more time you spend engaging with it, the more innate it becomes. 

There are many unique ways to practice on your own and with others. If you’re feeling creative and have the tech, record yourself and sing along to your recording. You sharpen your harmony skills, but you’ll also get better at songwriting. 

Another great way to practice is to sing with a group. Find other people who like to sing harmonies and practice together. You may even find singers who have a deeper understanding of harmony, which can quickly help you to improve. Not only can singing in a group helps you learn at a faster rate, but it can make your experience more enjoyable. 

Pro tip: Stay positive. No matter what activity you engage in, overcoming obstacles is part of the journey. Our worst practice sessions also define our best practice sessions. Maybe you aren’t hitting the pitch or you don’t feel like singing–whatever the issue is, you just have to accept that it’s part of the journey. Keep coming back for more and it’ll pay off.

Join a choir.

A sure-fire way to practice and improve your harmony skills is to join a choir. It’s the perfect environment, and it’s literally designed to help people develop their ability to sing in harmony. 

You’ll be able to meet other people who are sharpening their skills, and under your teacher’s guidance, you’re bound to make drastic improvements early on in your lessons. Sharing a space with experts for putting together harmonies is the ideal atmosphere to take your singing to the next level.

Singing and composing vocal harmonies takes time, research, and practice. At times the journey may be frustrating. However, with a dynamic approach, and consistent practice, you’ll get the hang of it. 

Harmony is not just for singing. It’s very similar to the chords you play on the piano, and music is a beautiful form of expression where you can mix and match many arts. Another approach to improving vocal harmony and perfecting chords is playing the piano.

Don’t have time to learn everything at once? Try out Simply Piano and see how easy it is to learn to play piano in your free time.

FAQs

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Playing music in odd time signatures can be challenging–especially if you have no idea what they are or how they work. Luckily, this blog post looks at time signatures and what makes them odd.

You can recognize odd time signatures in songs when they are tough to count or dance to–it’s like they’re skipping a beat. 

Odd time signatures enable artists to harness their imagination’s depths, creating unconventional and unique music. They can be tough to grasp at first. But once you get the hang of them, they’re a piece of cake.  

So let’s take a closer look at odd time signatures, their components, and their impact on music.

What is a time signature?

Time signatures determine the song’s rhythm. 

In sheet music, they appear as two numbers, one on top of the other. For instance, the simplest and most common time signature is 4/4. 

We use them to measure or organize songs by dividing them into smaller sections. This helps musicians with timing and makes the song easier to remember. 

Time signatures consist of two elements, a beat and a measure or ‘bar‘.

Beats & measures

In musical notation, the beat represents a basic unit of time. We organize beats in bars or measures. There are many types of beats, such as half beats, quarter beats, and eighth beats, to name a few.

The time signature’s top number is the number of beats in a bar, and the lower number refers to the type of beat that you’re playing. For instance, 5/8  is five eighth notes per measure. As you can see, songwriters have countless variations to play within musical notation.

So what’s the deal with an odd time signature?

Odd time signatures.

Also known as asymmetric, unusual, complex, or irregular time signatures, a song has an odd time signature when you can’t evenly divide the beats into the bar. For example, they appear in sheet music as 5/4, 11/4, 5/8, and even 23/16.

It’s always nice when things fit perfectly into their framework. However, in the case of music, a particular number of beats can produce intricate and pleasing sounds. 

Odd time signatures are found in all types of music, including pop, electronic, and traditional, and they’re also popular in progressive rock and metal music.

Different types of odd time signatures.

When it comes to odd signatures, you can create almost anything you want. Although, some interesting examples could clarify the beat’s layout.

• 11/4—This signature contains eleven beats that are a quarter note each. We can break the beats down into 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2. You can also switch the beats to look like 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, etc.
  
• 5/4—With five beats per measure, this time signature resonates at a frequency of a quarter note each. You can break this signature down into 1-2-3, 1-2, or 1-2, 1-2-3.
  
• 7/8—In this case, the signature has seven beats per measure, eight notes each 12-12-12- 1, or 123-12-12. 

As you can see, you can use time signatures–especially odd ones–in interesting and unique ways. 

How is odd time different from other signatures?

There are many different approaches that you can use regarding time signatures. 

A signature is odd because the number of beats does not fit evenly into a measure. Their distribution must be in unique patterns, creating an unconventional rhythm.

Music has a host of other time signatures, and each offers a distinct rhythm. In a simple or normal time signature, you can divide beats into two equal sections of notes. The most common forms are 4/4, 2/4, and 3/4. 

Compound signatures are similar to their simpler peers; only the beats break down into three equal parts. The introduction to Game of Thrones uses a 6/8 time signature. Some other common forms include 9/8, 12/8, and 3/8. 

Another interesting way to write music–perhaps more peculiar than the odd time signature–is the changing, or polymetric time signatures. Using a changing time signature, you can play with beats and measures, establishing a new rhythm as the song progresses.

Popular songs with an odd time signature.

Part of understanding odd time signatures is identifying their sound. Here’s a list of songs that harness irregular beats to capture their listeners’ attention, love, and praise.

• The Ocean by the timeless rock band Led Zeppelin. The song’s musical time signature operates within a 7/8  framework. 

• MGMT, a famous indie rock band, composed Electric Feel, which uses a 6/4 rhythm.

• Pink Floyd’s hit, Money, with a time signature of 7/4.

• You by Radiohead uses a changing time signature, mixing some simple and odd time signatures! The rhythm changes between 6/8 and 5/8.

Cool stuff right?

The more you practice listening to songs that use odd time signatures, the easier they are to identify, giving you a clearer idea of how they work.

However, like any skill, it takes time and practice. 

Learn how to play the songs you love in various musical time signatures with JoyTunes. Our app Simply Piano guides you through a custom lesson plan that helps you progress one step at a time.

You’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time!

FAQs

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The Beatles was the first band I ever listened to. And I was listening to them, and only to them, until I was about 16. They were my standard for music, and that was my problem, I started with the best ones.

The Beatles produced more than 300 songs! Almost no one knows all of them and let's be real, you probably don't know all of them either. Half of the songs in each album were a worldwide hit, but the other half got way less attention. I always prefer the lesser known songs. They weren't overplayed like all of their other hits but are still awesome.

To celebrate this great announcement, here are some of the best Beatles songs you may not know by album:

Please Please Me

This debate album, from 1963, had 14 songs that include the hit 'I Saw Her Standing There' or some covers like 'Twist and Shout', but it has also these cool songs:

1. Do you want to know a secret
2. There's a place
3. P.S I love you

With the Beatles

You probably know 'All my loving', or 'It won't be long' or their cover to Chuck Berry's 'Roll Over Beethoven', but you should check out:

1. Till There Was You (from the musical 'The Music Man')
2. Please Mister Postman
3. Devil in Her Heart (a Ricky Dee's cover. from their album 'Long Tall Sally')
4. This Boy (This is actually from the album "Meet the Beatles!" album)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_vqE2hBWkg

A Hard day's night

Everyone knows the 'A Hard day's Night' and 'Can't Buy Me Love', but the most beautiful songs from this album are:

1. Things we said today
2. I should have known better
3. If I fell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcDISOpKZbk

Beatles for Sale

The songs 'Eight Days a Week' and 'I'll follow the sun' came out of this album, but so did:

1. I'm a loser
2. Yes it is (From the album 'Beatles VI')
3. Tell me what you see (From the album 'Beatles VI')

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lsncQCWqTk

Help!

Except for 'Help!', this album has mainly unknown songs. Personally, those four songs are my top 10 Beatles songs:

1. The night before
2. You like me too much
3. I've just seen a face
4. It's only love

Rubber Soul

So many amazing songs! 'Michelle', 'Norwegian Wood', 'Girl', 'Nowhere man' and more. But still, there are some unknown (but still awesome) songs:

1. You won't see me
2. If I needed someone
3. I'm looking through you

Revolver

'Eleanor Rigby' and 'Yellow Submarine' were born in this album, but also:

1. I'm only sleeping
2. And your bird can sing
3. Here, there and everywhere
4. For no one

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band

'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds', 'When I'm Sixty-four', 'A Day in the Life' and 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" you probably know, but do you know these?

1. Fixing a Hole
2. She's leaving home
3. Lovely Rita

Magical Mystery Tour

Song after song, hit after hit: 'Hello, Goodbye', Strawberry Fields Forever', 'Penny Lane' and 'All You Need is Love'. All of them, by the way, are from the second side of the album. The only known hits from the first side are 'Magical Mystery Tour' and 'I Am The Walrus'. The first half, though, includes those "could-have-been-a-hits":

• The fool on the Hill
• Your mother should know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdsxB0uaAPQ

White Album

This double album has 45 songs! Crazy! A lot of them are not that popular. Here are the top 5:

1. Martha My Dear 
2. Rocky Raccoon
3. Mother Nature's Son
4. Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey 
5. I will

Abbey Road

Their most famous album. Maybe because of the famous album's cover image, maybe because of their popularity, or maybe because it's their best album ever! Except for 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' from the first side of the album, most of the songs are quite famous ('Come Together', 'Something', 'Octopuses Garden') But the second part is the genius brother of the 'Abbey Road' family. It has the 15-minute medley, that if, somehow, you didn't hear, you should listen to it Nike's slogan and JUST DO IT!

(Plus, there's no better way to finish a Beatles article than with the song 'The End').

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdt_0Op9juU

Every Beatles song is great, so I recommend listening to a song you don't know every once in a while and rediscover the Beatles a little more each time.

So, what's your favorite lesser-known Beatle's song?

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Well, 2016 has reared its ugly head again — this time taking away another prominent musician from us: George Michael (1963-2016).

Michael, the influential solo artist and co-leader of the band Wham!, will be remembered by us all. Here are some facts about him that you might not have known.

1. Michael was sued by Barry Manilow over the song Last Christmas.

In the mid 80s’, Barry Manilow’s song writers claimed that George Michael plagiarized the melody of “Last Christmas” from the hit song “Can’t Smile Without You”. The two parties eventually settled out of court, and George Michael needed to donate the first year of the Last Christmas’s royalties to the Band Aid charity. Do you think the two songs sound alike?

2. Elton John was a surprise guest on the song Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsKqMNDoR4o[/embedyt]

This #1 hit in both the US and UK was released by George Michael in 1991. This song was recorded live in London, and Elton John, the original writer of the song, came out to sing it with Michael to the surprise of the audience.

Elton John paid tribute to George Michael today in an instagram post.

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP

A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:24pm PST

3. George Michael’s real name was: Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou.

George Michael as a child.

Michael was born to a non-musical family in Bushley, Hertfordshire, England on June 25th, 1963. He wisely chose to change his name from Georgios Panayiotou to George Michael after his band Wham! started to gain popularity. Who knows what his career would have looked like if he was a bit more stubborn with his family moniker.

4. He was considered to be a replacement for Freddie Mercury in Queen.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPJiuqp1LS4[/embedyt]

Rumor has it that Queen considered asking George Michael to join the band as the new lead singer. You can see why they would have wanted him to join, considering his dynamic performance at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (video above).  Michael likely declined due to his success with his solo act, but this serves as a testament to George Michael’s talent.

5. George Michael’s group, Wham! was the first Pop act to perform in China. 

In the mid 1980’s, China was still recovering from its extreme isolationism previously imposed by leader Mao Zedong. Because of this, there was still little interaction with the west — especially when it came to music. George Michael opened the gates to popular western music in China when Wham! performed for 15,000 people at the People’s Gymnasium in Beijing. This was a revolutionary moment, and it is not surprising that an artist as important as George Michael was involved. Here is a fantastic article by Time Magazine if you want to learn more!

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Learning to play an instrument actually has a lot in common with your average gym routine. Both can seem intimidating to the novice; both require resilience and dedication; and both will reward you with an internal satisfaction that no one can take away from you.

Check out how you can work out mentality by learning to flex your music muscles and play any instrument as an adult beginner.

#1 Schedule It

The worst excuse (and the most common) for not working out is “I don’t have time.” And, unfortunately, the same attitude applies to practicing your instrument.

One of the best ways to combat this lazy attitude is to schedule your workout as you would a meeting. After all, you wouldn’t let the fact that you were tired derail an important business meeting, and once you’ve scheduled yourself properly, exhaustion won’t take you away from the gym or piano bench either.

Once you’re finally at the gym, you’re not going to waste that session on a dumb TV show or a mind-numbing article on Facebook. Look at your instrument practice session in the same way. Set aside a block of time to play your instrument, and don’t let anything else get in the way of that time.

#2 Reps

Once you’ve established a set time for practicing, you should break down your instrument workout into intervals. Doing leg lifts or crunches for an hour straight can get tedious, tiresome and frustrating, and it’s certainly not the most effective use of your time. Instead, you’ll break up your workout into five-minute intervals for muscle training, weight lifting and toning with one minute reps of each exercise within each set. Learn an instrument in increments as well, practicing finger placement for five minutes, your scales for another set of five, and timing and notes for another.

As you get better at playing your instrument, your reps will change, but the methodology can remain the same. Switch things up to keep your practice fresh and exciting.

#3 Get Techie

There are loads of apps available to help you keep track of your workout. You can download a calorie calculator, an activity monitor, a reps counter, a personal motivator, and an entire fitness regimen straight onto your phone. The point of these applications is to streamline the process of working out, making it easier and more manageable to track results and make it happen.

Learning how to play an instruement is no different. Take advantage of technology to help you through the tougher parts of the process. Download a learn piano app to teach you new lessons, chart your progress, set reminders, put on timers and keep the learning process as smooth and uncomplicated as ever. (There are apps out there for other instruments as well.)

Let’s Go!

Ready to learn piano or any other instrument right now? Download Simply Piano today, and give yourself the gift of music forever.

The post 3 Ways playing a musical instrument is like working out appeared first on Learn to Play an Instrument with step-by-step lessons | Simply Blog.

From tuning kits to lamps and benches, there are many piano accessories that every pianist needs. This article covers all of the essential piano accessories that change your piano game.

Not every piano is built the same, and some need modifications to play them more comfortably. Piano accessories can also get out of hand and crowd the piano – and that’s not what we want. 

So what’s a necessity when accessorizing pianos? And what just ends up as cumbersome decor? 

Let’s look at eight piano accessories that make maintaining and playing the piano an easier and more enjoyable experience.

1. Piano bench

Starting with the most crucial accessory, the piano bench is integral for any pianist. 

Pianos come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, the proper posture doesn’t change from one piano to the next. 

Pianists need a piano bench, so sitting comfortably while they play is effortless. The bench should be the right height for the pianist so they can easily reach the keys with their feet on the ground. 

Many piano benches are adjustable. Some benches have a backrest, while others do not. and Some even have storage space underneath the seat.

Most piano benches are wood or metal and include a cushion for comfort. They can cost anywhere from $50 to $500.

To learn more about piano benches, scroll through our blog Choosing the Best Piano Bench.

2. Cleaning Kit

While cleaning the piano may seem straightforward, using the wrong products can be damaging or corrosive. A piano cleaning kit helps you clean your piano safely, preserving it rather than degrading it.

3. Piano tuning kit 

Tuning is essential to keep your piano sounding the way it should. Tuning kits usually include a tuning lever, hammer, mutes, and a tuning fork or electronic tuning device.

Tuners are available in various formats, including digital, costing anywhere from $50 to $500.

Many people hire a professional piano tuner. By adjusting the tension of the strings inside the piano, you manipulate the sounds they emit. 

Want to tune your piano yourself? Check out our blog Piano Tuning Essentials & DIY.

4. Sustain pedal

While most acoustic pianos come with pedals built into the frame, digital pianos may come without pedals. 

If you own a digital piano, a sustain pedal is a tool that expands your expressive potential. A sustain pedal allows pianists to extend notes. This can be useful for creating a more legato sound (notes tied together with no silence in between) or for sustaining chords. 

Sustain pedals typically cost between $20 and $50. Some of the most popular sustain pedals on the market include the Yamaha FC5, the Roland DP-2, and the Boss FS-5U. 

5. Headphones 

There are a few reasons people might use headphones with their pianos. One reason is to avoid disturbing others with the sound of their piano. Another reason is to be able to hear the piano more clearly. Some people just find that it helps them focus on their playing. 

6. Portable amp

Alternatively, a portable amp may be just what you need! Not all digital pianos and keyboards have powerful built-in speakers (some don’t have any).

A portable amp is a good choice for those who need a little extra volume to be heard over a band or other instruments. They’re also an excellent option for pianists who want to be able to practice or perform without being tethered to a plug. 

7. Music stand 

Having trouble reading sheet music? 

Pianists use a music stand to hold scores while they play. Piano music stands vary in price depending on style and material. Stands cost anywhere from $15 to $100.

8. Piano lamp.

If you’re the kind of musician who likes to play in the dead of night (or in your mother’s basement), a piano lamp can illuminate the music so you can see.

But how exactly do piano lamps differ from any other lamp? 

Fundamentally, not much. However, piano lamps provide focused light on a music score or keyboard. In contrast, regular lamps provide ambient light for a room. Piano lamps typically have a long, slender neck and an adjustable shade to direct light where needed.

The price range for piano lamps can vary depending on the type, style, and brand. Generally, piano lamps can range in price from $20 to $200.

9. Metronome. 

People use metronomes to keep a steady tempo while playing. Many digital pianos and keyboards come with a metronome built into the instrument. However, if your instrument doesn’t have one, you can always buy one or download a metronome app. 

There you have it—nine essential accessories that help you enjoy your piano to the fullest! Another accessory that can streamline your piano lessons is Simplys’ Simply Piano. Designed by piano teachers, the app offers students a fun way to learn how to play. Give it a try today!

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