P85 Yamaha » Piano Lessons

The Piano Teacher: A Novel (Paperback)

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:53:57 +0000

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Former Elle editor Lee delivers a standout debut dealing with the rigors of love and survival during a time of war, and the consequences of choices made under duress. Claire Pendleton, newly married and arrived in Hong Kong in 1952, finds work giving piano lessons to the daughter of Melody and Victor Chen, a wealthy Chinese couple. While the girl is less than interested in music, the Chens’ flinty British expat driver, Will Truesdale, is certainly interested in Claire, and vice versa. Their fast-blossoming affair is juxtaposed against a plot line beginning in 1941 when Will gets swept up by the beautiful and tempestuous Trudy Liang, and then follows through his life during the Japanese occupation. As Claire and Will’s affair becomes common knowledge, so do the specifics of Will’s murky past, Trudy’s motivations and Victor’s role in past events. The rippling of past actions through to the present lends the narrative layers of intrig (more…)

Yamaha Arius YDP140 Digital Home Piano

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:13:26 +0000

The Yamaha Arius YDP140 88 Key Digital Piano comes through with authentic sound and natural touch.Exceptionally natural key touch virtually replicates that of an actual grand piano with Graded Hammer Standard keyboard with matte black keytops. Built-in AWM stereo sampled instrument voices faithfully reproduce their complete range from the soft, dark lows to the glistening, bright highs.The damper pedal includes an authentic Half Damper effect, giving you nuanced expressive control over the sustained sound far more realistic than a simple on/off footswitch.Built-in song recorder and metronome make this instrument ideal for piano lessons, practicing, or even as a scratch-pad for you next masterpiece. 50 specially selected piano songs of standard piano repertoire are built into each Arius, either for your listening enjoyment, or as a rehearsal tool while playing out of the included 50 Greats for the Piano book.Do you have questions about personal keyboards?Click on the im (more…)

How to learn to play a musical instrument

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:30:35 +0000

For years we have seen a big increase in kids who want to learn to play guitar mainly, but also many other instruments. Given this boom, we can not but see how the opportunities and methods for learning are many more now that only ten years ago. Once it was necessary to go and get guitar lessons from a teacher, who could afford it, once, twice, three times a week, depending on how good you were and how much interested. The teacher taught the tunes and some songs, after some time. But the teacher was paid, and often a lot. Or you could learn to strum something from friends, but unless they were already great musicians, the levels reached were not lofty. There were not programs like garage band and who wanted to hear and check how it sounded, he had no other method than recording a tape and return to the point more or by intuition. To learn how to play your favorite songs, we went into stores and tried to memorize musical scores and arrangements, or we could ask the teacher to write down some. Now, thanks to the spread of video games where you can learn to play an instrument, a lot of young people has become passionatet in this world. And always thanks to the development of many new technologies learning how to play is much easier and faster. You just have to go to the web and there are demonstration videos, programs that provide all the scores, you can digitally record and then immediately find the place you want to repeat. Yet many of these videos are often poor performances of other guys who want to show off and strut with an instrument. You should pay attention here to choose the right tools. All these programs are very useful if you have no intention of paying a teacher, but keep in mind that to play really well, you must first learn the basics. To do this, the best method is definitely subscribe to a music school. Learn how to self-learners is certainly very admirable, but it requires a lot of effort and twice the study. At least for the first time, you should better turn to the real experts. If then you are interested in playing your favorite songs, alone or with friends, after learning a solid foundation you can begin to explore their own arrangements of different songs. In these schools, people of all ages can apply, whether they have previous knowledge in music or they are starting from zero, there will always be a suitable teacher for you. Furthermore you can also choose the tool that you like, not just the usual guitar. Try to space, with the mind and fingers between piano, clarinet, horn, flute, flugelhorn, percussion, sax, trumpet, trombone, tuba. You can also find lessons on sol-fa and music theory. This article was written by Martina Meneghetti with support from scuola di musica for any information, please visit corso di piano or for insurance visit lezioni di basso

Learn To Play The Piano With Piano Learning Software

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:16:06 +0000

There are many piano courses available on the internet. Most are downloadable and very reasonably priced, they also offer secure ordering and money back guarantees, but is it a good idea to learn to play the piano with software downloaded from a website.
As a piano teacher, when I first encountered these courses I didn’t think they would take off and I certainly did not think that these courses could possibly work. My view was and still is that if you want to play the piano properly you must go to a piano teacher, but is this any better or worse than piano courses from the website.
Obviously, as a piano teacher, I am always going to promote this way of learning but I am now promoting piano learning software for beginners. Why? Because there are certain groups of people that cant afford piano lessons or don’t have time for regular piano lessons or are unable for various reasons unable to take lessons.
What do these groups of people have in common?
They might have the same desire to play the piano or a keyboard as someone that does take piano lessons, so why shouldn’t they have an opportunity to learn to play albeit in a different way. Now I still don’t believe you will become a great piano player using software to learn to play, but you certainly will get the start you need and you will most certainly enjoy the process and who knows you might like it so much you might even end up going to a piano teacher.
Which piano software course should you choose?
My answer is very simple. Any. They are all about the same, some have audio and video files, and some are digital books. At the end of the day, they are all telling you the same thing. Obviously, the more expensive courses will cover more topics, just browse through a few piano courses and get one that takes your fancy; it really is as simple as that.
Is it safe to buy these piano courses online?
Yes, it’s very safe. Most websites use a third party payment processor such as PayPal and Clickbank who provide a secure environment for there sellers and customers and if you think about it, any piano course seller that started fiddling there customers they wouldn’t stay in business long. However, here are a few tips to keep you safe when buying software online.
1 Look for a money back guarantee in case you don’t like the product
2 When you click the pay button look for a padlock on the bottom right of your computer screen. This means the page is secure.
3 If you have a credit card, use it. It’s probably the safest way to buy anything.
Finally, you can always email the website owner and ask a few questions. So whether its lessons from your piano teacher or lessons from your piano software enjoy your piano playing, its great fun, that I can promise you.

Houston Piano Company â the Easy Way to Get the Piano of your Dreams!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:54:55 +0000

The piano holds a very special place in the hearts of all. The piano is widely used in western music for solo performance, chamber music, and accompaniment. It is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal. Although not portable and often expensive, the piano’s versatility and ubiquity has made it among the most familiar of musical instruments.

The piano is significant in Western classical music, jazz, film, television, and most other complex western musical genres. It has also found its way into popular music for the masses. Since a large number of composers are proficient pianists â and because the piano keyboard offers an easy means of complex melodic and harmonic interplay â the piano is often used as a tool for composition.

Modern pianos come in two basic configurations â the grand piano and the upright piano. Both types are popular with piano enthusiasts the world over. Pianos were, and still are, popular instruments for private household ownership, especially among the middle and upper classes. A large number of people, who may find it difficult to afford a fully-owned piano for them, can hire one at nominal charges. Locating a good deal on a used piano can also make oneâs dream of owning a piano come true, without breaking the bank. There is no dearth of resources on the Internet to help you locate such deals, or even buy a new one.

One such place is Houston Piano Company. Houston piano company buys, sells, trades and rents new and used pianos, both acoustic and digital. They specialize in first rate, new and used pianos of the most popular brands. Doing business with Houston piano company is a sheer pleasure. Their friendly professional staff has well over 100 cumulative years of experience in the piano business. Whatâs more, they also offer tuning, repair, moving and delivery services as well as piano lessons in their exclusive school of music.

The warehouse facility of Houston piano company has been associated with the arts for many years. Several movies have been produced on their sound stage. Many a professional artist has recorded in their sound studio, first under the name Mercury Studios, and then as Houston Production Studios. Today, acting classes, cinematography classes and actors round tables regularly meet on the premises.

Houston piano company is a great place to find the piano of your dreams. If you are working on a tight budget and cannot afford a new piano, the friendly staff can help you locate just the right deal on a used piano in excellent condition. These guys really understand piano and you will benefit immensely from their expertise and experience in this area.

The motto of Houston piano company is: âYou can pay for the very high rent and fancy chandeliers of our competitors or you can visit our Heights warehouse showroom for a terrific value and friendly professional service on a great new piano or used piano.â These words speak volumes about their confidence in dealing in pianos and also in the quality of their service. Just call or email their friendly and knowledgeable associates with your piano questions and requirements. Houston piano company is committed to help you find the right piano for your playing pleasure!

Buy Houston Piano â How to Own a Piano Without Breaking the Bank!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:47:00 +0000

The desire to own a piano is most often shoved aside in our minds when we consider the associated cost. Truly enough, a piano doesnât come cheap. If you are planning to buy a new piano, be ready to spend a neat little fortune to make your dream come true. Most of us, however, cannot really afford to buy a new piano at the high cost it usually commands. Thatâs why we look for other options, such as settling for a used piano, or hiring one.

Locating a good deal on a used piano can make oneâs dream of owning a piano come true, without breaking the bank. There is no dearth of resources on the Internet to help you locate such deals. Even if you are planning to buy a new one, the Internet is a good place to start searching for a dealer. There are plenty of very competent dealers offering their services on the Internet. One such place is Houston Piano Company. Houston piano company buys, sells, trades and rents new and used pianos, both acoustic and digital. They specialize in first rate, new and used pianos of the most popular brands. Doing business with Houston piano company is a sheer pleasure. Their friendly professional staff has well over 100 cumulative years of experience in the piano business. Whatâs more, they also offer tuning, repair, moving and delivery services as well as piano lessons in their exclusive school of music.

If you have a piano to buy, Houston Piano Company is a great place to be at. Buy at Houston Piano Company and get the best piano for your money. If you are working on a tight budget and cannot afford a new piano, the friendly staff can help you locate just the right deal on a used piano in excellent condition. You can even hire a great piano at easy, comfortable rates. Choose from their stunning range of pianos, comprising acoustic and digital models, grand and cottage types, and famous and popular brands such as Yamaha, Wyman, K. Kawai. These guys really understand piano and you will benefit immensely from their expertise and experience in this area.

Houston Piano â a Piano for Everyone!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:16:18 +0000

If you live in Houston, Texas and love playing on the piano, this article will be nothing less than pure music to your ears. The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments ever made. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. In fact, the desire to own a piano is most often nipped in the bud by us when we consider the cost associated with buying one. A piano, for one, doesnât come cheap.

To add insult to the injury, getting a genuine piano in good shape is usually a terribly difficult proposition. One must not forget that the piano is a sophisticated piece of equipment, comprising many small parts the quality of which determines the overall quality of the instrument. It always pays to have some knowledge about this unique musical instrument, and definitely, finding a good, reputed dealer is critical.

If you are living in the Houston area in Texas, this article will be your perfect to finding such a dealer. Letâs face it there is no dearth of resources on the Internet for buying a piano. For those living in the Houston area, piano-selling dealers are not very hard to find. However, some dealers stand above the rest by virtue of the quality of the pianos they sell and the level of service they offer. Houston Piano Company is one such name. Houston Piano Company buys, sells, trades and rents new and used pianos, both acoustic and digital. They specialize in first rate, new and used pianos of the most popular brands. Doing business with Houston Piano Company is always a pleasure. Their friendly professional staff has well over 100 cumulative years of experience in the piano business. Whatâs more, they also offer tuning, repair, moving and delivery services as well as piano lessons in their exclusive school of music.

The warehouse facility of Houston Piano Company has been associated with the arts for many years. Several movies have been produced on their sound stage. Many a professional artist has recorded in their sound studio, first under the name Mercury Studios, and then as Houston Production Studios. Today, acting classes, cinematography classes and actors round tables regularly meet on the premises.

If you have a piano to buy, Houston Piano Company is a great place to be at. Houston Piano Company is conveniently located in the burgeoning Heights arts district. In the Inner Loop of 610 at the end of 290, north of I-10 and south of 610, at the cross streets of 13th and Durham. Getting the piano of your dreams is easy when you work with Houston Piano Company. You can even hire a great piano at easy, comfortable rates. Choose from their stunning range of pianos, comprising acoustic and digital models, grand and cottage types, and famous and popular brands such as Yamaha, Wyman, K. Kawai. These guys really understand piano and you will benefit immensely from their expertise and experience in this area.

The motto of a company speaks volumes about it. The motto of Houston piano company is: âYou can pay for the very high rent and fancy chandeliers of our competitors or you can visit our Heights warehouse showroom for a terrific value and friendly professional service on a great new piano or used piano.â These words show their confidence in dealing in pianos and also in the quality of their service. Just call or email their friendly and knowledgeable associates with your piano questions and requirements. Buying or hiring a Houston piano was never easier!

Is An Online Piano Course Right For You?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:35:46 +0000

Once upon a time, if you were interested in learning how to play the piano, there was basically only one way to do it. Someone had to teach you. That meant you had to pay for one-on-one private lessons directly from an instructor, attend a group class somewhere, or you were fortunate enough to learn it in school.

Today, with the advent of the Internet and the tremendous advances in digital technology, there is another alternative that’s growing in popularity – the online piano course. It uses 21st-century formats to teach the same traditional material to beginning and advanced music students alike. Plus, it provides the benefits of flexibility, convenience and low cost.

Society is getting used to the idea of online learning as a fast, practical and effect way for people to develop new knowledge and skills. The rising interest in this digital medium as a delivery system for piano lessons, has many people asking if this might be something they should consider.

Here are some answers:

1. If you juggle a hectic, unpredictable schedule and it’s practically impossible to commit to a fixed calendar for one or more days a week, you might be a good candidate for online piano lessons. Learning to develop just the basic skills of piano playing will demand time and frequent practice, especially if you are a beginner. An online music course will provide the flexibility you’ll need to be able to practice whenever it’s convenient for you.

2. If your goal is to entertain yourself and your friends, you’ll find digital music lessons to be particularly attractive. You can select a course that specializes in the particular type of music you like and in a relatively short time you can be playing your favorite tunes. You’ll still have to learn the fundamentals, but your lessons can be structured to move you along quickly to reach that level of competency.

3. If you previously took piano lessons and you now want to rediscover the satisfaction you used to feel when you did, there’s no easier way to do it. You have the advantage of knowing what is involved and may simply need a few focused lessons to refresh your knowledge and recover your skill. You can take your time and work your way back without putting any undue pressure on yourself.

4. If you cannot afford the cost of private piano lessons but you’ve got a really strong desire to learn how to play anyway, your only viable option may be to go digital. It’s substantially less expensive, the learning material is the same and it is presented in an easy-to-follow audio/visual format. Plus, you can repeat a lessons as often as you need to until you get it right.

5. If you are someone who likes to take the initiative, who is capable of following instructions and appreciates attention to detail, then this type of learning will definitely appeal to you. The challenge and thrill of learning chords, inversions and new musical techniques will be alluring. And when you start seeing and hearing your progress, the excitement will be worth the effort.

If any of the above conditions describe your situation, you should take a closer look at an online piano course. You’d be a perfect candidate.

Adult Piano Lessons!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:04:37 +0000

Adult piano lessons! Not sure if you should be going ahead with or not? I think it is perfectly alright if you have doubts in your mind. As adults, we become so engrossed in our day to day life that it hardly leaves us with any time to learn something new. That is the reason we have to think so hard to take that decision, since it means committing your precious time. To accommodate time for your new hobby and that too for a few months would definitely make you sit up and think about it.

At the same time you also need to realize that if you cannot get time for it now, you will never get time for it, and you will miss out an opportunity to play the piano. So definitely give it a thought, and after giving it a lot of thought, if you still are not able to completely remove this idea from your mind, then may be you should just give it a try… and not worry too much about the results. After all, learning the piano is something you always wanted to do. The good thing now is that you don’t even have to ask for money from your parents -:)

Knowing Yourself

As an adult, you need to know yourself so that you can choose the correct approach to learning the piano. Adults learn differently from kids so plan accordingly. Adults also need lot more flexibility, just because they have so many other commitments. If you are talking lessons from a personal teacher, you may need lessons late in the evening or over the weekends so make it clear to your teacher.

Method Books

If you are one of those who do not want to learn from the teacher, you can try one of the several method books that are available. Almost all these books have accompanying CDs that can be used as part of the lessons. Some of the popular publishers of adult piano courses include the Alfred’s Method and Piano Adventures Method by Fabers. Piano for Dummies is another good book which can also be used to learn the piano.

Piano Software

Another good way is to buy Piano software, which will help you to learn the piano on your computer. If you have a digital piano, it can be connected to your computer. If not, look for packages that come with a midi-keyboard (3-5 octaves). Connecting these keyboards to the computer can be of great help since the software can then actually tell you what notes you have played wrongly.

So as you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for you to learn the piano. Just pick up whatever you are comfortable with!

The Great Debate – Acoustic v Digital Pianos

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:15:32 +0000

You will see upright acoustic pianos every where, perhaps at your favorite restaurant, or at a school hall. You used to see them at your church, but perhaps not so much these days, as the use of digital pianos becomes more prevalent.
You like the class and sound of an acoustic piano so much that you want one for yourself, and perhaps have not considered going the digital route.
Perhaps you want to give your child a musical education, and have settled on the piano as the instrument of choice, as it is by far the most popular of instruments and there are plenty of teachers around.
So once you have decided that the piano will be your instrument you will have to make a decision on what to buy.
Probably the first thing you would do is go to a piano dealer and see what is on offer. You will see lots of wonderful pianos, which are almost like furniture, and you will love them until you see the price and the amount of space it takes up.
So although you may desperately want one, an acoustic piano may not be affordable and you wouldn’t have the room for it, especially if you live in an apartment.
If you are buying one for your child to learn to play, you have to remember that piano lessons are hard work, and your child may want to give up after a couple of months. I know my own children lasted for a year, but that was it.
If this is the case, and you don’t play yourself, you now have an expensive piece of idle furniture taking up a vast amount of space in your living room.
A viable alternative has to be the digital piano. A lot of them these days look very much like a traditional upright acoustic piano, and the sound is very similar.
An acoustic piano is a mechanical instrument where the depression of the keys causes muffled hammers to strike against strings, which produces the familiar sounds, while digital pianos produce sound electronically.
The sounds produced come from previously recorded sounds of a real piano, and certainly with the top of the line digital pianos, like the Yamaha, the sounds are going to be of an extremely high quality, and practically indistinguishable to the untrained ear.
There is another argument against digital pianos, which is that the feel of the keys is different from that on an acoustic piano, and this used to be true. With an acoustic piano you can actually feel the hammers striking against real strings, and can adjust the weight you put on the keys according to the sound you wish to make.
The left hand keys on a keyboard are harder to play, especially for a right handed person, and the strength of the key depression is lighter on the treble keys.
However, because this was a sticking point in the arguments about the merits of digital v acoustic, piano manufacturers such as Yamaha have addressed this problem and the modern models can almost replicate the touch and feel of the traditional acoustic piano.
The keys may be described as being semi-weighted, weighted, hammer, and graded hammer. The graded hammer is recognised as being the best, while the semi-weighted and weighted actions are the ones normally used for the entry level models.