Is It Ok To Practice Piano On a Digital Keyboard?
Yes, you can practice on a digital keyboard - something is better than nothing. You can learn the basics of the piano on a digital keyboard, and people do it all the time. In fact, some modern digital keyboards are quite good!
When it comes to practicing the actual piano (the upright or grand style), the answer is a little bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. You should be aware of what makes the most sense for you, how you can make wise choices, and how you can avoid gaps in your practice routine that might be created by a digital keyboard.
Read More
Is Playing The Piano Good For Your Health?
Throughout the years, music has been shown to be good for the mind and body. There are books like The Mozart Effect that tell expectant mothers that classical music is good for their babies. Some people listen to classical music to relax, and others practice an instrument regularly for the sheer enjoyment of it.
Read More
Guide To Local Piano Dealers In Westchester County, NY
A list of some of the local piano dealers in Westchester NY and the surrounding areas, such as Connecticut, New Jersey, Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx County, Dutchess County, and Putnam County.
Read More
Piano Movers in Westchester County, NY | A Guide
You’re moving, and you need to take your piano with you - safely. Should you call your friends, hire some movers, or go all-out with a piano moving company? We’ll get to that below.
If you need Westchester County piano lessons, please get in touch! I would be happy to set up a trial lesson, and I frequently travel to student homes in the Westchester, NY area.
Read More
Should You Make Your Child Take Piano Lessons?
It’s a nuanced issue that deserves thought - hopefully the material below will help you decide whether or not piano lessons are right for your child. And of course, if you would like to contact me regarding piano lessons in White Plains, piano lessons in New Rochelle, or anything else, I’d be happy to hear from you.
Read More
How Long Does It Take To Learn The Piano?
It’s a question that every aspiring pianist asks - how long does it take to learn the piano? In a way, this is a loaded question - do you want to simply read notes, play by ear, improvise, or all of the above? At what point can you say that you have learned the piano? It’s not an easy question to answer, but we will do our best in the blog below. If you need guidance on you piano journey, contact Dave Long about piano lessons in Westchester County, NY today - you can always start with a trial lesson.
Read More
How to Sight Read Piano Music
If you’ve ever wished you could simply sit down at the piano and read sheet music, or open up a book of your favorite repertoire and sight read it, you’re not alone - high level sight reading is an elusive skill that many pianists struggle with for years. The good news is that if you take the right steps and practice regularly, you will improve and reach your goals, no matter how lofty they may be.
Read More
How To Learn Jazz Piano On Your Own Or With a Teacher
Learning how to play jazz piano is different from classical piano, and it takes a different skill set - but if you commit yourself to regular practice, there’s no reason you can’t be playing jazz tunes within a year (or much quicker if you’re dedicated). The notes, hand position, and technique remain the same, but you’ll need to focus on two things in particular: memorization and jazz theory.
Read More
The Adult's Guide To Self-Teaching Piano
Are you thinking about teaching yourself the piano? It’s takes discipline to do so, but it’s an extremely rewarding pursuit. This blogs outlines some expectations to keep in mind, and it provides guidance on how to teach yourself.
Read More
What is "Voicing" In Music and at the Piano?
The words “voice” and “voicing” are used in many different ways in music. Here are some examples.
A Voice in music can refer to an independent melody or melodic line in a musical texture.
Voicing is a term sometimes used by pianists to describe the dynamics (the different volume levels) of different voices in a musical texture.
A Chord Voicing is the way that the notes of a chord are arranged or spelled.
Voicing can also refer to the process by which a piano tuner or piano technician works on the piano’s hammers.
In saxophone playing, Voicing can refer to the way that the player shapes the sound of each individual note.
Each of these examples is discussed in further detail in the sections below.
Read More
What Is The Best Way To Learn The Piano?
In reality, the best way to learn the piano is to start with the fundamentals and build around them: learn to read music fluently, learn the piano keys, learn proper technique, learn chords and basic theory, then use that chord knowledge to play by ear. It also helps to have an 88 key keyboard.
Read More
How Hard Is Learning The Piano As An Adult?
The piano is one of the most difficult and rewarding instruments to learn; not only do you have to learn to read notes and translate them to the keys, but you have to do it with both hands at the same time. You’ll also have to learn to play with correct technique or you could face injuries in the future. The piano takes time and dedication, but with the right amount of practice, you can become a fluent pianist. Keep reading to learn more.
Read More
