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The Digital Piano – An Introduction

by Tania Gleaves on January 26, 2012

digital piano The Digital Piano   An Introduction

The digital piano becomes increasingly popular in today’s society for some pretty sound reasons. If you haven’t giving this sort a serious look, look again. You may be in for a pleasant surprise.

This type of keyboard is a different breed of the classical stringed piano in that it uses technology to emulate acoustic sounds sent through sound chips.

It’s normally played in bands rather than in orchestras, and the versatility of the sounds that it can produce allows musicians to imitate the music of other instruments (organs, flutes, violins, etc.). Some of the more advanced can record new sounds or even record an entire performance.

Advantages

At first sight, this instrument may seem like a toy to the musician who has studied and played classical piano for numerous years, and many such musicians refuse to appreciate it as a serious instrument. But there are some distinct advantages to playing one that shouldn’t be ignored.

One of those advantages is its relevance to today’s technologically obsessed society. For example, today’s musician can easily connect one of these pianos to a computer and create MIDI sound files.

It never needs tuning, it’s lightweight and portable.

Sounds

Known as the synthesizer of the past, the digital piano can emulate the sounds of almost every kind of classical piano known (upright, grand, tack, etc.) but it’s rarely used to generate the sound of a single instrument. It’s so versatile, musicians imitate the sounds of several different instruments at once to create the sounds of a small quartet or intimate band.

Of course one of the most frequently asked questions about this instrument is, “How did they get the sounds in there??”

Essentially, the sounds that you hear are sounds recorded from actual (non-digital) instruments. The higher quality ones will produce sounds that are more faithful to their natural counterparts, making it nearly impossible for some to distinguish the output from real instruments.

Brands

If you’re interested in playing this kind of piano, you may delight in knowing that some of the world’s best technologists are digital piano manufactures. They include world-class Yamaha, Roland, Suzuki, Casio, and more. Chances are that you’ve seen these brand names on other products around the home.

The same quality that you enjoy from these brands is incorporated into their musical instruments as well. So you can feel confident that your Roland digital piano for example is just as first-rate as your Roland stereo system or amplifier.

The Interface

The learning curve required to play one of these is relatively short and depending on the goal, musicians experienced with the classical piano and computers can get started with one rather quickly. This is because its interface combines the interactivity of a software menu with the traditional piano keyboard.

Above the keyboard are options that change the volume, bass and treble output, and instrument tone.

More advanced pianos will offer additional options and could include various drumbeats as well as a nice assortment of percussion sounds. Spending some quality time learning how to change the available options without losing your place in a song is what turns a beginning digital piano player into a pro.

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Whether you already play piano or want to learn, I’m glad you stumbled across this page. It means there’s one more person out there looking for a better way to add music to his or her life, or perhaps to improve on an already established skill set.

Either way, welcome. The good new is, I’ve got helpful advice for any level you may be at. I invite you to discover your potential and take the necessary steps to reach your goals.

Click Here For More Helpful Tips On How To Play Piano Regardless What Skill Level You Have!

Beginners Play Piano, Don’t Be Shy

If your idea of a scale is something in your bathroom that seems to know you like donuts, you’re definitely among the beginners. But seriously, if you know only a handful of basic chords, a song or two, or you have never touched a keyboard, you will want to learn the basics.

I recommend you take a course in introductory musical theory. You’ll want to learn the names of the notes, practice the scales, begin to put together chords, and embrace the art of repetition. That’s right, the key to picking up on the basics is to imprint them into your psyche, increase your dexterity, train your hands to make those stretches they’re not used to making, and find the connection between mind and body that will enable you to play naturally.

At the beginner level, students should have the patience to put off learning actual songs or

performance styles in favor of getting comfortable learning chords, fingering, etc. The good news is, with the right training, you can pass through the beginner level relatively quickly. Of course, the right training is, at best, half the equation. Your ability to master the above skills will depend on your determination to practice every day. Just like physical training, by going through the correct motions a little each day, you can accomplish much more than inconsistent practice every so often.

How you decide to learn is up to your preferred method of absorbing new information. Some people are visual learners, others are aural. What this means to you is, you might need to learn to play with the aid of sheet music (visual) or by listening to someone play a note or chord and you copy them (aural). The latter method is also known as playing by ear. Most websites that promote piano lessons offer a sample of their training style so you can try before you buy. It’s a good idea to try both so you can get started in the right direction and not waste time learning in a way that’s against your learning style.

When Intermediates Play Piano

By this point in your piano education, you should know all the scales, the popular chord styles, and be able to perform with confidence. This isn’t to say you should be a virtuoso. At the intermediate level, many musicians can find work playing out at various venues. But their skills are limited.

Now is a good time to think about the type or types of music you want to play. Will you study classical? Are you more into jazz or blues? Would you prefer to play rock? Or are you saving yourself for religious styles like gospel? With your intermediate skill level, you understand many of the chords and progressions you will use in your chosen genre. Now you need to focus on lessons that show you the fundamentals, the nuances, and the tricks behind playing a particular style.

Like the tip I gave for beginners, it applies here as well: Determine if you are a visual or auditory learner and pick the package you are most likely to understand, enjoy, and stick with.

And again, practice!

Advanced Performers Play Piano

Congratulations, you’ve come a long way in your musical journey. But you’re far from finished. With your advanced skills, you can sit in with another musician or ensemble and play piano. You can listen to a song and learn it with relative ease, or perhaps you can open sheet music and read the notes as easily as you read printed text. And just maybe, you are ready to flex your creativity and explore new horizons.

Some performers don’t know how to recognize when they surpassed the intermediate level. That’s okay, it will be clear eventually. If you are already performing comfortably but you want to infuse your music with more complex chord structures, creative runs, or you want to add another genre to your repertoire (that’s a lot of French!), you are most likely advanced and ready to take on a bigger challenge. It’s been said many times, learning to perform music is not a destination but a journey.

Many professional artists play multiple instruments. They are skilled guitarists or drummers who also play a little piano. It is not uncommon to encounter a musician who is very good at any instrument he or she decides to learn. If you are just such a person, and piano is one of your secondary instruments, consider how you could benefit from actual lessons.

I’ve discovered some outstanding courses for advanced piano playing that can be purchased online. Take the time to evaluate the publishers’ websites and read reviews if possible. Most lesson packages are moderately priced, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a good, affordable lesson system.

And in case you forgot already, you still need to practice! Just remember to keep the fun in the fundamentals. Learning to play piano can be a lot of work, but it’s a form of entertainment and should never be a chore. Good luck!

Click Here For More Helpful Tips On How To Play Piano Regardless What Skill Level You Have!

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Piano Brands – About Famous Names and Great Instruments

January 8, 2012

There are many piano brands floating around out there these days. There have been some technological developments in the world of piano that has made the task of browsing through brand names daunting. With some basic expertise and some information behind the names you can look like a seasoned veteran while searching for your next [...]

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It’s Baby Grand Piano Time!

December 2, 2011

The baby grand piano is the perfect option for those who wish to have the beauty of a concert piano without the size. Grand or concert pianos are the quintessential piano experience. These are the preferred instruments of concert pianists. They can be quite expensive and get to be pretty bulky in size. Grand pianos [...]

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Piano Tuning – The Ins & Outs

November 19, 2011

Piano tuning means that tensions in the strings of the instrument are adjusted. This is what needs to happen to keep your instrument in tune. This service can be provided to you by a registered tuner or technician. There are a few things to consider when looking into this matter. These are: • How often [...]

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Buying a Grand Piano – Helpful tips

October 29, 2011

Interested in buying a grand piano? Then take heed — one piano does not fit all! Here’s the skinny on what you need to know and why you need to know it. It’s hard to resist the beauty of this musical instrument and upon first sight, it has a unique way of stirring the strong [...]

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