Understanding the notes on a piano is a bit like learning a language – it might take a bit of time at first, but once you’ve mastered how it all works you’ll be able to play whatever you want! This early effort is crucial as it builds the foundation for musical expression, allowing you to …
Piano notes: a beginner’s guide to reading music Read More »
Have you ever noticed that special moment in a song when the harmony unexpectedly shifts, bringing a heroic, uplifting or even mysterious feeling to the piece? This effect often comes from a harmonic technique called modal interchange. Also known as borrowed chords, modal interchange allows composers to pull from different musical modes or scales, adding …
The magic of modal interchange: borrowing chords from other scales Read More »
The piano sonata has long been a cornerstone of classical music, offering profound emotional depth and technical complexity. For pianists, sonatas present both a demanding challenge and a chance for deep artistic expression. Over the centuries, composers have shaped and evolved this form, creating timeless masterpieces. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 …
Top 10 piano sonatas Read More »
Modes are part of the basic building blocks of Western music theory. If you’ve ever heard a music teacher talk about modes you may well have noticed that they all have Greek names. These musical modes come from the earliest days of music history. Put simply, a mode is a type of scale, just like …
Musical modes: what are they and how do they function? Read More »
Thanksgiving is a heartwarming time of the year, filled with gratitude, family gatherings and delicious meals shared with loved ones. It’s a season where warmth and togetherness shine, making it the perfect occasion to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting a large family feast or enjoying a quiet evening with close friends, music …
10 heartwarming Thanksgiving songs to play on piano Read More »
Have you ever felt like your chords sound too simple or flat? Incorporating extended chords on piano can transform your music by adding depth and complexity. Chord extensions go beyond basic triads and seventh chords, introducing richer harmonies that elevate your playing. Essential in genres like jazz, classical, and contemporary music, extended chords bring emotional …
Chord extensions: ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths on piano Read More »
Ever noticed those two stacked numbers at the beginning of sheet music and wondered what they mean? They’re called time signatures, and understanding them is essential for keeping the beat and making music. Let’s explore how they help musicians play, read, and interpret music more effectively. What are time signatures? Time signatures, or meter, are …
The basics of time signatures: a beginner’s guide Read More »
Dotted notes are a fundamental concept in music theory, playing a crucial role in shaping the rhythm and structure of musical compositions. They introduce a level of rhythmic complexity that enhances the expressiveness of music. What are dotted notes? A dotted note is a musical notation that indicates a note should be played for a …
The comprehensive guide to dotted notes in music Read More »
Music is a language, like all languages it incorporates a set of characters and symbols to communicate meaning. We use different note symbols to communicate the duration of notes in music. In this article, we will learn about whole notes, half notes and quarter notes. Think about them like basic units of time, almost like …
Beginner rhythm reading: quarter, half, whole notes explained Read More »
Learning to read notes on the treble clef staff is one of the most important skills for a pianist to master. Treble clef, also known as G clef, is commonly used to notate melodies and chords that are intended to be played with the right hand. In this article, we will learn all the secrets …
A guide to the treble clef: understanding music notation Read More »
The piano and synthesizer are two of the most iconic and versatile instruments in music, each with a unique role in shaping modern sound. However, they differ in many ways. This article will highlight the key differences between a synthesizer vs piano, helping you decide which one suits your musical needs better. What is a …
Synthesizer vs. piano: what is the main difference? Read More »
The Hanon exercises have been a staple of the practice routines of virtuoso pianists for over a century. Originally developed by Charles-Louis Hanon, “The Virtuoso Pianist in Sixty Exercises” is widely celebrated for its ability to enhance finger strength, dexterity, and endurance. No matter if you are a beginner first exploring the Hanon exercises, or …
The benefits of Hanon exercises for piano players Read More »
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