When you hear musicians talk about “voicings,” you might be left wondering: what exactly does that mean in music? In simple terms, voicings refer to the different ways you can play the same chord, specifically how you arrange the individual notes within the chord. These arrangements can drastically change the sound of the chord, making a piece of music feel … Read More
The Practice Plan: A Smarter Approach to Piano Mastery
We’ve all seen those videos on social media with catchy headlines like: “Practice This ONE THING to Become Great at the Piano” The headline grabs attention, right? It worked on me too! But after watching the video, I quickly realized that, while the advice is helpful, the idea of practicing just one thing to become great is, well… unrealistic. Greatness … Read More
Making Key Signatures Simple to Remember
Lucky Number 7 Before we talk letters…let’s talk numbers! Go with me on this one. Here is your rule: It MUST equal 7. So, say you have the number 1. How much more do you need to equal 7? Answer: 6 [1 + 6 = 7] If you have 3? Answer: 4 [3 + 4 = 7] 5? Answer: 2 … Read More
Changing to New Key in Worship Piano
It almost always falls to the piano player to get the band from key to key. The main goal is to make it unnoticeable, or in other words, smooth. Here are a few things that have helped me over the years. Video Notes 1. If you can, try and put the worship set together in a way that makes changing … Read More
Piano Throughout History: The Invention of the Piano
The piano was invented around the year 1700, replacing the popular harpsichord. While the two instruments have a lot of similarities, they are two different instruments and the piano gave musicians the ability to create more feeling music. The piano, or pianoforte as its official name, has influenced the lives of many professional and amateur players since it first entered … Read More
How Early Should You Begin Learning to Play the Piano?
One of the most common questions piano teachers get is what age is best to start learning piano? The problem is that there is no right answer. If you are wondering if it’s right for you or your child, here are three factors to test readiness on when to start piano lessons. Physical Readiness There are several markers that show … Read More
3 Tricks to Take Your Blues Piano Skills to the Next Level
Playing the blues on the piano is a fun way to come alive on the keyboard. Not only is it fun for you, as the player, but crowds love hearing the blues too. It is such a unique style of music that isn’t heard as often. If you would like to learn blues piano and take it to the next … Read More
5 Ways Learning the Piano Helps Your Brain
Music is good for the soul. Every grade school student who did a science experiment that had plants listening to different kinds of music always found that it has a direct effect on growth and development. Most don’t take the experiment through all the way to the specific ways it helps the brain, but here are five specific ways it … Read More
Pianists in the Music Hall of Fame: Johnnie Johnson, Ronnie Kole, & Andre Watts
The Music Hall of Fame is full of prestigious, hardworking, and talented musicians. Each has taken their chosen instrument and mastered it. By inducting these musicians, the world is acknowledging their contributions to the world. Here are three great men who have been recognized for their contributions on the piano, all in different categories. Johnnie Johnson: Rock and Roll Piano … Read More
What is a Voicing?
What is a Piano Chord Voicing?Don’t be sitting there with an odd look on your face when someone uses the term “voicing” anymore. In this video you will learn what it means and how you can use it to change the sound of your chords. This video will open your eyes to the world of arrangement and just how wide … Read More