Piano Musician News

Choosing A Keyboard Stand

A vital part of the keyboard is the piece that does not produce any music at all. Keyboard stands are responsible for making sure that the musician can play in comfort and that the instrument is secure in a certain position. The type of keyboard stand that you choose will be determined by a number of factors.

The type of keyboard you use

High-end keyboards can be quite heavy, but many keyboards remain light and portable. A heavier keyboard, of course, will require a sturdier stand both to keep it in place and to prevent it from collapsing under the weight. Some styles of keyboard, such as digital pianos, include their own stand that gels with the rest of the instrument so that the appearance of a traditional piano is impressed upon the audience.

If you mainly use the keyboard to fool around at home, then a simple collapsible model may be the best for you. These stands are pretty inexpensive, and will get the job done when it comes to holding the keyboard level.

How you play

If you are an informal keyboard player, then you may want to choose a stand that does not so much reflect the discipline of the piano. Serious players, however, may want to choose a stand that reflects the studious practice of the craft by lending a more solid appearance to the keyboard structure.

Keyboard players who specialize in performances, such as rock and roll, may want to consider stands that are sturdier in design. A lot of heavy playing of the keys usually results from a good performance, and the stand should be designed to absorb the impact of the hands.

Where you play

A lot of keyboard players need to have their keyboards with them for the performance; their keyboards are programmed with the range of sounds they will need for the performance, and therefore they cannot substitute for a venue keyboard. These players will need to find a stand that is as portable as possible while still lending a sturdy base for the instrument.

Keyboards which are intended to remain in place will not need a stand that can be moved around as easily. These stands can even include effects devices such as pedals, as they are not really expected to be detached from the keyboard very often, if at all.

Ergonomics

More and more musicians are becoming aware of the potential hazards posed by repetitive motion injury. Keyboardists can avoid this type of injury by selecting a keyboard stand that is adjusted to their height and arm length, or their position while sitting. This is pretty vital for anyone who plays their instrument often, as one of theses injuries may mean that you will be forced to quit playing.

Keyboard players who play multiple instruments at the same time also usually include several stand heights while performing, in order to differentiate quickly between which keyboard is to be used at the current moment in the song. Practicing the routine will allow you to automatically switch to the right keyboard based on height alone.

Keyboard stands are as vital to performance as keyboard cases are to properly maintaining and transporting your instrument.

Clavinova – An Overview

The Clavinova which was originally developed by the Yamaha Corporation, is a model of digital piano. Similar to acoustic pianos, clavinovas come with many features common to the digital piano. For example, they have the ability to save and load songs as well as being able to access different voices.  Some of the recent models can connect to a computer via a USB cable or even a wireless network.

Two of the more popular clavinova series are the CLP and CVP models.  These provide a digital alternative to the acoustic style pianos.  The CLP reproduces quite accurately the touch and sound of the acoustic piano while offering other voices in a limited number.  The CVP series offers a wider variety of voices while adding built-in rhythms as well as accompaniments for a more complete performance.

Clavinova Technical information

Some Clavinovas (in particular the CLP and CVP-Series) feature graded hammer technology. This technology is simply a mechanical system of small metal hammers.  The hammers are weighted to be similar to those of a real pianoforte.  The real ones hit a digital pressure sensor which is then translated into sound. By implementing this technology the clavinova has enjoyed much success as an affordable substitute for acoustic pianos. The ‘Graded’ action in these series tends to reproduce more accurately the varying weights of the hammers of an acoustic piano. The newer models of Clavinovas, incorporate real wood keys for added realism. This is a trait of models such as the CVP-407

The built-in synthesizer contains many samples of real instruments and produces the sounds of these while using electronics to modify those sounds. Information is supplied via a MIDI or similar format.  It comes either directly from the piano keyboard or from a stored source within the piano.  It can also be provided by a computer or external sequencer. The synthesizer can imitate acoustic instruments, electronic instruments and other unique sound effects. The newer more recent CVP Clavinova contains hundreds of such voices. These usually include many types of stringed instruments, organs, pianos, percussion, woodwind and brass instruments. And that’s not to mention available effects.

Pricing of a clavinova can range to as high as $12,000.00USD.

Piano Types

By Cody Handlin

Piano types and sizes.

There are three basic types of piano that are in common circulation. A grand piano, a spinet piano, and an upright piano. While a grand piano is common to most peoples vocabulary and can be readily identified most people don’t know the difference between a spinet and an upright. Both type of piano are vertical or upright, but the spinet is much smaller. The top of the piano is generally only a few inches to a foot above the level of the keyboard. Also, unseen, the spinet has a different kind of mechanical action that resides below the level of the keys. It transfers the motion of the keys differently to the strings than an upright. In an upright piano the action rests above the level of the keys. This means that the top of the piano must be a certain height above the keybed to allow room for the action. Therefore the top of an upright piano must be at least a foot and a half or so above the level of the keys.

People choose the type of piano depending often on how much space available. A grand piano requires a significant amount of space, most grands are at least four feet wide and four and a half feet in length. They require floor space accordingly. They have a different kind of action or playing mechanism that is preferred by pianists for its more responsive touch. They also generally have a greater string length which allows their tone or sound to be more pleasant and balanced. A large upright can also have a significant string length which makes it preferable to a smaller spinet. However, neither a spinet or an upright piano have the same preferred action of a grand. Space-wise it is much easier to place a vertical piano, spinet or upright, than a grand piano.

In general, a grand piano is the more expensive of the three. But, the brand, condition, and age of a piano will affect its price. In some cases a spinet or an upright may be more expensive than a grand if it is a well known brand or is in new or pristine condition. All other conditions being equal a spinet is the least expensive option. Prices in the used piano market are not consistent and you might find an under-priced gem or an overpriced lemon. It’s best to be well informed or consult your local piano tuner for advice.

In summary spinets are the low-cost option, but least desirable as an instrument. Grands are the preferred instrument, but are generally more expensive and require more floor space. An upright is in general a better instrument than a spinet, but more expensive and they take up a little more space.

My name is Cody Handlin, and I’m the owner of Handlin Piano. I’ve been working with antique pianos since attending my first piano technicians guild meetings when I was just a teenager. At 16, with my own money, I attempted to restore my first instrument, a 100 year old upright piano. From those early pianistic adventures to today, nearly two decades later, the piano still holds my fascination. I still marvel at its mechanical and aesthetic beauty, hundreds of parts hewn in wood, bone, and metal all working in harmony to produce music of great power and subtlety.

Visit my website for more information http://www.handlinpiano.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cody_Handlin

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How To Play Piano Comfortably

Playing the piano isn’t just about having fast and agile hands. Rather, it requires good posture and breathing. Though you might not feel it now, having bad piano playing posture will definitely affect you in the long run. So, if you’re feeling any backaches or finger pains, here are some tips on how to play piano comfortably.

Hand Positioning

Unlike guitarists who use the tips of their fingers to play, you, as a pianist, should use the pads of your fingers. With that in mind, make it a habit not to flatten your fingers when you play. This causes your hand and fingers to feel a strain. On top of that, you’ll also be slower when it comes to switching notes. So, instead of flattening your fingers, try to keep them in a curled position.

If you’re not sure about how curled up your fingers should be, try putting both of your hands on your knees. How your hands are curled up on your knees dictates how they should be positioned while you play. Remember, your hands should look as if they were holding an apple.

Proper Posture

Simply put, your spine should be shaped like an “S” whenever you’re playing. Most beginners tend to have a hunched back when they play, causing their spine to form a “C.” Maintaining a hunched position causes backaches and neck pains (especially if you play for an extended periods). This said, sitting at the piano is different from sitting on a chair. How you sit affects how you play and breathe.

To sit at the piano properly, your knees should be slightly under the keyboard. Also, your feet should also be stable on the ground. Try not to hunch your shoulders as well. Instead, your shoulders should be loose, with your elbows slightly higher than the keyboard. Maintain a straight-yet comfortable-back; this way you wouldn’t experience any pains on your lower back should you play for an extended period of time. Take note of your head as well; imagine you’re a marionette being held by an imaginary string with your chin perpendicular to the floor and your eyes looking straight. It takes practice, but in time you’ll know how to play piano without being conscious of your posture.

Bench Problems

Sometimes, however, it’s the piano bench that causes the problem. You may be too tall or too short to maintain a stable, comfortable posture. If you’re too tall, you can adjust your piano’s bench by adding extra layers of padding (i.e., carpet samples work great). Now if you’re too short, try adding a footstool to reinforce your feet on the ground. Remember, your piano bench shouldn’t just be able to hold your weight; rather, it should also make you feel comfortable as well.

Breathing

Most beginners tend to hold their breaths when they start playing. Obviously, not being able to breathe in a smooth, continuous manner is bad news for the beginning pianist. See, if you don’t breathe your muscles will tighten up. When it does, you’ll be having problems with dexterity-causing you to be slow when changing notes. Worse, you’ll also have a harder time learning how to sing while playing. So be sure to take big, deep breaths during a piece.

If you’re still feeling any pain, always remember to relax. Learning how to play piano comfortably is as important as being able to master the technical aspects of the instrument. So relax, stay loose, and breathe. Keep this habit up and you can play and enjoy the piano for a long time!

A Computer Engineering student and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats.

For more information and queries, check out the How to Play Piano lessons guide.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens

About MIDI Controllers And Sequencers

A lot of questions have been asked about MIDI controllers and sequencers and what they are.  We’ve added an article that will explain a bit about their uses and applications.  For those who record their own music tracks, whether for fun, professionally, or in the hopes of starting a new profession, midi controllers and sequencers will play a vital role. The definition of the term has changed over time and with the development of new technology that is now standard in the music industry, such as the musical instrument digital interface (MIDI).  To get more information visit our page about midi controllers or to browse our selection of midi controllers for sale be sure and visit our site.

If I Play Piano Can I Also Play The Organ?

This is a question many keyboard players ask themselves and you may be surprised to learn that its not that easy to make the transition from piano to electronic organ.  You’ll find our article on the subject quite interesting.  No matter if you play a church organ, a theater organ or even if you’re just wanting an organ for around home, you’ve come to the right place. We have electronic organs at discount prices. Finding electronic organs for sale is easy at pianomusician.com.

5 Reasons To Choose Yamaha Keyboards

There’s good reason to choose Yamaha keyboards if you’re out looking for an instrument to start with or even if you’re considering an upgrade to the next level.  We make your job just a little bit easier with this basic guide on considerations when making a choice of keyboard.  Its no surprise that Yamaha keeps raising the bar for their competitors.  They’ve been around for years and you don’t stick around long if you don’t maintain a quality product and customer satisfaction.  Read more at Yamaha keyboards or check them out for yourself at Yamaha Pianos.

Yamaha Piano Differences

Yamaha piano offers up some first class products and models for not only professionals but beginners as well.  Many people don’t really know the differences from one model to another so to make it a bit easier for you, we’ve tried to explain the various models with explanations of what features they each contain.  Also, we’ve included a handy chart to help you decide which model might work best for you.  There’s much more information available on the Yamaha website but for starters read our overview at yamaha piano.

Why Yamaha Upright Pianos?

Its no secret that one of the best upright pianos are those made by Yamaha.

Since 1887, Yamaha Corporation in Japan (then Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd.) has been producing quality pianos and has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of a full line of musical instruments including digital electric pianos and grand pianos.

Yamaha owns numerous subsidiaries and affiliates in overseas markets in addition to a number of related companies in Japan.

Established in 1960, the Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA), then Yamaha International Corporation, offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. YCA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan, and is the largest of all global subsidiary companies.

Yamaha’s very basic corporate objective is reflected in everything that it does, which is to contribute to the enrichment of the quality of lives for people around the world.

Please click here to read about the Yamaha upright piano model P660.

Modern Types of Piano

There are two basic types of modern piano.  The grand piano and the upright piano.  There are different models in each of these two categories depending on what you’re looking for but the basics remain the same.  These, of course, do not include the electric or digital piano which can emulate both versions in many aspects.  To keep it within our scope of explanation we will only discuss the modern piano in the traditional wooden sense.

Please visit our page on piano for an in depth explanation of the differences in these two important models.