In the world of celebrities, there are a few who stand out as being multitalented. They can sing, act, and dance, but sometimes they surprise us with another hidden talent–playing the piano. There are many celebrities who play the piano! Did you know there are an array of famous celebrities who know how to play a piano? We’re not talking chopsticks here, folks. From actors to politicians and beyond, there is a long history of pianists that have gone on to spectacular careers. Are you f

Love to play the piano, but want to take a break from scales and Hanon exercises for a bit? Here are some ideas from New Paltz, NY teacher Cheryl E...   It happens to all of us: we get in ruts. Whether you're bored with your practicing routine or your repertoire, we've all been there. But instead of giving up on playing the piano, take action! Here are 10 fun ways to spice up your playing. 1. Put your own spin on it! Try taking a straight song and swing it. Here’s a great example of

As a beginner learning to play the piano, you might feel overwhelmed by all of the new information -- major scales, minor scales, and triads, oh my! How do you remember it all? Start with piano major scales by using these 3 easy tricks from St. Augustine, FL piano teacher Heather L... Are you wondering how to learn piano scales fast? It can be tough to see which keys belong in that specific order. ("Where's the black key, again?") When you can visualize piano scales, it’s easier to learn an

Struggling with your left-hand piano technique? Don't worry -- it's a common challenge for beginners. Follow along with the videos in this post as teacher Liz T. shares a few helpful exercises...    One of the hardest parts about playing the piano is coordinating your two hands. Often your left hand and your right hand will be playing different notes and rhythms, and it can be really frustrating for beginners! You might also find you have one hand that is stronger than the othe

Thinking about buying a piano or keyboard, but worried about the costs involved? Here, Saint Augustine, FL teacher Heather L. shares her tips for keeping the price - and your stress level - down...   It's no secret that pianos can be expensive. But for the right person, a piano can be a valuable addition to their home. If you're interested in purchasing a piano, it's important to understand the various ways you can finance your purchase and the different types of pianos available. 

How do you make your melodies shine when you're learning the piano? Read on as Powell, OH teacher Sara Marie B. shares some exercises to try...   As you're learning the piano, one of the most difficult things to do, especially for young children or beginning pianists, is to bring out the melody. Simply saying it does not help, so I've found I need to provide students with ways to practice this at home, guiding them toward the correct sound. If you're listening well and spending time

Happy National Piano Month! To celebrate this September, why not spend some time making some easy art projects for kids that will add some pizazz to your music room? Crafting together is a great way to bond with your kids and get them interested in learning more about making music on the piano. It's a win-win! Origami Piano For even more fun, try using decorative folding paper with interesting patterns and colors! Finger Puppets Kids love making fun finger puppets, and these

Whether you've been playing for years or are just starting out, practicing the piano can be a little tedious at times. And let's face it; kids can get easily distracted or disengaged when taking piano lessons. After all, repeating scales and chords over and over again can get tedious—not to mention boring. Many parents feel stuck or unsure of how they can help their child succeed at playing the piano. Parents who don’t know how to read or play music, sometimes have a hard time help

As a musician, one of the best parts of playing music is adding your own spin to the notes and markings on the page. Here, Seattle teacher Amber A. explains her interpretation of Beethoven’s "Fur Elise", an ever-popular piece for piano students: Fur Elise, one of the most beloved piano pieces by Beethoven is often a favorite of many piano students. There are a few different performances of this piano music available on the Internet. My favorite performance is the one played by Ivo Pogorelich.

Excited about learning piano? Thinking about and setting specific goals is a must-do before you start your lessons. Learn how to set yourself up for success in this guest post by Helendale, CA teacher Sylvia S...   Are you looking for a way to set goals for your piano lessons? Are you unsure of where to start? If so, this post is for you! In today's article, we will discuss how to set the right goals for your piano lessons.  By following these tips, you can ensure that you and your te