Private lessons with top Piano instructors near Portland, OR

Getting ready to buy your first piano, but not sure which manufacturer to look into? Here, St. Augustine, FL teacher Heather L. shares a bit about two of the best piano brands... Whether you’re a new piano player or an expert, you’re likely wondering, “what are the best piano brands?”  The short answer is that…there is no answer! There are lots of pianos out there but the best piano brands for you might not be the same as they are for another pianist. Lots of factors need

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.

Is your child struggling to stay focused when they're practicing the piano? That's normal--it just means it might be time to add something new to the routine! Get some great ideas for music games for kids in this guest post by Santa Cruz, CA teacher John S... Did you know that kids can learn to play the piano at a young age? It’s true! In fact, there are many benefits to learning to play music. Not only does it help with hand-eye coordination and math skills, but it also helps with focus

The piano is a beautiful instrument to behold, but its creation remains a mystery for many of us. Here is a quick look at how modern pianos are made, including their various features and parts. Bear in mind that there are many details of craftsmanship that vary by maker. Below is an overview of how pianos are made.   Materials  Pianos are constructed from various woods, metals, and softer items like felt. The  felt is used on the dampers (string mutes) and the tips of the hammers. The

Hanon exercises: they might not be the most fun, but they can make a big impact on your progress as you're learning how to play piano! Read on as Saint Augustine, FL teacher Heather L. explains why... One of the main goals of any pianist should be to improve their technique. There are many exercises that can help with this, but none more famous than the Hanon exercises.  Most pianists know about these exercises and use them on a regular basis, but I often find that some pianists only

Are you looking to learn some iconic piano songs? Today, there are many well-known pianists who are able to transform a movie theme, classical piece, jazz standard, or pop song into a solo piece for the piano. And now is your opportunity to learn to play the best of the best for yourself.  Not sure where to start? Allow our list of songs to inspire you. We’ve rounded up 15 of the top piano love songs of all time. Maybe you’re looking to gain the attention of a certain love interest,

When you own a piano, moving takes a bit more planning. Should you hire a professional, or do it yourself? Here, Helendale, CA teacher Sylvia S. shares what to keep in mind to make sure your instrument stays safe and sound...   Many years ago, when my family relocated, the expertise for moving our household grand piano was delegated to professional furniture movers. Three piano legs and the pedals console were removed and wrapped in blankets. The moving parts for the body, including

Are you looking for some Christmas piano songs to play during the holidays? Below, piano teacher Liz T. shares 15+ Christmas piano songs for beginners... The holidays are just around the corner. Whether you have a holiday piano recital coming up or you simply want to entertain guests, now is a great time to start learning  how to play Christmas songs on the piano. Below are 15+ popular Christmas piano songs that you can add to your repertoire. The majority of these Christmas piano

Michael Blann / The Image Bank / Getty Images Are you getting ready for a piano level test? You’re not alone. From grade school to college and beyond, many of us need to take piano level tests.  Whether it’s for a class or for your own personal progress, there are certain steps you can take to ensure success on the big day. Here is a timeline of what you should do leading up to your piano level test – get ready to rock out!  How Many Levels Are There in Piano? Learning piano

When it comes to learning the piano, you might think, “Ok, I’ve got my piano, now I’m all set to start playing!” But not so fast. Before you embark on your piano-playing journey, you’ll want to make sure that you have the proper piano setup, and that might involve rearranging your room and picking up some essential piano accessories.  To assist you, we’ve provided some handy setup tips to help you create the ultimate environment for learning the piano. Whether you’re looking