Piano Guidance
Photo by Anete Lusina Pexels Logo Photo: Anete Lusina

What can I use instead of a piano?

Pianos can be super expensive, but a keyboard is a great alternative to a piano and just as effective! Acoustic pianos are great but they do require upkeep and maintenance.

How long does it take to learn playing piano by ear?
How long does it take to learn playing piano by ear?

If you can already play songs hands together it'll take you about 4 months to get good at playing piano by ear. If you're a complete beginner and...

Read More »
Are 6 and 13 chords the same?
Are 6 and 13 chords the same?

Generally a 13 chord refers to a dominant chord that contain an added 6 in the upper structure, in other word a 13. Whereas a 6 chord is a major...

Read More »

It that time of year where everyone looks wistfully at pianos being played in the mall, pianos being played at Christmas concerts and programs all over. This is the year YOU are going to join those ranks! But which should piano or keyboard should you buy?

Pianos can be super expensive, but a keyboard is a great alternative to a piano and just as effective! Acoustic pianos are great but they do require upkeep and maintenance. Regular tuning, regular playing, strategic positioning in your home, humidifiers- these are all things to consider. I recommend starting with a keyboard/digital piano which is a great and cheaper alternative to the acoustic piano. Digital pianos need no tuning, no strategic positioning, no humidifiers, and really, what's one more computer in your house! Here are my top recommendations when searching for a digital piano or keyboard:

YAMAHA ARIUS YDP 181- Beginners

The Yamaha Aruis YDP 181 is a great starter with awesome features. Tickling the ivories is a pleasure with key action that feels close to the real thing. The instrument sounds are super lush. All the bells and whistles and a nice starter keyboard for a beginner.

KORG SP170s- Beginners and Intermediates

Another great full keyboard is the Korg SP180S. Korg has done a great job of bringing true sound and feel to a full 88 key keyboard. This one is perfect for beginners to intermediates. It comes with a damper pedal but not the other 2 traditionAlly found on an acoustic piano but that's ok- you won't use them for a while anyway! The Casio PX 850 PRIVIA is a really noice for a keyboard The keys, when pressed, sound likethey are hitting wood. You have 3 pedals and a cool recording feature to listen to your playbacks. 18 voices to play around with will make practicing (and developing your ear and technique) a real treat. That it comes with a great stand is a bonus and really gives you that "piano" feel!

Some points to look out for:

– Simple Features: Try not to get distracted with all the extra features. Simple is better.

– Number of Keys: Stick to 88 keys- it's easier!

– Midi Connection: Cable to connect your iPad or iPhone Apps like Simply Piano or Piano Maestro – Maximum Polyphony: Refers to the maximum number of notes that a keyboard or sound module can produce at one time. The higher the better! – Touch Response: Ability of a keyboard to sense the force or speed with which a key is pressed and create a sound So which keyboard will you buy this holiday? After all 2016 is just around the corner and the perfect time to pick up a new skill!

Why are cherry profile keycaps so popular?
Why are cherry profile keycaps so popular?

Cherry keycaps are typically about a millimeter shorter, so if you prefer the lower profile feel when typing and gaming, Cherry profile could be an...

Read More »
What wood makes the most antiques?
What wood makes the most antiques?

Softwoods are usually conifers, while hardwoods are from deciduous trees. These are some of the most common types of antique woods used in history...

Read More »

What key is Tupac changes in?

G Major Changes is written in the key of G Major.

2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted by 2Pac

I Ain't Mad At Cha by 2Pac

Suggestions 2nd Childhood by Nas

Fortunate by The Game

Shook Ones Pt II by Mobb Deep

The World Is Yours by Nas

Til My Last Breath (Bonus Track) by Nas

Today Was A Good Day by Ice Cube

Above the Clouds by Hirokazu Ando

As Long As You're Mine by Wicked (Original Broadway Cast)

Above the Clouds by Hirokazu Ando

The Royal City of Light by Motoi Sakuraba

Shurrey Hills by Motoi Sakuraba

Of All The Gin Joints In All The World by Fall Out Boy

Hum Hallelujah by Fall Out Boy

GINASFS by Fall Out Boy

7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen) by Fall Out Boy

Do Da Da by Green Day

Armatage Shanks by Green Day

No Pride by Green Day

Fast In My Car by Paramore

Anklebiters by Paramore

Radio 2 by The Ataris

The Grouch by Green Day

Church on Sunday by Green Day

American Woman by The Guess Who

Take Me To Church by Hozier

Summer by Calvin Harris

Howl at the Moon by The Script

Rain On Me by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande

Venus by Bananarama

Let's Get Ridiculous by Redfoo

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X

You Keep Me Hangin' On by Kim Wilde

Good Riddance - Time of Your Life by Green Day

Basket Case by Green Day

She by Green Day

Pulling Teeth by Green Day

Burnout by Green Day

Walking Contradiction by Green Day

Don't Let Me Down Ft Daya by The Chainsmokers

Rather Be by Clean Bandit

Is 62 too old to learn piano?
Is 62 too old to learn piano?

People can start piano at 60, at 70, at 80, even later. Your brain can still form new connections at any age. You can always learn new skills. For...

Read More »
What key is always Bon Jovi?
What key is always Bon Jovi?

E Major Always is written in the key of E Major.

Read More »
Is it pronounced gif or jif?
Is it pronounced gif or jif?

“It's pronounced JIF, not GIF.” Just like the peanut butter. “The Oxford English Dictionary accepts both pronunciations,” Wilhite told The New York...

Read More »
Why do pro players tilt their keyboards?
Why do pro players tilt their keyboards?

Pro gamers tilt their keyboard to allow more room for their mouse. The extra space allows them to lower the sensitivity and make large sweeping...

Read More »