Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we’re diving into an exciting comparison of two renowned 9-foot concert grand pianos: the Steinway and the Baldwin. We have some exceptional instruments here for you to explore, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts in the comments section! If you want to hear a comparison between vintage and modern Steinway concert grands, click here!
Let’s begin with a stunning 1916 Steinway Model D. This piano has been masterfully restored to concert condition and is a beautiful example of Steinway’s legendary craftsmanship. To give you a sense of its rich, resonant sound, I’ll play an excerpt from Chopin’s Ballade in G minor. Watch the video to hear the performances!
Next, we’ll move to the back showroom where we have two remarkable Baldwin concert grands. First, let’s hear the 1996 Baldwin SD-10, which is all original and has been barely played. We’ve prepared this piano thoroughly to showcase its distinctive sound. Listen to the same Chopin excerpt on this instrument to appreciate its unique tonal qualities.
For our final comparison, we have a 1941 Baldwin SD-6 that has also been expertly rebuilt. This piano provides yet another fascinating sound profile. I’ll play the same musical excerpt to highlight its individual character.
Share Your Thoughts!
Each piano offers its own unique voice and tonal differences. I’m interested in hearing which one resonates with you the most. Please leave your impressions and preferences in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today I’m going to address an important and thought-provoking viewer question regarding young musical prodigies. This inquiry delves into the future of these exceptionally talented children and the challenges they may face as they grow older. Let’s explore this topic in depth.
The Dilemma of Child Prodigies
Recently, a viewer asked about the long-term outcomes for children who display extraordinary musical talent at a young age. Specifically, they questioned what happens to these prodigies when they do not pursue a career as professional musicians. Their concern stemmed from a personal experience where a talented young musician, once on track to join an orchestra, abandoned music entirely. This raises a poignant question: what becomes of these highly skilled children who may not continue in the field?
The Harsh Reality of a Musical Career
The music world is highly competitive. Many musicians graduate from prestigious conservatories worldwide, all aspiring to secure a spot as a professional performer. Unfortunately, the number of available positions does not match the number of qualified candidates. A study of Juilliard graduates found that 80% were not pursuing a career in music a decade after graduation. This underscores the intense challenge of sustaining a career solely as a performer. However, not all is lost.
Alternative Paths in Music
Many musicians find creative ways to incorporate their skills into alternative career paths. This might include teaching, accompanying, composing for various media, or performing in different settings. The key is adaptability and innovation. Some may even explore new forms of artistic expression, combining music with technology, multimedia, or other art forms to create unique experiences.
The Impact of Early Training
The experience of child prodigies can vary greatly. Some may thrive and continue to pursue music passionately throughout their lives, while others may struggle with the pressures and expectations placed upon them. For instance, my former teacher, Ruth Slenczynska, a renowned child prodigy, initially stepped away from music due to a challenging childhood before eventually returning to her career. This highlights how personal experiences and pressures can influence one’s relationship with music.
Embracing Individual Journeys
Ultimately, whether a child prodigy continues in music or chooses a different path is a personal decision. A nurturing environment can foster a lifelong passion for music, but even with such support, individuals must decide for themselves how they wish to incorporate their musical talent into their lives.
Feel free to share your own experiences or thoughts on this topic in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! It’s a fascinating subject with many layers to explore. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. The question today is: What is better, bright or warm voicing? Choosing between a warm or bright voicing for your piano can be a complex decision, but understanding what each term means can help you make the right choice for your needs.
What is Piano Voicing?
Voicing refers to the tone quality of a piano, which is influenced primarily by the hardness or softness of the hammers. Each of the 88 hammers in a piano must be individually adjusted to achieve the desired tone. This process involves not only adjusting the hardness of the hammers but also shaping them precisely and aligning them correctly. Regulation also plays a role in how the piano’s tone is perceived.
Factors Affecting Piano Voicing
Room Acoustics
The acoustics of the room where the piano is placed significantly impact its tone. In a small, acoustically bright room, a piano with a bright tone might sound harsh and overwhelming. In such cases, a warmer voicing can help mitigate this harshness. Conversely, in a larger space where the sound needs to travel farther, a brighter tone might be more suitable.
Musical Style
Your preferred musical style can also influence your choice. For example, a pianist who plays rock music might prefer a brighter tone for its cutting effect, while someone who plays new age music might lean towards a warmer, mellower sound to create soothing, sonorous qualities.
Playing Style and Power
The power and technique of the player are crucial considerations. A powerful player might prefer a piano with a broader dynamic range and warmer voicing to avoid a harsh sound, whereas a player with less strength might benefit from a brighter tone that requires less effort to produce sound.
Piano Types and Voicing
Different types of pianos naturally lend themselves to varying tonal qualities. For instance, American pianos like Steinway and Mason & Hamlin are often noted for their warmer tone compared to European pianos, which may have a brighter sound. However, every piano can be voiced to suit either preference, so the choice ultimately depends on personal taste and the specific use of the piano.
The More a Piano Is Played, the Brighter It Gets
Pianos tend to become brighter over time with regular use. The felt on the hammers compresses and hardens, leading to a brighter tone. To counteract this, it’s beneficial to start with a piano voiced on the warmer side. This allows for a more controlled and pleasant sound as the piano naturally brightens with use.
Seeking Professional Voicing
Voicing is a specialized skill. It’s essential to work with a skilled technician who can finely adjust the voicing to meet your specific needs. Look for a technician with experience in concert-level work, as they will have the expertise necessary to achieve the best results. Voicing needs to be even from key to key, which is a real challenge to achieve.
Personalized Voicing
Many pianos can be voiced with different tonal characteristics in various sections. For example, you might prefer a warmer middle register with brighter treble and bass notes. This customization can enhance the overall sound and suit your personal preferences. I have a personal story to share about my father, Morton Estrin. He was an incredibly powerful pianist, but he had remarkable control over his pianissimo playing as well. He truly loved exploring the full range of the piano. I remember visiting the Baldwin showroom in New York City with him, where, as a Baldwin artist, he would head to the back room filled with concert grands to test them for his New York recitals and recordings. He always sought out the piano with the warmest tone, knowing it would allow him to express himself fully without the risk of a harsh sound. His preference for a warmer voicing was because it enabled him to produce beautiful, delicate tones and, when played with more power, to reveal a range of rich, varied sounds. To contrast that, Vladimir Horowitz’s piano was known for its exceptional brightness. Horowitz’s control over this brightness was remarkable. His piano had a shallower key depth, allowing him to achieve a wide range of dynamics—from subtle nuances to powerful crescendos—with ease. His technical mastery and the unique characteristics of his piano created a dynamic and fiery performance.
Conclusion
The choice between a warm or bright voicing depends on numerous factors, including the acoustic environment, musical style, player strength, and personal taste. Each option has its benefits, and the ideal voicing will complement your piano’s natural characteristics and your individual needs. If you have any questions about the voicing of your piano, please feel free to share them in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we have a fascinating comparison for you. We’ll be comparing a vintage Steinway concert grand to a 2000’s model to highlight the differences between them. Our demonstration will feature two excerpts from Chopin Nocturnes to showcase each instrument’s unique qualities.
Modern Steinway Concert Grand
First, we’ll listen to a 2004 Steinway concert grand, which remains in its original, barely used condition. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s F-sharp Nocturne. Pay attention to the tonal characteristics and how they resonate with you. Watch the video to hear these two wonderful instruments!
Vintage Steinway Concert Grand
Next, we’ll turn to a 1916 Steinway concert grand, which has been meticulously rebuilt and restored with its original soundboard. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s B-flat minor Nocturne on this vintage instrument. Listen closely to the tonal differences and see which piano appeals to you more.
The Distinctive Nature of Steinway Pianos
It’s worth noting that every Steinway concert grand is unique. Each piano is hand-built, and there are variations in the woods used—since no two trees are identical—contribute to the distinct sound of each instrument. The individual craftsmanship results in noticeable differences between pianos. There is also a general charactaristic of sound to older compared to newer Steinways. What do you think about these pianos? Do you hear any distinct differences between vintage and modern Steinways? Let us know in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, your online piano store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel at www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
If you’re interested in private lessons or have any questions, feel free to contact me at Robert@LivingPianos.com. I have many resources available for you!
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today I’m going to tell you the top 5 myths about piano teaching.
Myth 1: Great Teachers Don’t Take Beginners
It’s a common belief that top-tier piano teachers only work with advanced students. While it’s true that many high-level instructors at conservatories focus on refining the skills of already proficient players, this doesn’t mean they don’t teach beginners. In fact, teaching beginners can be immensely rewarding and crucial for a student’s development. Many skilled teachers are adept at guiding students from their first notes to advanced techniques. The foundation laid by a dedicated beginner teacher can pave the way for future mastery.
Myth 2: Every Other Week Lessons Are Ineffective
I used to think that having piano lessons every other week could hinder progress due to a lack of consistency. However, my experience teaching online has shown that bi-weekly lessons can be highly effective. Students who are committed and manage their practice well can thrive with this schedule. The key is ensuring that students are motivated and make the most of the time between lessons.
Myth 3: Great Teachers Are Strict
Many parents seek out strict teachers, believing that rigid rules and discipline will lead to better outcomes. While some students may respond well to a strict approach, effective teaching generally involves understanding and communication. It’s important to tailor your approach to each student’s needs and personality. A successful teacher builds a relationship with their student to address any obstacles and support their growth.
Myth 4: Great Teachers Have A Well-Formed Lesson Plan
Another misconception is that exceptional teachers adhere to a fixed lesson plan. While it’s essential for teachers to have a structured approach that includes progressive repertoire, technique, and theory, flexibility is crucial. Each student is unique, and teaching should be adapted to fit their individual needs and goals. A good teacher listens to their students and adjusts their methods accordingly, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.
Myth 5: Students Must Always Follow a Prescribed Path
Finally, the idea that there is a single correct path for all piano students is misleading. Effective teaching involves collaboration between teacher and student. Teachers must be adaptable and responsive, creating a learning experience that aligns with each student’s personal journey. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin.
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com.
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today’s question is: How do you count 6/8 time? Time signatures are crucial for understanding rhythm and structure in music. Whether you are working with 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, or even 16/8 time, each one provides unique rhythmic possibilities. Let’s delve into how these time signatures function and how to count them effectively.
The Basics of 6/8 Time
In 6/8 time, there are six beats per measure, and each eighth note receives one beat. To count 6/8 time, you simply count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. You can see an example of this in the video. However, as the tempo increases, counting each beat individually can become cumbersome. At faster speeds, it often helps to think in two groups of three eighth notes, where each measure is essentially divided into two dotted quarter notes. This simplifies the counting process:
Comparing 6/8 and 3/4 Time
Both 6/8 and 3/4 time signatures have six eighth notes per measure, but their rhythmic feel is different. In 3/4 time, there are three beats per measure, and each quarter note gets one beat. In contrast, 6/8 time can be divided into two beats per measure, with each beat subdivided into three eighth notes. This creates a distinct rhythmic feel compared to 3/4 time, which is often used in waltzes and other dances.
Advanced Time Signatures: 12/16
In 12/16 there are 12 beats per measure with the sixteenth note getting one beat. This time signature can be particularly challenging to count, especially at faster tempos. When dealing with faster tempos, grouping into four dotted eighth notes per measure can be more manageable.
The Importance of Subdivisions
In time signatures where the bottom number is 8 or 16 and the top number is 6, 9, or 12, each beat is subdivided into groups of three. For instance, in 6/8 time, each measure consists of two dotted quarter notes, each subdivided into three eighth notes. So each group of three notes fits into one dotted quarter note. Understanding these subdivisions is crucial for accurate rhythmic interpretation and performance.
Double-check your time signatures!
When working with different time signatures, always consider how the measure is divided and how the beats are subdivided. This approach will enhance your ability to count and play music accurately. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin.
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com.
