Piano Lessons- Music Theory Lessons

Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. Today, we’re tackling a question from a viewer who recently asked about a cord coming out of a piano, and it’s a great question! Sometimes folks see that and wonder what’s going on. So, let’s break it down together!

Player System

First off, if you’ve got a piano with a player system, that could be your answer. Many pianos today either come with or can be retrofitted with systems that let them play themselves. They sound fine when you’re playing normally, but then you can have it play itself! That little electrical cord is a clear hint that there’s some extra tech inside the piano.

Dampp-Chaser System

But what if your piano doesn’t have a player system? There are still a few possibilities to consider! One common option is a humidity control system, like the Dampp-Chaser or the Piano Lifesaver systems. These nifty devices help maintain the right moisture levels in your piano. If you live in a humid area (like near the beach with windows wide open!), heating rods kick in when things get too damp, keeping your soundboard stable. On the flip side, if you’re in a dry environment, there are systems that can add humidity, and guess what? They need to be plugged in too!

Silent System

Another cool feature you might have is a silent system. This allows you to play your acoustic piano but hear the sound through headphones, which is fantastic for late-night practice! While you’re enjoying the peaceful vibes, you’re actually triggering a digital sounds—so yes, there’s a cord involved here as well.

Digital Piano

And lastly, it may surprise you to discover that what appears to be a beautiful baby grand or upright piano could actually be a digital piano! Many manufacturers cleverly design digital pianos to fit seamlessly into cabinets that mimic the appearance of traditional acoustic instruments. At first glance, these pianos look just like their acoustic counterparts, but they are in fact digital pianos. This fusion of modern technology with classic design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also opens up a world of possibilities for today’s musicians.

Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. When examining the various components of a piano, you might wonder which part is the heaviest. Is it the wooden case, which certainly has considerable mass, or perhaps the action mechanism that comprises thousands of moving parts for each key?

The Heaviest Component: The Cast Iron Plate

The heaviest part of a piano is the cast iron plate, also known as the frame. In fact, in some pianos, this plate can weigh as much as the rest of the piano combined! After graduating from music conservatory, I ventured into piano sales to meet the demand from students seeking lessons who didn’t own pianos. This endeavor led me to start rebuilding pianos. I vividly recall a time when a few of us moved a baby grand piano without its plate, and it was surprisingly manageable. However, attempting to lift the piano’s plate is another story. Engine hoists are utilized to lift them out of pianos!

The History Behind the Weight

To understand why the piano plate is so heavy, it’s important to look at the instrument’s history. Early pianos, created by Bartolomeo Cristofori, did not include cast iron plates. In fact, other than the strings and tuning pins, there was practically no metal at all. Over time, more metal was added to enhance the instrument’s capabilities.

During Beethoven’s lifetime, the evolution of piano design saw a significant increase in the amount of metal used. As the string tension increased—sometimes reaching up to 40,000 pounds—piano makers recognized the necessity of a sturdy cast iron plate to withstand this immense pressure. So the cast iron plate is indeed the heaviest part of the piano. How many of you would have guessed that? 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, and I’ll see you next time!

Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. It often feels like all concert pianists were child prodigies, but is that really the case? I had the privilege of studying with Ruth Slenczynska, a remarkable concert pianist often regarded as one of the greatest child prodigies since Mozart. Ruth began performing concerts at the age of four and continued to perform brilliantly into her nineties. Her story is a testament to the possibilities that early training can offer. But are there any concert pianists who were not child prodigies?

Notable Pianists Who Started Later

Interestingly, several renowned concert pianists did not start as child prodigies. Jorge Bolet, for example, was always musically inclined but did not gain widespread recognition in his youth. Another extraordinary pianist, Sviatoslav Richter, while musically talented as a child, achieved fame later in life. Giovanni Bellucci, an Italian concert pianist, started his piano studies at 14 and went on to become a notable performer, demonstrating that late starters can also thrive.

The Importance of Musical Exposure

As a teacher, I’ve noticed that older beginners who have prior musical experience—whether from another instrument or singing—often adapt more quickly to the piano. Even exposure to music at home can significantly enhance one’s ability to learn later on. Music is, after all, a language, and growing up with it can be a considerable advantage, though not a strict necessity.

Historical Perspectives

Historically, many great musicians, like Mozart and Mendelssohn, were indeed child prodigies. However, figures such as Hector Berlioz, who lacked formal training in his youth, remind us that exceptional musical talent can emerge regardless of when one starts. The key takeaway is this: if you’re beginning your musical journey later in life, don’t be discouraged. The odds are not stacked against you. With dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for the piano, anything is possible. Embrace the journey, and let your love for music guide you. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you next time!

Hello, I’m Robert Estrin, and welcome to LivingPianos.com. Today, I’d like to guide you through the realm of piano playing – a journey every pianist, whether a beginner or advanced performer, must undertake. In my experience as both a performer and educator, I’ve come to realize something significant: our approach to the piano is deeply personal. There are numerous techniques available, and ultimately, each pianist must discover their unique way that feels authentic and physically comfortable.

Integration of Multiple Traditions

Over the years, I’ve delved into various techniques from around the globe. My methodology isn’t confined to a single tradition. I incorporate the deep, resonant sound characteristic of the Russian school, the precision and clarity of the German school, and the expressive flexibility of the American school. Recently, I’ve also explored contemporary methods such as the Taubman Approach and the principles of Abby Whiteside. The beauty lies in the fact that each of these approaches has distinct advantages, and by blending them, I’ve cultivated a practical, adaptable playing style suited to today’s piano performance landscape.

Natural Movements and Ergonomics

A crucial element of my teaching is the emphasis on natural movement. Playing the piano should never feel forced or tense. I stress the significance of ergonomics – reducing tension and allowing your hands, arms, and body to move freely. This focus goes beyond injury prevention; it enhances the efficiency and expressiveness of your playing. Techniques like utilizing relaxed arm weight, maintaining natural finger positioning, and coordinating arm and wrist movements yield a much richer tone than relying solely on finger strength.

Musicality and Emotional Expression

However, technique by itself is insufficient. The most vital aspect is forming an emotional connection with the music. This concept, championed by Abby Whiteside, resonates deeply with my teaching philosophy. Mastering technical skills should aim for one goal: to convey the emotions embedded in the music. Once you grasp a piece’s structure and sense its emotional depth, your technical choices will naturally align.

Practical Application and Pedagogy

My teaching is grounded in practicality. I’ve engaged with students at every level, from those starting with their first pieces to those performing complex repertoire. My goal is to simplify intricate challenges – such as fingering, pedaling, voicing, and phrasing – into clear, manageable concepts that can be implemented immediately. It’s all about transforming the daunting into the accessible, allowing you to concentrate on the music itself.

Use of Modern Technology

Today, modern technology facilitates reaching a broad audience like never before. I’ve adopted video lessons, online tutorials, and multimedia resources to make these ideas available to everyone, anywhere. LivingPianos.com has become a valuable asset not just for students but also for teachers, providing insights into everything from foundational techniques to advanced repertoire interpretation.

Conclusion: Finding Your Own Path

The key takeaway here is that no single method suits everyone. Each pianist must carve out their unique path – one that feels authentic and physically comfortable. You’ll incorporate elements from various traditions, but ultimately, your style will reflect your individuality as a musician.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey today. I hope you found some valuable insights for your own playing. As always, I’m Robert Estrin, a pianist and educator at LivingPianos.com. My approach fuses various elements of piano technique to create a practical, adaptable method that aligns with modern pedagogical practices. Until next time, keep playing, keep exploring, and discover what works best for you.

Please share your thoughts in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you next time!

Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. Today, I want you to imagine a time when electricity was a mystery, and the concept of hearing music without a musician playing in the room seemed like science fiction! In Thomas Edison’s laboratory, however, a single piano would go on to change the course of history. This isn’t just any piano; it’s a Steinway that Edison personally selected in 1890. But Edison’s relationship with this instrument went beyond simply playing it.

A Unique Experience of Sound

Edison, who faced profound deafness, experienced music in an extraordinary way—he felt it through his teeth! The marks left by his teeth on this piano demonstrate his innovative approach to experiencing sound.

From this very instrument, music was recorded for the first time.

Edison recorded performances by legendary artists who visited his laboratory, including Rachmaninoff. This piano represents more than just a collection of wood and strings; it embodies the dreams and aspirations of inventors and musicians alike. Its sound is so pure that it seems to resonate through history itself. This remarkable instrument stands as a testament to the visionaries who have shaped our world. It is a relic of innovation, art, and enduring beauty, reminding us of the profound connections between music and technology. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you next time!