Piano and Music Videos

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Have you ever noticed how rarely performers sneeze during a performance? Whether it’s a solo piano recital or a lengthy musical piece, sneezes seem almost non-existent. But why is this the case?

The Power of Concentration

One reason might be the intense concentration that performers experience. When musicians are deeply focused on their performance, their awareness of physical sensations, including the urge to sneeze, seems to diminish. This level of focus can be so absorbing that it overrides many of their bodily functions.

A Fascinating Story from the Stage

To illustrate this point, let me share an intriguing anecdote about a former student of mine. While he was still a teenager, he gave a remarkable performance at a recital. In the middle of a particularly demanding Beethoven piece, something unexpected happened—he started to experience some nasal congestion.

As he continued to play, his nose began to run. Despite this discomfort, he had no choice but to continue performing. His dedication was evident as he played on with remarkable skill and composure, even though the long string from his nose had to be devastating for him!

Limits of Control

This experience highlights an interesting fact: even with immense concentration, some bodily responses are beyond our control. Though sneezing is a natural reflex, the ability to control it completely during high-stress situations like performances remains limited.

Have You Ever Seen a Performer Sneeze?

It’s worth asking: Have you ever witnessed a pianist or any instrumentalist sneeze while performing? It’s a rare occurrence, and for wind players, it could be quite problematic. Nonetheless, it underscores the remarkable focus and discipline required of performers.

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today’s question is: What can you do with a bad piano? Having a piano that doesn’t meet your expectations can be frustrating, whether you want to restore it to its former glory or simply need to find a new home for it. This article explores two primary scenarios you might face with a less-than-ideal piano and provides practical advice for each.

Restoring a Piano to a Higher Quality

If you’re hoping to transform your current piano into a better instrument, there are a few steps you can take. First, consider consulting a piano technician. An experienced technician can assess whether your piano, which might have been a high-quality instrument in its prime, can be restored to a better state with some servicing.

However, if your piano is significantly deteriorated and requires major repairs, be prepared for potential challenges. Restoration can be costly and may not always yield predictable results. The end product might feel and sound quite different from your original piano, and the costs involved could exceed the value of the instrument.

An alternative approach is to sell or trade in your piano. Many piano dealers, such as Living Pianos, accept trades and can help you find a replacement that better suits your needs. This option allows you to know exactly what you’re getting with your new piano.

Dealing with an Unwanted Piano

If you have a piano that you no longer wish to keep, perhaps because it’s been neglected or simply takes up space, there are several options to consider:

1. Selling the Piano: The possibility of selling the piano depends largely on its condition. If it doesn’t look or sound good, finding a buyer might be difficult unless it’s a high-end brand like Steinway or another premium brand with restoration potential. For a lower-end piano, platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay are good starting points.

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!

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!

Welcome to Living Pianos. Today, we’re addressing a common question: Can water damage your piano? I’m Robert Estrin, and this is a crucial topic. Let’s explore when you should be concerned about water and when it’s not an issue.

Understanding Water Damage

Many of you may have seen the recent Celine Dion performance at the Olympics, where a grand piano was completely covered with rain. This might have made you cringe, wondering about the damage. There are extreme cases where people test the limits of how much water a piano can withstand. We’ll discuss the types of damage that can occur and what’s not as concerning.

Effects of Humidity

Even humidity can affect a piano. The moisture in the air can be absorbed by felt parts, making them sluggish and affecting the tone. Excessive moisture can cause rust on strings and make hammers absorb moisture, leading to a dead, lifeless sound. Ideally, pianos thrive in moderate temperature and humidity, around 45 to 50%.

Direct Water Exposure

If you watched the Celine Dion performance, you might wonder if the piano was destroyed. The main concern is water getting into the crack where the fly lid folds over, potentially reaching the soundboard. Water on the soundboard is a serious issue. For instance, if you spill a glass of water inside your piano, you need to get an emergency technician immediately to avoid soundboard damage. That’s why you should never place any drinks on your piano!

Water on Keys

Water getting into the keys is not as catastrophic as you might think. It would go through the keys to the bottom of the key bed, potentially causing moisture issues. The bushings could absorb moisture, making everything feel mushy. However, this likely wouldn’t destroy your piano. The amount of water that might get through the hinge is usually negligible as well, and the piano could still be okay.

What should you do after your piano is exposed to water?

After such an event, a piano technician should inspect the piano to ensure no water reached the soundboard and clean up any water that got between the keys. Extreme cases, like filling a piano with water, are absurd. Generally, moderate temperature and humidity are ideal. If water spills inside the piano and reaches the soundboard, treat it as an emergency. Otherwise, water on the cabinet or keys may not as severe as it seems.