Piano Lessons- Music Theory Lessons

When diving into piano playing, a common question pops up: should you start with scales or arpeggios? Both are key to building your skills, but knowing where to begin can make your practice more effective.

What’s the Difference?

Scales: These are sequences of notes moving up or down in a set pattern of whole and half steps. Take the C major scale, for example: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and back to C. It’s like climbing a musical ladder.

Arpeggios: Think of these as broken chords. Instead of playing all the notes of a chord at once, you play them one after the other. For instance, a C major arpeggio would be C, E, G, and the higher C. It’s like spreading out the notes of a chord.

Why Start with Scales?

Kicking off with scales is a smart move for a few reasons:

Finger Coordination: Scales involve finger crossings, especially the thumb, but over shorter distances than arpeggios. This makes them a great way to get your fingers moving smoothly.

Building Blocks: Scales help you understand key signatures and finger patterns, setting you up for more complex pieces down the road.

Musical Flow: Many songs have scale-like passages. Getting comfortable with scales can make learning new tunes easier.

When to Add Arpeggios

Once you’re feeling good about scales, it’s time to mix in arpeggios. They require bigger finger movements and offer new challenges, helping you further develop your technique.

Practice Tips

Use a Metronome: Start slow, maybe at 60 beats per minute, playing one note per beat. As you get better, you can speed up.

Finger Power: Focus on using your fingers to play, not your arms. This helps with control and precision, especially as you pick up the pace.

Stay Consistent: Even just 5 to 10 minutes a day on scales and arpeggios can make a big difference over time.

In short, starting with scales gives you a solid foundation. Once you’re comfortable, adding arpeggios will round out your skills, making you a more versatile player.

Purchasing a piano is a unique experience, distinct from buying other items. Here’s why:

Longevity and Investment

Unlike appliances or electronics that become obsolete, a well-maintained piano can last generations. This longevity makes selecting the right instrument crucial, considering factors like sound, touch, size, and aesthetics to ensure it complements your space and needs.

Limited Familiarity

Many people have limited experience with pianos, making informed decisions challenging. Unlike common household items, pianos vary significantly, and acoustics can differ between showrooms and your home. It’s essential to seek expert guidance to navigate these variables.

Significant Investment

Pianos are substantial investments, often ranking among the most expensive non-essential purchases. This financial commitment underscores the importance of thorough research and professional advice to ensure a choice that brings lasting satisfaction.

Furniture and Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond being musical instruments, pianos are prominent furniture pieces. Their appearance can enhance or detract from your home’s decor. Consider the piano’s finish, style, and how it fits within your living space to avoid future regret.

Acoustic Variability

A piano’s sound can change based on its environment. A piano that sounds perfect in a showroom may differ in your home due to room size, flooring, and furnishings. Understanding this can help set realistic expectations.

Different Player’s Needs

If multiple household members will use the piano, their preferences and playing styles should influence your choice. Finding a piano that accommodates varying needs ensures it becomes a cherished addition for everyone.

Given these complexities, consulting with experienced professionals can provide valuable insights, helping you select a piano that aligns with your musical aspirations and lifestyle.

For personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me at Robert@LivingPianos.com. With a lifetime surrounded by pianos, I’m here to assist you in making an informed decision.

Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. Today, we’re talking about the law of diminishing returns when it comes to practicing scales. You might have heard about some teachers who encourage their students to practice scales for hours on end—sometimes even neglecting actual music! While scales are undeniably important, focusing exclusively on them can lead to frustration and burnout. It’s a shame to see anyone lose their love for the piano simply because they’re stuck in a monotonous practice routine.

The Essentials of Scale Practice

So, what should you focus on? First and foremost, it’s vital to learn all your major and minor scales and arpeggios, both harmonic and melodic. Mastering these scales sets the foundation for your piano journey. Once you’ve got those down, you can gradually work on increasing your speed. A great starting point might be to play your scales at 72 at 4 notes to the beat and your arpeggios at 60 with 4 notes to the beat. Then challenge yourself to speed up as you become more proficient. Remember, this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey with scales and arpeggios!

A Year of Scales

Here’s something to keep in mind: there are 12 tones on the piano, and with major scales, two types of minor scales, and both major and minor arpeggios, you’re looking at 60 different options! If you dedicated a week to each one, you’ll have them all learned in a year. So don’t feel overwhelmed; you’ve got plenty of time to tackle them all!

Expanding Your Scale Practice

Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin. Today, I want to share some fascinating insights about piano stores that might surprise you. Running a piano store in today’s world comes with its own set of challenges, especially with the piano’s popularity declining over the last century.

Did you know that most piano stores don’t actually own all the pianos you see in their showrooms?

It’s true! Many of these instruments are part of a financing arrangement called a “floor plan.” This system involves manufacturers, distributors, and finance companies, allowing stores to showcase a huge selection—sometimes worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars—without the initial investment.

So, what does this mean for store owners? Well, their ability to negotiate prices isn’t as flexible as you might think. They need to sell the pianos to cover the costs, and the longer a piano sits unsold, the more interest they accrue. That’s why you’ll often see them eager to make a sale!

Many piano stores operate within protected territories.

This practice is one of the last bastions of traditional retail in the music industry. Essentially, if a store carries a specific brand—like Yamaha—they can’t quote prices over the phone. This helps prevent price wars among neighboring stores, ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at making a profit. But here’s the kicker: if a customer drives from one town to another, they can check prices in person, and the dealer can sell to them even if the customer lives outside of their territory.

You might wonder why there’s a notable markup on pianos. Are stores just trying to profit off you?

Not at all! The costs associated with selling pianos are substantial. There’s delivery, preparation, and tuning—all necessary to make a piano sound its best. Not to mention, not all stores offer the same level of preparation, which can lead to noticeable differences in sound quality even among identical models. Additionally, piano stores have other expenses: insurance, staffing, website development, and advertising. All of these factors contribute to the price you see on the tag.

Piano stores face a shrinking market.

Let’s talk about the market landscape. Piano stores are navigating a shrinking market filled with increasing online competition. While protected territories keep prices steady for new pianos, the market for used pianos is open for anyone to sell. This is where Living Pianos shines, as we specialize in high-quality used pianos, providing great value for customers. Selling new pianos today can be quite the challenge, especially when high-quality used options are just a click away!

Running a piano store is a tremendous challenge that requires organization, a knowledgeable team, and a lot of hard work.

I have immense respect for the people who manage these traditional stores. While our approach at Living Pianos is a bit different—operating on an appointment-only basis selling primarily restored pianos without restrictions, and focusing on online sales—I thought you’d enjoy learning about the realities most piano stores face. So, next time you step into a piano store, keep these insights in mind. There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye! Let’s keep the conversation going 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. Today, we’re tackling a question that’s on the minds of many musicians as they get older: Can you be too old to play the piano? This came up in a heartfelt note from Frank, a musician in his 60s who has some concerns about arthritis in his hands and his eyesight. He’s wondering how aging might affect his playing, and if there’s a point when one is “too old” to play.

Challenges Faced by Aging Pianists

Many pianists, like Frank, understandably wonder how aging will impact their ability to play. Physical conditions, like arthritis, are common concerns, and it’s true that as we age, some aspects of playing can become challenging. Yet, look at the legendary careers of pianists like Horowitz and Rubinstein, who continued to perform into their 80s with brilliance! Of course, each person’s experience is unique. For example, one of my students, recovering from a stroke, found that piano practice was a vital part of her therapy, helping to rebuild strength and coordination.

That said, certain physical limitations, such as severe arthritis or pain, might make playing more difficult—or even impossible at times. It’s crucial to be aware of your physical limitations and adjust as necessary.

Listening to Your Body

Physical health considerations aren’t limited to aging. Tendonitis and other overuse injuries can impact younger musicians as well. I remember my uncle’s wife, the principal flutist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, having to take an extended break due to tendonitis. The important thing at any age is to listen to your body and take breaks when needed to prevent long-term damage.

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