Tag Archives: piano lessons

Understanding Piano Voicing: Warm vs. Bright

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

Vintage VS Modern Steinway Concert Grands

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!

How to Achieve a Singing Sound with the Pedals

Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I’m Robert Estrin, and today I will show you how to achieve a beautiful singing sound using the pedals. This subtle technique can make a significant difference in your piano playing, transforming percussive note transitions into smooth, lyrical lines.

Establishing a Solid Foundation

First, it’s essential to practice with good fingering and without the pedals. This ensures you can connect musical lines with your fingers before relying on the pedals. A solid foundation is crucial for achieving a coherent performance.

Understanding the Sustain Pedal

The sustain pedal, when depressed, creates an echo quality. To avoid a harsh attack, depress the damper pedal slightly after playing the note. This technique enhances sustain without overwhelming the sound. Watch the video to see this technique demonstrated!

Demonstration:

Without Pedal: Play the note without using the pedal.
With Pedal Before Note: Play the note with the pedal already depressed.
With Pedal After Note: Play the note, then depress the pedal after the attack to create a more balanced sound.

Using the Una Corda Pedal

The una corda (soft) pedal shifts the action, making the hammers strike only two strings, resulting in a warmer tone and softer attack. All three strings vibrate sympathetically, enhancing the sustain.

Demonstration:

Without Soft Pedal: Play the note without using the soft pedal.
With Soft Pedal: Engage the soft pedal before playing the note to hear the difference.

Combining Both Techniques

For a richer tonal palette, combine the soft pedal with the sustain pedal. Play the note with the soft pedal engaged and then depress the sustain pedal after the note’s attack.

Demonstration:

No Pedals: Play the note without any pedals.
Soft Pedal Only: Engage the soft pedal before playing the note.
Sustain Pedal After Note: Depress the sustain pedal after the note’s attack.
Both Pedals: Engage the soft pedal before and the sustain pedal after playing the note.

Experiment and Explore

Experiment with these techniques on your grand piano. Upright pianos may not have the same tonal effects, as their left pedal changes the touch rather than the tone. Many digital pianos also model these physical effects, so try them out to see what you can achieve. By using a combination of pedal techniques, you can craft a musical line with a singing quality, enhancing your overall performance.

I am 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.

How to Play Burgmuller’s “The Farewell”

Introduction

Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I’m Robert Estrin, and today I am excited to share one of my favorite pieces to teach: “The Farewell” by Burgmuller. This piece is part of a collection I have previously covered in detail. You can find the links in the video description if you want to explore more of Burgmuller’s works.

Performance and Breakdown

Before diving into the tutorial, I will perform the piece to give you an idea of what it sounds like. “The Farewell” is a beautiful piece that doesn’t require a virtuoso technique, making it great for many players.

Detailed Tutorial

Introduction Section

The first measures are distinct, featuring a warm, melancholy tone that transitions into rousing triplets. The key to this section is to play extremely legato, especially on repeated notes by changing fingers.

Right-Hand Technique

Pay attention to the rise and fall of the phrase, which mimics natural speech patterns. This brings life to your music. Change fingers to maintain legato, especially on repeated notes. One finger should rise as the other descends, with no arm or hand movement to achieve a smooth legato.

Practice Tips

-Use a metronome to find a secure tempo, even if it’s slow.
-Raise previously played fingers high enough to avoid overlapping notes.
-Focus on accents, slurs, and crescendos from the beginning.
-Reduce complex passages to chords for easier learning.

Memorization

I recommend memorizing the piece early in the learning process. This approach saves time and ensures accuracy from the start. Refer to my videos on memorization methods linked in the description.

Key Changes and Sections

The piece follows an A-B-A form with an introduction and a coda. The middle section shifts to C major, with triplets in the left hand instead of the right. Practice each section methodically using metronome speeds. You can also use techniques like accents, rhythms, and note groupings to build fluency.

Middle Section

Focus on maintaining balance between the melody in the right hand and the accompaniment in the left hand. Use the weight of the arm in the right hand to get the melody to break through, while using minimal finger motion in the left hand to avoid overpowering the melody. By using the weight of the arm, you get the power you need to bring the melody to the front, and you can achieve a flowing line that rises and falls.

Coda

The coda features new material, distinct from the previous sections. Practice legato thirds in the left hand and ensure smooth transitions.

Final Tips

-Use the wrist for forte dynamics and decrescendos.
-Practice small sections with metronome speeds.
-Employ different techniques to ensure evenness and fluency.

I hope you find these tips helpful in learning “The Farewell” by Burgmuller. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments.

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.

Why Can’t You Buy Pianos Online?

I’m Robert Estrin, and today we have an intriguing question: Why can’t you buy a piano online? You might think it’s odd coming from me, given that Living Pianos was the world’s first online piano store, started in 2006. However, for the most part, you really can’t buy a piano online. Let me explain.

Practical Challenges

First, there are practical challenges. How do you ship a piano if you buy one online? If you live in Florida and buy a piano from California, how do you get it there? Who will tune it? These practicalities are significant, but there’s more to it.

Protected Territories in the Piano Industry

The piano industry still operates on an old business model of protected territories. This means you can’t shop for pianos the same way you shop for other items online. For most products, you can easily compare prices and buy from the cheapest source. But with pianos, the agreement between manufacturers, distributors, and dealers limits sales to specific geographical areas.

Unique Aspects of Pianos

Every piano is unique, which adds another layer of complexity. The agreements between manufacturers and dealers mean that dealers can only sell within their designated areas. If you visit a store, they can sell to you, but they can’t quote prices over the phone for out-of-area customers.

Exceptions and Loopholes

There are exceptions. Some large dealers skirt the rules and sell out of their designated areas. If caught, they may have to pay a commission to the local dealer. However, as long as the dealer is significant enough, manufacturers often look the other way.

The Living Pianos Model

Living Pianos has based its business model on selling used pianos. Nobody can restrict the sale of used pianos across the country. High-end brands like Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, and Bechstein are often worth the cost of shipping, making this model feasible. We provide high-quality videos and photos so you know what you’re getting. Experienced pianists are always welcome to visit and try the pianos.

Digital Pianos

Digital pianos are another exception. They can be shipped easily, but some digital pianos fall under the same protected territories as acoustic pianos. There are two categories: MI (Musical Instruments) sold in places like Guitar Center and Sweetwater, and home units with protected territories.

Your Thoughts?

What do you think about protected territories in the piano industry? Is it good to protect dealers who invest in inventory, or should you be able to shop anywhere for the best price? Let’s get a discussion going at LivingPianos.com. We primarily sell used pianos and abide by all rules for new pianos, ensuring the survival of the piano business.

I am 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.

How to Avoid Destroying Your Piano

Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we have an important topic: How to avoid destroying your piano. While we’ve discussed many things you should do for your piano, today we’ll focus on what to avoid. Some of these tips are common sense, but others might surprise you.

Avoid Hot Air Vents

Placing your grand piano over a hot air vent or near one can cause significant damage in just a few months. The dry air can warp and crack the soundboard, making the piano a total loss unless you opt for expensive repairs. Always ensure that your piano is not in the path of a hot air vent.

Stable Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining a stable environment is crucial for your piano. Extreme temperature swings can affect tuning stability, while high humidity can cause rust and corrosion. Conversely, very low humidity can dry out the pin block and felt parts, leading to a noisy action and other issues. Aim for 45-50% humidity, and use a hygrometer to monitor the levels. Consider using a room humidifier or a piano lifesaver system to keep conditions stable.

Protect from Sunlight

Sunlight can bleach your piano’s finish in a matter of months. It can also affect tuning stability if it shines directly on the soundboard. Even if you use window treatments to block UV light, it can still damage your piano. So protect your piano from direct sunlight to keep the finish looking new.

Regular Tuning

Pianos that haven’t been tuned for years will require multiple tunings to stabilize. Similar to changing the oil in your car, regular maintenance is essential. Neglecting this can lead to pitch issues and unstable tuning.

Avoid Furniture Polish

Using furniture polish on your piano can cause wax build-up that requires professional removal. For satin finishes, use a soft microfiber or cotton cloth. For high gloss finishes, a microfiber cloth with a bit of Windex works well.

Reshape Piano Hammers

Piano hammers can become grooved and hardened over time, leading to a harsh tone. They need to be reshaped periodically, but this should be done by an experienced technician to avoid damage.

Don’t Tune with Pliers

Using pliers to tune your piano can strip the tuning pins, causing severe damage. Invest in a proper tuning wrench or hammer, available on Amazon, and avoid makeshift tools.

Avoid Wood Stoves

Wood stoves can severely dry out a room, damaging your piano’s finish and internal components. If you must have a wood stove in the same room, use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.

Beach Environments

Living near the beach can expose your piano to high humidity, leading to rust and corrosion. Use a string cover to protect the strings from excessive humidity if you can’t keep windows closed.

Use Correct Parts

Replacing piano parts with incorrect ones, like using Steinway hammers on a non-Steinway piano, can severely affect the instrument’s performance. Always consult an experienced piano technician for the right parts.

Ivory Key Maintenance

Closing the fallboard over ivory keys can cause them to yellow. Keep the fallboard open to maintain the bright, white appearance of the keys. Dusting the keys regularly is sufficient to keep them clean.

Conclusion

These tips will help you maintain your piano in optimal condition. If you enjoyed these tips, consider subscribing to LivingPianos.com for more articles and resources.

I am 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.