A painter can select and mix various hues to create an inspiring masterpiece, and a pianist can manipulate chords–the foundational units of almost any song–to create a sonorous piece of art that stirs up the soul, evokes nostalgia and even heals pain.
For pianists especially, understanding and using chords is essential. However, finding the right chord combination is not quite as simple as mixing red and blue to make purple.
We have to go back to 18th century Italy to pinpoint the birth of the piano.
A harpsichord maker decided to put a spin on the popular instrument with the fortepiano. This instrument expanded the capabilities of the harpsichord.
The popularity of the fortepiano lasted throughout the years until its name was shortened to the piano.
In the 21st century, the instrument known as the piano has many forms.
The piano is a complex and fascinating instrument. While it was officially invented around 1700, its development was influenced by many other instruments and musical mechanisms. The piano we know today has a rich history that spans back to ancient times. This article will address all aspects of the piano’s history, from its predecessors to the people who have made it famous.
Predecessors of the Piano
The mechanisms of the modern piano originated in the monochord, an ancient instrument with one string. This later evolved into the polychord, which loosely corresponded with the piano in its development. It was invented by F. Hillmer in 1799, but the most well-known example is the prototype created in 1934 by the Greek inventor and musician Avangelos Tsamourtzis. This is a harp-like instrument with 117 strings spanning six octaves.
The ability to make music is a beautiful gift to bestow upon a student. If you’re considering teaching piano, providing a solid foundation is the key to lasting skill and success. Just like building any other proficiency, without a strong base of knowledge and proper technique, it’s much easier for all you’ve gained to start crumbling.
Sometimes a teacher might sign on a new student who studied with another teacher first. The student may play elaborate songs from memory but is unable to read music at the same level.
Showing students where to place their fingers note by note to play a song might lead to impressive-sounding results. However, it prevents the development of tools and techniques necessary to become an independent musician who can make music throughout their lifetime.
With all the financial investment in piano lessons, it is a disservice not to provide students with a comprehensive musical education.
In this article, we will specifically talk about teaching children the piano, but in general, children can start learning musical skills at an early age.
Besides exposing children to live and recorded music at an early age, there are also musical classes for toddlers.
These classes teach children to embrace and make sounds together and become accustomed to holding and using instruments. These classes can also help parents who want their children to be exposed to a musical outlet but don’t yet know which instrument they and their children will select for the long run.