by Manuel Marino | Piano
There are countless exquisite musical instruments, each with its own unique character and design. Learning to play any instrument is rewarding and enjoyable. So why would someone choose the piano over another instrument? Why would someone opt for a beginner’s piano course instead of, let’s say, a tuba or flute class?
There are several compelling reasons to choose the piano. Firstly, it is one of the most versatile instruments in Western music. A pianist can play virtually any style of music. Few instruments offer such breadth of range. Have you ever heard of a jazz oboe or a blues bassoon? However, the piano is played in classical, pop, rock, jazz, blues, gospel styles, and more.
The piano is polyphonic, which gives it a richness that many other instruments lack. By “polyphonic,” I mean the ability to play multiple notes simultaneously. In most advanced piano music, the player performs chords rather than single notes. Even though beginner piano music may not use chords for each hand, introductory pieces are still designed for both hands to create music independently and in harmony. The two voices of the piano part, one for the right hand and one for the … ...Read the rest.
“Piano For Beginners – Why Study Piano?”
by Manuel Marino | Piano
Many musicians play alongside a bassist in the same way they play when performing solo, but in theory, this is incorrect. While you can do it occasionally, you should “pick your spots” wisely. Personally, I am not fond of this type of playing because when your left hand plays a C two octaves below middle C on the keyboard while the bassist also plays a C note, it creates a muddy sound, which is undesirable.
Instead of playing the same notes as the bassist, here are some alternatives you can try:
- Play something different from what the bassist is playing. The options are endless, and I will explain below.
- Let your left hand play chord notes around middle C. Regardless of the key, trust your ear to determine if the sound becomes too muddy.
In the key of C, you can use major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th, and diminished 7th chords.
It is important to learn how to play these types of chords with your left hand in various inversions. As you play, you will discover which inversions work best for you.
Now, this is not rocket science. Here’s an example:
Let’s use the … ...Read the rest.
“Piano Accompaniment”
by Manuel Marino | Piano
Jazz piano is widely recognized as one of the most vibrant and energetic forms of music, requiring a high level of skill and specialization. Some famous jazz pianists you might want to listen to include Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, and Bill Evans, among others. To learn jazz piano, it is essential to dedicate time to listening to jazz CDs and possibly watching DVDs as well. Developing an understanding of jazz piano requires patience, focus, and dedicated practice within the genre.
Improvisation plays a significant role in jazz piano. A jazz musician Slide Guitar Lessons - Playing the slide guitar may not be as intimidating as it initially seems. With a bit of knowledge and some slide guitar lessons, you'll be playing skillfully in no time. Slide guitar has been popular for over a hundred years and is a favored technique among blues, jazz, country, and soul artists. Slide Guitar Slides… is typically provided with a lead sheet or chord chart and then improvises on the spot over those chord progressions. It is recommended for jazz musicians to have a repertoire of standard tunes, such as “Willow Weep for Me,” “Summertime,” and “Georgia on My Mind,” among others. … ...Read the rest.
“Jazz Piano”
by Manuel Marino | Music, Piano
Photo by ChrisSinjo
The idea of creating an electronic keyboard instrument that could compete with the best acoustic models emerged in the early 1980s. This was a time before the internet The World-wide-web Niche - The global economy has been severely impacted. Millions of people have lost their jobs, many are losing their homes, and retirement portfolios are disappearing at an alarming rate. What happens in the World Wide Web? We often discuss the global financial tsunami, an economic crisis on a scale that rivals the Great Depression of the… , computers, and smartphones. Yamaha’s Clavinova was born, capable of producing digital piano music that sounded authentic, all housed in a compact keyboard smaller than most spinet pianos.
Yamaha, a Japanese company that has been manufacturing traditional acoustic pianos since 1900, is renowned for producing high-quality instruments with exceptional sound, still used in many concert halls today. At the forefront of technological advancements, Yamaha’s technicians were excited about the potential of recreating digital music The Evolution of Music and the Digital Era: A Personal Journey - As we stand at the crossroads of technological innovation and creative expression, I find myself reflecting on my journey in the music industry—a journey … ...Read the rest.
“Clavinova Yamaha: Combining Acoustic And Digital Technology”
by Manuel Marino | Music, Piano
Photo by Puggles
Dueling pianos have been a part of the entertainment scene since at least the late nineteenth century. During the Victorian era, audiences would gather to witness a competition between two piano players to determine who could not only play better but also faster than the other.
In modern times, there are bars and clubs Trance Music - Free Flowing Electronica - Have you ever found yourself dancing in a club, utterly absorbed in the melody, feeling as if the trance music is flowing through you and guiding your body's movements? This is an experience I've had numerous times during carefree nights at local techno clubs I've often wondered which type of techno generates this unforgettable sensation… specifically known for hosting dueling piano acts, although the nature of these performances has evolved since their origins. Instead of being purely competitive, dueling pianos acts today are often more collaborative. The pianists work together to entertain the crowd and create a lively atmosphere, often encouraging audience participation by inviting them to sing along and be part of the show.
The style of playing in a dueling piano setting is quite flashy, with more embellishments and flourishes than you would typically … ...Read the rest.
“What To Know About Dueling Pianos”
by Manuel Marino | Music, Piano
Photo by a440
Converting an acoustic piano into a digital instrument is quite an accomplishment, and that’s exactly what Yamaha’s Clavinova did. It not only captured the sound of an acoustic piano but also replicated its features. It is an incredibly ingenious piece of work.
Maintaining the appearance of a traditional piano, the Clavinova features 88 keys made of both ebony and ivory. Unlike regular acoustics, this instrument retains a crucial feature: the ability to control the volume. The player has control over how much sound is projected, depending on the style of music being played.
The Clavinova used to have limitations, but they have been eliminated. Going beyond the capabilities of a basic piano, it offers numerous features that you may not even use all of them. You can download songs, save recordings, and even connect it to a computer using a USB device or a wireless internet receiver in some models.
Currently, there are two different models to choose from. The first one is the CLP, which is more suitable for students who are just learning to play. Its functions are more limited, making it less likely to confuse someone when figuring out its operation. On the other … ...Read the rest.
“Yamaha Piano”
Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
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