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All About Piano Pedals
Posted by Devi Thavaratnam on

The pedal has been described as the soul of the piano. It is an essential part of the piano and piano music. Most upright pianos are equipped with 2 pedals but there are some with 3 pedals. The grand pianos have 3 pedals. The 2 pedals usually found in pianos are the damper (right) pedal and the una corda (left ) pedal. The third pedal, usually found in grand pianos is the sostenuto pedal. Upright piano with 3 pedals Grand Piano with 2 Pedals Grand Piano with 3 Pedals The pedal has been described as the soul of the piano....
Pianos of the Early Eras
Posted by Devi Thavaratnam on

To interpret piano works from the early eras, one has to know how the keyboard instruments of that time sound. The article below gives one example of the earlier keyboard sounds, but, more should be explored. The early keyboard instruments before the pianoforte: Harpsichord The earliest known reference to a harpsichord dates from1397, when a jurist in Padua wrote that a certain Hermann Poll claimed to have invented an instrument called the 'clavicembalum'; and the earliest known representation of a harpsichord. Harpsichord sound: Clavichord The clavichord was invented in the early fourteenth century. In 1404, the German poem "Der Minne...
Music and the Brain
Posted by Devi Thavaratnam on

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of music to the brain. Scientists say that children who are exposed to music, or those who play an instrument, do better in school than those who don’t. Recent research suggests exposure to music making does benefit a child when learning to read, as well as the IQ and the development of certain parts of the brain. Using fingers work the area called Borca in the brain’s hemisphere, and this same area also works the language skill. In other words, playing an instrument does stimulate this area and enhances communication skills. Adults...
Guitar Lessons
Posted by Devi Thavaratnam on

Guitar classes are very popular. From young children to adults like to learn to play. Choosing a good guitar is important, just as choosing proper quality strings to suit a beginners of all ages or experienced players. Quoting a review done by CMUSE, an organisation that does Music Instrument Reviews on brands says clearly of the Yamaha products: “If you want to get some special and top quality guitar, then Yamaha is the right choice. Since Yamaha is definitely among the top brand names in the whole world of musical instruments, it is quite safe to get their guitars.” Yamaha...
Tutors: Piano Books for Beginners
Posted by Devi Thavaratnam on

There are many beginners books available particularly for the piano teachers. There are books for beginners for violin, flute and guitars as well. Below are some of the tutor books that are popular: An introductory book for absolute beginners, with attractive colour illustrations. Tunes for Ten Fingers is the perfect book for very young children - it encourages security at every step and uses material that makes learning fun! Fun for Ten Fingers acts as a bridge betweenTunes for Ten Fingers and More Tunes for Ten Fingers, and consists of 21 pieces in five-finger position. Each is accompanied by...