CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

August 31, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history. Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish – 1400) The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450 – 1600) The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – 1750) The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775 – 1820) Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – 1910) Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

NATIONAL PIANO MONTH

August 31, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

All during September, we take time to honor everything piano. It’s National Piano Month! The entire month pays tribute to pianists everywhere, piano makers, and those who enjoy piano music.

Bartolomeo Cristofori is given credit for inventing the first piano in Padua, Italy, around 1700. At the time, Cristofori’s employment with the Florentine Court of the Grand Prince Ferdinando de Medici put him in charge of a large collection of the Prince’s musical instruments, including his harpsichords. During this time, Cristofori’s interest in stringed instruments led him to the early development of the piano. Cristofori’s early piano designs were a testament to technological innovations in keyboard instruments of the times. At the height of the Industrial Revolution, composers and pianists like Mozart found a passion and eagerness for a more powerful and sustainable piano sound. As expected, the piano underwent tremendous changes during the 1790s to the 1860s, leading to the modern form of the piano.

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Yamaha PSRSX900 Arranger Workstation keyboard — Visit the YAMAHA Store

Yamaha PSRSX900 Arranger Workstation keyboard

Donner DDP-80 Digital Piano 88 Key Weighted Keyboard, Full-size Electric Piano for Beginners, with Sheet Music Stand, Triple Pedal, Power Adapter, Supports USB-MIDI Connecting, Wood Color — Visit the YAMAHA Store

Yamaha PSRSX900 Arranger Workstation keyboard

Piano Types

Piano experts and enthusiasts identify four basic types of pianos–the Spinet, Console, Studio, and Grande. The Spinet piano is the smallest of all piano types, while the Grande is the largest. Though all pianos are upright pianos, piano experts agree each piano style has its own distinct and identifiable sound.

The Spinet piano is the smallest of all pianos. Spinet pianos have a large number of working parts and are characterized as being dropped action pianos. Dropped action refers to the hammer-like striking action to strike the keys. Similar to its relative, the Console piano is closest to the Spinet piano in size. Furthermore, pianists use the same to play the Spinet piano as they do for the Console piano.

Studio pianos are taller than both the Spinet and Console pianos, respectively. The Studio piano also offers a richer tone than the two. However, the Studio piano has a different feel in comparison to a Spinet or Console piano. Finally, Grande pianos are the tallest and largest of all pianos. Like Studio pianos, Grande pianos are full of rich sounds carried carefully within the keys to emit a beautiful sound. In addition, Grande pianos are known to be the most beautiful and durable of all four pianos. Notably, when properly cared for, Grande pianos will last generations, making them a timeless heirloom.

Other types of pianos found today are more specialized and fall into their own category. Furthermore, pianists commonly use these types of pianos in contemporary music. Electric pianos are electro-mechanical designs, and the synthesized piano-like tones use oscillators and digital samples of acoustic piano sounds.

My husband is a professional musician. While we cannot fit a piano in our living room, his Yamaha is not the kind of keyboard you find in a big box or even lots of music stores. He still performs in local venues. While it looks like a piano and indeed sounds like it, he tickles, jazz, soul, big band, and easy listening out of it with years of knowledge and practice. Make sure you check out the samples on his website.

NATIONAL PIANO MONTH HISTORY

We give credit to Bartolomeo Cristofori as the inventor of the first piano in Padua, Italy, around 1700. If it wasn’t for his interest in stringed instruments, Cristofori might not have developed the piano we know today. Because of him, the piano has undergone tremendous changes leading to the modern form of the piano.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPianoMonth

National Piano Month offers ample opportunity to play, listen and learn about the piano. Attend a concert. Listen to a variety of genres with piano as the primary instrument. Develop your piano-playing skills or teach someone else to play. Sign up for lessons. Share your favorite piano music with others.

Use #NationalPianoMonth to share the month on social media.

Jumbo Easy Piano Songbook: 200 Songs for All Occasions

The Best Songs Ever — Jumbo Easy Piano Songbook: 200 Songs for All Occasions

National Accordion Awareness Month

May 31, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

A one and a two and a three…! June is National Accordion Awareness Month.

Through a complex construction of bellows and reeds, the accordion (also known as a concertina) produces its mournful timbre when air is forced over the reeds. While the accordion accompanies traditional polka music, the instrument has found its way into many classical and modern works of music.

For generations the accordion complimented many genres in American music. From jazz and zydeco to folk and Gospel and Blues, musicians found the accordion a fit a variety of musical styles.

The instrument changed, too. Manufactured in several different sizes, the smaller squeeze boxes became popular. The accordion fit well into country music, and when Rock and Roll made the scene, the accordion followed. Today, the instrument is no stranger to the recording studio.

Musicians such as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Mumford and Sons all have recorded hit songs with the accordion playing a supporting role.

Hal Leonard Accordion Method#NationalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Hal Leonard Accordion Method

16 Most Requested Polkas#NationalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Hal Leonard Accordion Method

HISTORY

Since 1989, National Accordion Awareness Month has been educating the public about the musical stamina of this outstanding instrument.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn about the history and kinds of accordions. Each one produces a different quality sound. The sophisticated instrument is not only beautiful to hear but to witness being played. Find a local performance near you or watch a video. Take up lessons. Use #NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

Hohner Accordions - Full Manufacturer Warranty
Hohner Accordions - Full Manufacturer Warranty#NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Hohner Accordions – Full Manufacturer Warranty

Kids Accordion Instrument Toys
Kids Accordion Instrument Toys#NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Kids Accordion Instrument Toys

NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC MONTH

April 30, 2026April 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

In May of every year, musical ensembles gather before intimate audiences in small concert halls, auditoriums, and even residences to perform a wide range of music.

Historically, chamber music was performed in palace halls or large rooms of homes. Compared to concert music where several of the same instruments are presented, each musician in the ensemble performs with a different musical device from the other musicians.

HISTORY

This May marks the fifth-annual National Chamber Music Month. For each of the last four years, Chamber Music America has powered this nationwide celebration of small ensemble music and the results have been truly inspiring. For more information on National Chamber Music Month visit www.chamber-music.org.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Check out local listings and attend a chamber performance. Use #NationalChamberMusicMonth to share on social media.

Great American Chamber Music#NationalChamberMusicMonth — Great American Chamber Music

Complete String Quartets (Dover Chamber Music Scores)#NationalChamberMusicMonth — Great American Chamber Music

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR MONTH

March 31, 2026March 25, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

International Guitar Month in April inspires the world to strum and pick their way through chords to sweet serenity.

Celebrated each April, is not just a tribute to the instrument itself but a homage to the rich tapestry of music and culture it weaves through our lives. From the resonant depths of classical compositions to the electrifying highs of rock and roll, the guitar has proven to be an incredibly versatile medium for artistic expression. It’s a symbol of rebellion for some, a tool for storytelling for others, and for many, a lifelong companion on a journey of personal growth and discovery. This month offers a moment to reflect on the impact this humble instrument has had on the world, shaping genres, inspiring countless artists, and bringing people together in shared appreciation and love for music.

The evolution of the guitar, from its early ancestors in the 15th century to the modern electric marvels, mirrors the evolution of music itself. Each era brought with it innovations that expanded the instrument’s capabilities, inviting musicians to explore new sounds and techniques. The development of the guitar has been a collaborative effort between craftsmen and artists, a dance between the possibilities of technology and the boundless creativity of the human spirit. International Guitar Month celebrates not only the instrument but also the countless individuals whose passion and innovation have propelled its evolution.

Throughout International Guitar Month, communities around the globe host concerts, workshops, and events aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the guitar. These gatherings are a testament to the instrument’s ability to connect people across diverse backgrounds. Beginners may find themselves strumming their first chords, while seasoned musicians delve into the complexities of composition or the subtleties of a new playing style. The atmosphere is electric with the shared joy of discovery and the palpable sense of belonging to a global family united by the love of guitar music.

As we celebrate, let’s also look forward to the future of guitar music. With advancements in technology and a continuously evolving musical landscape, the possibilities are endless. New genres will emerge, and with them, new ways of playing and experiencing the guitar. This month is a reminder of the guitar’s enduring legacy and a prompt to contribute to its ongoing story. Whether through picking up a guitar for the first time, attending a live concert, or simply exploring a new genre, each of us can play a part in honoring this versatile instrument’s place in our hearts and history.

International Guitar Month: 100 Page Blank Lined Notebook for Musicians & Rockstars #InternationalGuitarMonth — International Guitar Month: 100 Page Blank Lined Notebook for Musicians & Rockstars

Guitar for Beginners: How to Play Your First Song In 7 Days Even If You've Never Picked Up A Guita#InternationalGuitarMonth — International Guitar Month: 100 Page Blank Lined Notebook for Musicians & Rockstars

Whether you play guitar or your talent is in listening, the month is wide open to ways to celebrate. Guitars bring joy whether we play them or listen to the music they produce.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR MONTH HISTORY

In 1987, GAMA and NAMM founded International Guitar Day to promote retail guitar sales and stores around the world.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalGuitarMonth

There are several ways to play this month. Whatever you do, make sure there is a guitar involved. Use #InternationalGuitarMonth to share on social media.

Dust off the Fender and get in tune. See if those old calluses remember how to play.
Vynal is back. Visit the local music shop and find your favorite guitar solo.
Classical, electric, steel, acoustic, bass, no matter what your style of guitar is, stop by the local guitar shop. You know you want to.
Get a custom guitar tattoo.
Write a new song.
Go to a concert.
Schedule your OWN concert.

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