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NATIONAL PIANO MONTH

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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.

Visit the YAMAHA Store 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
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
YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive)
YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive)
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.

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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
Jumbo Easy Piano Songbook: 200 Songs for All Occasions
The Best Songs Ever
The Best Songs Ever
The Easy Jazz Standards Fake Book: 100 Songs in the Key of C
The Easy Jazz Standards Fake Book: 100 Songs in the Key of C
The Easy Christmas Carols Fake Book: Melody, Lyrics & Simplified Chords in the Key of C
The Easy Christmas Carols Fake Book: Melody, Lyrics & Simplified Chords in the Key of C

NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC MONTH

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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
Complete String Quartets (Dover Chamber Music Scores)
Chamber Music Concert - Handel, Mozart and Corelli#NationalChamberMusicMonth
Chamber Music Concert – Handel, Mozart and Corelli
Chamber Music of the New Jazz#NationalChamberMusicMonth
Chamber Music of the New Jazz

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR MONTH

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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
Guitar for Beginners: How to Play Your First Song In 7 Days Even If You’ve Never Picked Up A Guitar
Hot Vibrant Months#InternationalGuitarMonth
Hot Vibrant Months
18 Kisses during Summer Months#InternationalGuitarMonth
18 Kisses during Summer Months

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.

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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.
Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Black Learn-to-Play Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD#InternationalGuitarMonth
Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Black Learn-to-Play Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
est Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w/Pick Holder - Matte Black#InternationalGuitarMonth
est Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w/Pick Holder – Matte Black
Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst, Beginner Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Cable, Picks#InternationalGuitarMonth
Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst, Beginner Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Cable, Picks
LyxPro Left Hand 39 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit for Lefty Full Size Beginner’s Guitar, Amp, Six Strings, Two Picks, Shoulder Strap, Digital Clip On Tuner, Guitar Cable and Soft Case - Blue#InternationalGuitarMonth
LyxPro Left Hand 39 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit for Lefty Full Size Beginner’s Guitar, Amp, Six Strings, Two Picks, Shoulder Strap, Digital Clip On Tuner, Guitar Cable and Soft Case – Blue

WORLD PIANO DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Every year on March 28th, World Piano Day unites piano lovers across the globe as they celebrate the “king of musical instruments.” The day also encourages piano players of all ages and abilities to play in public spaces.

Musical instruments are grouped together in families. It’s relatively easy to determine what family most instruments belong. This is not the case with the piano, however. Some say it’s a percussion instrument. Others say it belongs to the string family. Many would say the piano is unique in that it belongs to both families.

Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy invented the piano in 1700. It was first called “clavicembalo col piano e forte.” This can be translated to “a harpsichord that can play soft and loud noises.” Eventually, its name was shortened to piano.

Throughout the years, the piano went from one basic style to many different kinds. These include vertical, spinet, console, studio, upright, digital, pianola (self-playing piano), grand, and baby grand. These types of pianos come in a variety of different sizes.

Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)#WorldPianoDay
Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)
Alfred's Easy Piano Songs -- Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades#WorldPianoDay
Alfred’s Easy Piano Songs — Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades
World Piano Day: Piano Bar Jazz#WorldPianoDay
World Piano Day: Piano Bar Jazz
Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World....Ever!#WorldPianoDay
Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World….Ever!

Most people play the piano because it’s fun, and they love the sound it makes. However, there are also many other benefits to playing the piano. Some of these benefits include:

  • It’s a great way to learn how to read music.
  • It sharpens fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination.
  • It boosts cognitive and intellectual abilities, including improved memory.
  • It’s great for mental health, as those who play the piano experience less depression and anxiety.

With so many benefits of playing the piano, today is a great day to sign your kids up for piano lessons, or take them yourself!

My husband Scott Langholff has been teaching for 40years.  He’s still a professional performing musician.  He uses State of the art professional equipment.  Bring Jazz, Swing, Soul, R & B, Latin, folk, and more.  Currently performing at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille in Pensacola, FL for Sunday Brunch.

Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille Scott Langholff and Bill Barrow Sunday Brunch https://scottlmusics.wordpress.com/

WORLD PIANO DAY HISTORY

The German musician, Nils Frahm, founded World Piano Day in 2015. He chose the date of March 28th, because it is the 88th day of the year. The piano has 88 keys.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPianoDay

To celebrate this musical day, pianists give free concerts featuring piano music. Other people that take part in this day include composers, performers, piano movers, tuners, and piano builders. There are also many ways for you to participate:

  • Commit to taking piano lessons.
  • Thank a piano teacher.
  • If you are a pianist, gather your courage and play the piano in a public space.
  • If you took piano lessons as a child, think about reviving your skills.
  • Attend a piano concert.
  • Listen to piano music online.

Learn about the best pianists of all time, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Vladimir Horowitz, Myra Hess, and Lang Lang.

To help spread awareness for this day, use #WorldPianoDay on social media.

Roland FP-10 88-key Entry Level Digital Keyboard with Bluetooth#WorldPianoDay
Roland FP-10 88-key Entry Level Digital Keyboard with Bluetooth
World Piano Day#WorldPianoDay
World Piano Day
World Piano Day 2024#WorldPianoDay
World Piano Day 2024
The ONE Lighted-up Digital Piano, Smart Teaching Piano Keyboard with 88 Hammer Action Keys for Beginner/Adult, Full Size Weighted Keyboard with 3 Pedals/Free APP/Bluetooth/MIDI/Headphone Output#WorldPianoDay
The ONE Lighted-up Digital Piano, Smart Teaching Piano Keyboard with 88 Hammer Action Keys for Beginner/Adult, Full Size Weighted Keyboard with 3 Pedals/Free APP/Bluetooth/MIDI/Headphone Output

NATIONAL VIOLIN DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Honoring an instrument also known as the fiddle, National Violin Day on December 13th celebrates the bow stringed instrument loved around the world. 

By drawing the bow across the strings, the violinist manipulates the sound in several ways. A violinist uses numerous bowing techniques to master the violin. The strokes dictate not only notes, but the quality of the note played. 

While we associate the violin with classical music, it easily crosses genres. For instance, the violinist demonstrates the versatility of the violin by extensive use in baroque music, jazz, folk music, rock and roll, and soft rock.

“Violin” comes from the Medieval Latin work “vitula” which means stringed instrument.

Although having ancient origins, violin-makers developed most of the violin’s modern characteristics in Italy during the 16th century. Further modifications formed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The person who makes or repairs violins is called a luthier.

Violin History

It is believed that Turkic and Mongolian horseman from Inner Asia were the world’s earliest fiddlers. They played two-stringed upright fiddles strung with horsehair strings. Likewise, they played using horsehair bows and often featured a carved horse’s head at the end of the neck. The violins we play today (as well as the violas and cellos) with bows still strung with horsehair are a legacy of the nomads.

  • 1555 – Andrea Amati receives credit for the oldest documented four-string violin, like the modern violins.
  • The “Lady Blunt” brought a record dollar amount when it was auctioned on June 20, 2011. The Stradivari violin sold for $15.9 million.  
  • Musicians and collectors alike seek instruments made by Stradivari almost more than any other maker. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalViolinDay

The holiday season offers an excellent time to listen to the violin in concert. Whether you attend a holiday presentation or give tickets to the local chamber orchestra, the violin will certainly be a part of the performance. Other ways to enjoy this holiday include:

  • Listen to concerts on-line.
  • Attend a school performance.
  • Re-discover your violin skills and take a lesson or two.
  • Offer a violin concert to a classroom.
  • Add violin music to your playlist.
  • Give the gift of music for the holidays. Buy season tickets or lessons for someone longing to learn to play.

While celebrating the day, be sure to invite someone to enjoy it with you, too! Share your experience and use #NationalViolinDay to post on social media.

Aliyes Distinctive Artistic Violin Set Designed for Beginners/Students/Kids/adults with Hard Case,Bow,Extra Strings (4/4/Full-size)#NationalViolinDay
Aliyes Distinctive Artistic Violin Set Designed for Beginners/Students/Kids/adults with Hard Case,Bow,Extra Strings (4/4/Full-size)
Vangoa.#NationalViolinDay
Vangoa
Mendini By Cecilio#NationalViolinDay
Mendini By Cecilio
Lindsey Stirling SnowWaltz #NationalViolinDay
Lindsey Stirling Snow Waltz