Blog Feed - Only Getting Better

Piano

8 Most Beautiful Classical Piano Songs Ever Composed

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023by amandakaybradleyLeave a Comment

Piano music has an unparalleled ability to move and inspire.

Its intricate melodies and rich harmonies have captivated audiences for centuries and continue to do so today.

From the melancholic to the romantic, from the dreamy to the virtuosic, classical piano music offers a wide range of emotions and moods that have stood the test of time.

This post will present the 8 most beautiful classical piano songs ever composed. These pieces are timeless and have been cherished by audiences for generations.

Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or simply an admirer of the beauty of music, this list will inspire you with some of the most remarkable and enchanting pieces in the classical piano repertoire.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this musical journey through some of the most beautiful piano pieces ever written!

This post may contain affiliate links. As affiliates of the Amazon associate program, Modacity, Dr. Josh Wright ProPractice, Musicnotes, Playground Sessions, and Piano Marvel, I may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. I take no credit for the images appearing on this page. Certain photos are courtesy of Canva.

1. Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven

The first movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, also known as Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2, is a uniquely beautiful piece that has captivated audiences for centuries.

There are several reasons why this movement stands out as an exceptional example of exquisite classical piano music.

Firstly, the piece has a distinct and recognizable melody that is hauntingly beautiful.

The melody is melancholic and introspective, with an ebb and flow of emotion that evokes a sense of longing and reflection.

Beethoven intended for the piece to be played with great emotional depth and intensity, and he uses dynamic phrasing, including crescendos and diminuendos, to create a sense of tension and release.

The use of expression marks such as dolce (sweetly) and espressivo (with expression) also add to the emotional depth and beauty of the piece.

If you’re looking for an easily recognizable piece to help you develop expressive playing, this is the piece to try. And although there are tricky passages, this piece can be tackled by late beginner and early intermediate players.

The second movement of the Sonata is also attainable for late beginners or early intermediate pianists; however, the third movement is technically demanding and should be reserved for advanced pianists.

2. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy

Clair de Lune is known for its dreamy and ethereal sound, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

Several musical elements contribute to the tonal texture uniquely characteristic of this piece.

Firstly, the tempo and dynamics give the piece a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The use of rubato, where the performer takes some liberties with the tempo, also adds to the dreamy quality of the piece.

Secondly, the use of harmony and tonality in Clair de Lune creates a sense of suspension and fluidity.

Thirdly, the piece has a delicate and intricate texture, where the interplay between the two hands creates a sense of depth and complexity, adding to the dream-like quality of the piece.

Overall, the dreamy and ethereal sound of Clair de Lune is created through tempo, non-traditional harmony and tonality, delicate and intricate texture, and dynamics and articulation.

The piece creates a sense of tranquility and transports the listener to a magical and mysterious moonlit world.

Clair de Lune has much to offer the intermediate pianist and is a fun piece to master!

3. Nocturne in C-Minor by Frédéric Chopin

The Nocturne in C Minor, Op. 48, No. 1, by Frederic Chopin, is a stunningly beautiful piece that exemplifies the composer’s mastery of the piano and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music.

Several elements contribute to the beauty of this piece.

Firstly, the melody of the Nocturne in C Minor is hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged.

The opening bars feature a mournful and expressive melody developed throughout the piece. The melody is characterized by long, sweeping phrases and expressive ornamentation, which add to its beauty and emotional impact.

Secondly, the harmonic structure of the Nocturne in C Minor is complex and richly expressive. The harmonic structure contributes to the piece’s fluidity and seamless transitions between sections.

Thirdly, the texture of the Nocturne in C Minor is delicate, intricate and changes slightly as the piece progresses. The left-hand accompaniment starts out relatively simple at the beginning of the piece. It transitions to an almost hymn-like texture by page two.

The hymn-like serenity is contrasted by chromatic octaves followed by a return of the original melodic line in the right hand, this time accompanied by triplet rhythms in the left hand.

Finally, the expressive use of dynamics and articulation in the Nocturne in C Minor is another element that contributes to its stunning beauty. Chopin’s markings for dynamics create a sense of depth and contrast that adds to the piece’s emotional impact.

The Nocturne in C-Minor is a particular favorite of mine and is currently on my practice list! Given the technical and rhythmic challenges, this stunning piece of classical music is best suited for the late intermediate to early advanced piano player.

4. Nocturne in E-Flat Major by Frédéric Chopin

The Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2, by Frédéric Chopin, is a beautiful and accessible piece that holds a special place in the repertoire for intermediate pianists.

There are several reasons why this Nocturne is considered both stunningly beautiful and approachable for pianists at an intermediate level.

Firstly, the melody of the Nocturne in E-flat Major is undeniably enchanting and captivating. Its lyrical and expressive nature characterizes it, evoking a sense of tenderness and elegance.

The melody flows gracefully and is supported by a delicate accompaniment, creating a sense of richness and depth.

Secondly, the technical demands of the piece are well-suited for intermediate pianists. While there are moments that require skillful finger coordination and control, the Nocturne does not push the boundaries of virtuosic technique as some of Chopin’s more challenging works do.

This accessibility allows intermediate pianists to focus on expressive interpretation and musicality rather than struggling with extreme technical difficulties.

Additionally, the Nocturne in E-flat Major provides an excellent opportunity for pianists to develop their sense of phrasing and musical expression.

Chopin’s use of dynamics, rubato, and subtle tempo fluctuations allows personal interpretation and expression. Intermediate pianists can explore these nuances and develop their own artistic voice while capturing the inherent beauty of the piece.

Lastly, the Nocturne in E-flat Major is a beloved and frequently performed piece, which means ample resources are available for intermediate pianists to study and learn from. Sheet music, tutorials, and recordings are readily accessible, providing helpful guidance and inspiration along the learning journey.

Overall, the Nocturne in E-flat Major by Frédéric Chopin is beautiful and accessible for intermediate pianists.

Its enchanting melody, moderate technical demands, opportunities for expressive interpretation, clear structure, and abundance of available resources make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore and perform a captivating piece while continuing to develop their musical skills.

5. Elegie in E-flat Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff

The Elegie in E-flat Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff is a gorgeous piece that could easily top this list as the most beautiful composition of all time.

And I love this piano solo so much that I performed it for my senior recital and continue to pick it up every so often.

Although it’s not one of Rachmaninoff’s best-known piano pieces, it possesses several qualities contributing to its enduring appeal.

First and foremost, the Elegie showcases Rachmaninoff’s remarkable gift for melody. The piece unfolds with a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged melody that immediately captivates the listener.

The melody is richly expressive, brimming with poignant and introspective qualities that evoke a profound sense of longing and melancholy.

In addition to its enchanting melody, the Elegie demonstrates Rachmaninoff’s command of harmonic language. Rachmaninoff’s use of rich and complex harmonies creates a sense of depth and emotional intensity.

The harmonies move seamlessly, often taking unexpected turns that heighten the piece’s emotional impact. This harmonic richness contributes to the captivating beauty of the composition.

Furthermore, the Elegie showcases Rachmaninoff’s exceptional pianistic writing. The piece encompasses various pianistic techniques, including intricate passages, cascading arpeggios, and lush chords.

Rachmaninoff’s mastery of the instrument is evident as he explores the piano’s expressive capabilities, allowing for an expansive and nuanced interpretation. The pianist can delve into the depths of dynamics, touch, and phrasing to fully convey the beauty and emotion embedded within the piece.

Lastly, the Elegie possesses a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its profound and evocative nature transcends the boundaries of time and cultural contexts, touching the hearts of listeners across generations.

The ability of the piece to elicit a deep emotional response and transport the listener to a world of introspection and beauty is a testament to its enduring power and status as one of the most beautiful piano pieces ever composed.

Its ability to evoke a profound and lasting impact on listeners solidifies its place among the most revered and cherished compositions in the piano repertoire.

In terms of difficulty, the Elegie is best suited to intermediate and early advanced players.

6. Waltz in A Minor by Frédéric Chopin

The Waltz in A minor, Op. Posth. by Frédéric Chopin is a beautiful and accessible piece appealing to beginner pianists.

There are several reasons why this waltz is considered both exquisitely beautiful and approachable for those starting their piano journey.

Firstly, the Waltz in A minor features a melodic, instantly captivating line. The haunting and melancholic melody evokes a sense of elegance and introspection.

The simplicity and expressiveness of the melody make it easy for the beginner pianist to grasp and convey the emotional depth of the piece.

Secondly, the technical demands of the Waltz in A minor are well-suited for beginner pianists. The piece generally utilizes straightforward hand positions and limited hand stretches, making it comfortable for smaller hands.

Furthermore, the piece provides an excellent opportunity for beginner pianists to develop their sense of phrasing and musical expression.

While the technical challenges are relatively modest, the Waltz in A Minor offers room for personal interpretation and dynamics.

Beginner pianists can experiment with playing softer or louder sections, adding subtle rubato, and exploring different nuances to infuse their performance with their own musicality. The piece also provides an opportunity to practice the art of rubato.

The Waltz in A Minor introduces the charm and elegance of Chopin’s compositions.

As one of Chopin’s earlier works, it is an accessible entry point into his distinct style and romantic sensibilities. Playing this piece can cultivate an appreciation for Chopin’s music and spark the desire to explore more of his compositions in the future.

Lastly, the Waltz in A minor is relatively short and has a straightforward structure. It provides a sense of accomplishment as the piece is learned and performed. The transparent and predictable form helps build confidence.

Overall, the Waltz in A Minor by Frédéric Chopin is beautiful and accessible for beginner pianists. Its captivating melody, manageable technical demands, opportunities for expressive interpretation, introduction to Chopin’s style, and clear structure make it an ideal choice for those starting their piano journey.

Learning and performing this piece can inspire and motivate beginners as they explore the enchanting world of classical piano pieces.

7. Gymnopedie No. 1 by Erik Satie

Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie is part of a series of three piano compositions, the first being the most famous. This piece possesses distinct qualities that make it an ideal choice for those beginning their musical journey.

First and foremost, Gymnopédie exhibits a serene and ethereal beauty. The simplicity of the melody creates a peaceful and introspective atmosphere, inviting the listener into a world of tranquility.

Another reason the first Gymnopédie is accessible for beginners is the relatively modest technical demands. Satie’s compositions often emphasize simplicity and clarity, allowing novice pianists to focus on developing fundamental skills.

Additionally, the repetitive nature of the entire piece provides an excellent opportunity for beginner pianists to develop their sense of musicality and expressiveness.

As the themes are repeated throughout the piece, beginner pianists can experiment with dynamics, articulation, and phrasing to add their personal touch.

This allows beginners to explore the nuances of interpretation and develop their own musical voice.

The first Gymnopédie also has a relatively slow tempo, which aids beginner pianists’ learning process. The leisurely pace allows more time to think and coordinate finger movements, enhancing accuracy and control.

It also provides a comfortable space for beginners to focus on expression and musicality without feeling rushed.

The first Gymnopédie by Erik Satie possesses a unique beauty and is a widely recognized piece, making it an enjoyable work for beginner pianists to learn.

8. Liebestraum No. 3 by Franz Liszt

Liebestraum, meaning “Dream of Love” in German, is a piano composition by Franz Liszt that is regarded as a uniquely beautiful piece in the classical piano repertoire.

Several elements contribute to its distinctive beauty and make it stand out among other compositions.

One of the defining characteristics of Liebestraum is its lyrical and expressive melody. The piece opens with a mesmerizing and delicate melody that unfolds with elegance and grace.

The melody flows effortlessly, evoking a sense of longing and tenderness, solidifying its status as a true love song. Its simplicity and profound emotional depth make it instantly captivating and memorable.

Another aspect that sets Liebestraum apart is its rich and intricate harmonic structure. Liszt masterfully weaves complex harmonies, lush chord progressions, and subtle chromaticism to create a tapestry of emotional richness.

The harmonic choices add depth and sophistication to the composition, further enhancing its beauty and evoking a wide range of emotions in the listener.

The interplay of delicate and virtuosic passages adds to the piece’s allure, providing a thrilling experience for the performer and the audience.

The composition features a wide range of dynamics, from soft and delicate passages to powerful and passionate sections. These contrasts create a sense of tension and release, adding to the piece’s emotional impact.

Lastly, Liebestraum is renowned for its captivating and evocative storytelling quality. The composition takes the listener on a journey of love and passion, weaving a narrative through its melodic development and harmonic progression.

It creates an immersive and dream-like atmosphere, transporting the listener to a world of heightened emotions and romantic reverie.

In conclusion, Liebestraum by Franz Liszt is a uniquely beautiful piano composition due to its lyrical and expressive melody, rich harmonic structure, virtuosic pianistic writing, dynamic contrasts, and captivating storytelling quality. Its enduring popularity and status as a beloved piece in the piano repertoire are a testament to its timeless beauty and Liszt’s remarkable ability to create music that touches the heart and soul.

This piece is suitable for the intermediate pianist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the 8 most beautiful classical piano pieces ever composed! The classical piano repertoire has so many wonderful pieces that it was tough to limit the list to only a few of the most famous pieces.

And whether you’re an avid listener or an aspiring pianist, I hope you find inspiration somewhere in this list. After all, one of the most exciting things about playing the piano is picking out new pieces to add to your repertoire!

If you’re looking for more piano-inspired content, check out a few of my other posts:

Piano

8 Best Books for Adult Beginners to Learn Piano

May 7, 2023May 7, 2023by amandakaybradleyLeave a Comment

Learning to play the piano can be an incredibly rewarding experience for people of all ages, but especially for adults.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some prior musical knowledge, playing the piano can help reduce stress, improve memory, and boost cognitive function.

However, as an adult learner, it can be challenging to know where to start and what resources to use. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 8 books for adult beginners interested in playing the piano.

As a lifelong pianist, I am passionate about helping others discover this incredible instrument! And I’ve created various resources to help people learn in a way that fits their goals, learning style, and interests.

Teaching yourself by using books is one way to learn, but it’s definitely not the only way. Stick with me to the end of this post for even more resources on how you can start your unique piano journey!

Adult Piano Adventures All-In-One Lesson Book 1 by Nancy and Randall Faber

The first book on my list is designed specifically for adult beginners. It includes an introduction to music notation, basic rhythms, and the layout of the piano keyboard.

Lessons in this book are organized progressively, so you can build on your skills as you go. The book also includes access to online audio tracks that you can use to practice. Audio resources include instructional videos and backing tracks.

One of the standout features of this book is its use of familiar tunes and popular songs. Many of the pieces in the book are arrangements of well-known songs, such as “The Entertainer” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

Playing easily recognizable music makes learning more enjoyable and less intimidating. Additionally, the book includes helpful tips and practice techniques to help you improve your playing.

Yet another valuable feature of this book is that it’s spiral bound, meaning it will easily stay open while you play. You will definitely thank me for that feature!

And if you’re interested in supplemental books, the Fabers also have level one books of Christmas, Classical, and Popular music to enhance your learning experience.

Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book, Level 1 by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco

The next book on my list has a special place in my heart because this was the series I learned from when I was younger.

Alfred’s course has a whole series of books for children taking piano lessons from a piano teacher; however, their adult edition is an excellent book for people who want to learn at their own pace.

This book is designed to teach adult beginners the fundamentals of playing the piano, including basic music theory, hand positions, and fingerings. The book also emphasizes chord playing early in the learning process.

One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on music theory. The lessons in the book include explanations of key signatures, scales, and chords, which can be helpful for adult learners who want to understand the underlying principles of music.

The book also includes a variety of musical styles, from classical to popular, so you can explore different genres of music.

Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons with Elements of Basic Music Theory by Damon Ferrante

While this book is not a traditional piano method book, it is an excellent resource for adult learners who want to improve their technique and understanding of music theory.

The book is written by a piano professor and includes online lessons. As one of the newer books on this list, you can expect quality instruction from an expert who has been on staff at multiple universities.

The book does a great job explaining the basics and then encourages self-learning based on previous lessons. In other words, this book would be a great choice if you had a solid foundation of playing previously and are now looking for a refresher.

There may be better options than this book if you’re a complete beginner. And the songs in the book are somewhat dated but familiar.

If you enjoy this learning method, the author does have a second book in the series that would be worth checking out.

John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano: First Grade Book by John Thompson

The fourth book on my list is a classic piano method book that has been used by generations of piano students. This book was initially published in the 1930s and continues to teach students the basics of reading music, hand position, and playing simple songs almost 100 years later.

Although the book is designed for young learners, adult beginners may also find it approachable. And many students love the simple melodies in each piece and the fact that each song teaches you a specific lesson about playing.

One drawback of the book is that it doesn’t come with any extra video or audio resources; however, if you need help with a specific lesson, there’s a good chance you can find a YouTube video that addresses your question.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Piano Exercises by Karen Berger

This book is a comprehensive collection of exercises designed to improve your technique and dexterity on the piano. The exercises cover a wide range of topics, from hand positions to chord progressions, and are suitable for players of all levels.

Although the book isn’t necessarily designed to teach beginners how to play, it’s an excellent supplemental book on exercises to improve dexterity and reinforce note reading, key signature recognition, and other necessary keyboard skills.

One of the benefits of this book is its organization. The exercises are arranged in a progressive order, so you can build on your skills as you go. Additionally, the book explains each exercise and how to practice it effectively. This can be especially helpful for adult learners who may not have a teacher to guide them through the learning process.

Again, this is an excellent supplemental resource, regardless of which method you use for your foundation learning.

Beginner Classical Piano Music: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Pieces by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven & the Great Composers by Damon Ferrante

If your goal in learning to play the piano is to play classical music, then you should check out this next one. This book is written by the same author as the 3rd pick on this list.

And as a university faculty member, you can be reassured that Ferrante knows classical piano.

One of the great aspects of this book is that it includes streaming videos and MP3 audio, valuable features when teaching yourself an instrument.

And many familiar classics are included in this book ranging from Fur Elise to Pachelbel’s Canon and even Gymnopedie. It’s a treasure trove of familiar classical favorites.

Although not ideal for someone interested in learning chord playing or how to improvise, this book is an excellent option for beginners focused on classical repertoire!

What You Need to Know Before You Learn Music Theory – Eric Fine

Although the next book on this list doesn’t necessarily teach you the art of playing the piano, it does help you understand the fundamentals of music theory.

This book promises a revolutionary way to look at the basics of music theory, which is a notoriously challenging topic.

And understanding music theory helps you become a better pianist by enabling you to understand how music is put together. This, in turn, helps you become a better sight reader, improviser, player by ear, and overall musician.

There are many ways to improve your understanding of music theory, but this brand-new book should be your first resource.

The Best Modern Piano Book for Beginners – Dan Spencer

If you want a more laid-back approach to learning, check out the next book on my list. This book promises a coaching-based system that helps you progress on your musical journey more quickly than other learning styles.

The book comes with online video lessons to enhance your learning. And it also has a 30-day practice journal to keep you on track.

Spencer also has a podcast called “The Best Music Podcast,” so you can get a sneak peek of his teaching style and approach.

If you want to learn your favorite rock and pop hits, this might be one of the best piano books to accomplish that goal!

Can you really learn to play the piano by reading a book?

This question comes up so often for adults who want to learn to play the piano. After all, most adults I know already have hectic lives. Many have young children, and fitting one more thing into their day doesn’t seem possible.

Learning on your own time and at your own pace feels like a great option when it comes to embracing a new hobby.

And it can work for the piano, too.

Learning to play the piano independently can work if you combine other learning elements. As an example, there are many helpful resources on YouTube.

There are also online courses and apps for learning to play the piano, but books can provide another learning resource for your toolkit.

If you’re interested in learning to play the piano on your own, check out the resources I’ve put together to help you accomplish your goals.

I understand that traditional piano lessons don’t always fit into your life, but that shouldn’t stop you from picking up a new hobby.

And it’s never too late to start! Read through the following and get started today!

Final Thoughts

Learning to play the piano can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, no matter your age or skill level.

If you’re an adult beginner looking to start your piano journey, there are many excellent resources available to help you along the way. The eight books I’ve highlighted in this post are great options for adult beginners, and each offers a unique approach to learning the piano.

Remember, learning the piano takes time and dedication. Still, with the right resources and a willingness to practice, anyone can learn to play.

Whether you follow a traditional method book or a more contemporary approach, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the learning process.

Happy playing!

Piano

9 Most Famous Piano Pieces by Sergei Rachmaninoff

April 23, 2023April 30, 2023by amandakaybradleyLeave a Comment

Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor who lived from 1873 to 1943. He is considered one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century and a master composer of the late Romantic period.

Thanks to his role as a touring conductor and pianist, his own music composition was limited. Although his total compositional output may be lower than other composers, his music is characterized by a poignancy not attained by most other composers.

His music has captivated me from the moment I first heard it performed, thanks to its soaring melodies and lush harmonies.

Many of his solo and orchestral piano works require an almost virtuosic mastery of the instrument. In contrast, others are attainable by amateur pianists.

His music conveys the most profound emotional experiences of a life characterized by intense joy and sorrow. This post explores 9 of his most famous pieces written for the piano.

Prelude in C-Sharp Minor

Evgeny Kissin – Prelude in C-sharp Minor

This prelude is part of a more extensive work for piano solo called Morceaux de Fantaisie. It’s arguably one of his best-known works and was written in his early years of composing after graduation from the Moscow Conservatory.

The entire work is dedicated to Anton Arensky, Rachmaninoff’s harmony teacher, at the Conservatory.

This piece is also known as The Bells of Moscow, as it replicates the sound of church bells.

Although the piece was wildly considered a huge success, it was never considered by Rachmaninoff to be particularly noteworthy. In fact, there are reports that he came to despise the piece as it was consistently requested by audiences during his performances.

Despite the controversy, it’s a beautiful piece attainable by many amateur pianists.

Elegie in E-Flat Minor

This next piece is my favorite solo piano piece by the Russian composer. Also part of the Morceaux de Fantaisie, the Elegie is less well known as the more famous prelude but showcases Rachmaninoff’s superior ability to compose a hauntingly beautiful melody.

The Elegie is a slow and lyrical piece that, although it could be used as background music in a movie, is so much more. Its emotive melody conveys a deep sense of sorrow, making it one of Rachmaninoff’s most powerful compositions for solo piano.

The piece is written in a challenging key signature. Still, it has the type of emotional intensity unmatched by any other major works in the Romantic period of classical music.

Click the video to watch my interpretation of this extraordinary piece!

Prelude in G Minor

My favorite recording of the Prelude in G minor as performed by Olga Scheps

The Prelude in G minor is a short but powerful piece that Rachmaninoff composed in 1901. The piece is known for its intense emotional content, and it is a favorite among pianists and audiences alike.

The Prelude No. 5 is part of a more extensive set under Opus 23. Although the first and last sections of the piano work have a strong rhythmic drive, this contrasts with the middle section, which has a gorgeous melody in the right hand.

The piece has a minor key signature and is written in the Romantic style. It’s the type of music Rachmaninoff was known for – passionate, romantic, and full of emotion.

This work is highly regarded by concert pianists as it showcases the composer’s ability to weave a haunting melodic line amid unique harmonies. It’s a beautiful piece of music that will leave you with chills!

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor

The Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor is a three-movement sonata that Rachmaninoff composed in 1913. Rachmaninoff revised the sonata in 1931, and the piece was recorded as a combination of both versions by Vladimir Horowitz in 1940.

The sonata is known for its complex harmonies and technical demands on the pianist. The first movement is somber and reflective, while the second movement is more lyrical and expressive. The final movement is fast and energetic, with a sense of triumph and resolution.

There is no denying that this piece is a challenge to perform. It requires a strong technique and the ability to navigate complex rhythms, dissonance, and dynamic changes. But with practice, dedicated pianists can really bring out its beauty and emotion.

The Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor is one of Rachmaninoff’s most unique and powerful works, showcasing his incredible skill as a composer.

Etudes-Tableaux

Op. 39, No. 6 as performed by Valentina Lisitsa

The Etudes-Tableaux comprises two sets of etudes known as Op. 33 and Op. 39. Each piece is a “picture piece” depicting slightly different visual scenes, and each has its own distinct mood and character.

The pieces are known for their virtuosic piano writing and their rich harmonies.

Recordings of the Etudes-Tableaux have been recorded by many renowned pianists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy and the composer himself.

Vocalise

Vocalise is a song without words that Rachmaninoff composed in 1912. It was originally written for voice and piano but has since been arranged by other composers for many different instruments, including the cello and violin.

There have also been arrangements for a variety of chamber groups and orchestras. And this piece has even been arranged for solo theremin.

The piece is known for its simple yet beautiful melody and lush harmonies.

Variations on a Theme of Chopin

After the relatively poor reception of his first symphony, Rachmaninoff fell into a deep depression, and his compositional output was low. Depression and self-doubt plagued him throughout his life.

Fortunately, and with the help of therapy, he was able to resume composing once again in the early 1900s, completing the Variations on a Theme of Chopin in 1903. This popular work is based on Frederic Chopin’s Prelude in C minor.

The piece itself includes 22 variations on the prelude and was his most extensive composition for the instrument at the time.

The variations are a stunning display of his mastery of the instrument. It begins with a romantic, lyrical theme that moves through many different moods and styles, from dramatic to whimsical.

The piece ends on an exuberant note and is a testament to Rachmaninoff’s skill as a composer and pianist.

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

The Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is a set of 24 variations for solo piano and orchestra. Written for orchestra and piano in 1934 and based on the theme from Paganini’s Caprice No. 24, composed for solo violin, this piece showcases Rachmaninoff’s compositional genius.

The Rhapsody is a fun dialogue between piano and orchestra, highlighting the virtuosity of the concert pianist.

Although all variations are beautiful, the 18th variation is often performed on its own and is the most well-known variation.

Despite the playfulness, there are moments characteristic of Rachmaninoff that feature melancholy and drama. The piece captures listeners from the beginning and is exciting for performers and audiences alike.

The Rhapsody is known for its grandeur and sweeping melodies, and it is a favorite among pianists and audiences alike. It has also been arranged for solo piano and has been recorded by many renowned pianists, including Arthur Rubinstein, Yuja Wang, and Rachmaninoff himself.

Piano Concerto No. 3

The third piano concerto in D minor is often considered one of the most challenging concertos in the classical repertoire.

Rachmaninoff composed it in 1909, and he performed as the soloist in the piece’s premiere in New York City later that same year.

The concerto is in three movements, and it is known for its virtuosic piano writing and its soaring melodies. The first movement starts with a captivating melodic theme in the first movement that bounces gently between the orchestra and the piano. In contrast, the second movement is more lyrical and reflective.

The final movement is fast and energetic, with a triumphant finish.

The Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor has been recorded by many renowned pianists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy.

As is true of so many of Rachmaninoff’s compositions, this one also requires a high degree of virtuosity from the pianist and is my favorite of his orchestral works.

Final Thoughts

Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most accomplished and celebrated composers of the 20th century, and his piano music remains among the most beloved in the classical repertoire.

From the grandeur of the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini to the haunting beauty of the Prelude in G minor, Rachmaninoff’s piano pieces continue to captivate audiences with their emotional power and technical demands.

Whether you are a seasoned pianist or a casual listener, Rachmaninoff’s music offers a rich and rewarding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I hope this list of the 9 most famous piano pieces by Sergei Rachmaninoff has inspired you to explore more of his music and to appreciate the incredible talent and artistry that he brought to the world of classical music.

And if you enjoyed this post, feel free to check out my other piano-inspired content!

Piano

13 Piano Tips for Adult Beginners: 2023 Beginner’s Guide

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023by amandakaybradley2 Comments

Learning to play the piano can be a truly rewarding experience.

But as an adult beginner, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information out there on how to learn this instrument.

To help simplify your journey, I’ve put together 13 essential tips for adult beginners looking to start playing the piano.

These practical suggestions will help take some of the guesswork out of learning and allow you to focus more on having fun while developing your skills as a musician.

From understanding basic music theory and posture techniques to exploring different genres and finding ways to stay motivated – these tips will give you all the tools needed for success as a beginning pianist!

Write down your goals for learning the piano
Figure out your ideal learning situation
Find a learning method that fits your learning style and goals
Buy an instrument
Establish a consistent practice routine
Join a piano community
Learn music theory
Practice sight reading skills
Start learning to play by ear
Incorporate memorizing into your practice routine
Master hands separate before putting it all together
Play what you love
Get some sleep

My Piano Background

Transparency and authenticity are two of my core values, so it is important to tell you why I am qualified to advise beginner pianists on the instrument.

I started piano lessons at age 7 and continued playing until graduation. Although I initially enrolled in college as a pre-veterinary medicine major, I switched majors to music 3 days into my freshman year.

The college I attended gave me many incredible musical opportunities, including the chance to take organ lessons. And to this day, I continue to perform regularly as a church organist.

After graduating with a baccalaureate degree in music, I remained fascinated with the instrument and dove deeper into the topics of practice, memorization, and performance anxiety.

I’ve taught piano beginners of all ages and continued to hone my performance skills by accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists in various settings.

And I’ve continued pushing myself to expand my playing repertoire by learning new pieces. I’ve also recently started exploring the various testing options available for pianists.

I love the piano, and my goal in starting this blog is to share my love with others and hopefully inspire others to pursue their musical passion!

1. Write down your goals for learning the piano

If you’re thinking about learning the piano but have yet to start, one of the first things you can do is take some time to figure out your goals in learning the instrument.

For example, do you want to:

Learn to play by ear?
Play your favorite pop songs?
Impress your friends?
Play for a church service?

People want to learn piano for many reasons, but it’s a good idea to get clear on your exact goals to find the best way to accomplish them.

If you’re not clear on your goals, you definitely won’t achieve them. And clarity at this stage helps you avoid disappointment down the road.

2. Figure out your ideal learning situation

Everyone learns differently, so what works for one person may or may not work for you. That’s why it’s essential to figure out how you learn the best.

Do you prefer online courses? Or do you like having a teacher who can guide and motivate you?

Do you need structure to stay motivated? Are you an independent learner?

What is the best way for you to retain information? In other words, do you learn best by reading, hearing, seeing, or doing?

Taking time to reflect on your personality, learning style, preferences, and what has worked in the past will help you move toward your goals faster by giving you a solid foundation.

Be honest with yourself. If you’d like to be an independent learner but have needed help following through in the past, take time to figure out why you struggled.

Answering these questions will help you pick the best learning tool. And having the right tool for the job makes all the difference in whether or not you’ll succeed in the long run.

3. Find a learning method that fits your learning style and goals

When it comes to learning the piano, there are many great options, including:

Self-paced online courses
Apps
In-person group lessons
Private lessons

Maybe a combination of several different tools would help you succeed in achieving your goals.

And speaking of goals, now is the time to bring them back into focus. Combine the goals you brainstormed with your ideal learning situation, and you will be able to identify how to make your piano dreams a reality.

For example, I am a very independent learner interested in classical piano. After some research, I discovered Dr. Josh Wright’s ProPractice program.

It’s an excellent fit for my goals, interests, and learning style.

Playground Sessions might be the right place to start if you want to learn to play pop songs in a video game-like format that simulates being part of a band.

And if you’re interested in a more traditional approach to learning the instrument, Piano Marvel might be a perfect fit.

If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, use promo code OGBB22 for $3 off the monthly fee. And at $12.99 a month, you really can’t go wrong! Click here to go to the Piano Marvel website.

Formal lessons with a piano teacher can be a fantastic option for many people who are entirely new to the instrument. It’s also helpful if you find a teacher who can help you advance in your areas of interest.

4. Buy an instrument

Once you’ve figured out your goals and explored your learning style, it’s time to find yourself a piano.

Fortunately, there are so many great options when it comes to pianos! Acoustic, digital, upright, or grand, your perfect piano is out there.

If you’re starting out and are unsure whether you will stick with the musical instrument, consider a digital model. But if you’re passionate about classical music, consider sticking with an acoustic.

The topic of finding the perfect piano for your budget and goals is a huge one, so make sure to check out the following guides for more information:

5. Establish a consistent practice routine

One of the most critical factors in determining whether or not you’ll make progress toward your piano goals is the quality of your regular practice sessions.

It’s easier to get better at anything, whether it’s sports, photography, writing, or music, with consistent practice time.

Make sure you carve out dedicated time each day to work on your piano technique and repertoire. Even if it’s just 15 minutes daily, that consistency will pay off in the long run.

Set up a practice area that’s comfortable, distraction-free, and inspiring. Put sticky notes with reminders about upcoming concerts or goals around your workspace.

These small things will help keep you motivated and excited about learning the piano and achieving your goals.

And if you’re looking for a more in-depth guide to practicing, make sure to check out the following resources:

Find ways to make practice fun, and you’ll always look forward to the time you spend on the keyboard daily.

6. Join a piano community

Whether online or in your community, meeting others who share your passion for the instrument helps you grow as a musician.

Being part of a community allows you to get feedback, which is especially valuable if you are learning independently.

There are a few piano learning options that come with an associated community. Playground Sessions offers a community option, as does Dr. Josh Wright’s ProPractice course.

The ProPractice community is on Facebook, and I’ve found it incredibly motivating and supportive. Dr. Wright is active in the community, posting motivational quotes and responding to questions.

If you’re interested in classical piano, I would wholeheartedly recommend his course and the positive community he has built on Facebook.

There are a few other piano communities on Facebook, including one for people with performance anxiety. The group is geared toward people who love the piano but are hesitant about performing, so it’s a very positive and supportive environment.

If you take lessons from someone in person or online, sometimes there are recitals or other social events for piano students. I recommend partaking in those events.

Although I am a complete introvert, connecting with others over a shared passion is easy and, dare I say, fun!?!

7. Learn music theory

Music theory is the foundation of all music; studying it will help you become a better player. It will also help you to enjoy music on a deeper level.

Theory will help you understand key signatures, the difference between a minor and major scale, and the different types of chords; all crucial information that will help you be able to play music by ear. It will also help with improv and sight reading.

Most piano teachers incorporate at least a bit of music theory in piano lessons. And if you’re studying independently, there are websites and videos that can help deepen your understanding of the topic.

If you’re looking for a more formal course on theory, check out Skillshare. There are a series of videos on the platform that are done by a college theory professor.

The videos are helpful, engaging, and well worth your time.

8. Practice sight reading skills

Sight reading is a skill that requires dedicated practice, but it’s also gratifying. Being able to look at a piece of music and start playing it without hesitation is an incredible feeling.

The best way to practice sight reading is to select pieces several levels below your current level. Don’t worry about perfecting it; the goal is to become comfortable reading unfamiliar music.

If you have access to a piano teacher, they can assign you sight-reading sheet music and offer feedback to help you improve in this area.

However, if you’re learning independently, some great apps can help.

Examples include Sight Reading Factory and Piano Marvel. Both programs have exercises designed to help you become a more proficient sight reader.

Sight reading is a fun and valuable addition to your daily practice routine.

9. Start learning to play by ear

If there’s one skill I wish I would’ve emphasized more in my younger days, it’s learning to play by ear.

Developing your ear helps you sight-read and memorize more effectively. It also makes learning pieces more enjoyable.

There are a few different ways to learn how to play by ear. The most obvious is to listen to your favorite songs and try to replicate them on the piano. But if that feels overwhelming, there are some more structured approaches as well.

There are a few websites and apps designed to develop this skill.

One of my favorite apps is called Chet. It guides you through various listening exercises that range in difficulty, from the basic differentiation between a half step and a third to determine the correct pitch of a series of notes.

You can even work on figuring out the melodies of famous rock and pop songs or determine the correct notes in a series of minor chords. One of my other favorite games is trying to pick up the correct chord progression.

Chet takes a game approach, making it addicting and a fun boredom buster.

Although I’ve never used this next one, the Theta Music Trainer is another resource for developing a more musical ear.

Playing by ear is a great way to expand your musical abilities, and I recommend trying it out!

10. Incorporate memorizing into your practice routine

Playing a piece of music without looking at the score is an invaluable skill.

Not only does it allow you to perform more freely, but it also allows you to internalize the music and express yourself more authentically.

Memorizing can be intimidating and confusing, but it can become much easier with practice.

One of the best places to start memorizing is with a piece you’ve mastered and enjoy playing. This will make the process less daunting, and you’ll be able to focus more on committing the music to memory.

Start with one measure and gradually add measures to your memory until you’ve memorized the whole piece.

Having a foundation in music theory and playing by ear can help you memorize more completely and effectively because when you understand the structure, you can more easily commit the music to memory.

Work on incorporating some memorization into your daily practice session; it will become easier with time.

Learning to memorize music is a skill that can translate to many other areas of life and is incredibly satisfying!

11. Master hands separate before putting it all together

Playing the piano requires an incredible amount of coordination. And to learn a piece well, you have to understand what each hand is doing separately before you can put them together.

When working through a new piece, it’s essential to scope it out first by figuring out the time signature, dynamics, and whether there are parts that will be tricky.

After getting the initial basics of the piece down, focus on playing with each hand separately at a slow tempo before putting them together.

You might even need to break the piece down, measure by measure, to figure out the tricky parts.

There may be measures that will be easy to play hands together but others where the right and left hand have completely opposite parts.

Playground Sessions does a great job of teaching you how to break a piece down to each hand separately before putting them together.

If you’re taking an independent approach to learning to play the piano but are struggling with learning how to learn, check out Playground Sessions.

12. Play what you love

You are drawn to the piano because you want to play the music that moves and motivates you.

Regardless of what genre you love, the most important thing is to find a way to regularly incorporate the piano music you love into your learning.

If you’re taking private lessons, share your goals with your teacher so they can help you find level-appropriate music you enjoy playing.

Although you won’t find all the music you play motivating, it’s essential to always have a few pieces you love in your practice routine.

Even if it’s music you never share with anyone, it’s worthwhile to learn if you love it.

When you find joy in the pieces you’re playing, it’s easier to stay motivated and focused on learning. So go ahead and play what you love!

If you want to play music you can recognize from the beginning, check out Playground Sessions. I found the music, even from the first lesson, recognizable and entertaining to play.

It also allows you to play with a track, which is almost like playing with a band. It’s a fun way to learn the instrument!

13. Get some sleep

My last piano practice tip might seem entirely out there, but I will say it anyway.

Research continues to prove just how crucial sleep is to your overall well-being. It’s especially valuable when learning a new skill because your brain solidifies what you’ve learned while fast asleep.

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night is the best way to speed up your learning, especially when you aspire to be a piano player.

Here are a few tips for better rest at night:

Avoid screens (phone, TV, etc.) 1-2 hours before bed.
Practicing meditation before bed can help your brain release the problems of today.
Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
Seek out natural light right away in the morning to help your body naturally become more alert.
Keep your bedroom dark and cool for optimal sleep.
Exercising earlier in the day can help you feel tired at night and help you to sleep more deeply.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than the satisfaction of knowing you’ve mastered something really tough. And learning to play the piano definitely fits into that category!

Although learning any new skill takes hard work, it’s almost always worth it. Playing an instrument has many incredible benefits for your brain, and it’s a fun way to pass the time.

It’s also a great way to meet people and get involved in the musical community. Once you have mastered the basics, playing with other musicians, either as an accompanist or as part of a band, can be entertaining.

I’ve done a fair amount of accompanying and love playing with choirs or soloists. And I especially love accompanying my daughter on her violin.

You’d be shocked at how many opportunities come when you can play the piano. Whether it’s for church or jamming with friends, learning to play the piano is something you’ll never regret.

And even if you never play for another person, if it’s something you enjoy, it’s worth pursuing.

The great news is that it’s never too late to start your piano journey! So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making some beautiful music!

Good luck and happy practicing. 🙂

If you loved this post, check out my other piano-inspired content:

Inspiration & Motivation

7 Ways to Enjoy the Journey of Life: Simple Tips

April 9, 2023April 9, 2023by amandakaybradleyLeave a Comment

We all want to lead a life full of joy and contentment.

But often, the reality of our lives can be far from these ideals.

It’s so easy to focus on the hustle and grind of doing the work to chase your goals that you quickly lose sight of why you’re hustling in the first place.

Because when it comes down to it, the hustle is about building a life on your terms. It’s about creating a life you love.

Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to shift your focus to enjoying the journey rather than only looking forward to reaching your final destination.

This post brings you 7 simple but effective ways to start living your life with more joy today.

And by taking ownership of how you live each day through these practices, you will give yourself permission to enjoy every moment along the way!

Foster a daily meditation practice

Life is a never-ending series of twists and turns, with new challenges at every corner. So, getting stuck in problem-solving mode for our whole lives is easy.

And this type of thinking has its place. Still, a constant focus on problems can suck you into overthinking and catastrophizing. After a while, you’re going through life on autopilot.

It’s like when you’re driving somewhere you’ve gone 1,000 times before and arrive realizing that you remember nothing of the actual trip from point A to point B.

My point is that you can’t enjoy life if you’re not living in the moment.

And meditation is one of the best tools to stay grounded and mindful in your day-to-day life.

It helps keep you focused on being present and aware of what’s happening around you, which is a very good thing!

A regular meditation practice helps to cultivate a sense of joy by allowing you to see things from a new perspective and gain clarity on the present moment.

Plus, a daily meditation practice can also help reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

Meditation is one of the easiest ways to shift to a more positive mindset. And one of the best things about it is that there are so many free resources for getting started!

Podcasts and YouTube are great places to start, and if you want to expand your meditation practice from there, try an app like Headspace or Calm.

Today is the best time to start taking a brief moment to enjoy the here and now!

Start a gratitude journal

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools you can use to increase your joy in life.

Focusing on what’s good and working in your life is an easy way to start seeing opportunities for joy, even during the most challenging times.

And one of the best ways to cultivate a sense of gratitude is by starting a daily gratitude journal.

Every day, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. This could be anything from a beautiful sunset you saw to a meaningful conversation with a friend.

The key is to take the time to savor and appreciate these moments, no matter how small they may seem.

By taking the time each day to write down what you’re grateful for, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your mindset shifts towards more joy and contentment.

And the more you practice gratitude, the easier it will become to find joy in the little moments of your everyday life!

Look for new experiences

I love a routine as much as anyone, but I’ve found that doing the same thing for a long time is a slippery slope to boredom.

Living life to the fullest means embracing new experiences. So, make a point to get out there and try something you’ve never done before.

This could be anything from taking up a hobby like painting or playing music (did someone say something about the piano?!) to exploring a new city or traveling somewhere totally different.

The possibilities are endless! And no matter what type of new things you choose, it’s sure to bring joy and enthusiasm into your life.

Plus, the more experiences you have, the more memories you’ll be able to look back on with fondness. And that is something to cherish!

So don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and look for new opportunities for joy and growth.

You never know what you might discover!

Individualize your fitness journey

Fitness isn’t just about looking good or losing weight.

It’s also a great way to feel strong and energized – which makes it one of the best tools for finding joy in life.

But too often, people get stuck in the “one size fits all” fitness mentality and end up feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

And that’s why it’s so important to individualize your fitness journey.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, don’t be afraid to mix things up and find activities that bring you joy.

This could be anything from a yoga session to a dance class to martial arts – the key is to find something that energizes and motivates you.

And once you find something that works for you, make it a regular part of your routine and focus on the intrinsic rewards it brings rather than any external recognition or accolades.

At the end of the day, it’s about finding joy in movement and challenging yourself to be the best version of yourself!

Pay attention to the little things that bring joy

Finding joy isn’t always about grand gestures or big accomplishments.

It’s also about appreciating the small moments that bring a spark of joy into your life.

When you start to look for these little moments, you’ll be amazed at how many opportunities present themselves on a daily basis!

A hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning, an animal in the park that makes you smile, a beautiful piece of art at a museum – these are all little moments that can add up to bring unexpected joy.

Be open to the possibility of finding these little moments everywhere, and you’ll be amazed at how many times a day you’ll find yourself smiling.

Whether it’s a squirrel using the crosswalk to get across a congested street or the mail carrier blasting “Livin’ on a Prayer,” there are so many little ways to incorporate joy and laughter into your life.

So, make an effort to pay attention to these special moments and savor them as much as possible. Before you know it, they’ll become part of your daily life and help you find joy in the most unexpected places.

Find your ideal work-life balance

Most of us have jobs that take up a good portion of our day, and work can be an essential source of joy and fulfillment.

But it’s also important to find your ideal work-life balance. After all, life isn’t just about working – it’s about enjoying the moments in between!

Take some time to think about what brings you joy and satisfaction, both in the workplace and outside of it.

Then, use this knowledge to create a balanced schedule that allows for meaningful work and leisure time.

Achieving balance on a daily basis has proven challenging for me.

Between working full-time, 3 kids, and hobbies, there always seemed to be little time in the day.

Trying to find daily balance started to become a source of stress for me.

But one thing that’s been particularly helpful for me is to consider balance on a weekly or even a monthly basis.

There will be some weeks when I spend more time on work. And other weeks when I have more time to catch up on housework.

And still, others when I have slightly more creative energy to pour into the blog and my other creative endeavors.

Taking a “long game” approach to work-life balance has given me the peace of knowing that everything will get done in its time.

By creating an environment where you can find joy in your job as well as in your personal life, you’ll be able to feel more fulfilled and balanced.

And that, in turn, will help you to find joy and fulfillment in all aspects of your life!

The bottom line is that finding joy doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing pursuit. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to living a joyful life – it’s about creating what works for you.

Prioritize sleep

I can’t emphasize strongly enough just how essential getting enough restful sleep is for your overall health and well-being.

Not getting enough quality rest can lead to a host of long-term physical, mental, and emotional issues, which can all contribute to a lack of joy in life.

Research has shown a correlation between a lack of sleep and an increased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

If there’s one thing you take away from this post, I hope it is the importance of prioritizing sleep. It’s the foundation on which everything else in your life sits.

So make sure that you’re setting aside enough time each night to get the proper amount of restful sleep.

When our bodies are adequately rested, we can be more present in each moment, enjoy life more fully, and feel a significant increase in our overall well-being.

If your days or weeks have been particularly stressful, take a few minutes to relax and let go. Taking time for yourself can help to refresh your mind and restore balance in your life, leading to a more joyful outlook.

Final Thoughts

Life will always come with its fair share of big things that go terribly wrong.

And inevitably, when you embark on a new life’s journey, you’ll be met with the type of resistance that threatens to derail all your hard work.

But by taking a different approach, you can navigate anything life throws you joyfully instead of with stress.

Learning to live life with joy instead of fear is a mindset. It takes a bit of practice, but it is a far better way to live than the alternative.

And the foundation to enjoying life is caring for yourself.

Reducing stress through meditation, engaging in regular exercise, and prioritizing your sleep are essential basics upon which everything else is built.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed about this list and need a simple place to start, sleep is the best place. You’d be amazed at how much easier it is to experience true happiness when you’re feeling well-rested!

My challenge to you today is to let go of the hustle mindset and instead embrace relaxation, joy, and a focus on living a meaningful life.

The tips listed above are a first step but feel free to take them further. Shape and mold them into the version that fits best in your life.

And if you found this post inspirational, check out my other great content:

Piano

Piano vs. Organ: The Differences and Which is Better for You

March 31, 2023March 31, 2023by amandakaybradley1 Comment

The organ and the piano are two of the most popular keyboard instruments in classical music.

Although they may look similar, they have very different sounds and require slightly different playing techniques from the musician.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, understanding the differences between these two instruments can help you decide which one is best for you.

In this article, we will take a closer look at both the piano and organ to compare their sound production, playing techniques, types of pianos and organs available, and ultimately which is the best choice for you.

By the end of the post, you can better understand each instrument’s strengths and weaknesses before deciding which is the better option for you.

My Musical Background

Before we dive into the differences between pianos and organs, I must give you my background in both instruments, so you know that I’m not simply googling and regurgitating information on the subject.

I started piano lessons at the age of 7 and continued through high school graduation. And my piano studies continued in college, where I pursued a bachelor of fine arts in music degree.

Before college, I had no exposure whatsoever to the organ. I never attended a church with an organ, nor did I ever consider learning to play the instrument.

On a whim, and thinking skills on the organ might come in handy at some point, I began studying with an organ teacher at the university. These lessons opened me up to a whole new world of musical possibilities.

During college and shortly after, I realized that the field of active organists was relatively small, so I began playing at various churches.

Although my full-time career has taken a completely different path since my initial college graduation in 2008, I regularly perform as a church organist at various local churches.

The piano was my first love, but the organ has grown on me through the years, and I love having the opportunity to serve others through my skills.

And I love learning and growing as both a pianist and an organist!

Now, let’s break down the differences between these fascinating instruments!

The Piano

Pianos can be divided into two basic categories: digital and acoustic pianos.

An acoustic piano’s sound comes from the mechanical action of felt hammers striking a string when piano keys are depressed.

The acoustic instrument has a soundboard, a large piece of wood within the piano, that contributes to the final sound made by the string.

One of the unique features of acoustic pianos is that every piano sounds slightly different. They are all genuinely different instruments in terms of the sound the individual piano produces.

Digital pianos are an electronic representation of the sound made by an acoustic piano.

This type of piano doesn’t have a soundboard, hammers, or strings. It is essentially an electronic representation of the real thing.

Types of Pianos

Pianos can be further categorized based on type.

Upright pianos have vertical sound-making components, meaning the piano has a taller instead of a more extended appearance.

Grand pianos have horizontal components.

Generally speaking, you can buy either acoustic or digital pianos as either an upright or a grand, but the digital version usually takes up less space.

And if you’re curious about other differences between an upright and a grand, check out my recent article Baby Grand vs. Upright Piano: Which is Right for You?

Piano Technique

Thanks to its popularity, you can find a vast range of music written for the piano and catering to every possible difficulty level.

You can find music geared towards kids or adults just starting out on the instrument to advanced players who have mastered some of the most challenging music imaginable.

One of the challenges in playing the piano is learning to prioritize certain parts of the music over others while playing everything simultaneously.

In other words, a competent pianist must learn to bring out the melody line.

Another challenge of piano technique is learning to communicate subtle emotions through expressive playing.

And a third challenge when it comes to basic piano skills is mastering excessively chordal or quick playing.

There are so many technical challenges facing piano players!

Aside from the basics of technique, pianists have a long performance tradition of memorization.

This can understandably be a massive struggle for many pianists and can exacerbate underlying performance anxiety.

The Organ

Organ music is most often heard in traditional styles of church music. Still, it can also be heard in various other settings and genres.

Classical music written for the instrument overlaps to a large extent with religious repertoire, and it can still be heard leading a church congregation to this day.

Although modern organs differ slightly in construction, it’s incredible that the instrument has been leading religious services for centuries!

It’s also fascinating to know that some of the most famous organ composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, were church organists.

Types of Organs

This type of musical instrument can either be a pipe organ or an electronic one, capable of producing a huge range of sounds.

A pipe organ’s sound comes from air passing through pipes when the keys or pedals are depressed.

The size and shape of the metallic pipes determine the type of sound produced, and the combination of pipes creates a unique soundscape.

The church pipe organ is a very large, powerful instrument that takes up extensive space, which is part of the reason you won’t find one in private homes.

Electronic organs have different sound-producing mechanisms than pipe organs and are powered by electricity. This type of organ produces digital sounds through an electronic circuit and external speakers.

They also generally have a volume pedal allowing you to control the volume.

Due to their smaller size, electric organs are a popular choice for home use.

Depending on the type of organ, you may encounter vast differences in key resistance on organ keyboards. While a traditional pipe organ may have stiff keys, digital organs may have lighter ones.

Organ Technique

Organ music is often quite complex due to its polyphonic nature – meaning multiple musical lines can be heard simultaneously.

One of the key differences between the organ and the piano is the pedals.

While pianos have up to 3 pedals, organs have an entire keyboard of pedals, creating a unique type of mental gymnastics for players of this incredible instrument.

Organ players must learn to think in 3 different musical lines, and incorporating the pedal into my playing has been one of the most challenging aspects.

Like the piano, figuring out which musical line is most important can be challenging, especially when there’s so much going on at once.

Another challenge of mastering the organ is learning to adapt the sound to the specific piece of music you’re playing.

Some hymns or pieces require a softer reed sound, while others demand the loud blast of trumpets.

Learning to master the volume and all the different sounds of each unique instrument is challenging but one of my favorite aspects of the instrument.

Organ vs Piano: Which is Better for You?

Now that we’ve explored the differences between playing the piano and the organ let’s answer our original question – which one is right for you?

The short answer: it depends entirely on your personal tastes.

Consider the Piano if:

You want to play a huge range of styles, from jazz to pop to classical
Accompanying other instruments or choirs or being part of a string quartet is appealing to you
You aspire to play exceptionally fast or technically challenging repertoire
Playing music that requires a great deal of musical expression is appealing
You want to compose music
Playing your favorite songs by ear sounds like your idea of an afternoon well-spent

Consider the Organ if:

You’re looking for a unique and powerful sound that is often associated with traditional church music
You have mastered the basics of navigating a piano keyboard and are craving a new challenge
Leading a large congregation in worship is where you feel led
You love the versatility of sound inherent to the instrument
You’re interested in exploring the more classical repertoire dedicated to the instrument

Although I firmly believe anyone can enjoy learning to play either instrument, it’s helpful to have a solid foundation in piano before moving to the organ.

You don’t need to have mastered the piano, and it’s helpful if you don’t.

But it’s nice to at least know the names of the notes on the keyboard and how to read music before tackling the unique challenges of playing the organ.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which instrument you choose as long as you enjoy making music!

You can even choose both and enjoy the variety that comes from learning each. Playing both instruments has improved my skills in each individually.

You might find yourself loving both the organ and the piano in no time! So pick one and start playing today! Happy playing!

If you loved this post, check out my other piano-inspired content!

Piano

Baby Grand vs. Upright Piano: Which is Right for You?

March 26, 2023March 26, 2023by amandakaybradley3 Comments

The baby grand and the upright piano are two of the most popular types of pianos, both having distinct characteristics that can make them better suited for different kinds of players.

Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, it pays to know the differences between these two instruments to choose which is best for your needs.

In this blog post, we will discuss some key distinctions between a baby grand and an upright piano. We’ll cover their physical features, sound quality, cost considerations, and more so that you can make an informed decision about which type is right for you.

So let’s dive in!

What is a grand piano?

A grand piano is a type of piano in which the sound-making components (i.e., the grand piano action) lie horizontally to the ground rather than vertically.

Grand pianos come in several sizes, but this type of piano is generally seen in concert halls worldwide.

What is an upright piano?

An upright piano is a type of piano in which the sound-making components are positioned vertically to the ground.

Upright pianos are shorter and more compact than grand pianos, making them an ideal choice for smaller spaces.

Baby Grand Pianos

There are several reasons why professional pianists prefer a baby grand to an upright. One of the biggest involves sound.

Sound Quality

The size of the soundboard is larger in a baby grand piano than in an upright, which translates to a bigger and fuller sound.

The length of the strings is also longer in a baby grand, making for richer tones and more resonance.

This translates into greater flexibility for producing emotionally nuanced music by the pianist.

Physical Features

Although there is variability between grand piano brands, grand pianos come in 3 distinct sizes.

Baby grand: Less than 6′ in length
Grand: Between 6′ and 7′ in length
Concert grand: Larger than 7′ in length

Generally speaking, the longer the piano, the higher the quality of sound it produces with a broader dynamic range. It follows that the longer grand pianos have better sound than the shorter ones.

And one advantage of baby grand pianos is that they provide exceptional sound quality with less space requirement than concert grands.

Cost

Baby grand piano pricing depends on the following:

Brand
Size
Age
The overall quality and how well it has been maintained through the years

You can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a high-quality, well-maintained baby grand piano.

Any acoustic piano will require routine tuning and maintenance.

Depending on the individual piano, they may also need periodic repairs and adjustments. Pianos should generally be tuned every 6-12 months.

And if the piano doesn’t come with a humidification system, consider installing one. These systems help minimize temperature and humidity fluctuations that can damage the piano over time.

When purchasing a small grand piano, it’s also essential to consider hiring a professional piano mover to deliver the instrument.

Baby grand pianos are bulky and awkward to move, so protect your investment by hiring a professional.

Additional Considerations

A baby grand piano is a financial investment for most people.

However, if you or your child is passionate about playing the piano, investing in a quality instrument is one of the best ways to help deepen the passion and improve skills.

Consider a baby grand piano if:

You/your child loves playing classical music
You/your child plan to pursue a music degree
You/your child plan to continue playing for at least the next three years
You have space in your home
You’re willing to continue investing in routine care and maintenance by a professional piano technician

A baby grand piano generally offers more in the way of musical expression than offered by an upright. And the sound can be purer and more harmonically diverse than an upright.

Grand pianos also tend to have a more responsive action than an upright.

But every piano is an individual. There can be considerable differences in touch and sound, even between pianos of the same size and brand.

This is one of the biggest reasons you (or your child) must try out different pianos before making a final decision.

And the further you are in your piano studies, the more critical it is that the piano match the touch and sound you envision in your mind.

Upright Pianos

Although baby grand pianos have much to offer pianists, upright pianos can also be a fantastic option.

Sound Quality

Due to the slightly different construction and shorter strings, the sound quality of most uprights isn’t entirely on par with baby grands.

But there can be vast differences in the sound quality of an upright depending upon the brand and physical features.

Physical Features

Similar to grand pianos, there are differences in piano height among upright pianos. The shortest vertical pianos are known as a “spinet piano.”

This piano model tends to be mass-produced and generally not of high-quality materials.

A large upright model has longer strings and, therefore, better sound.

Due to the nature of the playing mechanics, upright pianos tend not to hold up as well over time compared to grand pianos.

But if you need to fit a piano into a small room, sometimes an upright is the most logical option.

Cost

Upright pianos tend to be more readily affordable than a smaller grand piano. You can even find upright pianos listed for free on Craigslist.

Remember that due to differences in the quality of the materials and general wear and tear on upright instruments, they tend not to hold up as well over time.

Free pianos are generally of low quality and require a fair amount of maintenance to get them to good playing condition.

And in some instances, it may be better to consider a digital piano rather than an acoustic one if you are limited by budget.

Acoustic upright pianos also require regular tuning and maintenance, so remember to factor those costs into ownership.

All things considered, you can find upright pianos ranging from free at the low end to more than $10,000 at the high end of the price range.

Many acoustic pianos between 0 and $10,000 may be the perfect fit for your needs.

Additional Considerations

Although the upfront cost of an upright tends to be less than a baby grand, there are other reasons to consider this piano model as one that’s perfect for you.

Consider an upright piano if:

You/your child are still determining whether you’re ready to commit to playing the instrument.
You don’t have the space for a larger model.
You/your child isn’t serious about classical music but instead wants to play jazz, pop, or other genres not requiring exceptional instrument sound.
You’re looking for an acoustic sound at a budget price.

Regardless of whether you’re considering a baby grand or an upright, it’s always best to consult a qualified piano technician with questions on a piano’s age or value.

This is especially true if you’re considering buying a piano from someone else. It goes without saying that people tend to over-value their possessions, and this is especially true when it comes to pianos.

Consulting a piano technician upfront can save you time and money down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you buy a piano from Craigslist?

Buying anything online carries a certain degree of risk. That said, I purchased an upright from Craigslist in the past, and it worked perfectly for me.

Before buying an instrument, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I able to try the piano before buying it?
Do I trust the seller?
Do I feel comfortable assessing the piano’s quality and value by myself, or do I need to take someone knowledgeable with me?
Am I comfortable paying the advertised price without any guarantees of quality or function?
Do I have a plan for transporting the instrument home?

It may be worth considering the purchase if you can answer “yes” to the above questions.

But always do your homework, and you should never feel pressured into buying with which you’re not 100% comfortable.

Is it better to buy a new or used piano?

New pianos have the advantage of brand-new construction. With the proper care and attention, the piano will likely hold up well over time.

But used pianos have already been broken in, and you have more certainty about that piano’s final sound.

It can take several tunings before a piano settles, and with a used piano, you are guaranteed a fair assessment of how it will sound for years to come.

A used piano tends to be cheaper than a new piano, but this can vary between brands.

I prefer used pianos because I know exactly what I’m getting in terms of sound, but some people prefer new ones.

How do you know whether a piano is worth the asking price?

You can get a fair appraisal of a piano’s worth from a qualified piano technician.

Piano value generally depends on the instrument’s brand, age, and overall physical condition.

Should you tune a piano yourself?

Under no circumstances should you try to tune a piano yourself. Piano tuning is complicated and should only be done by knowledgeable, professional piano tuners.

Improperly tuning a piano can lead to damage to the instrument over time. Unless you are learning the art of piano tuning by practicing on a test instrument, leave the tuning to the professionals.

Are antique pianos valuable?

In some instances, being an antique adds value. Regarding pianos, “antique” means old and more prone to serious issues.

This is especially true for most baby grand and upright pianos.

When searching for your perfect piano, always take the word “antique” with a grain of salt.

And when in doubt, consult a knowledgeable piano professional about the piano’s true worth.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the piano model you’re buying, every piano is unique.

There are slight variations in touch and sound between all pianos, but trying them out for yourself guarantees you will find one you love.

Although I tend to prefer grand over upright models, I’ve played uprights that have been absolutely lovely and grands that need a one-way ticket to the local dump.

Sometimes it all comes down to the previous work that’s been done on the piano and its overall quality.

When buying a piano, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions and do your research.

Buying an instrument can be a significant financial investment, so it’s essential to ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your money and have made the right decision for your situation.

Hiring a professional piano technician is almost always worth the cost, as they can honestly assess any instrument’s condition.

Good luck with your search!

And if you’re looking for more great piano-inspired content, check out the following posts:

Piano

13 Easy Classical Piano Pieces for Adult Beginners

March 17, 2023March 17, 2023by amandakaybradley3 Comments

Classical piano music has an enduring appeal for all ages and levels of experience.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pianist, there is something to be enjoyed in the vast repertoire of classical pieces ranging from the Baroque to Romantic periods.

For adult beginners who want to explore more of this genre, here is a list of 13 easy classical piano pieces that will bring satisfaction and joy as you learn them.

From Bach’s Menuet in G Major BWV114, Beethoven’s Für Elise, Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C Major K545, Chopin’s Waltz in A Minor, and Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 – these beloved compositions by some of the greatest composers ever have stood the test of time and remain popular favorites today!

And if you want to learn these easy classical piano songs but don’t have a piano teacher, stay tuned because I have a fantastic resource to help even beginner pianists studying on their own master these songs.

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Menuet in G Major BWV114 – Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach

The Menuet in G Major BWV114 from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach is a delightful classical piano piece.

Thanks to its inclusion in the Notebook, it was attributed to J. S. Bach until the 1970s when it was established that the piece was actually composed by Christian Petzold.

Petzold was a famous composer, church organist, and teacher of his day.

Unfortunately, only a few of his works have survived the centuries since his death in 1733.

In the first part of the piece, the right hand carries the melody. The trickiest part is navigating the occasional ornaments in the right hand.

The left hand has a fairly basic accompaniment consisting of mostly quarter and dotted half notes.

There are a few eighth notes in the left hand of the first section but none in the second section.

The moderate tempo makes this a very attainable piece for adult beginners.

Menuet in G Minor BWV115 – Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach

The Menuet in G Minor BWV155 is another relatively short piece written by Christian Petzold.

Thanks to the minor key signature, watch out for the accidentals sprinkled throughout.

Like the G Major Menuet, the first section also contains several ornaments in the right hand. And the melody is comprised of quarter and eighth notes.

The second section is similar to the first, aside from a few measures of E natural rather than E flat.

Watch out for the accidentals throughout the second section, as there are several.

Once you master the notes, this piece offers a beautiful melody and technical challenges appropriate for most adult beginners.

Prelude in C Major – Johann Sebastian Bach

The Prelude in C Major is the first piece in the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier, written by J.S. Bach.

Although it looks complicated at first glance, the piece is a series of broken chords. Once you master the patterns, it’s an attainable piece for beginning piano students.

And if you struggle with getting hands together, this is an excellent piece to try because the left-hand accompaniment is minimal and follows a very specific pattern throughout.

You do have to watch for a few accidentals scattered throughout the piece. Still, for the most part, C major is an easier key signature for more beginning students.

Overall, this is a fun piece to play that, once mastered, will give you a tremendous feeling of accomplishment!

Piano Sonata in C Major, K545 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Composed in the late 1780s, the Piano Sonata in C Major is often considered appropriate for beginning piano students.

The entire piece consists of 3 movements, with the first, Allegro, being the most familiar.

As is characteristic of Mozart compositions, the Allegro movement has a very happy and upbeat sound.

It is slightly trickier than the other pieces listed thus far on the list, thanks to the eighth note accompaniment in the left hand.

There are trills to navigate in the right hand and sixteenth-note runs which increase the difficulty factor of this sonata.

Although this piece is slightly longer than other pieces listed, it has much to offer the learner in terms of rhythm, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing.

Due to the technical challenges, this is a great one to learn with a teacher while taking piano lessons.

Moonlight Sonata – Ludwig van Beethoven

The first movement of the Moonlight Sonata is an iconic piece composed in 1801.

Although the entire sonata has 3 movements, it’s the first that is the most popular.

The second movement is also attainable for a late beginner or early intermediate pianist; however, the third is technically challenging and should be reserved for the advanced pianist.

One of the challenges of the first movement lies in bringing out the melody despite nearly constant triplets in the right hand.

Another challenge of this piece is the dynamic contrast, leaning most toward the pianissimo side.

Phrasing and bringing out the mood of the piece are additional learning opportunities for the first movement of this famous sonata.

Overall, this beautiful piece is fun to learn and will be recognized by your friends and family. It’s an excellent piece for new pianists interested in classical music.

Fur Elise – Ludwig van Beethoven

The Bagatelle in A Minor, also known by its more popular name, Fur Elise, is one of Beethoven’s most recognizable pieces for piano.

Although published after his death, the piece has since risen to fame. It continues to be regularly performed by pianists everywhere.

The piece has a rondo form, with the main theme returning at several points throughout.

And as it is in a minor key, you can expect a smattering of accidentals to keep you on your toes.

The piece does clip along at a fair pace and contains an abundance of sixteenth notes.

The pedaling can also get a bit muddy if you’re not careful.

Despite the performance challenges, this remains an excellent piece for people just stepping into the world of classical piano!

Waltz in B Minor, Op. 18 No. 6 – Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert is known for beautiful melodic lines, and this waltz composed in the early 1800s is no exception.

Careful attention to legato and the stray accidental yields a melancholy and striking melody.

The left hand has a reasonably predictable accompaniment pattern typical of waltzes. With some practice, even someone new to the piano can master the jumps in the pattern.

The second section has a few dynamic shifts, which create a sense of mystery and beauty.

Given all the unique compositional elements, this is a gorgeous piece attainable by beginner pianists.

Waltz in A Minor – Frederic Chopin

The Waltz in A Minor is one of Chopin’s most approachable pieces for beginning pianists.

Like the menuets above, the piece was attributed to an alternate composer for almost a century until it was finally established as Chopin’s in 1955.

As is characteristic of Chopin’s compositional style, the Waltz has a highly emotional feel. Given its key signature, melancholy dominates the piece aside from a brief foray into A Major, suggesting a carefree, happy attitude.

One of the more challenging aspects of the piece is expression of the overall mood. There are ornaments scattered throughout the work, which add trickiness.

Aside from the above, the Waltz in A Minor is an excellent piece for new pianists interested in playing the music of the Romantic period.

Of Foreign Lands and Peoples from Kinderszenen, Op. 15 – Robert Schumann

Composed in 1838, Of Foreign Lands and Peoples is one of 13 pieces in the more extensive work called ‘Scenes from Childhood.’

The main challenge of this piece is bringing out the melody in the midst of a busy accompaniment.

Written in 2/4 time, this piece is driven by eighth notes. It’s a beautiful piece, perfect for beginning pianists.

If you’re interested in a tutorial on this piece, check out Dr. Josh Wright’s YouTube video.

The Sick Doll, Op. 39 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Like the previous piece, The Sick Doll is part of a more extensive collection of short works.

This piece also shares the same time signature as Of Foreign Lands and Peoples.

The Sick Doll has a slow tempo and fewer notes than the other pieces highlighted in this post. There are a few accidentals to navigate and subtle dynamic contrasts, which add an air of the dramatic.

Thanks to these small details, it’s one of the most attainable pieces for any piano player.

To a Wild Rose, Op. 51 – MacDowell

MacDowell is the first and only American composer to make this list of easy classical piano pieces for adult beginners.

The piece was composed just before the turn of the 20th century and evokes within the listener a scene of serene calm.

To a Wild Rose shares the same time signature as the previous two pieces. And the key signature is A, meaning there are 3 sharps with which to contend.

But the tempo is relatively slow, and the rhythms predictable, so once you master the pattern, the piece falls right into place.

Dr. Josh Wright, renowned classical pianist, and teacher, also has an instructional video on this piece that you can find by clicking here.

Gymnopedie No. 1 – Erik Satie

Satie was a French composer who wrote this piece just before the turn of the 20th century.

There are 3 pieces included as part of the larger set, and the inspiration for the piece remains controversial.

The challenge of this piece is not so much the notes themselves but in portraying a specific scene.

Gymnopedie is a very legato piece and requires attention to pedaling to achieve the perfect balance between ideal and overpedaling.

This is a beautiful, calm piece, attainable for beginning pianists and impressive when performed well.

Arabesque No. 1 – Claude Debussy

Debussy is one of the most famous composers of the Impressionist period.

Although similar in compositional style, the Arabesque is more challenging than Gymnopedie, thanks to the quicker tempo and triplet rhythms sprinkled throughout.

There are a few rhythmically tricky sections where you must navigate triplets in one hand and eighth notes in the other.

I prefer this piece to Satie’s, although it is more challenging. The Arabesque has elements of both the Impressionist and Romantic periods of music that make it an exciting and charming piece.

When performed well, it is a gorgeous piece and fun to play!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you learn to play piano without a teacher?

Yes. But depending on your goals and the type of music you want to learn, it may be helpful to have a piano teacher.

Check out my recent post, Can You Really Learn Piano Without a Teacher, for all the details on whether this is the best option for you and your goals.

Are there good online resources for learning to play the piano?

Absolutely. If you’re brand new to the piano and would love to learn pop songs, check out Playground Sessions.

Playground Sessions introduces you to the concepts of playing along with the band right from the start. And it’s designed for people who have never touched a keyboard, so no experience is required!

You can find my Playground Sessions review here.

There are a few other apps and programs; however, Playground Sessions is the only one I’ve used and can wholeheartedly recommend.

What is the best resource for learning classical music as a beginner?

If you know that classical is your jam, you must check out Dr. Josh Wright. He has an active YouTube channel where he regularly posts piano tutorials.

He also has a program called ProPractice, which consists of video tutorials for most of the pieces listed above.

The full version of ProPractice contains video lessons for people who have never touched a piano before up through tutorials for advanced classical repertoire by Rachmaninoff and Franz Liszt.

You can also purchase tutorial videos for individual songs, including most listed above. Most of the individual lesson videos are less than $20 and well worth the investment.

I’ve been a member of ProPractice for several years now. I have seen my piano skills improve thanks tremendously to this course!

If you want to learn more, click the link or read my ProPractice review post.

Final Thoughts

Playing the piano is rewarding and can be a great way to relax!

Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for a little while, there are tons of resources available online to help you learn.

And it always helps to learn music that you love. Hopefully, the pieces above have given you some inspiration on where to start.

If you’re looking for more piano-inspired posts, check out my other helpful content below!

It may take some time and practice to master a new piece. Still, with dedication and an enjoyable learning experience, you’ll make beautiful music in no time!

Good luck!

If you loved this post, check out:

Resources

Christian Petzold (composer) – Wikipedia

Minuets in G major and G minor – Wikipedia

Waltz in A minor (Chopin) – Wikipedia

Kinderszenen – Wikipedia

Piano

How to Practice Piano with Modacity: The Ultimate Guide

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023by amandakaybradley1 Comment

Are you confused about how to practice the piano?

I was for longer than I’m comfortable admitting.

Sure, the concept of sitting down and playing through each practice item on your list sounds easy.

But does endlessly repeating something guarantee that you’ll eventually master it?

Or is there a better way to approach practice?

And just how much time should you set aside each day for practice sessions?

When it comes to practice, it can seem like there are more questions than answers.

But today’s post answers your burning practice questions. It also introduces you to a revolutionary deliberate practice tool that will revolutionize how you approach practicing the piano.

And it will help you prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to your practice routine.

If you’re ready to dive deep into the practice world, let’s start with an introduction to the Modacity app.

What is Modacity?

Modacity is an app that was initially created by Marc Gelfo.

As a lifelong lover of music, Gelfo eventually became a professional French horn player performing with international symphonies, including the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Aside from his work in classical music, Gelfo studied at Northwestern University, eventually earning a cognitive science degree and a computer science degree.

His passion for developing a tool to help himself practice more effectively and in line with how the human brain learns eventually led to the creation of Modacity.

My Experience with Modacity

I discovered Modacity several years ago after hearing Marc Gelfo on a podcast.

And I was immediately drawn to his message of how to be more intentional with practice.

Although I had already graduated with a baccalaureate degree in music by this point, my practice habits left something to be desired.

I wanted to be a goal-oriented musician but needed to figure out exactly how.

My primary learning method was endlessly repeating things until muscle memory took over, an approach I later learned was one of the most reliable ways to bring on a memory lapse.

The other practice sin I regularly committed was inconsistent practice.

Inspiration would strike, and I would practice for hours one day but then wouldn’t practice again for several days or weeks.

When I sat back down at the keyboard, I had forgotten everything I had worked on during the previous session.

I wanted to improve my piano skills but wasn’t sure how.

Changing my practice ways felt like a truly daunting challenge.

Until Modacity.

Structured Piano Practice

Modacity has several unique mastery features that have helped me improve how I approach piano practice, and it all starts with practice lists.

Practice Lists

The first step in being more deliberate with your practice involves creating a practice list.

You can create a separate practice list for each day of the week or create a list with a specific goal in mind.

I recommend you start by listing out each piece you’re currently playing.

Bagatelle in A Major
Waltz in A Minor
Prelude in C Minor

The next step is figuring out what specific thing(s) you’re trying to improve in each piece.

If you’re taking lessons, ask your teacher what specific items you need to improve. Examples may include:

Maintaining an even tempo throughout
Coordinating your hands together
Making a distinct change in dynamics
Note accuracy

And if you’re learning on your own, this is where the magic of Modacity comes in.

The app gives you suggestions from various categories, including

Notes
Rhythm
Emotion
Phrasing

You can then decide what specific practice item will improve your performance of the piece.

Once you’ve figured out your specific goals for each piece, you can separate them into different days of the week.

Organizing Your Practice Lists

Once you’ve created the practice lists, you can add each song from your practice repertoire.

And from there, add notes about areas where you seek improvement.

Another unique feature is the ability to add a timer to each practice item in the list.

This feature is a godsend if you, like me, spend too much time on one song, and your precious practice time suddenly slips away, leaving everything else incomplete.

When it’s time to practice, select the appropriate practice list. Click on the first song, and the timer will start counting down, alerting you when it’s time to switch songs.

Deliberate Practice

Another valuable feature of Modacity is the focus on deliberate practice over mindless repetitions.

Key components of deliberate practice include figuring out what you want to improve, trying something to fix it, and then listening back to see whether there was an improvement.

Deliberate practice is not repeating something 10,000 times and then calling it good.

Efficient practice requires thought and being intentional about improvement. It requires listening to yourself to see whether your goals were met.

Modacity supports mindful practice by giving you ideas about musical areas to explore improving upon.

And it also has a recording feature so you can record a measure or two or an entire sonata.

Regularly recording trains you to listen to your playing and helps you figure out whether your practice tactic achieved the result for which you were looking.

It’s also very motivating to go back through and listen to old recordings because you realize how far you’ve come!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Modacity offer customer service?

I can tell you from personal experience that Modacity has exceptional customer service.

If you’re stuck during a practice session, hit the Ask Us button on the lower right-hand of the screen to chat with the team.

I’ve always gotten great responses from the team when I’ve run into issues. The Modacity team is passionate about the art of music practice and wants you to have a great experience with the app!

How long should I practice?

It’s different for everyone and depends on your goals and what else is going on in your life.

Generally speaking, it’s ideal to practice in shorter bursts of time more frequently in comparison to marathon sessions.

Modacity helps you stay on task with the timer feature. You can set a timer, and it will alert you when it’s time to move on.

If you’re trying to establish a daily practice routine, aim for 10 minutes a day.

As you practice more, you can gradually increase this time, but aiming for 10 minutes is a great way to start.

And it’s even better if you can fit several 10-minute sessions throughout the day.

Can I use the Modacity app with any instrument?

Absolutely! The app also features a drone generator and metronome.

Think of Modacity as the Swiss army knife of music practice. It has all the features to help you succeed in the practice room, regardless of your instrument.

Do I have to practice every day?

If you want to make progress, it’s best to practice daily.

And for optimal results, keep those sessions short. It will be easier to get yourself to sit down when you know you only have to do it for 10 minutes versus forcing yourself to play for 2 hours.

Modacity helps you stay motivated by sending you practice reminders and keeping track of your practice time.

The app also tallies up your consecutive days of practice, a feature that encourages you to keep returning to the keyboard day after day.

Is Modacity a practice journal?

You can think of Modacity as an electronic practice journal or even a music practice assistant.

Musicians of all backgrounds will appreciate the Modacity system for its focus on helping you make the most of your practice time.

It can also reduce your random combination of music practice apps by replacing your metronome app.

Modacity helps you cut down on the list of things floating around in your mind by sending you reminders to help you stick with a practice schedule.

All this without any pesky papercuts.

Are there other resources for learning about the art of practice?

My favorite practice resource comes from The Bulletproof Musician, a blog and podcast by Noa Kageyama.

Noa regularly features professional musicians with their best practice advice for mastering the art of practicing.

He also features various research studies to uncover the best way to approach more effective practice in a shorter amount of time.

His blog and podcast are a wealth of information on the art of practicing and performing, so the next time you’re looking for inspiration, check out The Bulletproof Musician.

The Modacity blog also offers information about practice techniques, including interleaving strategies and the link between neuroscience and effective practice.

If you want to learn more about practice, the Modacity blog is worth checking out.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting out with the piano or are a seasoned professional, Modacity is the perfect practice partner!

This amazing app is designed to help you focus on deliberate practice so that you can make the most of your time in less time.

And it’s loaded with features that support this type of practice, including timers, recording capabilities, and performance analytics.

Thanks to its all-in-one design, you can delete all the other different apps you’re currently using to manage your practice needs.

If you’re looking for a practice partner to help you stay on track and achieve your most significant success as a musician, Modacity is definitely worth checking out!

Happy practicing!

And if you found this post helpful, check out my other piano-inspired content!

Piano

Playground Sessions Review: Waste of Time or Worth the Hype?

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023by amandakaybradley2 Comments

If you’re a music lover interested in learning the piano or an experienced player wanting to sharpen your skills, you might be considering an online piano learning platform.

And among the jungle of music learning websites and apps, you may have heard of Playground Sessions.

Developed by legendary producer Quincy Jones and renowned pianist David Sides, Playground Sessions is an online program that uses real-time feedback and interactive lessons to help people of all levels improve at playing the piano.

In this blog post, I will review Playground Sessions and provide an in-depth look at its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall value.

So whether you’re just learning the piano or want to take your playing skills up a notch, read on to find out why Playground Sessions might be right for you!

What is Playground Sessions?

Playground Sessions is an interactive online piano learning platform for desktop and Apple devices that helps people learn to play the piano.

It includes lessons, challenges, and exercises tailored to your level. It also has an extensive song library of over 2,000 songs that can be played with or without accompaniment.

Playground Sessions offers real-time feedback, which helps users improve their playing as they proceed through the lessons.

The platform also has a community of like-minded users to learn from and connect with via discussion boards and a Facebook group.

And if you don’t have a keyboard, you can bundle a keyboard with a membership.

It’s a great option if you have no idea what kind of keyboard to buy and don’t want to spend time researching different models!

How is Playground Sessions organized?

Playground Sessions is divided into 3 distinct sections.

Bootcamp

The bootcamp section is where you’ll start. This section offers instruction at 3 levels: rookie, intermediate, and advanced.

If you’re brand new to the piano, start with the very first lesson in the rookie section. This video features Phil Anderson explaining the notes on the keyboard and how to find middle C, both concepts geared toward complete beginners.

The next several lessons allow you to practice playing along with the background track before diving into basic rhythms, time signatures, and the staff.

Each of the 3 bootcamp sections is broken down into separate lessons to allow you to learn and practice the material.

The rookie section includes over 90 lessons to help you learn and refine the basic concepts.

The intermediate and advanced sections continue expanding on the basic ideas introduced in the rookie section.

You’ll find over 60 lessons in the intermediate section, while the advanced section contains between 20 and 30 lessons.

Courses

The courses section includes focused piano learning topics.

One of the courses includes a collection of songs perfect for beginning piano learners. Another consists of the Hanon exercises.

Yet another course comprises advice on playing from Mike Garson, David Bowie’s pianist.

Many other courses are designed to help you improve basic skills, such as reading sheet music and playing with both hands together.

The courses section is also where you’ll find special challenges organized by levels. Challenges are a fun way to learn popular repertoire at an attainable level.

As a rookie, try The Entertainer or Fur Elise challenges and impress your friends with your keyboard prowess!

Songs

The third and final section comprises a vast library of songs under many different genres, including holiday, film music, pop, and Christian.

Songs are additionally organized by levels; most pieces are available at different difficulty levels.

Membership plans come with a certain number of songs per month. And if you want additional songs, you can purchase them separately.

Benefits of Playground Sessions

Song Selection

If you want to learn to play the piano but are completely repulsed by beginner songs such as “Hot Cross Buns” or “Merrily We Roll Along,” I have fantastic news for you!

Playground Sessions takes a pop music approach to teach you the basics.

You’ll be playing along with background tracks to hit songs by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Celine Dion from the very beginning of your studies.

Although most of the songs in the rookie section will only be recognizable by your friends and family with the accompanying backtrack, it provides very engaging piano practice!

Slow it Down … Or Speed it Up!

You can control the speed of all lesson materials within the bootcamp section.

You can slow down the backing track or play it at tempo with a simple button click.

Start each new lesson at a slow tempo and gradually increase it once you’ve got it under your fingers.

And you’ll know you have the lesson mastered when you can play the song at tempo with zero mistakes!

Jamming with Others

One of the hardest things to learn as a beginner is how to keep playing, even when you make a mistake.

As a beginner, it’s easy to get into the habit of stopping with each and every mistake.

But consistently stopping makes it challenging to learn to play something from beginning to end. And this habit makes it nearly impossible to play with others.

But one of the great things about Playground Sessions is that the songs all have a backing track, so you learn to keep playing no matter what happens.

You can slow the song down for practice at all 3 bootcamp levels, and I recommend starting out slowly and building up the tempo as you learn the song.

Piano Learning in a Video Game Format

One of the more gratifying features of Playground Sessions is its similarity to a video game.

When the app or desktop version is connected to a keyboard, you get immediate feedback on the accuracy of what you just played.

Take a minute or two to review the feedback and try again for a perfect score.

Although it’s fun to see your score, the ability to review what you played and make corrections is a crucial skill that can be difficult to master in other learning formats.

The program also keeps track of your total score and the amount of time you’ve spent in the app.

And it’s addicting to see your score, practice time increase, and overall piano skill level!

Note Map

If you need clarification about which notes you should be playing, click the button at the upper right-hand of the screen, and the virtual keyboard at the bottom of the screen will light up with the correct notes.

You can choose the right hand, left hand, or both hands.

This feature is helpful if you need help determining where on the keyboard you should be playing.

And you can even watch it through a couple of times and then try playing along.

Emphasis on Playing by Ear

One of the more impressive aspects of Playground Sessions is the early introduction to how to play a song simply by hearing it.

This is a valuable skill that helps all areas of musicianship. It’s helpful for sightreading and even for memorization.

Sometimes it’s a skill that gets bypassed in more traditional methods of learning the instrument because not all teachers have mastered or are comfortable teaching this skill.

Playing by ear is a skill that doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve recently been working hard to foster it.

And in fact, I was first introduced to one of the instructors in the course, David Sides, through his piano solo version of “Apologize” on my favorite Pandora station.

I fell in love with his piano solo and immediately began working on learning it by ear.

And I was very excited to watch David’s video tutorials on playing by ear in the rookie section because he uses “Apologize” as an example in his lessons.

Watching David’s ear training videos gave me insight into how he translates a song into the keyboard.

It also reassured me that I’m on the right path to improving my ear training skills!

How to Practice

Although Playground Sessions doesn’t specifically tell you HOW to practice, it divides each lesson into small sections.

It guides you through playing with each hand separately before putting your hands together.

And in some cases, the course has you work through only a few measures of a song at a time.

Breaking a piece into smaller parts is precisely how piano practice sessions should be approached.

At its core, piano practice is about learning to identify WHAT you need to improve and then figuring out HOW to improve it.

When you take piano lessons, the teacher guides this learning process. Eventually, the goal is for the student to learn how to manage this learning process independently.

And although Playground Sessions doesn’t specifically address these fundamental rules to practice, it does break each lesson into small and manageable sections.

This approach teaches you how to approach new songs by breaking them into smaller sections and mastering those skills before putting them together.

And if you’re interested in diving deeper into piano practice, check out my review of the best piano practice app!

Midi Keyboard Bundle

If you’re brand new to learning the piano, finding an instrument is intimidating.

Playground Sessions removes this barrier by offering a variety of keyboards at different price points, all less than $1,000.

It’s a great way to get started if you have no idea what to look for and don’t want to do much research.

The prices are also very reasonable, especially if you’re still determining whether you’ll want to stick with the piano.

Drawbacks of Playground Sessions

Lack of Instruction on Piano Technique

Correct technique is everything when playing advanced classical piano repertoire.

Incorrect body positioning, holding tension in your forearms, and poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal issues over time.

Although there is a brief discussion about technique at the very beginning of the rookie section, correct technique isn’t emphasized much during Playground Sessions.

If your goal in learning the instrument is to have fun and play a few songs to impress your friends, the lack of instruction on technique isn’t a dealbreaker.

And if you want to become a classical pianist, I recommend one-on-one lessons over learning online anyway.

Instructor Bait and Switch

Many of the Playground Sessions ads I’ve seen feature Harry Connick Jr. or Quincy Jones, but I have yet to encounter them in the lesson materials.

Most instruction in the course comes from Phil Anderson and David Sides rather than Connick or Jones.

In other words, if you hope to learn from Harry Connick Jr., you will be disappointed.

Despite the lack of Connick’s presence in the course, the videos are very high quality. Both Anderson and Sides are relatable and enjoyable to watch.

No Feedback for Acoustic Pianos

Maybe it’s my strong classical piano background, but I’m a diehard acoustic piano fan.

I love how acoustic pianos sound and how they feel to play. I’m fascinated by how they work and have even dabbled in learning how to tune and repair them.

Although I’ve warmed to keyboards and digital pianos over the last couple of years, acoustic is still my ultimate preference.

And this leads me to my biggest issue with Playground Sessions and other online learning programs: the lack of feedback with acoustic instruments.

I understand there’s no way to plug an acoustic in to get the perfect feedback. However, it’s still disappointing to be unable to take advantage of the highly-addictive points system.

And even if you have an acoustic piano, I wouldn’t discourage you from this learning platform because I have yet to find one that gives the same feedback given to digital instruments.

One way to get around this issue is to record yourself while playing. You can then play it back and compare it with the sheet music to determine your accuracy.

Although the program itself won’t track your score, you can learn the fundamental skills of listening and providing your own feedback.

Lack of Advanced Level Material

Playground Sessions is geared towards beginning and intermediate piano students.

Although there is a bootcamp section for advanced students, the material is intermediate level.

Even though there isn’t much explicitly geared toward advanced students, you can still find value in the material, especially if you have a classical background, because of its emphasis on listening and playing by ear.

This is especially true if you hope to play pop music.

But if you want to play advanced classical repertoire, Playground Sessions isn’t your best bet.

Check out this post for the all-time best course on learning classical piano!

Consider Playgrounds Sessions If You:

Want to learn to play the piano but don’t have the time to invest in weekly in-person lessons.
Love pop music and want to learn how to play your favorite songs.
Are interested in learning to play by ear.
Need to take learning the piano at your own pace and have previously excelled in online courses.
Eventually want to play with others or in a band.
Think you want to learn to play but aren’t sure and don’t want to make a huge investment until you know whether you’ll enjoy playing.

Skip Playground Sessions If You:

Want to learn classical piano and aren’t interested in learning pop or rock hits (check out this course instead).
Are an advanced player looking to further your skills in playing classical music.
Want to learn from Harry Connick Jr.
Need accountability from others to keep making progress in your learning.
Are looking for more of an in-depth course on reading sheet music.
Want to learn music theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Playground Sessions offer a free trial?

Yes. You can try it free for 14 days. And the best part is that you can sign up without providing your credit card!

Do you have to know anything about music to sign up for Playground Sessions?

No. The rookie bootcamp lessons begin by assuming you have no previous knowledge of how to play the instrument.

Does Playground Sessions work with an acoustic piano?

Although you can play any of the lessons with an acoustic piano, the program won’t be able to give you feedback on whether the notes are correct.

Playing with an acoustic piano removes the gaming features. However, playing along with the lessons is still entertaining, thanks to the fantastic song selection!

Can piano teachers use Playground Sessions with their students?

Yes! You can create a piano teacher account and track your student’s progress.

Is Playground Sessions geared toward kids or adults?

Although Playground Sessions can be used by kids, it’s designed for ages 12 and up.

You can certainly monitor your kids’ learning while they use the app, but your kids may need your help understanding the lessons.

And unless you also play the piano, it may be challenging for you to give them the help they need.

If you want your kids to learn to play the piano, get them into piano lessons. Find out how to find a great teacher by checking out this post.

Can you use Playground Sessions alongside piano lessons?

I highly recommend signing up for Playground Sessions even if you’re taking private piano lessons.

Playground Sessions is a great way to develop your ear and practice playing different types of songs than you’re likely to play in private lessons.

You can also play for your teacher and get the type of feedback you won’t get from the program. And as an added bonus, you can get feedback from your teacher on technique.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has played piano almost their entire life and as someone who has also given piano lessons, it’s one of the best online piano courses around.

The videos are high-quality, and the lesson materials are helpful. Although you won’t learn from Harry Connick Jr. himself, the instructors are fun and easy to listen to.

Their passion for the instrument is evident and shines through in the course.

Playground Sessions offers an easy-to-follow curriculum and exciting song selections with the added bonus of fun gaming elements.

Plus, it’s completely free to try out!

Give it a try, and let me know your thoughts!

And if you’re looking for more great piano-inspired content, check out the following posts:

1. Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven

2. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy

3. Nocturne in C-Minor by Frédéric Chopin

4. Nocturne in E-Flat Major by Frédéric Chopin

5. Elegie in E-flat Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff

6. Waltz in A Minor by Frédéric Chopin

7. Gymnopedie No. 1 by Erik Satie

8. Liebestraum No. 3 by Franz Liszt

Final Thoughts

Can you really learn to play the piano by reading a book?

Final Thoughts

Prelude in C-Sharp Minor

Elegie in E-Flat Minor

Prelude in G Minor

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor

​Etudes-Tableaux

Vocalise

Variations on a Theme of Chopin

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Piano Concerto No. 3

Final Thoughts

My Piano Background

1. Write down your goals for learning the piano

2. Figure out your ideal learning situation

3. Find a learning method that fits your learning style and goals

4. Buy an instrument

5. Establish a consistent practice routine

6. Join a piano community

7. Learn music theory

8. Practice sight reading skills

9. Start learning to play by ear

10. Incorporate memorizing into your practice routine

11. Master hands separate before putting it all together

12. Play what you love

13. Get some sleep

Final Thoughts

Foster a daily meditation practice

Start a gratitude journal

Look for new experiences

Individualize your fitness journey

Pay attention to the little things that bring joy

Find your ideal work-life balance

Prioritize sleep

Final Thoughts

My Musical Background

The Piano

Types of Pianos

Piano Technique

The Organ

Types of Organs

Organ Technique

Organ vs Piano: Which is Better for You?

Consider the Piano if:

Consider the Organ if:

What is a grand piano?

What is an upright piano?

Baby Grand Pianos

Sound Quality

Physical Features

Cost

Additional Considerations

Upright Pianos

Sound Quality

Physical Features

Cost

Additional Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you buy a piano from Craigslist?

Is it better to buy a new or used piano?

How do you know whether a piano is worth the asking price?

Should you tune a piano yourself?

Are antique pianos valuable?

Final Thoughts

Menuet in G Major BWV114 – Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach

Menuet in G Minor BWV115 – Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach

Prelude in C Major – Johann Sebastian Bach

Piano Sonata in C Major, K545 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Moonlight Sonata – Ludwig van Beethoven

Fur Elise – Ludwig van Beethoven

Waltz in B Minor, Op. 18 No. 6 – Franz Schubert

Etudes-Tableaux