Piano Lessons in Jackson, NJ
Learn to Play Piano at Any Age
Friday, December 2, 2022 by Elena Papavero | Benefits Piano Lessons
Learning Piano as an Adult? It's Never Too Late!
Learn to play the piano...one of the most common New Year's resolutions of all time...right up there with learning French or being more strict with your diet.
And the excuses are equally typical aren't they? No time to practice, not enough money for lessons, or even worse, think you're too old?
Some of these reasons are valid of course, but age is definitely not one of them!
You can learn to play the piano at any point in your life, whether it's in your teens busy with school, in your forties when you're focusing on getting that promotion, or even in your retirement when you perhaps feel you don't always have the energy.
Some students may prefer to start with the theory of music as they feel will learn quicker if they can start with a foundation of music theory, such as how to read sheet music, or even just studying the keys of the piano.
Others will gravitate toward a more practical approach. They will feel like they are understanding the process better if they can actually play the notes or even learn a short melody.
Whichever way you want to approach it, there are several advantages to taking piano lessons as an adult.
Any Age Is a Good Age
Of course, arguments can be made that younger students learn faster, and it's not totally untrue.
However, that doesn't automatically mean that the older you get, the harder it is to take piano lessons. Some people have a natural inclination to music no matter their age, while other simply need to approach the learning process in a different way. You simply have to make the time!
Older May Even Be Better
Many teachers would also argue that you may be better at learning things as an adult because you've had time to develop your own personality and style.
Younger students can often be dismissive of things they don't enjoy or they may feel like they've been forced into it too. If you've made the active choice to book and pay for piano lessons because you're genuinely interested, you're much more likely to make the effort to retain the knowledge you've gained, as well as put in the necessary practice.
You Can Always Find the Time
Learning to play the piano, or any instrument for that matter, is no different than any other task in your life. If it's important enough, you'll find the time for it.
Whether it's actual piano lessons or just some casual practice, you need to work these things into your routine. Ten minutes of practice every morning is better than one hour squeezed in on a Sunday night when you should be in bed.
If you can schedule the time to sit down at the piano every day, no matter how little or how much, it will vastly improve your playing and help to cement the knowledge in your mind. But as with any new student, it won't come automatically, especially your muscle memory, which is so important when it comes to learning to play piano and other practical components of playing music.
Commitment is Key
Often, children will resent their piano lessons because they feel as though they have no choice in the matter. One of the many advantages of learning as an adult is the fact that you make the decision to learn yourself, which can make the end result a lot more rewarding, especially when you reach the stage when you can play with confidence.
Adults also have more control over their schedule and if you start lessons, you need to be able to commit time to them, especially your practise time. This is made much easier if you're not answerable to anyone with regards to your free time.
Your Teacher Can Also Be Your Peer
When learning something new as an adult, there is a good chance that your teacher may be the same age as you. I've always seen this as a plus because you can have an open discussion with your teacher about what you want and how you'd like to approach the learning process.
If you'd like to play a song as quickly as possible, as a way to boost your confidence, you can discuss this approach with your teacher. You can also consider finding a different teacher if you feel the style of teaching or the personalities involved aren't working. You are, after all, the one paying for the piano lessons too, so if you're not happy, you can speak your mind.
There Won't Have To Be Any Deadlines
Taking any lessons as an adult, whether it's for cooking, a language or an instrument, doesn't have to mean strict deadlines as they might if you were a child. The syllabus for a child often adheres to a school year, for example.
For an adult, you can learn at your own pace, fitting your piano lessons into your own schedule and you can decide when you want to slow things down or speed them up, all depending on your progress or what's happening in your life.
Ultimately, taking piano lessons as an adult has the potential to be a lot more fun than taking them as a child. Naturally, the more time you have to practice the better, but that doesn't mean that you will reach an age when it's too late for you to start. The most important thing is to find a teacher that you learn well with and that you have a good time. If you can find some friends to practise with, even better.
Pick a Style
If you still have any doubts about whether or not you can learn to play the piano, do some research into the style of piano music that you like and find a piece that you'd like to learn. Speak to your prospective teacher about making that piece your goal and they can help you to plan your piano lessons and practise around that goal.
This will not only motivate you but it will help you make a habit of fitting the piano into your schedule. Once you've made it a good habit, you'll have a lifelong hobby which will bring you endless joy.
by Joseph Evans
Free Pianos: Are They Worth It?
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 by Elena Papavero | Buying a Piano
Considerations when thinking of obtaining a free piano.
Free Pianos: Are They Worth It?
Guide to Buying a Piano
Sunday, November 6, 2022 by Elena Papavero | Buying a Piano
Guide to Buying a Piano
Any student wanting to learn an instrument will need to invest in having their own instrument for practice during the week. Without applying the information learned at the lesson during the week, progress will be stunted. Students who practice progress more quickly!
When searching for pianos, we know the options can become overwhelming! I recognize that the quality of the instrument needed may change as a student progresses; therefore, I have shared multiple options at a variety of price points. I hope the pros and cons have shared will help you make the right decision for your needs!
Types of Pianos
There are three basic types of pianos:
1. Acoustic Pianos are the largest and most expensive but also the best when it comes to developing piano skills. Acoustic pianos include upright and grand designs.
2. Digital Pianos are smaller, more portable, less expensive, and many are able to closely mirror the sound and touch of acoustic pianos. Digital pianos can be purchased with a cabinet-style console, enhancing the aesthetics and mimicking an acoustic instrument.
3. Electronic Keyboards are the most cost-effective option, however, sometimes they include less keys (which limits repertoire) and they may not have resistance (weighted-keys). These differences make transferring skills to a digital or acoustic piano more difficult. I do not recommend these for my students.
For each type of piano, have shared pros and cons to consider when choosing the right instrument for your student and your family!
Acoustic Pianos
Acoustics instruments are made of real wood and real strings, producing the highest quality sound and touch. If you are looking for an acoustic upright or grand piano, I highly recommend visiting the Freehold Music Piano Center.
I am happy to help Pianorama students choose their piano.
Pros
Aesthetics: Acoustics instruments, in our opinion, are simply the most beautiful option.
Cons
Tuning: Acoustic instruments are vulnerable to humidity and temperature fluctuations. To keep your piano in tune, it has to be tuned about 1-2 times every year by a professional (usually ranging from $100-$200 per visit).
Stationary: Acoustic pianos are not easily moved. If you are planning to move to another home soon you may want to consider the cost of moving (approximately $200-$500). Additionally, if your child spends time between 2 homes or travels often, a portable instrument may be a better choice.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are created to closely resemble acoustic instruments and the ones recommended below have 88 weighted keys and wonderful reviews! Additionally some include a cabinet-style console.
While it’s impossible to fully replicate the experience of playing on an acoustic piano, it is certainly okay to start learning on a digital piano. In fact, a high quality digital piano can be much better than playing a poor quality acoustic piano.
Pros
Volume Control: Digital instruments have both volume control and a headphone jack to allow a student to practice and not disturb others.
Digital-Only Features: Digital pianos often include multiple sound options, recording features, and versatility in changing the key of the music (transposing).
Cons
Power Source Needed: Consider where you are wanting to place your piano in your home and if there is a close by power source to plug it in.
Repair: While digital pianos do not require regular tuning and maintenance, like all technological things, they can still break or stop working.
My favorite brands for digital pianos are Korg, Yamaha and Casio. I have listed my recommendations below from most affordable to most expensive. Compare the features to decide which is the best model for you!
Korg B2
Yamaha P71 (this is an Amazon-only item, the equivalent model is the P45)
Roland FP10
Casio PX860 BK Privia
Yamaha YDP-S34 Arius
See this site for reliable reviews
https://azpianonews.blogspot.com/2018/03/digital-pianos-under-1000-review-report-2018.html
Piano Accessories
If the option you chose to purchase does not include a bench, pedal, or stand these are the ones I use and recommend. I prefer benches with storage, weighted pedals that will not slide on the floor and a stand that allows good placement of feet (not an x-
M-Audio SP 2 - Universal Sustain Pedal
Liquid Stands Piano Keyboard Stand - Z Style Adjustable and Portable Heavy Duty Music Stand for Kids and Adults -Fits 54-88 Key Electric Pianos - Sturdy Musical Keyboard Stand
Thank you for taking time to read my recommendations and I hope you will find the right instrument that best fits your budget and your needs.
If you have any questions or need additional assistance, just reach out - I am here to help.
