Keyboards / Piano

Caring for your Piano or Keyboard

Caring for your Piano or Keyboard

Piano is one of the most popular musical instruments, and has been so for centuries. There was a time when everyone who could afford it was expected to learn to play the piano. Though this is no longer the case, the piano and the keyboard remain one of the mainstays of Western music. You can find out more about purchasing a keyboard at http://keyboardlessonssingapore.com/choosing-an-instrument-for-your-keyboard-lessons/. Considering how expensive keyboards are, it is imperative to know how to keep them clean and in good shape so that they can be kept in good condition and last for a long time.

Regular cleaning

Whether you have a heavy piano or a lightweight digital keyboard, it is important that you keep it clean. Clean the keys regularly so that dust doesn’t settle in between them, affecting the performance of the piano. Instruments kept out in the open must be dusted every day and cleaned with a solution once a week at least. Instrument that are kept in a case and shielded from the elements can be cleaned after every use. Just by preventing dust from settling on the instrument, you can extensively prolong the life of an instrument. Fun piano lessons are important for your learning curve, but so is knowledge on how to maintain the instrument.

Cleaning cloth

The choice of a cleaning cloth for cleaning the piano must be made carefully. Never use random rags lying around to clean as they might scratch the instrument. Similarly, avoid paper napkins, wet or dry. The cloth used for cleaningmust be soft and pliable. The best cloths for cleaning purposes are chamois, cheesecloth or flannel. Keep a few pieces of this cleaning material handy, exclusively for cleaning the piano and refrain from using them for other purposes. Make sure that the cloth is colour-fast because you don’t want to leave stains while cleaning.

Cleaning material

There are a large number of cleaning materials available in the market, but many of them are too harsh to be used on your piano. It is best to just use plain water with a little soft detergent dissolved in it. Dampen your cloth in the water and rub it over each white key until it is free of dust and fingerprint smudges. Then use another piece of dry cloth and wipe off the moisture completely. Repeat the same procedure for the black keys. Be very careful not to leave any moisture on the keys or allow any water to seep in between the keys as this can harm your keyboard.

Whitening the keys

Gleaming white keys contrasting with the black keys are pure pleasure to observe when you play on a keyboard. Keep these keys in great shape is not always easy. Apart from cleaning them regularly, sometimes you might want to deliberately whiten them. Never use bleach or any kind of corrosive material on the keys. Instead, just buff them up with toothpaste and then wipe them with a damp cloth. Use a dry cloth in the end to prevent moisture from remaining on the keys.

Taking care of your keyboard is essential if you want your instrument to work for a long time. With the help of the above tips, you can have clean, shiny and beautiful instrument,it will be pure pleasure playing the piano. For more information on keyboards and pianos, visit our website at www.keyboardlessonssingapore.com.

 

Preparing for Auditions After Keyboard Lessons

Preparing for Auditions After Keyboard Lessons

As an advanced student, you can begin to play gigs and learn more about the culture of pianos and keyboards and start networking with other students and professionals. Without this very basic way of improving yourself, you will be unable to progress much farther in your pursuit of a musical career. But you are highly unlikely to land a gig without some formal preparation, and that would most likely involve auditioning. Here’s how to prepare for one!

Mental & Physical preparation

Nothing is more important than mental and physical preparation. Even if you know everything else, an exhausted and tired mind or body will lead you to perform badly in any kind of test or audition. Eat well balanced and nutritious meals and drink lot of water in order to derive the energy required for this. Sleep well the night before the audition. Far more battles have been lost due to lack of sleep than anything else. Exercise and meditate to put your mind at ease. Dress well in your favorite clothes so that you will feel confident. Follow a routine that puts you at ease and keeps you healthy and fit, and you will automatically take an important audition in your stride.

Practice in less ideal environments

So now that you have finished a certain level with your keyboard lessons in Singapore, you realize how much you have learned and how things have changed in both how you perceive the lessons and how you are taught as you gain more and more knowledge. For more information on this subject, check out this article: http://keyboardlessonssingapore.com/keyboard-lessons-change-get-advanced/. Now that you know how you have changed, you can push yourself even further and try to practice in less than ideal environments so that you can perform well under any adverse conditions, always a plus point when it comes to giving auditions.

Take all your documents

Some people might ask you to bring your documentation along, but most will not specify it as a requirement. However, by taking all your documents and being able to present it as and when required leaves an excellent impression. These include copies of all your musical qualification certificates, a résumé, and a business card, if you have one. Also take a couple of photographs in case you quickly have to sign a contract. You never know! Make sure that the documentation you provide has your current residential address, email address, and phone number. If not, provide it separately.

Consider taking your own keyboard      

Ask about the instruments provided during the audition and find out whether it is possible for you to take your own gear along. The fact that you are most familiar with your own keyboard would be a huge advantage during auditions. It is also possible that if you are not familiar with the type of keyboard provided during the audition, you might fumble at first, leaving a bad impression – something you want to avoid at all cost. If at all possible, use your own keyboard during auditions as in addition to the above, it also provides a higher level of comfort.

Preparing for auditions scares many people, but it need not be the case. With a little planning and attention to detail, it can become really an interesting part of your musical career. For learning more about taking advanced piano lessons and preparing for a career as a pianist, consult http://keyboardlessonssingapore.com/, a great resource for budding musicians in Singapore.

 

Choosing an Instrument for Your Keyboard Lessons

Choosing an Instrument for Your Keyboard Lessons

Now that you have decided to take up playing the keyboard, you need to look at buying one for yourself. With any musical instrument, it is good to have one of your own, whether purchased brand new, used, or rented. It helps you develop your music style when you practise on your own apart from any keyboard lessons you take. Before purchasing a keyboard, you need to consider a few points and you need to be very careful because good keyboards can be quite expensive.

How do you plan to use the keyboard?
This is a question you need to ask yourself before you even begin to look at the different options available to you. Do you want to play professionally? Do you want to be graded and prepare for exams on a formal basis? Do you want to learn how to play so you can play with your friends? Or is it just going to be a part time hobby for you? Is this all about just doing something new rather than a serious musical aspiration? The answers to these questions should help you determine whether to buy a more professional and expensive keyboard or to buy an inexpensive one.

Acoustic or digital?
There are different kinds of keyboards available, and you must make yourself aware of them all before making a purchase. Your first choice would be whether to go for an acoustic or a digital keyboard. They both have their own advantages and it really is up to you to decide which suits your needs better. Many enthusiasts feel that acoustic keyboards sound better, but digital ones have far more features that you might want to consider while making a decision.

Branding is important
If you plan to buy a keyboard of any kind, make sure that it is a good and reputed brand. There are many generic companies selling keyboards and many of them are good, but it is still good to go with a well-established brand for various reasons. It is easier to get your keyboard serviced if you buy from a reputed company. It also has a better resale value if, for some reason, you want to sell your keyboard.

What about synthesizers?
Synthesizers are keyboards that produce a large variety of sounds, either by reproducing from other musical instruments or by creating electronic sounds. Synthesizers are highly sophisticated instruments and offers a variety of options such as the facility of connecting to a computer, programming your own sounds, music sequencing, recording, etc., which would be useful only if you plan to take, In Singapore, keyboard classes professionally.

Buy within your budget
Keyboards can be very expensive but if you really know what exactly you need, it would be a good investment for a musical future. If you want to buy a sophisticated keyboard, check out the financing options from the store. If you are a beginner and are not yet ready to invest in an expensive keyboard, you can buy a used one. There are also many stores that offer you rental schemes for keyboards. These can be much cheaper and within your budget, especially to start with.

Choosing a nice keyboard that you love and enjoy using is ultimately the important thing for any music enthusiast. It is an even more exhilarating feeling when you get an instrument for starting keyboard tutorials as a beginner. But by keeping the above points in mind, you will also be assured that you have bought the right instrument for you.

How To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Keyboard Lessons Teacher For Your Child

How To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Keyboard Lessons Teacher For Your Child

As a parent, it is a given fact that you are willing to devote time and energy in providing the best for your child. You will leave no stone unturned in searching for the best keyboard lessons teacher for your child.

Indeed, it is confusing to weigh the pros and cons of each and every teacher candidate. However, there are some tell-tale signs that would indicate that a teacher may not just be the right fit.

Here are some of the common pitfalls or mistakes in choosing a keyboard teacher:

 

  1. The Price Is Not Always Right. It is understandable that parents are budget conscious. Of course, you want your hard-earned money to produce the best results. However, you tend to get easily lured by someone who offers their services at a cheaper price. It is not wise to jump the gun on the teacher offering the lowest rate. Investigate. Ask questions that would give you an indication of the teacher’s skills, methods, achievements, and his effectivity. This does not mean though that low rate equals low quality. Check on a teacher who charges a higher rate; then compare. Use your best judgment on who you think can satisfy your requirements and can provide long-term progress for your child.

 

  1. Credential And Ability Are Not Two Peas In A Pod. When a prospective teacher turns over a brilliant resume, you may have the tendency to think that he’s ‘the one’. But hold on to your horses. Impressive credentials do not always yield astonishing results. The ability to teach effectively is more often, evident in the teacher’s rapport with the student. This quality cannot be captured by a list of achievements alone. Have an in-depth interview with the teacher and ask him how he can motivate your child to learn and achieve.

 

  1. The Nearer is Not Always the Better. Proximity or location cannot be your sole criteria in hiring a keyboard teacher. Convenience does matter, but there might be a better teacher who is just 10 or 20 minutes away and is definitely worth the trip.

 

  1. Oldies Are Not Always Goodies. Classical pieces are not always the most effective way to use in teaching keyboard lessons. Singapore students are highly encouraged by their teachers to select music pieces that jive with their personal tastes in music. In this way, students find familiar pieces more interesting, fun, and easier to learn.

 

  1. Fun and Learning Do Not Mix. Steer clear from a teacher who still abides by this archaic principle of teaching. Learning becomes more effective when a child is relaxed and motivated. Making lessons fun, enjoyable, and interesting facilitates a better learning experience.

 

As American psychiatrist Karl A. Menninger once said: “What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” A keyboard lesson teacher may possess great skills as a keyboard player or performer. He may have superior knowledge on music theory. Yet all these are of no use when he cannot effectively pass on that knowledge to your child. Find a teacher who can empathize with your child’s needs and motivate him to be passionate about his craft.

Deciding Between Acoustic and Electronic For Your Keyboard Lessons

Deciding Between Acoustic and Electronic For Your Keyboard Lessons

There is no question that even if you are just a beginner in any artistic or even athletic field, you will need good equipment. Things are just easier and more convenient when you are equipped with good tools. You want to be a good baller? You don’t play in cheap shoes, right? You want your keyboard lessons to be better and easier? Then let us look at the instrument choices you can make.

Acoustic

Acoustic piano should always your first option. The sound that comes from real strings being struck by the hammer of an acoustic piano cannot be compared or reproduced by any synthesized instrument, even by the best electronic keyboard your money can buy. The weight of the keys when you play them also gives you an experience that is really responsive, which makes the feeling more satisfying.

The main argument against an acoustic piano is that it can be a bit pricey. The price ranges in the thousands of dollars and much more if you want a grand, or even just a baby grand piano.

If you are just beginning your keyboard lessons, Singapore can offer you a start with an electronic keyboard first.

Electric Keyboard

Although the sound cannot exactly replicate that of an acoustic piano, there are some good electric keyboards that are decent enough to the not so discerning listener or player. There are even electric keyboards with weighted keys, to simulate the experience of an acoustic piano.

If you do not have access to an acoustic piano, you should opt for the keyboard with weighted keys. This type will prepare you for advancement to a big piano, as it exercises and strengthens your fingers and hands. It also feels more like a baby grand piano.

Try to get keyboards with the standard 88 keys, as this gives you the full range of seven octaves. But obviously, these are more expensive than the most common 61-key keyboards. With the 61 keys, you will need to make adjustments in your playing, as this removes the first and last octave in the spread.

Despite the very small compromise on the sound, the electronic variety has a number of advantages over the acoustic. For one, they never get out of tune so you will never have to pay a piano tuner. Another plus is that since it is electronic, you can set it up to connect to a computer or other external equipment or gadget and you can play around with the sounds using applications or programs designed to enhance, distort, or synthesize the tunes.

Another pro for the electronic keyboard is that it is not as noisy as an acoustic piano. The volume control permits you to lower it down to a level that it does not disturb the people who are in the same room. And if the lowest level is still too loud, you can plug in earphones and listen to your playing by yourself.

An acoustic piano is definitely a great way for a beginner to start keyboard lessons on. If you can get it, then you should go for it. But an electronic keyboard is an excellent tool too, and it has its own advantages, and prepares you to move on to an acoustic piano later on.

Questions to Consider When Hiring a Keyboard Teacher

Questions to Consider When Hiring a Keyboard Teacher

 

When you want to learn the keyboard, one of the major decisions you have to make is how and whom to choose as a teacher. For some, it is made easier because they already know someone or their parents already are keyboard performers, but for most people, finding a keyboard teacher is a huge task, since it can be difficult to ascertain whether they are going to be compatible with you or not. Following are some questions you can ask to determine whether the teacher with whom you are proposing to study with will work for you or not.

Formal qualifications – This is generally a must-ask question since degrees and certifications will easily help you ascertain the teacher’s level of proficiency.

Teaching experience – Your keyboard teacher might hold the highest qualifications, but if they don’t have teaching skills, they might not be a good teacher. Ask for how many years they have been teaching the instrument and then ask for some references, from whom you can find out more details.

Performance experience – If you are looking at learning the keyboard to later perform professionally, it will be helpful for you to have a teacher who already gives public performances. This will help you to gain contacts and enter the performance scene yourself. In addition, teachers who are also performers will be able to guide you better when it comes to issues such as performance anxiety, how to deal with management, etc.

Materials – Find out what books and materials the teacher uses to teach the keyboard. Some materials are very expensive, so it is a good idea to know what you would be expected to spend before committing to it. Some teachers also provide their own material, which will be included in the price of the tuition. Find out all these details before signing up.

Type of music – The keyboard is an instrument that can be used in different styles of music, but you may not necessarily want to learn all the styles. Most students generally opt for a particular genre of music in which they are interested. Ensure that the teacher has experience and knowledge in that genre.

Keyboard – A most important question you need to ask is whether the teacher would provide the keyboard or whether you must have your own. If you are taking group keyboard lessons and the teacher is providing their own instrument, you must also find out whether you shall have an instrument all to yourself or whether you would have to share with other students, and if so, how many per instrument. All these are extremely relevant questions because it will affect the quality of your learning.

Teaching methods – A keyboard teacher will only teach you the technique and help assess your performance on a regular basis. The bulk of the practicing and learning will have to be done by the student outside class hours. So, homework is an important tool in your musical progress. Discuss with the teacher how much they expect you to practice at home and what kind of assignments they give for home practice. Assess whether you have the time to do all this because otherwise you will not be able to gain your full potential from the lessons.

With the above seven questions, you will generally have a detailed understanding of the keyboard tutorials. Singapore has many teachers who will be happy to discuss these questions with you before you begin a long-term student and teacher relationship.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Keyboard Lessons

Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Keyboard Lessons

 

Like with everything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to taking group lessons, but when it comes to learning the keyboard, there are some further specifications to be considered. Keyboard as an instrument is rather unique in how it is played in general, so the requirements for keyboard classes might be slightly different than for other musical instruments. Let us take a quick look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of group lessons in this context.

Advantages

  • Students learning the keyboard or piano in a group learn how to socialise and it might help them retain interest in continuing with piano lessons even during tough times. Having friends who are also into music is a great way to ensure that you remain dedicated and interested.
  • Group learning is fun. Practising with other students becomes a way of life and it helps in gaining more perspective, especially if they offer constructive criticism to each other. With plenty of group activities, you can even help each other long past the initial stages.
  • One major advantage of group lessons is that they are generally cheaper than private lessons since teachers don’t have to invest the same time in group lessons. This difference can actually be pretty high. So if money is an important consideration, then choose group lessons, especially at the beginning when you haven’t yet learned your way around the musical world.
  • Finally, group lessons help with the networking aspect that is always an important facet of learning to play the piano professionally. If you are looking at a long-term career playing the keyboard, then these opportunities for networking can come in pretty useful. Over time and learning with different groups, your network of music lovers will also increase.

Disadvantages

  • Keyboard musicians are never required to perform in a choir with other keyboard performers. This takes away the necessity of having them learn how to play together in a chorus. There is no advantage of learning how to play in a group environment since they would never be called upon to do so professionally.
  • Group lessons on the piano or keyboard usually end up with one student playing while the others cluster around. Most teachers take small groups of 4 to 5 students but they only have one keyboard to be used per class. This kind of learning doesn’t go far because it takes you far longer to get familiar with the instrument.
  • There are some students who simply learn better in a private environment on a one-to-one basis. It is more difficult for them to connect to the teacher in a group learning environment. Most keyboard teachers too will not be able to assess students as effectively in this option. Providing a standardised teaching might not suit the requirements of some students who fall behind due to lack of personalised attention.
  • Group lessons are not flexible. In case you fall sick or get too busy at work, you cannot just stop practising for a few days and then pick it up again. You will fall incredibly behind and will have to catch up on your own. This will put pressure on you to quickly learn things in a short time, something with which you might not feel comfortable.

In view of the above, the choice of opting for a group or individual keyboard lessons lie in your own hands according to your convenience. Just be sure to consider all aspects of the situation before making a final choice.

Questions To Ask Your Keyboard Teacher

Questions To Ask Your Keyboard Teacher

An obviously frustrated mother writes, “All day it’s ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars’. My daughter has been doing lessons for two weeks now, and she just plays that song over and over the whole day. Is her keyboard teacher really helping in my daughter’s progress?”

This frustration is more common than we think. It is apparent that one of the usual causes of slow learning progress is because we don’t get the right teacher for our children. So when it comes to music lessons, particularly on keyboards, how do we find a good teacher? Here are a few questions you can ask that will help you determine if you are sending your child to a good keyboard teacher:

  1. What is your professional experience?

A lot of music coaches boast of a good educational background in music, and some even have master’s degrees. But is that enough credential? We must not be easily impressed by these things, and instead focus on their actual experience.

 

Find somebody who has played professionally, as they have more to offer in terms of techniques and styles, but also make sure they have done a lot of teaching before. Find the balance between educational and professional backgrounds, but consider them equally important.

 

  1. How do you set goals for my child?

It is important that the teacher understands what you want your child to accomplish, and then sets his own goals for your child’s lessons. Almost all teachers have some sort of a structure of teaching, and outline of lessons that they follow. That is all very well, but make sure your teacher has enough flexibility and willingness to change and adapt their lessons according to your child’s style and progress.

 

This will ensure that your child will not get stuck too long in one lesson, and that you will not have the same frustration as the mother mentioned earlier.

 

  1. Am I allowed to join my child during your lessons?

If your child is in a way already independent, then you won’t have this problem. However, a lot of times children feel more assured and confident when they see their Mom or Dad around, especially at the first few sessions with their teacher.

 

Some teachers prefer that you do not get too involved during lessons, and they think that your child will just get distracted. There are also other teachers and methods that asks parents direct involvement, not only on home practice but during the lesson itself. Make sure the teacher understands your child’s need and be adaptive to it.

 

  1. Are your lessons both productive and enjoyable?

If you ask this question to a teacher, it will be difficult to find somebody who will say, “No.” Of course they will say that their classes are fun and dynamic, so it is quite a challenge to find out if it is true. Rather than asking the question directly, allow yourself to spend some time with the teacher personally.

 

Do they look like they genuinely like children? How is their sense of humor? Do they have a can-do positive attitude? Do they have a temper? Your child’s music instructor should be their coach, and must be able to inspire and make the lessons fun for them

 

Make sure you get to interview your child’s potential keyboard teacher. Do not rush into a decision. More important than your child learning to play the keyboard is that they get a wonderful experience out of it.

Tips for Beginners Before Starting Keyboard Lessons

Tips for Beginners Before Starting Keyboard Lessons

 

Keyboards are the most popular musical instruments in the western tradition. Though the piano is the most popular and well-known of all keyboard instruments, there are a large number of them such as the accordion, harmonium, synthesiser, etc. They all have the same pattern of keys and learning one instrument should be helpful in learning the others. Before taking formal keyboard classes from a teacher, you should dabble a little first. Here are a few things you could do to start off your musical career.

Decide the type of keyboard

There are different types of keyboards. While each keyboard instrument has similarities to one another, they are each also uniquely different in several aspects. So randomly learning a keyboard, while beneficial overall, is not advisable if you are considering a career in a specific instrument. The first step is to choose the type of keyboard you want to learn. There are many choices, the most popular and classic being the piano. Even in the piano, there are different types of pianos, so you have your work of choosing cut out for you!

Buy a keyboard

A keyboard instrument in the home is essential for learning. While you can learn a lot from a good teacher, it is only with practice that you can improve your playing. Besides, with an instrument at hand before you start formal keyboard tutorials, it will be easier for you to explore it and get the feel of it. If you are going for a piano or an instrument that requires space, make sure you have the space for it at home, or choose another instrument that you can install at home. It is better to begin well and have all bases covered than to later have problems cropping up one by one.

Learn the basics

The first step to learning a keyboard instrument is to learn the basics about the instrument itself. Learn about the key patterns and understand what the black and white keys do. Every note on a keyboard instrument is represented within a 12-note octave. You will have to master this before moving on. The next step is to learn what the notes look like and what the symbols represent in terms of actual sounds. Learn about the parts of the keyboard and how it functions, how to press the pedal (for pianos), and how to develop your touch for best effect.

Basic musical background

When it comes to music, it is always good to have some knowledge in more than one instrument. It also pays off to have some basic voice training. If you already know something about music and have developed an ear for sound, you will find it easier to learn a keyboard instrument. For this end, make sure that you begin to dabble in music by handling instruments, attending concerts and listening to different types of music.

Find a good teacher

Having a good teacher to teach you would increase the pace of your learning and teach you the intricate techniques of playing. Receiving constant feedback will help you improve faster and deal with mistakes before they become an annoying habit. Moreover, a good teacher can also help in motivating you to practise and enjoy your music by making it fun for you.

Considering that different types of keyboard instruments are an essential component of both classical and modern music, it is a good idea to learn one of these instruments. Do some research, discover what suits you best, find a good teacher and then go ahead and take keyboard lessons.

Biggest Myths That Hold You Back From Taking Keyboard Lessons

Biggest Myths That Hold You Back From Taking Keyboard Lessons

 

It is common for parents to encourage their children to learn to play a musical instrument at an early age.  Thus, when someone intends to study an instrument during their adult years, doubts and hesitations start to crawl in.  Some people begin to think they may be a bit too old to take up keyboard lessons.  But did you know that many of these beliefs are just myths?  You may have heard these from others, or may hold on to these misconceptions yourself.

 

Here some of the most popular myths on keyboard lessons.  You may have heard these ‘voices’ in your head that chain you to such negative beliefs:

 

  1. “I’m too old” or  “It’s too late”
  1. “I’ll be the oldest student learning to play keyboards” :  Playing music comes from the heart.  Learning is not to be measured from your age number.  Do not let embarrassment keep you from taking beginner keyboard classes.  It is for your own enjoyment, not theirs.
  2. Children learn faster:  The reality that children are more receptive to learn new things is not based on their age.  Learning progress is contingent to the brain’s ability to focus.  Most adults are bogged down by stress, impatience, frustrations, and distractions.  While kids do not hold as much mental clutter. The desire and the focus to learn is parallel to one’s state of mind. Hence, kids absorb more new learning concepts.
  3. You have to start young: Neural stimulation is the key that would unlock your potential to learn keyboards. Your exposure to these stimuli could mark a difference in your musical intelligence. Both children and adults who has had ample exposure to activities like sports, dancing, or the arts both progress well with keyboard lessons.

 

  1. “I’m too busy to practice”
  1. Busy schedule / Have other priorities: This is the often heard excuse or lament, especially from working adults.  Proper time management is the answer.  You have got to identify and set aside a practice schedule.
  2. Practice is tiring: If you really love playing music, practicing would not feel like a chore. Yes, it demands physically effort, yet you feel the reward and fulfillment from the inside.
  3. “I have to practice long hours without breaks” :  On the contrary, practicing at short intervals work best.  These brief bursts of focused, uninterrupted, and undistracted practice trumps those extended hours, in terms of effectivity.

    3. “I don’t have long and slender fingers”: When it comes to fingers and hand size and shape, long and slender fingers do not get an advantage.  Although, some say that long fingers often get ‘tangled-up’ on the keys. Hence, they have the tendency to commit more mistakes.  Yet this not a proven fact.  You can overcome those genetic ‘obstacles’ with consistent practice on how your fingers could smoothly maneuver its way on the keyboards.

 

 

These myths about keyboard lessons have been so ingrained into the culture that people now accept them as truths. Due to this, passions are restrained; dreams are crushed. The so-called late bloomers have consigned themselves to be labeled as ‘frustrated’ pianists or keyboard players.  Don’t let this happen to you.  It’s not too late. Now you know the truth, it’s time to break free.

How To Prevent Body Injuries Caused By Bad Habits During Keyboard Lessons

How To Prevent Body Injuries Caused By Bad Habits During Keyboard Lessons

Playing the keyboards may look ‘harmless’ from a spectator’s point of view.  Yet keyboard players are at risk of having hand and other body injuries. It starts with improper executions until it becomes a habit.  During keyboard lessons, you are taught ‘healthy’ playing techniques.  However, keyboard players still fall into the trap of acquiring bad habits.

 

Are you guilty of committing these bad habits? Here are the tell-tale signs:

  1. Your fingers, wrists arms, and elbows are tensed and rigid.
  2. Cramming:  You haven’t practiced for such a long time. Now that you have an upcoming performance, you get into panic mode and cram for your practice sessions.
  3. Bad posture:
  • slouching
  • raised shoulders
  • elbows are placed too close or too far from your body
  • knuckles are too low or placed below wrist level
  • wrists are not aligned with the keyboard — too high or too low wrist position
  • psychological stress, anxiety, and negativity
  • not resting or taking small breaks during practice sessions
  1. Pressing the keys by using your fingers only:
    • causes muscle strain in your entire arm
    • produces a ‘hammering’ or pounding sound

 

If you do not heed the advice of your keyboard teachers, you may start feeling these warning signals:

  1. Stinging pain around the hand and wrist area
  2. Fingers and arms may feel numb and weak
  3. Lack of blood circulation
  4. Pain extending to the forearms
  5. Cold hands
  6. Soreness in the shoulder and/ or neck area.

 

An ounce of prevention…nip it in the bud…Your hands and body can heal with these best practices:

  1. Rest and relax. Refrain from playing when your hands are sore or in pain.
  2. Gradually resume playing. Take it slow. Your injury will only get worse if you push yourself too hard.
  3. Practice regularly. Yes, you can practice every day but take intermittent breaks.
  4. Do simple stretching and warm-up exercises before playing your actual pieces.
  5. Take on an exercise routine to increase blood circulation. It helps nourish your muscles and tendons.
  6. Strengthen your stamina.  Your overall body strength and resistance would help your body tackle the long hours and the physical strain from playing and practicing.
  7. Reduce the use of the computer.  Pounding on the keyboard, clicking on the mouse, and spending long hours gazing into the screen is a keyboardist’s worst enemy.  It could cause neck strain and carpal tunnel syndrome, due to the hands’ repetitive movements.
  8. Treat yourself to a day at the sauna. The heat and the steam serve as a natural relaxant for your tired muscles. And yes, it soothes the mind too.
  9. Play with a smile.  Smiling or enjoying what you do eases the tension.  It releases ‘happy hormones’ that have natural healing powers on the body.

 

The legendary classical pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff uttered these sad words when was told that he would never be able to play again: “My dear hands… Farewell, my poor hands.”  Suffering this fate not only affects your hands, but your spirit as well.  Make the most out of your keyboard lessons by imbibing good keyboard playing habits. Take good care of your hands. It is the outward expression of your musical spirit.

Keyboard Lessons: What Are The Benefits?

Keyboard Lessons: What Are The Benefits?

“What are the benefits?” is a question frequently asked of teachers and seasoned musicians alike by people considering taking up the keyboard. Let’s be totally frank here; the benefits associated with undertaking keyboard lessons are plentiful. You will certainly not regret investing your time and money in learning a new instrument! Let’s have a look at some of the key benefits…

The power to transform your outlook

Undoubtedly the biggest benefit to learning the keyboard is the transformation you are bound to see in both your mental outlook and overall relaxation levels.

Mastering a new instrument which sees you make palpable progress week after week during your lessons will give you a sense of worthy accomplishment which will boost your self esteem and confidence and give you the power to push yourself further and further. This new sense of motivation and striving for change is bound to transpose across other areas of your life too.

Playing the keyboard is known to have a great effect on your ability to relax and give you a new sense of perspective. Music is a powerful tool to combat depression and stress and your keyboard lessons will provide you with the tools you need to overhaul your life in this way.

Trophy cabinet

Once your lessons are underway, you and your teacher may decide to prepare you for grade examinations or performances and recitals. It’s a great feeling to acquire good exam results and is a fantastic achievement to include on your resume or college application. Many studies show that prospective employees with evidence of their musical talent are more attractive to employers than those who don’t play an instrument.

As well as grade examinations, you can sign up for festivals and competitions which give you a chance to show off your skills, win prizes and accrue some constructive criticism. All this is bound to improve both your performance technique and your confidence in playing the keyboard.

Musical appreciation

It’s a well known fact that people who play an instrument, including the keyboard, are much better able to appreciate the complexities and intricacies of music. Whether it’s thrash metal or classical orchestras that interest you, you will find that your lessons will open you up to a new world of knowledge and skills which will take your music listening to the next level.

The keyboard is a great instrument for giving you a solid baseline for which to master other instruments too. Once you have undertaken lessons and have acquired an excellent understanding of the instrument and your required technique, you will be in a perfect position to consider learning to play more niche instruments – the oboe, say, or perhaps the double bass! It is totally up to you as to how you choose to make the most of your new skills and musical opportunities.

As we have seen, there are multiple benefits to starting keyboard lessons. If you want to improve your outlook on life, improve your resume and improve your musical appreciation – you know what to do!