Thinking about moving? Remember your piano is more than just a piece of furniture. Without proper handling the delicate mechanisms can be damaged. Make sure you trust your piano to a qualified piano mover. Ordinary furniture movers are not piano movers. This great article by Josh Riverside points the way...
NYC Piano Movers
By Josh Riverside
Specialists in the field of moving, piano movers are experts in moving different kinds of pianos. They have experts to pack the instrument, will shift it carefully, transport it by trucks specially fitted for moving pianos, deliver the instrument, unpack it, and tune it for free.
Since piano moving needs technical know-how, the movers are specially trained and know in detail the different parts of a piano as well as its workings. A specialized service, piano movers charge higher rates than furniture movers but offer guarantees. While the spinet, console, studio upright, and the upright grand can be moved whole, instruments like the baby grand, and concert pianos need to be dismantled from their legs, wrapped in blankets and placed on a piano or skid board.
Most piano moving companies are tech savvy and your consignment can be tracked while in transit. The service is fully insured and experienced movers use state of the art moving equipment to move delicates like pianos.
Movers will place a piano on a piano board, cover it with blankets, and strap the piano securely to the board. Then a dolly is used to move the piano over level surfaces to the stairway or truck. Down a stairway the dolly is removed and the piano on the board is slid slowly down or up the stairs. Great control is needed on ensure that the piano does not gather speed and runaway from the movers. When moving a piano to homes on higher floors a mover will use a hoist rather than take the instrument by the stairs. The preferred alternative is a freight lift.
The way to find the ideal piano mover is by word of mouth, ask other piano owners, your technician, or a piano dealer to recommend a reliable mover. Reliable piano movers will be experts and answer all your questions and clear doubts willingly they know how worried a piano owner will be.
The mover will charge either by an hourly rate or a flat rate computed by considering type of piano, distance being moved, difficulty in moving, equipment and workforce required, and schedule. As a concerned owner you must check about licenses, insurance, hidden costs, as well as guarantees.
NYC Movers provides detailed information on NYC Movers, Bad NYC Movers, Flat Rate Movers In NYC, NYC Piano Movers and more. NYC Movers is affiliated with New York Piano Movers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside
Don't Trust Your Piano to an Ordinary Home Mover
Make Your Piano Playing Sound More Professional by Learning to Think Like a Singer
Sounds like a strange title for an article on how to play the piano doesn’t it? However, singers employ some tricks that we piano players can learn from. Here are five important ones.
(1) Phrase it like a singer. Think the words to the song as you play. Many times we are so engaged in the notes on the page that we forget that most popular music is also meant to be sung. Singers naturally slow down and pause slightly at the end of a phrase to take a breath. So should we. Most of our listeners are unconsciously thinking the words to themselves as they hear the music. Unless we observe these natural pauses that singers use, our playing comes off as stiff and unemotional. Certain parts of the song may also need a tempo change. The chorus for example is usually the high point of the song emotionally. For that reason a singer may increase the tempo slightly. We should do the same. Often times the end of the song may need a slight slowing down or ritard. Sometimes a verse may be very free style tempo wise, while the chorus may be very rhythmic. By listening to how a singer phrases we can learn a lot.
(2) Focus on the dynamics. One sure mark of an amateur is a constant dynamics level. Again a singer will emphasize certain parts of the song by changing dynamic levels. For example a verse may start out somewhat subdued and build dynamically to emphasize the chorus. Another way that singers vary dynamics is to emphasize certain words or phrases of what they sing. We can do the same thing by slight changes in dynamic level. Again the key is to sing the words to ourselves as we play, and do what is appropriate.
(3) Use contrast. Songs that have the same dynamic level, the same tempo, or the same degree of harmonic complexity get boring pretty fast. The key here is to change things a bit phrase by phrase or section by section. In other words if one phrase is loud, make the next one soft. If one section is fast, make the next one a little slower. If the chorus is rhythmic, make the verses a little more free style. If the song starts out with big two fisted chords, pare things down to a single note melody or two part harmony. I think you get the point. Variety is the key. Good singers do this instinctively.
(4) Play with the melody. A good singer will very often make small changes to the melody. Not so much that the song becomes unrecognizable, but just enough to keep things interesting. Often a singer may play with the timing a little to add some suspense or jazz things up a little bit. Or maybe they will add a few ornamental notes to add interest. Almost never do you hear a good singer sing the song just as it was written. Neither should we.
(5) Make your own arrangement. You may think, I could never do that. However, by observing some of the techniques mentioned above you are beginning to do just that. As with anything else, practice makes perfect. Listen to great singers, and one thing they all have in common is that they sing a song their own way. None of the superstars sound like anyone else. That’s what makes them great. We need to think the same way. Why are Elvis impersonators laughable? Simple. There can only be one Elvis! There can only be one Aretha Franklin. There can only be one Sinatra. There can only be one Nat King Cole. I think you get the point. While it may be OK to learn from the greats, to try to sound just like them, takes away that element that is uniquely you.
We may not all be singers, but we can take a lesson from imitating their style. If we follow a few simple techniques: think about words and phrasing, vary the dynamics, use contrast, vary the melody, and make a song uniquely ours we can sound much more professional.
Six Things to Consider in Purchasing an Electronic Piano By David Doolin
I remember when I was a kid taking piano lessons. We had an old upright piano that weighed a ton, looked awful and never seemed to stay in tune. Not exactly what you would call inspiring to a beginning piano student. But who could afford a grand piano? Or who had room for one if they could afford it?
Fortunately today things are a little better. There are a variety of cost effective electronic solutions. The main advantage of choosing and electronic piano is price. In addition to price, an electronic piano never needs to be tuned. Most are light weight making them easy to move, and they can be purchased in a variety of furniture style to match your home decor.
Still there are a few things to consider when making your purchase.
The first seems to be a "no-brainer", but "Does it sound like a piano?" With all the "bells and whistles " available on electronic pianos today it is easy to overlook the obvious being enamored by the cool drum sounds and realistic orchestral sounds that these new instruments are capable of producing. Along with this consideration it is important to evaluate the other sounds. Some models may make the traditional keyboard sounds such as piano, electronic piano, organ and harpsichord. That's great if that's all you're looking for. However today's versions are capable of the traditional keyboard sounds and a lot more. Some models are capable of producing every instrument in the orchestra as well as many modern synthesizer sounds. Normally the more sounds it makes the more it costs, so weigh your options carefully. Most models also include drum sounds.
Second, along with a lot of really cool sounds, many of these new instruments have and onboard midi sequencer. This is an electronic counterpart to the old fashioned tape recorder. You simply select an instrument sound, play a part and the sequencer records what you play. You then play that track back while recording a second instrument. Record enough tracks and you have built a very nice multitrack recording of your song complete with drums, bass, piano, strings or whatever else you choose to include. In essence you have your very own recording studio.
A third thing to consider is whether the instrument has "weighted keys" or not. This simply means, "Does it feel like a piano when you play it?" Normally piano keys are harder to press than most electronic keyboards, or organs due to the mechanical action used to produce the sound. Most electronic keyboards come with a "weighted keys" option. However some do not, and those that do can have far different feels. This is an important consideration if the instrument is to be used for child piano lessons. Weighted keys will allow the transition to a real piano to come much easier when the child gets ready to perform that first concert at Carnegie Hall on the beautiful Concert Grand Piano.
Fourth, does it have a full 88 note keyboard? A real piano has 88 notes. While some electronic pianos have 88 notes, some do not. Be sure to check with the sales professional at your store, or read the specifications carefully if purchasing online. While a beginning student may be able to get by with an abbreviated keyboard for some time, they will outgrow it soon. Often times lower priced versions may not have full sized keyboards.
Fifth, does the instrument have built in speakers or do you need to connect it to some kind of sound system to be able to hear it? Many stage pianos need to be connected to external amplification to be heard. While the sound quality may be a lot better, the cost of the external sound system must be considered. Also the intended use must be considered. If you are planning to play with a band, you are better to choose the external amplification system. If you are planning to do all your playing in your home living room, you are probably better off going with built in speakers.
Sixth, how does it look? Electronic pianos come in a variety of styles and cabinets. You can get the cool black stage piano look if you are playing in a band. If you intend to do all your concerts in your living room styles range from the traditional spinet piano look all the way up to the look of a "Baby Grand". Unlike traditional pianos, their electronic counterparts may also come in a variety of colors other than wood tones.
While it is true that there is something unique about sitting in front of a real piano, by weighing your options carefully and using the six tips above you can have a satisfying piano experience ant a fraction of the cost by choosing a quality electronic piano.
How to Play Piano
Hi and welcome to my how to play piano blog. I will be posting tips and tricks as well as articles and software reviews to help you learn how to play piano.
Looking for some free sheet music for piano? There are some great sources out there on the web. We will be pointing you in that direction.
Perhaps you need to make a decision about whether to purchase an acoustic piano or a good electronic piano. We will help you to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Looking for free piano lessons. Believe it or not there are some, as well as some great software to help you learn.
Want to learn piano chords? I will be posting a free piano chords chart shortly, so please check back.
So whether you are into blues piano, jazz piano, or classical piano, you are sure to find something of value here. HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK SOON!
Thanks, Dave
How to play piano!
Review: Rocket Piano
way to learn to play piano?" Having come from the old
school of private lessons with a real live teacher, I
could not imagine a software course being able to
actually compete with traditional methods. However I was ready to give it a try.
I was immediately impressed with the amount of material
included in the course. Especially since the price is
about what you would pay for one lesson with a good
private teacher.
The material I found was thorough and well illustrated
with diagrams and 57 video lessons. There were also 133
sound files demonstrating the various techniques in the
course. Also included are 3 computer games designed to
help you learn to read music and play by ear.
Various styles covered are jazz, rock, gospel, blues and
classical.
Course components:
-Three E-books: Rocket Piano Beginner, Rocket Piano
Intermediate, Rocket Piano Advanced
-57 Video Lessons
-133 Sound Files
-3 Computer Learning Games
-Free E-mail Consultation
-6 Free Introductory E-mail Lessons
System Requirements:
Windows 98 and up
Mac
Price:
$39.95 with a 100% money back guarantee
Conclusion and Recommendations:
Do I think Rocket Piano can replace a real live teacher?
No. However, if you are having a hard time finding a
teacher, or cannot afford the price of a teacher, then
this program might be worth a look. Or if you have a
busy schedule and cannot find time for a weekly lesson,
this might be a good alternative. Although the program
is advertised as being for beginning students to
advanced, it is probably more appropriate for an older
child with parental assistance. Might also be great for
a home school environment. Busy adults may
also find this beneficial. Professionals will probably
not find anything new here, but all in all for $39.95, this program has a lot of "bang for the buck!" Check out Rocket Piano today!
How to Play Piano: Acoustic or Electronic Piano?
Does someone at your house want to learn to play the piano? Sometimes the cost of a real piano can be prohibitive. There are cheaper alternatives in the electronic world, but how good is the sound quality? Read this informative article for some guidance before you decide between a real piano or an electronic piano..
Dave
Learn To Play Piano: A Digital (electronic) Or An Acoustic Piano?
By Peter Edvinsson
If I have to choose between buying an acoustic piano or a digital (electronic) piano what is the best choice? let's take a look at the different choices if you want to learn to play piano.
Personally I haven't been forced to make the decision between buying a normal upright piano and a digital (electronic) piano as I have both in my home. I can see advantages in both types of pianos when practicing the art of learning to play piano.
A normal upright piano produces sounds with hammers that strikes the strings. A digital (electronic) piano on the other hand tries to duplicate the feeling of playing an acoustic piano.
Most people are familiar with the normal upright piano but what advantages has a digital (electronic) piano?
First let us describe a digital (electronic) piano.
A digital (electronic) piano consists of a keyboard with weighted key action, sensors that detect the velocity when you play the keys and a set of sounds you can choose from. To make it possible to listen to the piano when you play you have an amplifier and loudspeakers and headphone jacks.
Here are some advantages with a digital (electronic) piano:
1. A digital (electronic) piano doesn't need to be tuned. A normal acoustic piano you should tune once or twice a year. If you can't tune a piano yourself you have to turn to a piano tuner. It can be quite expensive of course. Even a piano tuner has to pay his bills.
2. You can practice silently. A digital (electronic) piano usually has a headphone jack so by using headphones you can practise as much as you want without disturbing neighbours or family members.
3. Midi interface. A digital (electronic) piano usually has a midi interface which makes it possible to connect your piano to a computer and use music software like notation programs or a sequenser program or a software synthesizer.
What then are the disadvantages of having a digital (electronic) piano?
1. The sounds in an acoustic piano are produced by strings vibrating and the different pitches interact in ways that you cannot copy on a digital (electronic) piano. The sound quality of the sounds produced by digital (electronic) pianos are becoming better and better but it is still a completely different way of producing sounds.
2. A digital (electronic) piano is limited when it comes to producing different tone colors by different ways of playing. An accomplished pianist might feel limited by the sampled sounds.
There are many more things to say about choosing a piano but this is a beginning.
As you can see it is not so easy to decide what's best for you. If you can't decide what type of piano to buy you can do as I have done. Have both types of pianos and keep smiling.
Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your free sheet music and learn to play piano resources at http://www.capotastomusic.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Edvinsson
