- The Many Magical Musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Mention the names Rodgers and Hammerstein and almost everyone knows a bit about them. Rodgers and Hammerstein are two of musical theater's best collaborators and the creators of Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, and The Sound of Music. - Nature Music: New Age Piano Improvisation
What exactly is New Age music? You've probably heard the phrase bandied about in reference to specific artists, but few know what it actually means. In general terms, New Age music is organic; its main purpose is to soothe the spirit and fill the soul with calm. In many cases, New Age music tries to emulate the feelings or sounds of nature. - Did You Know That President Truman Played The Piano?
Clinton was not the first or only President of the United States of America with musical talent. Harry S. Truman was also a piano player, as was Teddy Rosevelt and Richard Nixon. - The Life and Songs of American Composer Stephen Foster
Stephen Collins Foster, the "father of American music," wrote songs in the nineteenth century that live on to this day. He was the forerunner of today's professional songwriter, though he died in poverty. He expanded the musical tastes of America like no other before him. - Count Basie - the Count of Piano Jazz
One of the all time greats of jazz is William "Count" Basie. He was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer. Widely regarded as one of the most important jazz bandleaders of his time, Basie led his popular Count Basie Orchestra for almost 50 years. - The Story of "Joy To The World"
Set to a score adapted from George Frederick Handel's "The Messiah," Joy to the World has taken its place permanently in the hearts of both Christian and secular society. This Christmas hymn remains a favorite no modern church would dare exclude during the holiday season. - The Song From Heaven: The Story of the Great Christmas Carol "Silent Night"
It was a 'Silent Night' indeed when this beloved song was first composed. If not for a broken pipe organ, the world likely would have been without its most popular Christmas carol. - Dashing Through The Snow: The Story of "Jingle Bells"
Many people are surprised to learn that "Jingle Bells" was actually written for American Thanksgiving. The song was originally published under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh." Today there are few who can't sing at least the first verse of "Jingle Bells." - Will You Become Smarter If You Play The Piano? Is Piano Study Good For Your Brain?
Will you become smarter if you play the piano? The question is whether there is a correlation between mastering a musical instrument and one's brain increasing in potential. - Musical Theory: Do I Need To Know It?
Aside from the academic study of music theory, which explores the theories surrounding music issues, such as whether or not a piece of music fits into one category or another, music theory is really the nuts and bolts of music. - What is Musical Syncopation And How Does It Work?
One of the most common music forms of musical syncopation is in ragtime music where the melody is often syncopated and the bass line isn't. Think of the music of Scot Joplin, and the memorable strains of "The Entertainer" and you've got a great example of syncopated music. - What Piano Method Does Your Piano Teacher Use?
Learning to play the piano is about more than learning the names of notes. Students and parents have a variety of different piano methods to choose from. All teach the basics of playing piano. The differences lie in their respective emphases and their suitability for particular age groups and learning styles. - How To Get Started In Beginning Piano Lessons
Maybe you've always wanted to learn to play the piano but never had the opportunity. Perhaps you're a parent with a child who has expressed interest in the piano. The question is: where do you begin? How to start depends on your age and your goals. - Piano Playing: Wonderful & Nutricious Food For Your Brain
If you're looking for a perfect way to keep your mind sharp, piano playing is the solution. It exercises several different parts of the mind and body, while providing you with years of musical enjoyment. Whether you play piano currently or are thinking about starting, playing piano is great brain food. - Oscar Peterson - Jazz Pianist Extraordinary
One of the most influential players of jazz that the world has known, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson was born on the 15th of August, 1925 in Little Burgundy, Montreal. He is considered the dean of jazz piano players by most fans and critics. - Marian McPartland: The Grand Lady Of Jazz Piano
A born child prodigy, Marian Portland started playing the piano at the age of three. She is formally trained in both the violin and the piano. Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz radio program on which she interviews jazz pianists and plays duets with them is on National Public Radio and has been a favorite of jazz lovers for decades. - Do Music & Presidential Politics Mix? You Bet!
People were surprised to learn that the former President, Bill Clinton, plays the saxophone. But, several other Presidents of the United States of American were musically gifted as well, such as Harry Truman and Richard Nixon, both of whom played the piano. - How To Start Tickling The Ivories Again as an Adult
There are gazillion adults who took piano lessons as a child but stopped playing for various reasons. Some aren't the least bit interested, but many wish to return to piano playing at some point in their lives. - Piano Instruction: Formal Versus Informal
When you think of piano lessons, the mental picture you get might be of child sitting at a keyboard. The instructor is probably sitting next to the child, tapping out rhythm with a baton or pencil. If the idea of being scrutinized by a piano teacher makes you cringe, consider some other forms of piano instruction. - Music for Stark Beginners: How To Read Notes
New pianists learn notes first. An understanding of musical notes and their values is the foundation for learning any instrument. That includes the piano. The values of the notes are easy to remember because their names denote their values. - Contemporary Christian Music: The Real Deal in Quallity & Passion
Christian music has come a long way from the church-sanctioned melancholy chants of centuries gone by. It has rich history going back several hundred years. In fact, the earliest music manuscripts were of church origin. - Piano Practice Tips: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Practice Time
Even the most avid of piano players sometimes dread practicing. Sometimes that dread can sabotage your practice time. Don't sit down at the piano feeling negative before you even begin. - I Took Piano Lessons As a Kid, But I've Forgotten Almost Everything...
There are literally millions of adults today who took piano lessons when they were growing up, but at some point along the way gave them up. Some couldn't care less, but many have an urge down deep to take up piano playing again someday. - Music Therapy: Changing Lives for the Better
Music therapy, a relatively new method of therapy in the eyes of modern medicine, is an ancient practice. Since 1944, it has gradually been practiced more extensively in the United States. In the United Kingdom, music therapy was used in hospitals during both world wars. - The Many Faces Of The 12-Bar Blues
Piano players and other musicians who desire to learn the foundations of purely American music should start with the blues. This music form began over a century ago. Today's jazz, hip-hop, rock-and-roll and rhythm and blues owes a debt to it. - Sheet Music Then & Now
Most modern musicians take sheet music for granted. Sheet music abounds in printed form and can even be downloaded from the Internet. It's a far cry from the days of oral tradition. Centuries ago, there were few ways to pass on music other than to "hum a few bars" until the listener caught on. - 10 Of The Most Popular Hymns of All Time
Hymns are some of the most beloved songs of all time. Hymnals contain hundreds of songs, and no two hymnals are alike. Anyone looking to learn the most popular hymns needs to know where to start. The following is a list of 10 of the most popular hymns, even though that will change somewhat by both taste and time. - What Is Musical Harmony?
Musical harmony is a simple concept, yet it contains so many variations that it is inexhaustible. With these simple rules, anyone can learn the basics of harmonization and be on their way to composing the next great song. - George Shearing: The Amazing English Blind Pianist
George Shearing was born blind on August 13, 1919, but his life has been fast-paced and full of amazing accomplishments in the world of music. Born in London, Shearing was the youngest of nine children and even though blind from birth, went on to create one of the most recognized sounds in jazz. - Piano Keyboards to Keep You Playing: What To Look For In a Keyboard
When looking for a new keyboard, consider the name brand manufacturers of piano keyboards. Look at your budget and then go from there. Does that budget allow you to check out some of the premiere makers out there? Does your budget require you to go with a lesser-known manufacturer? - Andre Previn: Jazz Pianist, Classical Pianist, Conductor, Composer
Andre Previn is a German-born pianist, conductor, and composer. From arranging and composing Hollywood film scores to his multiple marriages which sparked many musical inspirations, Andre Previn's life was never dull - What Are Some Of The Top Piano Schools?
For those who want to pursue a career in piano, the options for training are diverse. There are a number of quality schools available in the United States and some abroad too. - How Important Is Sight Reading For Piano Players?
Sight reading is the act of reading and playing a piece of music before having ever seen it: on sight. This technique is a vital one for musicians to learn. Being skilled in sight reading makes reading a piece of music easier; the musician doesn't have to labor over every note and re-teach themselves the common patterns. - How To Play Piano Using Chord Symbols
Chord symbols (for example, Cmaj7 or G6) are a type of notation used frequently in jazz and other areas of modern music to notate chord progressions and changes. This type of notation differs from that of classical music in that chord symbols don't show the function of a chord the way the Roman numeral notation does. - Are Music Correspondence Courses Right For You?
The opportunities for music correspondence courses are vastly different today compared to a few years ago. Thanks to modern technology and the Internet, taking a music course by correspondence is now much more practical. - 10 Piano Styles You Can Learn To Play
When studying the piano, a student encounters a myriad piano styles. To master the instrument, at least several of these styles must be learned, and all if at all possible. Knowledge of various playing styles enables a pianist to enjoy and play in any genre and to cross-polinate styles to create a fusion he or she can call their own. - The Jazz Piano Genius of Oscar Peterson
From his early love of music to his last years, Oscar Peterson's life was full with accomplishments and support from his family. The decision to become a professional pianist led to a weekly radio show and many performances in hotels and music halls for Peterson. - Changing Keys: What Is Transposition, And How Can I Do It?
Transposition is changing the key of a piece of music, or changing the notes without changing their relationship. This is often done to make the piece of music easier to play or sing. - The Mysterious Tritone Chord Progression
Just what is it about the tritone chord progression that makes it so mysterious? Perhaps it has to do with its dissonant, clashing sound. It may have something to do with its dubious history. Whatever it is, the tritone chord progression in music made a comeback in music after several centuries of bad publicity. - Swing Bass for Piano: Get Your Left Hand In Action
The piano style is called "swing bass" because your left hand swings back and forth between a low note or group of notes, such as a 10th, alternating with a chord in the area right below middle C. It is a great tool for lending spark and variety to songs. You will add a lot to your style as you practice this technique more and keep your audience swinging with your music. - Dave Brubeck: The Master of Improvisation And Unusual Rhythms
Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck is one of the giants of jazz piano. His music is characterized by unusual time signatures and can be either extreme - totally dynamic or or completely relaxed. His most famous piece - Take Five - is so popular it has taken on almost cult status, and rightfully so. - Even Beginners Can Make Great Music With a Synthesizer
Synthesizers are electronic, keyboard-based instruments that produce artificial, or synthesized, sounds. Many frequently mistake synthesizers for simply portable, electronic pianos, but the differences are extremely vast. While synthesizers can definitely produce a piano sound, their main purpose, usually, is to create sounds not specifically found on any other instrument. - When It Comes To Music, You Never Know What's Going To Be Popular
The popular music field has room for songs of many styles. As Dave Brubeck proved, you never know what the public will choose to make popular. In any given year there are always surprises, remember the song "Who Let the Dogs Out"? So, there you go. Sit down at that piano and compose away. You just never know. - Ambient Music -- Nature's Sounds Put To Music
It's often playing in the places you go. Whether it's in an art gallery, a unique specialty shop, or a restaurant, ambient music creates a mood. This music genre has seen a growth in popularity in the last 30 years. It is sometimes refered to as "new age music". - How to Read Piano Notes
Reading piano notes may seem daunting at first, but it really isn't if you ground yourself in the basics. The first step is learning the names of the notes. The great thing is that you only have seven to memorize. - How to Read Music - Easier Than You Ever Thought!
One of the simple joys in life is the ability to read music. Learning this skill will enable you to express yourself creatively at the piano, playing your favorite songs. It's not difficult to learn to read music if you understand its components. - How To Get That "Gospel Feeling" Using Jazz Chords
Does the cold, cerebral feel of modern jazz leave you cold? Maybe you'd like to have a little bit of "gospel" in your jazz? Maybe you just want to take an old hymn and give it some updating. Then you'll need to load yourself with an arsenal of gospel jazz chords. - How Can I Learn To Understand Music & Piano Playing?
The graceful flourishes of a well-played piano masterpiece are sounds that many people would love to create. From trained professionals to child prodigies, a brilliantly
played piano can steal the show. But great lessons are costly and involve scheduling time away from your busy life. So how do you learn how to play the piano or deepen your
knowledge of the instrument? - Piano Lessons from Hell
Does the idea of taking piano lessons make you cringe? Does it make you remember old Sister Mary beating you over the knuckles with a ruler when you were eight years old for not practicing your scales enough? - Is It Really Possible To Play The Piano By Ear?
Playing by ear is the ability to play a piece of music (or, eventually, learn an instrument) by simply listening to it repeatedly. The majority of self-taught musicians began their education this way; they picked up their instrument and began playing an easy melody from a well-known song, slowly picking out the notes as they went along. - Keyboard Lessons Online Await Adults Anxious To Learn To Play
If you are interested in learning the piano and want to learn from the comfort of your own home, online keyboard lessons are the way to go. Many sites offer you the instruction you need to begin playing the piano now. - How to Play Chords On The Piano
One of the most important aspects of any pianist's repertoire is the understanding of how to play chords. To play chords, you must learn some simple theory. To make it easier, you'll mainly be playing the white keys. - Learning Music as an Adult
While we have all heard stories of child prodigies and the importance of learning music as a child, an adult can still learn to play an instrument quite well. Even with no prior experience, the right training can help an adult learn to play music just as well as a child. - Guitar Players Can Learn To Play The Piano In No Time Flat
If you're a guitar player who desires to learn the piano, you're already ahead of the game. You can transfer your knowledge of chords and chord patterns to the keyboard. This means you could be playing a tune at the piano in no time. That's because chords are chords, no matter what instrument they are played on. - Johann Strauss & His Father: Waltz Kings
Johann Strauss was the son of a famous composer. He was born in Vienna, Austria in 1825. Johann Straus Senior was often known as the father of the waltz, and Strauss Junior was later dubbed the king of the waltz. - Are Gospel Chords Different Than Normal Chords?
Gospel music is full of history and soul. It comes from a rich tradition of folk songs and church hymns. Gospel stays alive by remaining relevant, taking various aspects of the musical culture of the day and bringing those aspects into the spiritual fold. In modern gospel, jazz has been introduced into traditional songs. This has sparked the musical term "gospel chords." - Find Tons of Free Piano Music Online
Sheet music can be expensive to purchase on a regular basis. If you want to expand your piano music library without spending a lot of money, download free sheet music from the Internet. - What in the World is Figured Bass in Music?
Even many musicians haven't heard of figured bass. Also called basso continuo, a simple explanation of the term is a short way to note chords on a musical score. It could be considered akin to, or a precursor of, a modern chord chart. - Learning Music For Absolute Beginners
Learning music as a beginner can be frustrating if you do not know where to start. There is no right or wrong way for a beginner to learn, but there are simple steps that can help anyone make learning music fun. - How to Read Piano Sheet Music
When it comes to reading piano sheet music, the first place to start is with the individual elements of the composition itself. Before you can tackle an entire piece, you must be familiar with that particular composition's language. - Piano Lessons in PDFs With Embedded Audio & Video Are Here to Stay
Does anyone still doubt that the Internet has deeply changed practically every aspect of modern life? Even people who usually resist technological change have to admit that this is true, even if grudgingly. As a piano teacher who has, more recently, greatly benefited from these new technologies, I can now admit that I should have paid attention to these new technologies much earlier. - Mastering Blues Keyboard Riffs
In popular music, blues keyboard riffs are universal. From Billy Preston jamming with the Rolling Stones to Ray Charles kicking into "What I'd Say," blues progressions and scales serve as the basis for legendary songs and amazing keyboard solos. One of the greatest aspects of blues keyboard riffs is the musical theory behind them, which is simple enough for beginners, yet still challenges virtuosos. - Ten Of The Most Popular Classical Pieces Of All Time
For anyone studying popular classical music, it can be a daunting task to know where to begin. There are so many great pieces that a beginner can get overwhelmed. Here are 10 of the most popular classical pieces with a brief background of each. - How to Play Blues Piano: Getting Started
Playing the blues on the piano is not usually for beginners, unless one has a natural feel for the blues. For most of us, it requires a solid understanding of traditional music theory plus an overlay of "blue notes". - Canon in D by Pachelbel: The Song Everybody Knows
The Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel is a composition well known throughout the world. It's a piece of music that is played in commercials, feature films, and shopping mall music systems. Its melody and harmony are such that, when heard, spur an "I know this song" reaction in listeners. - Beginning Piano Lessons On The Internet: Useful, But Beware
When learning how to play piano, free opportunities present themselves all over the Internet. Most notably, many websites offer quick step-by-step lessons, as well as free online sheet music, which beginning pianists can use to learn how to play piano at no cost. - A Beginner's Guide to Playing Piano Chords
The piano is the most perfectly designed instrument for playing chords. It's visually straightforward, easy-to-understand layout makes it simple for the beginning piano student to learn how to play chords. Unlike other instruments, such as the guitar, the player doesn't need to learn how to contort her fingers in strange, unnatural ways just to play the most simple combinations of notes. - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Bach's Most Loved Work
Even though Bach did not consider Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring his favorite or best work, it is probably the most widely recognized of all of his compositions. Because of its mainstream popularity, this song will undoubtedly continue to surface at weddings and other public performances for hundreds more years. - Spirituals: The Songs That Inspire Us
Great spiritual songs that inspire are a part of America's folklore. Long a part of our nation's canon of song, we hardly give thought to how they came into existence. Each one does have a story though, which sheds light on the place and time they were born. - Keyboard Instruments: Organs, Harpsichords, Pianos, Keyboards & Synthesizers
Even non-musicians are familiar with keyboard instruments. Few people reach adulthood without having had at least one opportunity to bang on a keyboard of some type. However, many people (including musicians) aren't aware of the history behind keyboard instruments. Their evolution is both fascinating and surprising. - Piano Study Is for Adults Too, And They Have More Fun!
If music in general and piano in particular interests you, then now is the time to begin. When it comes to learning the piano, age is no barrier. If you truly desire to learn the instrument, you will apply yourself accordingly no matter what your age. - Great Jazz Pianists and Their Contributions to Music
Some of the greatest piano players in history became known for their proficiency in jazz. Technicality and a heavy reliance upon the ability of the musician to improvise makes jazz piano one of the hardest styles to learn. - How Jazz Got Started
Though many associate the birth of jazz music with the city of New Orleans, its origin may be a bit more ambiguous. Like many other musical forms, jazz evolved over a period of years. It's widely agreed, however, that jazz music as we know it today was born in the southern United States. - It's Never Been Easier To Play a Variety Of Popular Piano Music
How many songs do you know on the piano? Would you like to have a larger repertoire at your command? How about entertaining friends and acquaintances at a party with a staggering knowledge of popular songs? Invite some friends over, find some great sheet music and have a sing along to some of your favorite songs. - Three of the Greatest Pop Pianists of Modern Times
It seems as though pop music sometimes gets a bad rap. A glimpse at three of modern pop's most famous pianists may dispel the myth that pop is an inferior genre. Their skill and level of musical expertise rivals that of pianists of other genres. - Free Piano Videos Online Are Waiting for You
If you absorb information faster with the aid of visuals, then piano videos online are for you. Using these in association with other music learning tools, you can make progress with the keyboard in no time. - Four of the Greatest Modern Classical Pianists of All Times
Every serious piano student eventually learns to play some of the most well-known classical pieces during his or her studies. Nary a pianist didn't learn Palchabel's Canon in D or Beethoven's Fur Elise. Even non-musicians recognize names like Bach and Mozart. But what about modern classical pianists who have also made notable contributions to cultural history? - How The "Happy Birthday To You" Song Was Written
Possibly the most widely-recognized song in the English language, "Happy Birthday to You" didn't start out as a song of birthday good wishes. The tune of this beloved ditty was penned in 1893 by school teacher sisters Mildred Hill and Patty Hill. The two teachers wanted a sing-song greeting with which to welcome their young charges to school each day. - Brain Food: 7 Ways Piano Playing Benefits Your Brain
If you're looking for a perfect way to keep your mind sharp, piano playing is the solution. It exercises several different parts of the mind and body, while providing you with years of musical enjoyment. Whether you play piano currently or are thinking about starting, playing piano is great brain food. - Easy Piano: Ways You Can Start Playing Piano Right Away
The pleasure of being able to play a song on the piano is something that must be experienced. And playing piano does not have to be difficult -- there are methods for easy piano that get you started with just 3 or 4 simple chords. - Piano Improvisation: How To Create Exciting New Music As You Play!
Musical improvisation is the act of "writing" (creating it as you play) a song while performing it, a technique found most often in jazz, fusion and bluegrass (but can be traced back to renowned classical improvisers like Handel and Bach). Like any discipline, it can be learned through study and practice. - The Joy of Music: 'Sound' Therapy for Everyday Life
Music is called "the universal language" because it transcends cultures, distance, and time. But music also has the power to restore sanity and peace to our busy every day lives and to bring joy and calmness to both the listeners and the performers. - America's Patriotic Songbook -- Songs For The 4th Of July
Nothing stirs the heart of a patriot in the United States like fireworks accompanied by a rousing rendition of God Bless America. The top songs of America are some of the most easily recognized pieces of music in the Western world. - The Battle Hymn of the Republic Still Marches On
"Mine eyes have seen the glory" is one of the most powerful and recognized opening lines in the history of American song. The Battle Hymn of the Republic is the quintessential fight song of the United States, as well as its call-to-arms. - Woody Guthrie's 'This Land is Your Land'
In 1940, Woody Guthrie sat down and wrote his personal response to the song 'God Bless America.' He felt a different story of America needed telling. The result was 'This Land is Your Land,' a song that is still taught in school music classes. - It's Still Amazing: The Story of Amazing Grace
A staple of both spiritual and secular singers alike, Amazing Grace is one of the world's most popular songs. John Newton, its writer, lived a life full of sin and redemption, both of which inspired the song's timeless lyrics. - You're Still a Grand Old Flag
George M. Cohan's encounter with a Civil War veteran inspired a song that became a Broadway hit and eventually went on to become a household name.
That song was "You're a Grand Old Flag". - The Yankee Doodle Boy says, "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy"
What is it about The Yankee Doodle Boy, that puts a smile on one's face and sets toes a-tapping'? It's the verve and variety inherent in a great tunesmith's song that gets pianos playing and people singing. - Do You Know How "The Star-Spangled Banner" Was Written?
Virtually everyone in America as well as many others around the world know "The Star-Spangled Banner", but few know that it was written by a captive on a British warship. - The Story Of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" is a song from the Civil War era that expresses the yearning by loved ones for their solders -- their sons and husbands -- to come marching home safely. It has endured now for over 150 years, and shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. - The Mambo: The Cuban Rhythm That Makes Feet Dance
The mambo is one of several Latin-American rhythms that has developed into a style of dance. Although not as popular as it once was, it still is a contagious rhythm that makes feet dance. - The William Tell Overture (The Lone Ranger Theme)
Mention the song title "William Tell Overture," and a lot of people might scratch their heads in confusion. But hum a few bars, and there are few people who don't recognize this classic tune. - The Story of Franz Liszt's "Liebestraum"
Liebestraum is one of the most loved and most recognized tunes in all of classical music. It was written by Hungarian Franz Liszt, considered by many to be the greatest pianist who ever lived. - Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' Still a Joy to Hear!
Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' is not only one of the most familiar melodies to most people, but remains a piece of pure art. It continues to give hope, inspiration, and plain old musical joy to peoples all over the world. - How to Play the Keyboard: Start With C Major
Playing the keyboard is not as difficult as a lot of piano upstarts think. In fact, the piano is the perfect instrument for music beginners, as, unlike other instruments, its layout is straightforward and easy to understand. - Can You Write a Song?
It's not as difficult as you might imagine to create a song of your own based on your own experiences and the emotion of your heart. It may never make the charts, but it's fun and so satisfying! - The Moonlight of Debussy's Clair de Lune
Clair de Lune is a piece of music that has stood the test of time. It is a piece that is constantly evolving, living and breathing in the fingers of pianists the world over, because each artist expresses it differently. - Piano Sheet Music in the Internet Age
The availability of music for the piano is unprecedented in human history due to the internet. For the first time ever musicians can locate and download literally thousands of pieces of music in most any genre. - The Many Benefits of Learning Piano Chord Theory
Chances are if you've ever taken piano lessons, you probably spent at least a little bit of time on piano chords. But learning the names of a few basic chords and actually understanding chords are two different things. - Fur Elise: Beethoven's Mysterious Inspiration
The mystery surrounding Beethoven's "Fur Elise" has still not been solved. Nevertheless millions of people over the space of 200 years have enjoyed and come to love this all time classic work.
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