Yamaha P-125 – Full Demo:

Design and Build quality:

The design is perfectly user-friendly as it has been designed to provide a pianist with a chance to perform exceptionally well. Simplicity is the major highlight of this model and the build quality, like always, is flawless. Lightweight and compact build are the qualities that make this model the perfect choice to play in a room or in front of an audience. Both the black and the white P-125 models have been finished with a red felt ribbon. The furniture style stand and the triple pedal unit are not included in the package but these are available as accessories. The total weight of the design in 26 pounds.

Keyboard:

The keyboard of the piano is the most important part as it is what helps a pianist put up a performance. The piano keyboard of P-125 is the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) 88-key, which is the best feature for producing a sound like that of an acoustic piano. P-115 used the same keyboard so there is not much difference. This keyboard provides the pianist a lighter touch in the high-end while producing a heavier touch at low-end.  Also, the keys of P-125 are touch-sensitive. The sound will change depending upon how hard you press the keys, although this can be prevented by choosing the “Fixed” option from the four touch sensitivity options available; Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed.

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Sound:

The sound produced by P-125 is similar to the sound produced by Yamaha CFIIIS 9′ concert grand piano, which is one of the most popular piano models by Yamaha. This is due to the fact that P-125 uses Pure CF Sound Engine. This model makes use of 4-layers sampling which encourages a smooth transition between the samples. The speaker system in P-125 is a 2-way speaker system. This speaker system allows the pianist to produce an expansive piano sound in upward as well as the downward directions. This is what gives P-125 the feature of acoustic sound. There is a limited choice of sound effects as Reverb is the only option that P-125 offers, although the range of this can be varied from 0 to 20 and four types of reverbs are available such as Recital Hall, Concert Hall, Chamber, and Club.

Outstanding features:

P-125 has replaced P-115 as it offers some outstanding features to the pianists. The most prominent features of P-125 includes;

Smart Pianist app: Yamaha P-125 is compatible with the smart-pianist app by Yamaha, which, for the time-being only work with iOS. As P-125 can now be connected with the smart-pianist app, the sound can be selected, layered and then split with the aid of an extensively user-friendly interface, in addition to this, the pianists can now choose the song from the play-lists in the phone.

Bass and Drum tracks: P-125 provides some bass and drum tracks. They are pre-installed in the system through which a pianist can follow the harmony and keep playing in time. Also, there are some amazing rhythm patterns to choose from such as ballads, pop or rock, making piano practicing fun.

New “Table EQ” feature: As this piano does not come with a furniture stand, it can be kept on any desk or table. There is a feature of “Table EQ” that helps a pianist play the keyboard while placing it on the table. With this feature, the sound coming from the internal speakers is optimized to get the best possible sound.

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P125 vs P115- What are upgraded features:

P-125 is the new portable model for the pianists that has come with some upgraded features as compared to the P-115.

• Speaker System: the speaker system has been redesigned. There are four speakers on the instrument which is uncommon in digital pianos. This improved system of speakers produces crystal clear high frequencies.
• New Tones and Rhythms: as compared to P-115, there are additional 10 tones added to P-125. The newly added tones include cool electric pianos, organs, and strings. Also, six more rhythms have been added with the Bass part.
• Smart-Pianist App: unlike P-115, P-125 is a portable piano model that is compatible with the smart-pianist app, allowing the pianists to do a lot more stuff.
• Piano Sound: instead of 3 in P-115, P-125 has four layer sampling which makes the transition smoother.
• Table EQ: Unlike P-115, P-125 is way more portable as it can be played while keeping the instrument on the table as the table EQ feature optimizes the sound coming from the internal speakers.
• New Stereophonic Optimizer feature: This feature allows the pianist to play with their headphones on and with a great variety of headphones available; they will enjoy a phenomenal playing experience.

Conclusion:

Yamaha’s P-125 has come to the markets with super cool upgrades. Even though not much has been changed in regards to the sound, but the additional features have grabbed the attention of many pianists from all around the world. This is an amazing piano for people who wish to help their kids learn to play piano due to its simple design and functioning. There is still some room for improvement in regards to the sound as the GHS keyboard action has been running for quite a while now, it is time that Yamaha comes with newer ones to stay in the game.

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What is a MIDI Controller?

A MIDI Controller is a keyboard that includes some additional buttons allowing user to have a completely customizable device that could be mapped with buttons and keys to produce a sound effect like any keyboard could produce. These devices can be connected to your computer system and with the use of software integration, offers a simple to use interface with enhanced features to produce beautiful, original and high-quality professional music.

Characteristics of Best MIDI Controllers:

Choosing the best MIDI Controller for you would typically depend upon your choice and preferences but listed here are features of some of the best keyboard controllers:

Key Size, Weight, Action & Sensitivity:

Size: As you search for MIDI controllers, you will find different options including the compact 25, 32, 37, 49, 61 and even 88 keys controller. For those who are looking for a look and feel of a real piano, the highest 88 keys would truly replicate the look and feel. However, some people consider compact, easy to carry ones such as 25 or 32 key controllers.

Weight & Action:

• Synth-Action Keys: Many of the popular keyboards have synth action keys equipped that are made up of plastic and springs instead of actual weights. These keys are designed to release original feel as you press and release them. They are lighter and quicker. This type would give you a feel of playing a synthesizer or electronic organ and it would be different from a real piano. These types of keyboards are more suitable for faster styles of playing.
• Semi-Weighted Keys: These are a combination of spring-loaded built with light built-in weight used for each key. The resulting action is somewhere in between the synth and fully-weighted keys.
• Fully-Weighted Keys: These are very much closer to the feel of playing a real piano but MIDI keyboards with fully weighted keys are more expensive models. These should be your choice if you are looking for a more realistic piano playing style and experience.

Making a choice would really depends upon who is playing and how they like to play!

Portability: Keeping a balance between portability and functionality features is difficult for music productivity. A compact MIDI controller may ask you to sacrifice for some features but would give you ease of producing music on the go. While on the other hand, if you have a home studio where you will be making music and are looking for a conventional style piano then bigger controllers should be the absolute choice for you.

AutoSoftware Mapping & Integration: Some popular products have auto-mapping feature but usually they are limited to some specific software. DAWs and plugins can vary and thus if you prefer some specific music production software, get a MIDI control that is designed to integrate with that software or you would need to do manual mapping.

Compatibility with DAWs: Many of the MIDI controllers introduced are compatible with most commonly used and popular DAWs. Some controllers may even have a software pack included that makes them a more cost-effective choice if you don’t already have DAW license.

MIDI Pads, Mod Wheels and Control Inputs: Many controllers are now equipped with drum pads that includes other sounds as well assigned to them, typically around range of 8 to 16 with 3 to 4 banks. Apart from these drum pads, other features for enhanced control over notes are included such as pitch bend and modulation, encoders, faders and other buttons. Additional control over parameters make music more expressive and these can be used to control plugins and DAW software. In some controllers, DAW software is controlled with motorized knobs and faders that move mechanically to match DAW current setting. This feature adds to the overall weight and cost yet it makes controlling more convenient. Many of the controllers are equipped with transport controls on the keyboard with which you can get control of recording and playback such as play, stop, forward, rewind and record.

Connectivity: Many of the controllers offer connectivity to computers. Most of them offer through USB while some also allow for wireless connectivity with Bluetooth.

Power Supply: MIDI keyboards also come with built-in rechargeable batteries. This feature can be important for you if you wish to reduce the clutter of cables within your setup. 

Consider Budget: This question is important as MIDI controllers are offered within varied price range from under $100 to more than $500. Key count is the basic factor that increases the price however some additional perks would also add on to the price tag of these devices such as extra controls, software packages and more. As it is with other music equipment, for better build quality, better sound and additional features; you may need to spend a little more. But you will be able to find some amazing affordable controllers too and you don’t really need to empty your pockets out to get an absolutely exclusive one.

Conclusion:

When it comes to MIDI controllers, there are several options. Each brand and model offer different set of features with a different approach. Have your priorities for features and specifications set and then choose the best one from different options according to your requirements. Right model for you would be the one that matches your exact preferences, needs and more importantly your budget.

Modern Synthesizers:

Earlier analog synthesizers had complicated circuitry and thus it was difficult to route each individual voice for creation of a sound effect. Different types of monophonic synthesizers were dealt with differently. Some were based on low-note priority meaning that they output the lowest note played, while others were based on high-note priority with output of highest note played. There some fancier ones based on last-note priority and they output the sound of last note played whether it is high, low or middle note. Each individual voice used to be passed through the signal chain and so the circuitry was fit for only one voice chain inside these synthesizers. For creation of each voice, a bunch of complicated electronics were needed and thus designing a polyphonic was challenging.

The concept of polyphonic is primarily associated with the modern digital synthesizers becoming common. As digital technology evolved, it became easier to implement the concept of polyphony with digitally-tuned oscillators and voice-assigners.

Evolution of Digital Synthesizers:

When initially digital synthesizers were introduced, they were really expensive and costs around $20,000 or more. The earliest was the Fairlight CMI but it was until 1983, when a truly digital revolutionizing synthesizer was introduced and it was the Yamaha DX-7. The price was marked at $2,000 which was much cheaper and it made this product a big hit. With this product, the analog synthesizers begin to decline however a growing revival movement focused on classic analog synthesis kept those synthesizers alive.

The digital synths introduced were tend to be monophonic or polyphonic depending upon preference of user. You may be thinking that monophonic may not even exist now but they do and there are several reasons to it that we would explore as we look in to details of each of these two types of synthesizers. 

Main Differences:

Let us dive in to get more details on how these synthesizers are different from each other.

Differences in Sound:

The main difference that makes monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers different is the way each of these instruments are played. Approach and mindset of players while playing each of these synths should be different. Each one has its own unique advantages and challenges with creation of sound and melodies with varied progressions. When you consider taking suggestions from different keyboardists; they will have varied opinions. Some might say that the sound feels much fuller when it is produced with a monophonic synth while others back polyphonic synths for enhanced sound energy and effects.

You might be thinking that if a monophonic synth can only play one note at a given time then why should one even consider using it. The idea is simple! A monophonic synth does create a single note at one time but that single note contains a lot of expression and character that a polyphonic synth may not be able to create. An extremely large tone can be produced with monophonic synths.

On the other hand, since a polyphonic synthesizer is capable of producing multiple notes at one time is therefore equipped and engineered with a thinner sound so that the senses of the listeners are not overwhelmed with sound energy. If each of the notes would have a large expressive sound, the overall sound effect may become quite muddy.

When Buying a Synthesizer: Monophonic or Polyphonic?

Considerations:

Few factors must be considered when trying to decide which synthesizer would work best for you:

• Cost: Many monophonic synths usually are cheaper than many polyphonic synths because of their simple internal construction and design. So, if you are on a budget and especially if looking for your first synthesizer, you may opt for an overall cheaper in price; monophonic synthesizer. But if you can raise your budget, there are options of plenty of polyphonic digital synthesizers available in market for purchase.
• Purpose of Buying: If you are purchasing a synth to serve as your main instrument/keyboard, many keyboardists would recommend you to buy a polyphonic synth. For example, if you are buying a synth that would be responsible for fulfilling your complete music production needs. A polyphonic synth, for sure, gives you greater flexibility. Many of the polyphonic synths today, can be used in monophonic mode too. 

However, if you are looking for a supplementary synth that would be accompanied by another keyboard, you may consider buying a monophonic too. These monophonic synths are considered when you are looking to explore some sounds of yesterday (analog sounds). There still exists some exceptional monophonic products that produce exclusive sounds that are really difficult to simulate and create with any other product/instrument.

Conclusion:

Where Monophonic synths can be packed up at a lower price point and thus has a standpoint in terms of cost, the Polyphonic offers more specific connotations. Depending upon your music and your own style, you can make the ultimate choice for yourself. Look at all the different options available in the market and list down your specific requirements, this would make choosing a bit easier for you.

Benefits of Playing Piano at a Public Event:

• Self-motivation is at its peak when you prepare for a recital.
• You become more focused and serious with this result-oriented approach.
• You try your best to eliminate all mistakes and learn everything accurately. 

Key to Success in Public Performances!

Here is a simple key that would lead to successful performances:

Nervousness and stage fright are common especially among youngsters. The key is to learn to ignore nervousness and handle stage fright and concentrate only on playing piano while having a pleasant experience on stage.

Tips to Successful Public Piano Playing:

Here are some tips that would aid you in delivering a flawless public performance:

• Basic Requirement: The basic requirement for successfully playing piano at a public event is that you must have done adequate technical preparation with focus also on musical interpretation. Along with that comes, managing a good performance practice routine. These elements along with other factors would combine to guarantee a perfect public performance.
• Practice at a Slightly Slower Speed: Practicing at a pace slightly slower than regular speed allows you to get more accuracy and a clearer picture of a piece. It restricts you from getting used to of unexpected mistakes/bad habits and gives your hands more control and enhanced technique of playing. As you will play slightly faster in your performance than the speed used for practice, you will be able to bring out more expressions with the same composition and will make it sound even more exciting in front of public.
• Practice & Improve Musicality:
  • Bars/measures/phrases are not independent but they should connect, logically flow and support each other.
  • Rhythmic and conceptual connection is important. Your right hand and left hand must also be consciously connected and must converse with each other.
  • Begin slowly and softly and reserve some end space for action. Wait for the last moment to through the flow exponentially in the air and your performance will be more effective.
  • Use the metronome to keep a check on rhythm and timing.
  • Listen to your own practice and that way you will have a feedback cycle continuously moving along. Take the lead.
• Start Easy with Casual Performances: Casual performances are different than formal public recitals. They give pianists more freedom and reduced stress. You get the freedom of picking and playing anything that you find suitable for that moment and can make any changes. You can begin with playing simple and small snippets.
  

Some tips:

• Pick simple sections that sounds best.
• Pick right snippets for occasions.
• Experiment with speeds.
• Watch your tone.
• Keep track of audience reaction.
• Control nervousness.
• Take over and cover up mistakes.
• Remember good parts, forget mistakes.

Take this avenue of casual performance as an opportunity for preparation of recitals for formal public events. 

• Preparation Routines for Public Event: Try simulating the situation of performing at a public event in the area where you practice. Think that you have audience in front of you. Settle down and keep yourself calm. Open up your music score book and before beginning take a deep breath. Play the entire piece. Even if you make a mistake, try finishing the entire piece and keep reminding yourself that you are not alone; there are audience in front of you. Repeat this practice routine often and it will give you more confidence. With each practice session, you will improve parts and it will give you a realization that even if you make a mistake; you can complete and play what you have intended to play. Making a mistake is no end of the world and audience may not even be able to catch that mistake.

Tips to Remember for the Day of Performance!

• Do Not Exert Yourself. Do not keep a tight leash on your performance.
• Do not overdo it. The idea is to limit the amount of practice.
• Keep your mind fresh.
• Do not try anything new as your brain would be completely unreceptive and anything different/new may only result in confusion.
• Mistakes can happen and assuming that there will be no mistakes on the day would only leave you feeling terrible if a mistake happens.
• If possible, practice at the event venue at least once before the actual event day.
• Handling an unfamiliar piano should not be your area of worry unless you get an inferior one to play at the event. Usually instruments at the events are grand and they are easier to play than their inferior ones. Larger pianos would result in larger sound and more action that would make your performance even more interesting.
• Check for tuning of the piano before recital. If in case it is out of tune, it is suggested that you play a bit faster and louder.

Conclusion:

Professional pianists who have experience and expertise of performing should be able to perform anything however for young learners, the skill of performing at public events flawlessly would be earned with continuously exposing themselves to performing beginning from causal small gathering to public events. It requires honing a proper preparation routine and knowledge of rules that eventually leads to better performances.

Make Your Own:

Begin with making up your own small pieces to get your hands over piano. Slowly and gradually you will improvise over this on the spot playing and enjoying your own self.

Get Songbooks / Sheets:

To aid the process of learning, you will need some sheets and songbooks. These sheets and song books can be found online or can be bought from a store. Your tip here is to carefully and thoroughly examine these materials before buying. Getting a song or sheet music online is easy but usually the online free stuff is not as good as the one you buy. Online sheets are usually a sample of what the music would be like and it is because the companies do not want that material to be copied online. You will either be given choice of mail or download as you buy those sheets.

Explore a Library of Music:

Music is now readily available over many small and large scale music libraries where you can search for music from particular composers. You can visit these music libraries and filter search based on what interests you and what level of a piano player you are. These libraries even enable you to search music based on some particular criteria such as genres, scores, density, mood etc.

Consider your Segmented Market:

Speak the language your audiences understand in true terms. When you are choosing music to play for a particular audience, look for the demographics, culture and select something that would broadly appeal your target market. Play something that would make its way straight to their hearts.

Get Help from a Skilled Teacher:

Finding it difficult to choose a right set of songs for your skill level, seek help of a professional teacher. A teacher can actually be a great help in picking your repertoire. Only you and your teacher knows your skill level and if you are not sure, the second best person to refine and ease up the process of identifying music for you could be no other than your teacher. Learning a piece above your level would truly be an arduous process. If you take pieces above your level, you may take months to learn, practice and play. The right approach should rather be to learn many pieces of your level and then gradually building the level of your skill. 

Tips for Getting Right Songbooks: Selecting right songbooks is important. Here are some quick tips on how you can select some that you will be able to use for learning piano:

• Sharps/Flats in Songs: Explore the songbook to carefully examine songs. Look for sharps or flats in the songs. If a songbook has many black keys, it might have songs that are too difficult for your beginner level. If you have just started learning, you may want to avoid those sharps. Many beginners often find flat keys more manageable than sharp keys. So, keep that in mind.
• Chords: Next thing would be to look at the difficulty of chords. Simple triads are good to begin with but if the song book has many notes clustered in the form of chords on both hand sides; it may need a bit of more effort in order for you to learn it.
• Rhythms: Rhythms that are a combination of too many different values or dotted notes combined together would again be something that would take more time and effort for you to learn. Some simple note values are good to begin with and offers you more chances of success and motivation for playing this instrument. 

Additional Tips:

• Do not stockpile sheets or books with the idea that someday you will be able to play all of those as you practice and become a pro.Rather get the music material that you can use right away.
• Make sure the music you choose is the one you like too. If a piece lacks your interest and you don’t love it, your practice or performance would lack that passion and you may probably find it more difficult to play than it actually would be.
• Choose music that you can artistically relate too. If you can’t feel the music that you are playing, your practice/performance would sound impersonal and enforced.
• Playing safe is fine but in order to improve and display your skills, you should challenge yourself by trying to play pieces from different genres.
• Let the creative one within you to show-up and begin having fun with piano music. 

Conclusion:

No matter what kind of music you like or choose to play, the main idea is to push yourself and progress as a pianist. Each time try adding a new piece of music to your repertoire. These new challenges would not only make you a versatile pro pianist but would also keep the factor of enjoyment and excitement alive in your path of learning to play this instrument. You would and should wish to advance in playing piano but make sure that extended practicing and learning of complex music is at a level that you can handle without ending up being frustrated.

Benefit of Composing Music:

Inspiring and encouraging young ones to compose has numerous benefits:

• It enhances their understanding of music and related components such as chords, melody, harmony etc.
• It improves listening and reading skills.
• It gives them ease of connecting with their emotions and makes them more expressive.
• It makes lessons more fun for both students and teachers.
• It enhances their motivation to learn especially when you are working with teenage beginners.
• Music creation works as a promoting activity for students to continue music even if they wished to quit.

Tips for Encouraging Students to Compose:

Here are some tips that teachers can opt for in order to inspire their students to compose music.

• Live musical performance: One thing that works impressively well for inspiring and encouraging music composition is by hearing and seeing other musicians performing live music. Perform with your teaching staff at school assembly or get some local performers to play for your students.
• Show work of other musicians in your school: Show work of other musicians and composers in your school to your students. You can put their work on your school website or let them play their pieces at assembly. You can even develop their work on CDs and share with students. Giving importance to their compositions would inspire other students to participate in composing music.
• Low pressure fear free composition: Give your students some space to create low pressure composition meaning let them create what they want to instead of forcing them to work on what they don’t want to compose. Let them be creative and discover what they want. Give them a chance to start that is the hardest point of composition. Encourage them to work and compose a small composition without fear. Just to get them started, set a time frame.
• Give them context for composition: Providing them some context for composition would let them focus on what to compose. Not only that but it would give them a base for their imagination and creativity with music. You can ask your students to create music in context with a fairy take or around a news or for a purpose such as Christmas time performance at school or for summers. Give them a topic and ask them to compose a few lines for that topic.
• Give them some words to play with: You can give your students some lyrics and ask them to compose music for them. You can ask your student to pick some poem or quote and compose for it. If that doesn’t seem to work, you can ask them to find a different melody for a certain song or rhythm. Once they begin to do it for short versus, you can extend the process of composition by expanding the structure and adding more lyrics or versus to it.
• Encourage group composition: Give your students multiple chances to compose in group. As they practice composition in large group, they will begin to observe and take part in the process. As a next step, you may invite them to arrange and perform their composition.
  
• Make notations visible: Make notations of compositions more visible in front of students using a large board or a staff paper in order to build music literacy skills. You can also ask students to do notations of certain compositions.
• Play different activities: Learning is made more fun with activities. In order to make your students learn to compose, play different activities related to arrangements, reading, notations, analysis and evaluation of compositions.One idea to test their skills would be asking them questions related to a certain composition. Let them have a look at their checklist in order to identify if a certain composition makes sense.

Tips for Motivating Young Composers:

Here are some most important tips that would motivate your young composers:

• Take their compositions seriously: Give important to whatever they compose whether it is good or bad. It is important to take them and their work seriously. Ask relevant questions about their composition and treat them as a legitimate piece of music.
• Encourage them for feedbacks: Every class should end with a few minutes session for students to share their feedbacks related to compositions made within the classroom as well as of others outside the class. Encourage them to share their opinion such as telling one thing that they liked about a certain composition or a suggestion that they thing would make the composition even more beautiful.
• Post their compositions on boards: You can have a “Wall of Fame” in your classroom where you can post your students’ compositions; May it be group composition or individual composition. This Wall of Fame would enhance creativity and would encourage students to make more compositions.
• Have audience other than teacher: Another factor that tempts students to compose music is by having an audience other than their teacher. This would help your struggling composers to work beyond their skills and extend their level of creativity.

Conclusion:

The fun of creating something on your own is ever so rewarding that it serves as a motivation in itself but there is always fear of beginning. Similar is with music composition. Some motivation from teachers could do the needful that is needed for students to begin having ownership of learning and creating particular sounds that they would love to play and hear.

• They make music lessons more interactive with widest selection of apps available.
• Apps are more reliable.
• The iPads have enhanced connectivity options.
• Resolution and screen sizes of iPads are great.
• Simple and interesting tool to use for learning.
• Lots of free apps are available to use.
• Impressive aural and rhythmic testing software are available with iPads.

Best iPad Apps for Music Education:

A number of free built-in apps are available with iPads including audio/video recorders, emails, word processors and more that would aid in teaching but you would need to download some other brilliant apps and may need to invest on them. Here are some of the beat iPad apps for music teachers:

• Piano Maestro: This iPad only app is free for teacher accounts as well as for students who connect with a teacher account. This app includes music for students to play and students can also listen to the acoustic piano with microphone connection of iPad. No wired connection would be needed but you can connect to a keyboard with headphones and assess student’s performance for accuracy of rhythm and notes. Progress of student would be saved and points will be given to make the experience more interesting and helpful.Joy Tunes’ Piano Maestro is an in-depth piano education tool that offers fun and engaging piano practice and significantly reduces the time frame of learning piano.

• Music for Little Mozarts: Corresponding with the famous piano method book by Alfred, the Music for Little Mozarts; this app is an ideal tool for teaching piano to pre-school and Kindergarten students. By using Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear characters; high/low sounds, piano keys, notes and other aspects of piano music are taught to children. It is a kids-friendly app.

• Piano Dust Buster: This app gives students an ability to play real piano at home. There is also an in-app piano where certain songs can be played. Keys to be played along for available songs are prompted on the screen with the use of dust bunnies and grandma figure. Free Piano Dust Buster app could be upgraded to a monthly subscription where the premium version gives you hundreds of songs for varied piano genre as well as concert mode with which you can compete with worldwide users of this app. App doesn’t need any wires and an acoustic piano can activate it or you can do it by touch as well. The app would listen to your piano and will tell you how to play. Two different modes are available to choose from (players who can read music and players who can’t read music). Turns learning in to a game as player helps Granny in dusting off the piano as they play correct note. Points and bonus collection makes it more interesting.
  

• Music Theory for Beginners: This iPad app is a fantastic app for beginners as well as intermediate learners. It includes multiple lessons, tutorials and tests that covers basic music theory and can be an effective tool for reinforcing concepts. Along with basic, there are some advanced tutorials too that includes topics such as major/minor chords, key signatures and others. The app also includes sign-in feature under your name that enables to keep track of the student’s progress in tutorials and assessments.

• Piano 3D:This app features the 3D graphics quality and thus is an interesting tool to play piano on your iPad device. For learning a particular song, you just need to tap and select the song and keys would illuminate on your piano. It also has in-app recording feature and you can even share your performance/practice on social media with its upload feature. The basic app is free but you can upgrade to monthly subscription for unlimited song library access and for other features.

• ForScore: This music reading app gives you storage and viewing of sheets in PDF format. Files can be loaded easily through Dropbox or iTunes but they need to be in PDF format. Changes can be made in these files and you can also re-order pages. It offers wireless printing feature, page turning, storing and reading of music with ease. You can use it for performance as well where you can add scores with the aid of built-in camera.
  

• IRealPro: This app serves as a simple tool with music book and play along feature for musicians of all levels. This app can be used in the classroom with projector and speaker system and teachers can also use it for home-based assignments in the form of various exercises included here. It offers a realistic sounding band and backing tracks for fun practicing and generation of sounds with any chords. It is also suitable for varied piano musical genre such as jazz, rock and pop. With many downloadable charts available for free, you can access and practice any of your favorite songs. The app is ideal for scales and chords exercises.

• Piano Music Note Sight Reading Trainer: Another great piano teaching app that let students learn sight reading. Real sheet music along with quizzes are included that gives teachers ease of evaluating their students. Visual aids, queues and toggle features are available for practice and lesson sections that makes it a completely helpful tool for both teachers and students learning the crucial piano sight reading skill.

Conclusion:

Apart from these, there are thousands of other helpful iPad apps for piano teachers. Whether your student wants to learn a few songs for his family and friends or would like to learn complete skills of playing a piano, these wonderful apps with ground-breaking technology of iPad makes the process easier, quicker and more interesting for them.

Music Education Apps Enhances Learning

• Tech apps have been designed to prove helpful for music educators.
• It gives them innovative and interesting methods of making their music class more interactive for students.
• It enhance the process of learning and tracking the progress of students become easier.
• Mobile apps serve as a tool for supplementing music education and with more than thousands of music apps in library; students and teachers get to take the advantage of massive resources with focus on music.
• Only for the iPad alone, more than 80,000 music education apps have been designed, developed and implemented.
• Mobile apps give unlimited opportunities to students for practicing on their own.
• These apps help students in gaining confidence and their music skills are improved.

These apps are thus changing the way music is taught and learnt.

How Apps help in Music Education?

Music education apps are marking new methods for accomplishing goals of learning music. They are enhancing motivation among learners. Students get encouraged to participate in learning especially if they are having more fun whether it is a music-related game or having fun learning music on a tablet.

Even analyzing pieces of music with their notes becomes easier that forms the basis for ease of creating music. Using apps, students can break down musical pieces and it helps in recognizing notes, rhythms, harmonies and other aspects of music.

Each student learn and understand at their own scale and thus there will be times when music teachers need to focus and make some additional efforts with certain students. When teachers need to do so, they can engage other students with use of these educational apps.

Some topics are rather difficult to understand and would need students to do some additional practice. An app can be used to give them additional practice sessions in order to make sure that they have understood a certain concept. The music education apps allow students to investigate and discover true musical experience which is way more interactive and helpful than reading a text material.

Smartphones and Tablets in Music Education:

Just as the technology is evolving, computers and laptops came in existence and these devices slowly enhanced the method of creating and teaching music. But introduction of smartphones and tablets have revitalized the experience of music and have taken it even further for teaching and interactive lessons with students. With these devices, students get to experience tactile surfaces so the way they use the interface has direct influence to creation and learning of music. The enhanced sensitivity makes way for a real-like experience as they can feel their fingers vibrating as they play an instrument on these devices. These vibrating effects along with sounds are much closer to what real-life instruments feel like when played.

Benefits of Smart Devices for Music Education:

Below are some of the main characteristics of these smart devices that have and are changing the way music is taught and learnt.

• These devices offers convenience of use with their portable size.
• With touchscreen system and enhanced sensitivity, you get an experience closer to a real-time instrument.
• Smart devices offer enhanced processing speed that makes them quicker and saves your time.
• With their enhanced battery life, they give you hassle-free teaching.
• Apps are easy to use and simple to follow.
• You can get customized apps for specific teaching/learning purpose.
• With a plethora of free and reasonably priced apps, this dynamic approach of teaching is extremely affordable. With millions of users of these apps in the market, software developers are working on development of apps at a rapid pace.
• Interactive interface for innovative teaching.

The Market of Music Apps:

With many apps available in market, music teachers and students would need to focus on certain key points when looking for these applications:

• Look for the apps that appeal you most.
• Search over internet to know about features of these apps.
• Check which platforms these apps are optimized for.
• Full feature apps with multiple lesson options would be more suitable. Look for apps that have options for music theory, playing along, notation, sequencing, ear training, improvisation and more.
• You will find apps that offer enhanced functionality and content with both audio and video lessons for learners.
• There will be apps with practice instructions, in-depth drills as well as assessment functions.

Conclusion:

Even if you choose many of the best apps for music education, success would really depend upon how you and your students are using these apps for improving their music skills. Proper demonstrations and visual instructions are important. Nowadays these apps have become so important that there is no way for teachers and students to visualize music learning without them.

What is different about these expensive pianos?

Many of you may be thinking that these expensive pianos would have versatile sound effects and enhanced features but you will be amazed to find that these pianos do not have anything for improved piano music. The only thing that makes these pianos most expensive is the use of expensive material and components that are used to build them up.

Most Expensive Pianos:

1. Heintzman’s Crystal Piano:

The piano that tops the list of most expensive pianos around the world is the Crystal Piano by Heintzman and it is worth $3.22 Million. This is surely a big price for a piano but it is masterpiece of future that is constructed completely from crystal and is designed exclusively for performances in majestic concert halls. This piano was first introduced at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in the year 2008. A billion of people from around the world were audience at this opening ceremony. This beautifully crafted Heintzman Piano was sold to some unknown bidder for the price quoted.

2. John Lennon’s Steinway & Sons Model Z:

This Model Z piano is an upright piano that is built from ordinary walnut and was a joint effort by Steinway and the Sons and John Lennon. This piano is given an extensively fine woody look that would relish the overall beauty of the room with its stylish presence. This piano was purchased by British Superstar George Michael for a price tag of $2.1 million. There is truly no gold or diamonds or any other wealth with this price tag but the piano is beautifully crafted and its 2.37 Million worth is with the priceless talentedly created cigarette burns that singer himself has marked on this piano.

3. Steinway & Sons Red Pops:

With all its rainbow spectrum and glory of a grand piano, another impressive piece is the Steinway & Sons red character Red Pops. It is the combination of classic and contemporary choice and has a white and red color balanced with silver plate and nickel hardware. With designers Sir Jonathan Ive and Marc Newson, U2’s frontman Bono made an effort for Global Fund Raising in 2013 to fight against AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis in Africa. The Auction was held in New York and as a result of this auction, $26 million were raised for this cause. The shining star of that fund raising event was the amazing beauty and crafting of Red Pops for Red Parlor grand piano that remained the most expensive item of the evening. It was bought by Stewart Rahr (a billionaire philanthropist) for $1.925 Million.

4. Steinway & Sons Sound of Harmony Concert Grand:

This externally vibrant and detailed piano that literally gives you an ink-wash image as a peacock is the Sound of Harmony Concert Grand piano. This piano was especially built for a wealthy Chinese art collector, Guo Qingxiang. It was build and customized by Steinway in 2007 with some unique piano features. It offers a beautiful, rich and deep acoustic sound with its specially designed soundboard that was constructed with the use of 40 different wood layers. It could be truly termed as a piano constructed with love and passion and its construction took many years that resulted in the charm that it offers. The logo of Steinway and the name of the piano were painted on this piano with rate crystallized gold to give this piano some additional charm.

5. UAE-based Company Galaxy Piano:

This piano is another unique piece in the list of most expensive pianos the world has ever seen. The cost of this piano is around $1.36 Million. It was constructed by a UAE based company that manufactured this piano with some rare parts imported from Germany. The body of this piano is gold-plated with fiberglass structure and it has curved keys that gives this piano an exclusive look for elite customers.

6. Kuhn Bosendorfer Grand Piano:

Crafted with astonishing 100,000 polished jewels, this 7 feet and 4 inches piano is a unique combination of acoustics and brilliance design of the famous glass sculptor, Jon Kuhn. This beautiful jet-black limited edition piano has 200 different geometric patterns on its body. Kuhn’s name is inscribed on the piano in gold leap byAustria-based L. Bösendorfer Klavierfabrik in true sense of tradition. Although an uplifted imperial version of this piano is already planned that would be proposed to build a sale of $3.5 Million. But this black jet managed to make a sale of $1.2 Million.

Conclusion:

Now that you have had a look at the pianos that have cost of millions, it is true that these are only there for elite class that is termed as millions club. These pianos talk about the world of richness and they are marked as extraordinary pieces that shine as musical divas in the celebrated and distinguished masterpieces by craftsmen.

Exercises and Stretches for your Fingers:

For a keen pianist, cramping and paining fingers are common as they go through lengthy sessions and performances with piano. Not only those pro pianists but beginners may even feel their fingers to be aching after practice sessions. Thus it is important to stretch and strengthen your fingers so that you can avoid pain and play with dexterity and comfort on piano. Here are some exercises and stretches for your fingers:

Finger Stretching/Warm-up Exercise: Before you begin playing piano, you should perform this finger stretching exercise as part of your warm-up routine to relax your finger muscles. If your fingers are not warmed up, you will feel them stiff on piano and would feel restricted movement. For this stretch, just close your fingers in hands tightly and hold in that position for 3 seconds; now release. Repeat this stretching for multiple times. Next bend each of your finger independently. When you are done with that, just rub both of your hands together and your finger muscles are now warm-up for you to begin playing.

Finger Independence Exercise: For those who are new to playing piano, one of the important tasks is to develop the skill of using their fingers independently. This exercise would not only help you in developing this kill but would also enhance flexibility and movement of your fingers on piano. For this exercise, you need to lay your hands on piano keys with your right thumb placed on middle C.Block your left hand to hold any three notes of your choice while you use your right hand to play scales. Play different sets of scales and then switch hands. Playing scales is one of the best exercises for pianists. Playing scales with a slow metronome is another helpful exercise for enhancing your fingers’ strength and movement.

Finger Lifting Exercise: As you learn to lift your fingers high, you are not only working on controlled movement of fingers but would also aid in producing a rich piano sound. Raising your fingers high would be challenging especially for your ringer finger but this exercise would prove helpful. Lay your hands on piano keys and deliberately work on lifting one finger at a time quickly before trying to place a controlled finger back on keys. Try to lift the finger higher deliberately and practice this multiple times. This exercise would also warm-up your finger for playing piano.

Finger Strengthening Stretch: For this exercise, you would need a stable flat surface where you can put your hands and spread your fingers apart. Now push down allowing a series of smooth pulses. Now bend your knuckles slightly while trying to keep your wrist relaxed. As you perform this stretch, your finger muscles expand and contract and it would aid in strengthening your finger muscles. Another finger stretching exercise involves making fist with your hand while keeping your thumb wrapped around your fingers. Squeeze gently until you feel no pain but only tightness and contraction of muscles. Hold in that position for a few seconds while breathing deeply. Now release fist and stretch all your fingers outward. Repeat with other hand.

Finger Gripping Exercise: Get any cheap adjustable strength gripping device for your fingers and use it on a regular basis before and after your piano practice sessions. In absence of any such device, you can just hold your hands with fingers spread and try to make claws by slowly and smoothly contacting finger muscles. Next open them up and repeat this exercise. Another device that could be used to enhance fingers mobility and movement while easing up all your tensed muscles is the use of a foamed finger/hand gripper. This device allows you to practice elevated curved hands position.

Exercises and Stretches for your Wrist and Hands:

Apart from fingers, focus should also be on your complete hands comfort, mobility and relaxed action. Some exercises that could prove helpful for all the joints around your hands include:

• Wrist Bending Exercise: For this exercise, you need to fully extend one of your arms in front of you. For instance you extend your left hand, then your right hand should be placed underneath the fingers of your left hand and then pull your fingers back. Now hold in that position for 3 seconds while breathing deeply. Bow have your fingers pushed down towards you. Hold in that position for 3 seconds while breathing deeply. Repeat this exercise with other hand.
  
• Wrist Rotating Exercise: Have your forearms placed on the arms of any chair so that your wrist gets complete support while you keep your fingers hanging free. Now bend your wrist back and lift hands towards you. Next lower your hands back in the downward position. Repeat with other hand and do this exercise for 5-6 times. Next you keep your elbows at rest and try to rotate your forearms with palms facing in upward direction. Then rotate forearm back again in its original position. Repeat with other arm. Hold your wrist and forearms in rotated position for some seconds before releasing it back over.

Exercises and Stretches for your Elbows:

• Have your arms stretched out on your sides without locking elbows. Now slowly bring your elbows up in a position where your fingers reach and touch the back of your head. Return your arms to their original position. Repeat this exercise for 5-6 times.
• Have your arms extended straight in front of your body without locking elbows. Your palms should be up. Now bend and straighten your elbows. Repeat this exercise for 5-6 times. For additional endurance, add some weights to each hand.
  

Exercises and Stretches for your Neck and Shoulders:

• Have your head placed on your right shoulder and gently press it in the same direction. While you stretch your neck in one direction, your other shoulder should be in relaxed position. Hold in that position for a few seconds and then release. Repeat for other side.
• Raise both of your arms outward and then upward over your head. Remain in that position and then return them to your sides in relaxing position.
• Place your right arm across your chest straight and gently pull your arm towards the body with another hand. Remain in that position for a few seconds and then repeat with other arm.
• Have your arms in relaxed position along your sides and gently shrug your shoulders towards your ears. Now have your body relaxed and repeat it 5-6 times.

Essential Considerations:

• Deep Breathing is Important! One of the most important exercise for your mind and body to relax is deep breathing. Before you begin your piano practice or recital, you must sit on piano and deep breathe for at least 3 times. This exercise would ease your muscles up and would enhance circulation of blood and nutrients throughout your body.
• Pianists often suffer from problems including carpal tunnel, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. If you are suffering from any such condition or are experiencing some unusual sensations, pains, weaknesses, numbness, cold hands, restricted movement or feel any unfamiliar discomfort, make sure you don’t continue with these exercises.
• Even when doing these exercises that needs you to stretch, bend, twist and do other movements, make sure you remain gentle with your body.
• Do not overdo. Do not increase tempo too quickly but do it gradually.
• Remember that your goal for these exercises should be building your strength, enhanced flexibility, prevention from injury and improved technique and performance.
• Practice these exercises regularly in order to get desired results.

Conclusion:

Although these exercises are safe for most of the conditions but if you are experiencing any pain or suffer from any specific condition; it would be best to consult your doctor before beginning any such exercises. Do not continue with these stretches and exercises with pain or discomfort. Fluid, smooth and slow movements would make it a win-win situation for you despite of how stressful your routine may be. Follow and practice these exercises on a regular basis and you will witness improvement in your piano playing capacity and overall performance with piano music. These exercises would prove helpful in protecting your longevity as a pianist.