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Mastering the Piano: The Purpose and Value of Czerny and Hanon Exercises
Piano technique exercises have long been a standard component of a pianist’s regimen. Two of the most ubiquitous are the collections of studies written by Carl Czerny and Charles-Louis Hanon in the 19th century. Examining the history and purpose behind these renowned books can help pianists thoughtfully integrate them into practice. Carl Czerny: Biography and…
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The Sonata – A Musical Form with a Rich History
The sonata is one of the most important forms in classical music. The term “sonata” comes from the Italian word “suonare” meaning “to sound.” A sonata is a composition written for a solo instrument or instruments typically with three or four movements. The sonata form emerged in the Baroque era, becoming a staple during the…
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Etudes – What are they?
As a piano teacher, I often encourage my students to explore piano etudes to improve their technique and musicianship. Piano etudes are short pieces of music that are specifically composed to help pianists develop particular skills and abilities. In this blog post, we will explore the purpose and history of piano etudes, and I will…
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The Classical Era: Three Composers
The Classical Era of Music represented a turning point in music history, where renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert and others flourished. During this period, composers began to focus on creating music that was lucid, balanced and uncluttered, as opposed to the previous era’s more elaborate and complex styles. This era also marked…
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Why Does Music That Sounds Good, Sound Good?
Hey there, piano students! Have you ever wondered why some music just sounds so good to our ears, while other harmonies can be a bit harsh? Well, today we’re going to explore the history of Western tonal music to find out! First, let’s talk about the early days of music. Way back when, music was…
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Piano Makes Learning Other Instruments Easier!
Learning to play the piano is not only an enjoyable and fulfilling experience but also one that can make it easier to learn other instruments. The piano, being a “horizontal” instrument, has a linear arrangement of notes and chords on its keyboard. This layout makes it simple to understand the relationships between notes and chords,…
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The Four Periods of Music
Music has been a fundamental part of human culture for thousands of years, and over time it has undergone various transformations. One way to understand the history of music is by dividing it into four main eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. The Baroque era, which spanned from 1600 to 1750, was a time of…
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The History of the Piano As We Know It Today
The piano, as we know it today, is a result of centuries of evolution and development. It’s a complex instrument with a rich history that began in the 14th century with the invention of the clavichord. The clavichord, although similar to the piano in terms of its keyboard, was smaller in size and had a…
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The Cognitive Benefits of Learning Piano
The practice of piano at a young age has been proven to have numerous cognitive advantages. These advantages include enhanced memory, prolonged attention span, and developed spatial-temporal abilities. One of the most notable cognitive benefits of learning piano at a young age is improved memory. Playing the piano necessitates the memorization of notes, melodies, and…
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