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Tips, free lessons, and inspiration

Real, Hybrid, or Electronic Piano?

8/24/2019

1 Comment

 
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Buying a new instrument is always exciting. We purchase with great expectations that this new instrument will be the one.

I own a Yamaha NU1 Hybrid and a Yamaha  professional electric piano. I used to own real pianos. Which should you buy?

1. Grand pianos are great if you have the funds and the space. No one regrets buying a Steinway. They do require maintenance and care though. And, you get what you pay for. There are fine instruments suitable for all skill levels and there are furniture models. That is show pieces for the front window that may or may not play well. 
2. Upright pianos. Easily obtained on the used market for the cost of moving. My advice: don't buy an out of tune piano and please pay to have it looked at. Many are untunable, unplayable and unfixable. That being said there are some great instruments and bargains out there. 
3. Hybrid pianos. I play and teach on a Yamaha NU1. Real piano action and sensors of some sort. Always in tune. Plays and feels like a well maintained upright piano. Looks like a piano too. There are other models available. Best choice next to a high end grand piano. 
4. Electronic pianos. Suitable for beginners for a while. Cheap. Be sure they have weighted keys. Please buy a proper bench. I have a professional model, plays like a grand piano. Love it too. 

See you in lessons soon. 

David

1 Comment

Fall Lesson Checklist Part 2

8/22/2019

0 Comments

 
Piano tuning

An out of tune piano is discouraging to students of any age.

​So, if you can't remember the last time the tuner came, it is time to call. For a point of reference. Before I got my hybrid piano, my tuner came 3 times a year.

See you in lessons soon.

David 
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Time management in the practice studio

8/11/2019

0 Comments

 
An often-confusing subject. “Now that I’m about to practice what should I work on? It seems all so overwhelming.”

First truth: you can’t do everything in a single practice session, but you can accomplish little things that will add up to big things.
Second truth: there are no shortcuts.
Third truth: learn to practice like a professional, it is more effective and much less stressful.

Gerald Klickstein, author of the book “The musician’s way”, is a valuable resource on professional work skills and stress reduction in the practice room. The link below is a good entry point into his world.  

https://www.musiciansway.com/blog/2015/06/5-tips-for-successful-practice/

Happy practicing
 
David
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    You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.
    Charlie Parker

    Author

    I'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. 

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                                                ©2022 David Story
  • Homepage
  • Tips, Ideas, Stories, Free Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Jazz Workshop #Eleven March 5, 2023
  • Contact form, fees, calendar, policies
  • Philosophy
  • Testimonials
  • Children's Winter Concert 2023
  • My Story
  • Student awards and compositions
  • Classical downloads
  • Classical outline for beginners
  • Jazz downloads
  • Jazz outline for beginners
  • Video Library of Piano Techniques
  • Breakfast Piano Minute
  • Books, Apps, Websites, Music
  • Ear Training and Sight Singing Resources