Music by Susan

03/31/2025

March 29 is the 88th day of year and better known as Piano Day

How did the piano come to have 88 keys?
After word got out of Cristofori’s miraculous musical invention, composers started writing more and more music for the piano.

But the instrument’s four-octave range was limiting. So, piano manufacturers designed new pianos with more keys, so that composers like Haydn and Mozart could write more challenging material for a fuller keyboard.

By the time Romantic composers like Chopin and Liszt were writing music in the mid-1800s, pianos had up to seven octaves, allowing them to compose pieces with an even more ambitious range like the bafflingly virtuosic ‘La Campanella’.

In the late 1880s, piano manufacturer Steinway created the 88-key piano. Other manufacturers followed suit, and Steinway’s model has been the standard ever since.

An 88-key piano has seven octaves plus three lower notes (B, B flat and A) below the bottom C.

It has 52 white keys and 36 black keys (sharps and flats), with each octave made up of seven white keys and five black keys. So just imagine how boring music would be if 88 keys weren't invented and all we had was a 5 octave of its ancestor the Harpsichord

03/26/2025

Save the date
May 4

03/19/2025

02/17/2025

Smile at a stranger
Open a door for someone
Buy the person behind you in line a cup of coffee
It doesn't take a lot to make someone's day

01/01/2025

Senior Adult lessons are available.

01/01/2025

Enjoy 2025

11/01/2024

Saturday night

11/01/2024

Happy Thanksgiving

09/15/2024

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Exploring the Parts of the Piano/Keyboard!

The White Keys:

- Called the naturals
- Consist of 7 notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G)
- Repeat in a pattern across the keyboard

The Black Keys:

- Called the sharps and flats
- Consist of 5 groups of 2 and 3 keys
- Used to play sharps, flats, and chromatic notes

The Pedals:

- Sustain pedal (right): sustains notes
- Sostenuto pedal (middle): sustains selected notes
- Soft pedal (left): reduces volume

The Keyboard Layout:

- Groups of 2 and 3 black keys help you navigate
- Find Middle C (C4) to start learning notes

Key Signatures:

- Sharps ( #) raise pitch
- Flats (b) lower pitch

Hand Positions:

- Keep hands curved and relaxed
- Fingers gently rest on keys

Proper height stool to sit on.
Now that you know the parts, let's play!

Homework:

- Explore the keyboard and find different notes
- Practice playing with proper hand position

09/15/2024

Muzio Clementi

Muzio Clementi is a true pioneer of piano music whose journey strengthens our resolve as learners. Born in Rome in 1752, Clementi faced numerous obstacles, just like many of us. His story reflects the perseverance that is so vital on our musical journeys.

Imagine being just fourteen years old and traveling to a foreign land, leaving everything familiar behind to pursue your passion for music. Clementi spent seven years in England, practicing tirelessly in isolation. Can you picture yourself pouring hours into practice, maybe feeling like those efforts go unnoticed at times? Yet, those challenging moments are ultimately what lay the groundwork for success! How have you handled such moments in your own practice?

Clementi's determination eventually led to him competing in a famous piano duel with Mozart, marking his place in history and serving as a reminder that every ounce of effort counts.
Just like him, you too can carve your own musical path. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed - take a deep breath, cherish each small victory, and trust that progress comes step by step.

Remember, every note you play tells a story, and together we are crafting something beautiful.

Keep playing, keep dreaming, and above all, believe in yourself !
Did you know that beyond composing, Clementi was an esteemed music publisher and designed pianos? His drive went beyond just creating music; he wanted to shape the entire musical realm.