Question 1

why is the piano considered a percussion instrument?

Accepted Answer

The piano is sort of both. It's a string instrument because the musical tones originate in the strings, and it's also a percussion instrument because the strings (inside the piano) are set into vibration by being struck with hammers (also inside of the piano).

Hope this answered your question.

Hope this answered your question.

Question 2

How is the piano different from other instruments?

Accepted Answer

The piano is unique in a number of ways. It has an enormous range of notes and dynamics, and is built on a mechanism of padded hammers that hit tuned strings (only the celesta and harpsichord are similar in this respect). The piano is also a very large instrument, and can be found in many different forms -- upright, baby grand, concert grand, etc. It is also relatively young compared to other instruments, most of which have their origins in ancient civilizations (the piano was invented during the Baroque era). Furthermore, the piano is one of the most popular instruments for students to learn, as it teaches both treble and bass clefs, and requires a unique coordination between both hands and the feet.

Question 3

At 4:43, Kimberly states that there are more than two clefs. I know there are the treble and bass clefs. But what are the other clefs?

Accepted Answer

The treble and bass clefs are the most commonly used.  Alto clef is always used for viola music.  Tenor clef is occasionally used for some instruments that usually play in the bass clef (trombone, bassoon, cello, euphonium) when they are playing very high notes.  The use of tenor clef reduces the number of ledger lines needed.

Piano music is written only using the treble and bass clefs, but a pianist might learn the others in order to play music written for other instruments - perhaps in the context of accompanying a solo instrument or reading from a full orchestral score.

Question 4

Do you get nervous before performing? ( I do! )

Accepted Answer

Many people, professionals included, are nervous  when playing on stage. But most professionals can use that to their advantage. Nerves can give you that extra jolt you need to do your best.

Question 5

How many different types of pianos are there?

Accepted Answer

there are grand pianos and keyboards or electric pianos. I own an electric piano and this piano doesn't use strings it just uses the keys as buttons so if you push a key a sound comes out. the grand piano uses strings because when you hit a key, it plucks on a string in the main body of the piano. This is also why the piano is considered a percussion instrument.

Question 6

I am playing Chopin's Waltz in A Minor, and I am having trouble playing the trill at the end of the piece. Does anyone have any tips for it?

Accepted Answer

Trill slowly at first. Start it with quarter notes at 60 bpm, and accelerate it to sixteenth notes at 60 bpm, or maybe even 32nd notes. Make sure your arm is not tensed, and that you are rotating primarily with your hand not your arm. Also, make sure you shoulders are relaxed. If they are tensed it is a sure sign of bad technique.

Question 7

Why is piano a percussion instrument?

Accepted Answer

A percussion instrument is an instrument that makes sounds by "striking, shaking, or scraping" (Merriam-Webster dictionary). Each key on a piano is attached to a lever. When you push a key, that lever pushes a wooden hammer which in turn his the strings that go with that note. That is how it makes the sounds that it does, and because the hammer his the string to make the sound, out is considered striking and therefore a percussion instrument.

Question 8

So what do I do to help me be able to do left and right hand at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Also, when practicing songs with both hands, play the song slower than normal to get the hang of it first.

Question 9

I'm in 5th grade right now and I'm playing "The Storm" by Freidrick Burgmuller in the original version. My hands are small and it's really hard for me to get to all of the octaves. Any advice? Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Alright, so I happen to be learning the same song as you currently. My advice is if you have tension in your wrists, let the tension go and try to relax. In addition to letting the tension go, on your left hand, try not to move your pinkie and thumb up and down, move your hand side to side. Hope this was helpful :)

Question 10

I quit piano because I was forced to practice everyday, and I wasn't too good at it.  But now I am really getting interested in it again.  Should I start playing again?

Accepted Answer

Playing an instrument is likely something you will always enjoy.  While practicing isn't fun and takes up time, it is worth it in the end.  You just have to realize that practice is what makes you good, so if you start playing again, you will likely feel the same frustration as you have previously.  However, you will also probably regret not learning to play in your later years.  So my advice would be to start playing again.  Perhaps now, since you are older and have more maturity, you can appreciate it better.

Music

Course: Music > Unit 4

Piano (as orchestral instrument): Interview and demonstration with Kimberly Russ

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Video transcript