How Do You Avoid Spec Blindness In A New Piano?

There are quite a few pianos on the market you may purchase, and each of them has its own specifications. You may read about specs every day for months without making a purchase, and you may become blind to the specs when you see the piano in-person. The pianos you purchase may be quite beautiful, and it is impossible for you to choose a piano based solely on its beauty. The instruments are lovely, but they have specifications you must consider. This article explains how you may look to the specs even when faced with a piano that is aesthetically-pleasing.

#1: You Deserve A Beautiful Piano

The first step in avoiding spec blindness is understanding that pianos are all quite lovely in their own way. No piano maker in the world today creates a piano they believe to be ugly, and each piano has a bit of charm you will quite enjoy if you look closely. You will do well to look over every piano before making a purchase, and you will feel comfortable with the instrument because you have chosen to see the beauty in the instrument.

#2: Beautiful Pianos Are Often Not What You Need

You may run across a grand piano that conjures images of a parlor where the piano sits in a soft spotlight, and you simply do not have that kind of room in your home. You will have a far easier time with a piano that is a bit smaller, or you may choose a piano that is shaped to fit your home. Grand pianos are not shaped the same, and you may select one that is not quite so long as the others. Checking the exact size of the instrument online is quite simple, and you may use the dimensions found online before buying.

#3: What Do You Need?

You may need a small studio piano that will fit in the corner of the room, and you must overlook certain pianos that are far too large. You may find a larger piano in a color and style you appreciate, and you will do well to ask for a smaller piano in the same style and color. You may order from the same company that offers the piano you love, and they will send a piano that is the proper size for your room. You get what you want, and you do not take on a piano that is simply too large for your home. You are wasting your time and energy if you are spending money on a piano that is not the proper size for the room.

#4: How Long Must You Search?

Spec blindness often occurs when you are searching for far too long. Searching for too long allows you an ample amount of time to look at beautiful pianos without considering the specifications of any instrument. You may go on social media where the pianos look lovely, and they will not give you what you need because they are simply beautiful. You may come to a point that you are simply looking at pianos that are beautiful, and you are wasting your time as you are not considering specifications whatsoever. You may purchase a piano that does nothing for you, and that may become quite a problem for you.

#5: Trusted Brands

You may trust quite a few brands that you know well, and you may avoid other brands that you have no information on. You will suffer from quite a lot of spec blindness when you are looking at the brands you trust while avoiding brands you do not know. You may find out quite a lot about a brand you are unfamiliar with, and you will become more comfortable with a brand that helps you get the proper piano for your needs.

There is nothing to say you cannot use your most-trusted brands. You may purchase from a brand you know, or you may find another brand to be far better. Your openness to other options will ensure you purchase the proper piano, and you will enjoy playing it for years to come. You may become a devotee of the brand, and you will use the brand far more often because of the experience you have with the piano you purchase today.

#6: Looking For Extras

There are several extras you may have on your piano, and it is important you look past extras when you are shopping. You may have any piano outfitted with something special, but you cannot purchase a piano you will enjoy playing based on the extras alone. You will have a better shopping trip if you have spent time looking for a piano that is exciting to play.

Pianos such as Bosendorfers with extra keys are a special circumstance, and you cannot get tied up on a piano like that if you cannot find one you enjoy. The brand simply may not be all that much fun to play, and you will find it much simpler to play when you have moved on to a piano that feels good under your fingers.

The specs for your piano must satisfy you, but they are not the only thing. You may purchase a fantastic piano that has lovely specifications, and it will play well at the same time. You cannot buy only for beauty, and you cannot buy simply because a piano looks impressive. Buy your next piano because it feels like it is the right one for you.

Top 10 Tips to Overcome Stage Fear Before Your Piano Recital

Feeling nervous before an upcoming piano recital? Not sure whether you are simply nervous or suffering from bouts of anxiety? In all of my years of selling pianos, I’ve familiarized myself with clients who have had similar feelings with their upcoming piano recitals or solos. Anytime you are preparing for a piano recital and want to deflect nervous energy as much as possible, there are a few tips and tricks to consider implementing in your daily routine leading up to the recital itself.

Incorporate Mediation Regularly

One of the biggest tips to help overcome stage fear before a piano recital in my opinion is incorporating meditation regularly in everyday life. Meditation is not only useful to calm down and relieve stress, but also helps to improve focus and concentration abilities. Meditating is a way to calm both the body and mind to successfully recharge when you practice piano or play in a recital.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Another suitable technique for most people who face stage fright before a piano recital includes breathing exercises. Slowly inhaling and exhaling while keeping count can help to counteract a potential anxiety attack while giving you the ability to regain focus and clarity. Breathing exercises keep you from feeling as if you are losing all control whether you are practicing a piece or preparing for your recital.

Remove Muscle Tension in the Body Manually

Take a moment to think of each area of your body individually, allowing them to relax manually. Work your way through the body to relieve muscle tension that can increase stress and stage fear prior to a recital. This is best when practiced lying down, to truly allow all muscles in the body to relax and calm down.

Play in Front of Others Prior to Your Piano Recital

Ask family members or friends to listen to you play your piece before your piano recital. The more comfortable you become playing in a group setting with those you know, the easier it is to adjust to playing on stage in front of others. Eliminating playing anxiety is possible, even if taking smaller steps is necessary to rid it from your life altogether.

Record Yourself Practicing

Recording yourself playing before a piano recital may help those who have trouble visualizing themselves on stage or anyone who is interested in improving certain areas of a piece. Recording yourself is a way to guage your strong areas as well to boost your confidence in time for your piano recital.

Consider the Mechanics of the Song You Are Playing

Think of notes by section in each piece you are playing in a piano recital. Memorize specific chords, chorus melodies, and whole notes along with the tempo of each individual song. Keeping the mechanics of a song in mind by memory is useful to avoid feeling stuck or overcome by anxiety while you are in the middle of playing a song in front of a crowd. Using associations to link the mechanics of the song along with the tempo and beat can help to move smoothly and quickly through a song played by memory, even if you are nervous. Focus on the memorization rather than the audience to keep from becoming overwhelmed.

Conceptualize the Piece You Plan to Play

Consider the piece in a step-by-step format to conceptualize it while memorizing the song. Breaking the song into pieces and visualizing memories, word associations, or beats can help to memorize any piece you need to play on stage in an upcoming recital.

Incorporate Performance Planning Into Your Practice

When practicing, imagine yourself playing on stage and hitting the proper notes throughout any songs you plan to play. Memorizing chords and segments of pieces you are playing can keep you on track once you are on stage during the live performance. Imagine how you plan to walk on stage until the moment you begin playing to avoid freezing up when it is your time to enter the stage during the recital.

Exercise

Getting adequate exercise regularly is also highly advisable for anyone who struggles to overcome stage fright due to fear and anxiety. Exercise increases the release of natural dopamine while providing your body with chemicals prepared to fight anxiety and stress. Even taking brisk walks in between practices and before a recital can help to calm nerves and keep you focused.

Visualize Yourself Playing

Visualizing yourself playing successfully in front of a group of people can calm your nerves and boost confidence. Visualization helps to overcome negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and stage fear.

Incorporating the right methods to alleviate stress and anxiety before a piano recital is a way to move forward with your playing so you are able to enjoy it more. Taking the time to listen to your body and nervousness is essential to ensure you are able to play your best without allowing your own thoughts to consume you before you even begin!

How To Tell If Your Kid Is Ready For Piano Lessons

For success in piano lessons, a child must demonstrate some key qualities. Without a basic comprehension of what to look for, you may end up wasting a lot of your money. I classified all the signs that you should watch for into three categories:

Mental readiness
Emotional Readiness
Physical Readiness

Readiness for piano is not defined by the age of the child. I have found that some children can be ready to begin at three years while some may not be ready for lessons at six years. Ensure that you check for signs of readiness before you enroll the child for piano lessons.

Mental Readiness

The first sign of mental readiness is if the child can tell between their left hand and their right hand. The piano is played using both of the hands. The piano notes are different for the left and right hand. Thus, a child must distinguish which hands they will use.

Patience is also another important aspect to consider in terms of mental readiness. Typically, your child must be able to sit still for at least 15 minutes at a time. It is why some children can begin lessons at three years while some have to wait until they are six years. Besides being able to sit through a lesson, they will also need to sit at home and practice. Although each teacher is different, I recommend that a lesson takes about 20 minutes and increases from there.

Another important determinant is if the child can read. Although I have children who cannot read, learning the piano is usually much harder for them. Ensure that your child can identify the letters of the alphabet when they begin their lessons. The child does not have to know all the letters of the alphabet. Just the first seven, which are used as the musical alphabet.

You can tell that a child is ready for piano lessons if they can count. The note counts for beginner lesson go up to four. It is important that the child can count up to ten before they begin the piano lessons. Since music is based on a mathematical pattern, it will be easier on the child if they can count.

Physical Readiness

One of the most basic indicators that a child is physically ready is if they can place their hands parallel to the ground when seated. If they can do this, it indicates that they can reach out to the piano keys without having to strain.

You should also check the child finger strength. For instance, you will know a child is ready if their hands are strong enough to hold onto objects without dropping them. I have seen a child who was prepared in all other aspects except in finger strength. Her tiny fingers were not strong enough to press the piano keys effectively. If the child’s fingers are not strong enough, you may have to wait for at least a year and try again.

Fine motor skills are also important when playing the piano. At times, the piano needs to be hit with light first strokes. It is only possible if the child’s fine mortar skills are developed. A good indicator of this is if the child can color within the lines. Additionally, if the child can shape their letters perfectly, it could indicate they are ready for piano lessons.

Stamina is also another important physical trait. Playing piano will usually require the child to sit up straight for at least twenty minutes during each lesson. They will also require the physical strength to strike the piano keys for extended durations. Ensure that your child does not suffer from exhaustion before enrolling them for the piano lesson. I have seen cases of kids who could not physically handle the lesson for at least twenty minutes.

Emotional Readiness

One of the signs of emotional readiness is if the child shows an interest in playing the piano. For instance, if they have an electric keyboard, you should look to see if they enjoy playing with it. In my many years seeing kids learn the piano, the ones that succeed are those that like doing it.

Additionally, you should check to see if the child is accepting any instructions you give them. Even children who love playing piano may lack the emotional stamina to take criticism. Piano lessons are quite costly, and it is important that you understand if your child is receptive to criticism. If you find that criticism puts the child in a bad mood, I have found it better to wait at least a year until he or she is ready.

Another indicator that he or she is ready is if the child asks you for lessons. At times, I have found children can be quite eager to get started. These are usually the easiest to work with. They respond to instructions and do what they are advised.

Other Factors You Must Consider

Most parents look at the child’s readiness and not theirs. I would advise that you ensure you are ready to give the child support when they start their lessons. At times, it will require that you sit with the child until they get through the lessons. I find that even the least bit of interest by the parents can be quite helpful for the child to progress.

We Offer Piano Lessons

Cooper Music has established a partnership with the North Fulton School of Music. The piano lessons are available for people of all ages. The school, which began operating in 1988, is renowned for offering both private and group lessons. With a current enrollment of over 600 students in three different locations, it is among the fastest growing music schools in the southeast. The school has prepared its students for Broadway shows, scholarships, and even assisted its students to get record contracts and movie deals.

Besides lessons, there are various activities offered by this school. They include workshops, festivals, recitals, jam sessions, karaoke, art festivals, and much more. The school also provides an in-house recording studio to its students. They can use it to record auditions tapes, demos, or gifts to friends.

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10 Ways Playing the Piano Increases a Child’s Attention Span

By the time a child turns six years old they should have a solid attention span of around ten to fifteen minutes. They should also be able to tune out minor distractions going on around them as well.

By the time they enter the first grade they should be able to focus on tasks that provide enjoyment and educational enrichment for at least thirty minutes.

Scientific research has proven that playing an instrument can improve the quality of your life. There are many ways that piano lessons can provide delight and cultural education to our little ones.

Higher Test Scores

Recent studies indicate that children who spend at least a year with regular piano lessons displayed increased focus and better performance in school. Continued piano lessons also increase cognitive function as the child gets older, resulting in a slightly higher IQ level as the child becomes college aged. The areas of mathematics, reading and spelling are greatly enhanced by participating in piano lessons on a regular basis.

A Healthy Mind

Recent research conducted by Northwestern University indicate that children who take music lessons have a faster response time to speech. Even if the lessens or regular playing do not continue into adulthood the brain stays more sharp than those who have not played piano. As we age it helps lessen the effect of aging. Even though you may not realize it at the time you are providing your child with a sharp brain well into their golden years.

Motor Skills

For fidgety kids that have a lot of energy to burn playing the piano can be a hobby that helps with coordination and hand eye movement. Playing the piano requires that you use both your right and left side at the same time. It improves posture and provides encouragement to children who have issues sitting for extended periods of time. Increasing coordination can also be an opening for other hobbies such as sports or dance lessons.

Cultural Diversity

Playing the piano can open your child up to other cultures. Piano can accompany a variety of styles from jazz to classical pieces. Jazz has its roots in the deep south and classical has roots everywhere. Piano can open up a child’s perspective and give them a viewpoint that they were previously unable to see. It’s important to open up a child’s mind at a young age and expose them to different cultures. This will help nurture their ability to be open minded about our differences.

Patience

Learning to play any type of instrument requires patience. Playing the piano does not provide instant gratification. It takes lots of patience and time to master the process. In order to make specific goals you have to have a natural progression. You have to learn the keys, proper posture, coordination and timing.

Social Skills

Playing piano can include the option to play a larger part in an ensemble. Working towards a common goal teaches valuable social skills. It also increases the ability to think critically and work together towards problem solving. This can also expand the possibilities for special needs children to participate in other social activities, such as sports and other types of lessons.

Self Esteem

Learning how to play piano takes lots of dedication and practice. Each lesson teaches to face a difficult task and overcome challenges. Each task discourages the child to avoid discouragement and embrace the discipline of the lesson. Each lesson should increase the child’s self-esteem and encouragement level. Learning a new skill can be fun and rewarding!

Self-Expression

Music can provide a great outlet for a child to express themselves and be emotionally responsive. Playing an instrument such as the piano can provide an outlet for children, especially those with special needs. When exposed to music many children feel more comfortable being open about their feelings. Playing the piano can provide stimulation and emotional release.

Language Skills

It has been proven that children that play instruments such as the piano have improved language and communication skills. Learning pitch and mastering piano skills helps the brain better understand human language. This makes it much easier for a child to pick up additional languages.

Concentration

Playing piano requires you to focus on things like pitch, rhythm, sound quality and duration. When playing in a group ensemble you have to focus not only on your own sound but the sound and timing of the others in the group. The concentration skills will improve memory and listening as well. This can benefit a child as they grow and age into adulthood.

Piano lessons can benefit a child’s life in many ways. It will not only open their world to different cultures and increase their world view but also benefit them in many other ways. It can improve concentration, social skills and improve test scores.

Why Look At Reviews Before Buying A Piano?

Investing in the purchase of a piano is often a long-term decision, as pianos have the ability to last for decades to come with proper care and maintenance. Selecting the right piano for you and your family highly depends on your needs and the overall type of piano you are most interested in. Taking the time to read reviews of pianos before making the leap to purchase one is highly recommended as it offers the necessary insight into the piano’s features and abilities before you begin shopping.

Durability

Reviews of various pianos on the market help individuals determine whether or not an investment in the piece is worth the durability it provides. In-depth reviews often cover the mechanics of different pianos and keyboards while also sharing their own use of the piano over time and how well it performs. Because piano repairs can quickly add up and become expensive, investing in a piano that is known to maintain its durability through extensive play and wear is ideal for those looking to pursue piano professionally or regularly, even if as a hobby.

Longevity

Finding the perfect piano is often about keeping the instrument as long as possible. Reviews on pianos help individuals to see the average life of each piano based on usage and whether or not it is an electronic keyboard or a traditional piano that requires maintenance and upgrades. Knowing the longevity of pianos on the market can help you to distinguish the better investments from those that may require additional money in the future to keep the piano from sounding out of tune or being unable to play notes. It is also important to check reviews for information and details regarding warranties available for the pianos you are interested in buying to ensure you are getting the most care and best service at any price range.

Pricing

Researching reviews of keyboards and pianos that are most suitable for you and your household is another way to gauge price ranges that are appealing to you. Setting a budget before shopping for a piano may feel limiting, but reading reviews is another way to learn more about alternative methods to purchase a piano and discounts that may be available both locally and online, regardless of your preferred way of shopping. Searching for a piano by price range also only returns reviews and results that are within your budget, helping to save time when you are looking for the ideal option for your home. Reading reviews prior to making a purchase of a piano helps to save money while ensuring you are selecting the right model of keyboard or traditional piano that offers the best warranty, features, and durability in terms of mechanics.

Features

Reading reviews regarding the features of pianos and keyboards available today is highly advisable for those seeking keyboards with a multitude of effects, sounds, and abilities. Many users who purchase keyboards include all of the features and benefits of said features within their overview of the instruments themselves.

Knowing the type of features keyboards have to offer, computer compatibility, and digital abilities is imperative if you are looking to create work that is directly accessible with the use of your own computer or digital setup. Additional features you may be interested in include automatic song-playing, the ability to record your work, and the ease of transferring recording using USB sticks and other methods of connecting the keyboard to a digital device or computer.

Even if you are in search of a traditional piano that is not electronic, there are features on newer models that can contribute to the longevity of the piano itself while reducing the need of updates, tuning, and maintenance throughout the years.

Best Usage

When you are in search of a new piano for your home or family, consider the ways you intend to use the piano and how frequently it may be used by others. Reviews for pianos may also include details of the usage of each instrument, whether they are for fun as a hobby or used in a professional setting. If you or someone in your home is playing piano professionally or taking lessons, reviews that include usage statistics and details are highly recommended. To find a piano that is capable of lasting for years to come is necessary for anyone who may be on a budget but also wants to get the most usage possible out of the instrument before maintenance is necessary or an entirely new replacement.

The more you know about pianos you are looking to invest in, the easier it is to make the right investment choice for you or your family, regardless of the piano’s purpose. The more you know about the mechanics of piano, their longevity expectation, and features available with various keyboards and pianos on the market today, the less likely you are to purchase a piano that is low quality or unable to deliver the sound you desire.

We build a better world through active participation in music, and I am proud to be a part of so many young people’s lives changing with the gift of music. They expect more out of life as a result.

While music is a great way to help the youth grow into adults, it’s only part of a developing childhood.

A good friend of mine has a wilderness outreach for boys and girls ages 12-17, that introduces them to both the wilderness and more importantly, themselves.

Mountain Wisdom is a summer camp that specializes in not just spending time in the wilderness, in mother nature, but in preparing teenagers for adulthood.

Operating in a setting without electronics enables campers to slow down and develop concentration and focus, bringing them closer in touch with the natural world while having a wonderful time.

Activities include hiking, creek hikes, drumming, archery, cooperative and competitive games and a rope course in beautiful North Georgia.

Summer camps are a rewarding week for boys starting July 10th, and July 18th for girls.

We here at Cooper Piano feel so fortunate to know about this program and have supported it for many years I truly appreciate the hard work done at Mountain Wisdom.

If you would like more information you can visit their website at https://www.mountainwisdominc.org/.

And this will include all the information needed for what to expect, what to bring and what it can do for your child, and your relationship with your child. And it is an excellent value given the cost of providing the best for your children.

With all the choices that are available this summer, why not treat your teenager to a camp they will never forget. Pass this along if you know anyone who may benefit from this unique experience.

Blake

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Moving A Piano

Moving a large object can be a daunting task to any person. Especially if that large object is an expensive instrument. Did you know that pianos are the most commonly moved instrument in the world? However, with the weight and size to consider, it is considered a team effort at the very least. Preventing harm on yourself or a piano is a number one priority. In this blog, we will go over the five most common mistakes when moving a piano and how to avoid them.

Lack of Necessary Help

When moving a piano most people think they can do it themselves. However in any case, always use at least a two-man team. The least thing you want to do is end up breaking a hundred dollar piano on the mistake of how strong you are. Look in the daily paper ads for a moving company or do a simple google search. The easiest option is Cooper Piano’s own piano moving service, one of the best in Atlanta.

Using the Wrong Moving Equipment

Never assume your muscles are “equipment” when it comes to moving pianos. From moving to packing it up, you always want to make sure you are using the most common and effective tools. Common moving tools include straps, a dolly, and a piano cover. Check on heavy duty piano equipment sites such as moversupplies.com to buy the most reliable gear.

Having ineffective gear can not only hurt your piano but they can hurt you as well. Lower grade dollies can cause extensive to your piano and poorly placed straps can cause strain and fractures to the infrastructure of your instrument. If you feel you don’t have the necessary knowledge to move such a big object, it is highly suggested to seek the help of a professional moving company. That way you don’t need to go out and buy expensive tools to move it either.

Relying on the Casters Primarily

Never trust casters! Casters are the small wheels on the bottom of pianos and are highly decorative. These should never be used as a primary moving tool. Casters are never built to sustain heavy moving and slowly deteriorate every day making it dangerous to be constantly moving. If a piano ever has to be moved always be sure to remove the piano legs and place it on a dolly for relocation.

Underestimating the Piano Weight

Besides underestimating strength the next big underestimation is how heavy a piano truly is. You obviously can’t toss a piano on a bathroom scale, but they should come with a label provided by the manufacturer that either gives a definite or average weight. As an FYI, Upright pianos that are forty to sixty inches high can weigh anywhere from five hundred to eight hundred pounds and ones that are under fifty inches can weigh anywhere from three hundred to four hundred pounds. Grand pianos five feet tall weigh five hundred pounds, six feet tall weigh six hundred pounds, and nine feet tall weigh anywhere from a thousand to twelve hundred pounds.

When you call a professional mover they will always ask you about the weight so be sure to give them an accurate measurement. And remember, even if it looks light it will never be. Always be safe than sorry.

Rushing the Moving Process

Always take your time when moving a piano. You never want to set a half hour time table for moving such a heavy device. If you plan to move it yourself be sure to set at least a day prepping it for moving a day to move it yourself. Make sure you have plenty of people to help you and make sure you have the proper equipment.

If you plan to have professional movers relocate it, be sure to be home when they come to make sure they are being careful with your expensive instrument. They will take atleast an hour to two hours to move it and will provide the necessary tools. If you are ever concerned on how they are handling your device be sure to let them know, it is yours after all.

But more than anything, always plan ahead. Plans can fail and schedules can change. Always have a back up plan, remember, never move it yourself. That’s how things break and go south. Keep a calm mind and remember that once your piano is moved you never have to worry about it for a while.

Now you have five common mistakes moving a piano. Hundreds before you have learned the hard way of what to do and what to not do. I hope you make the right choice, either moving the piano in a group or hiring movers. And always having the right equipment.

Happy moving!

Five Warning Signs That A Piano Must Be Repaired

Cooper Pianos is a full-service piano company that ensures you will keep your piano in the best condition possible, and you must look at how the piano is talking to you as you use it. The company offers a number of services to customers, and you may look around your piano for signs that repairs are necessary.

The five signs that you see below will help you have your piano repaired, and you will notice each problem as it comes. This article explains how you may keep your piano in the finest condition, and you will learn to prevent the piano from deteriorating.

#1: The Piano Is Grossly Out Of Tune

Someone who wishes to keep their piano in fine condition must note when it is out of tune. Pianos will drift out of tune over time, and they must be tuned on a regular basis. Having your piano tuned is not a reason to seek repairs. You may have your piano tuned several times a year, and you must ensure you track how often the piano is tuned.

Pianos that are tuned too much are often broken because the strings are not holding as they should. There is a machine inside the piano that holds the strings, and the strings are slipping too much. You must have the strings and machines repaired, and the piano must be repaired when it is tuned too often. You may schedule a yearly repair session with Cooper Pianos, and you will find it simple to keep the piano working.

#2: The Keys Are Soft

Keys on the piano must have proper rebound, and they must not be allowed to become too soft. You will feel the keys fall down when you press them, and you must have them repaired to keep them bouncy. The bounce in the key helps you play, and you will find it simple to play when the keys reach up to your fingers.

The keys you press will be easier to use when they are not falling under your finger, and you must call Cooper Pianos to help you keep the piano in proper repair. They know how to make the keyboard work as it should, and the keyboard may be maintained every year to help the family play the piano regularly.

#3: The Hammers Sound Tinny

There are quite a few hammers in your piano may be tinny, and the tinny sound in the piano is often related to something hard hitting the strings. The strings in the piano may sound bad when the hammers are not repaired properly, and there are several different techniques that may be used to ensure the piano will sound right.

You may call Cooper Pianos every year for repairs, and the tinny sound you hear in the piano will go away while the repairman does their work. Someone who is interested in playing the piano often must have the strings and hammers repaired.

Cooper Pianos will send someone who may repair the piano, and it is possible the piano will become the beacon of family entertainment. You cannot use the piano when you know that it does not sound right, and you will find it interesting to hear the true tone of the piano as you play. You will find singing with the piano easier, and you will note the piano is easier to play. Hammers that are not functioning properly often make the key action terrible, and you must ensure the keys and the hammers are repaired properly.

#4: Repairing The Pedals

There are three pedals on the piano that do their own jobs, and they are connected to the keyboard in a way that helps you play well. You must ensure the pedals have tension when you press them down, and you will enjoy the piano more when it works properly. The sustain pedal will help you keep the tones on the piano going, and the damper pedal keeps the piano as quiet as possible.

The pedals lose tension when they are you used too much, and they will begin to lose so much tension that they you cannot press them properly. It will come to a point that your pedals will do nothing, and you will feel a lose of pressure under your feet. You must ensure you have Cooper Pianos come to the house to repair the piano in a timely manner. The pedals are so important that you cannot allow them to break down. You often need to sustain or dampen the sound, and repairing the pedals is quite simple.

#5: The Legs and Wheels Wobble

The wheels and legs on the piano wobble, and you must ensure you do not touch them before they are repaired. A proper repairman is capable of breaking down the problem to ensure the wheels and legs are sturdy. You may replace the wheels on the piano, or you may glue the legs into place. The piano is not safe when the wheels or legs are not in good condition, and you must ask the repairman how long they believe the legs and wheels will last.

You must ensure you have contacted Cooper Pianos for repairs, and each of the five things listed above are an important part of your piano’s life. You must have the piano repaired as soon as possible, and you will enjoy the piano more knowing that it plays well given the repairs you have invested in.

How To Choose The Best Keyboards In Atlanta

Those just beginning to learn about keyboards already know one thing, there are so many on the market today choosing the right one can be a risky business without advice from professionals. Whether you plan to play privately or go public with your keyboard skills, you have to start with a good instrument. My long list of satisfied customers say the best Atlanta has to offer in a keyboard can be found at Cooper Piano.

Prices will vary of course, so keep your finances in mind. However, with the large variety available in our show room even those on the tightest of budgets can afford what they need. All keyboards have basic features in common and once those are mastered, learning more about each area gets easier every time you use it. I have guidelines available for beginners that make self-education a simple thing. With enough diligence, practice and patience the novice soon becomes the master.

Not all keyboards are the same. You will notice on your search for the perfect instrument that many of them have different numbers of keys. From models with 25 keys up to keyboards with 88, it may be a little confusing for the novice to know what is best for them. I advise my customers to consider the type or genre of the music they like to play and then shop accordingly. Some types of music need fewer keys, and some need more. All it takes is a little research to make sure you find the best available in Atlanta.

After determining the size of the keyboard you need for your particular style the next thing is to find one that has the sound you are looking for. Some brands offer sounds that are better than others so the trick is to decide which best fits your type of music. The easiest way to do this is the old-fashioned way by listening with your own ears and then playing something of your own on the instrument to make sure it will fit your style.

There are quite a few details to take into account when buying a keyboard, and it is easy to miss a few key features in the excitement of the hunt for the best Atlanta has to offer. Many people prefer to do their shopping online these days but to truly evaluate a musical instrument and make sure you get what you need, the internet can’t top a personal visit to the store. Following are a few things to keep in mind as you travel through Atlanta searching for the perfect keyboard.

• Every keyboard you try is going to have a feel of its own so don’t try just one and then walk away from all the others. Taking time to thoroughly research each keyboard may sound like no fun at all when all you want to do is play music but in the end, you will be glad you did.
• In my Atlanta store we have a good variety of keyboards, including ones with data display screens. The possibilities of a screen, and how they can be used to improve skills is something serious students of the keyboard should consider.
• If you prefer to create your own music rather than play someone else’s the more functions your keyboard has, the more creative you can be. There is no reason to limit yourself in this area with a keyboard not able to keep up with your imagination.
• While larger keyboards do have many interesting functions its important to remember all those extras means its going to be a bigger, heavier instrument. Although still portable these “stage units” are best for those that don’t plan to move them around much. If you plan on travelling with a keyboard, smaller units provide the same clear tones, they just have fewer “extras” which I feel their portability more than makes up for.

More than one budding Atlanta musician has asked me which should they focus on, a piano or a keyboard? I tell them all the same thing. Pianos are more than musical instruments, and they generally end up as functional showpieces of a home with owners that are understandably proud of them. However, if the aim is to foster an interest in music, keyboards are best for beginners due to their portability and multi-functional natures.

In the end it all adds up to what the novice really wants to do with his or her keyboard skills. If they see concerts in front of large gatherings as part of their future a piano would be best. If the goal is to be part of a band, keyboards are more practical because they provide more room for experimentation and creativity. I have been in business in Atlanta for many years in the same location. I earn the trust of my customers and value every one of you.