New York Piano Center

Archive for the ‘free piano music’ Category

To be sure, some people use their ears much more than others. Most people have an efficient visual memory and can recall in the mind’s eye just how a certain person or house looks; others do not have this ability.

Many people find this difficult to believe; they have such a vivid visual memory themselves that they cannot conceive of a person who is devoid of it. The same holds true with aural memory – the memory of sounds. Some people can hear music in their imagination very completely; others carry only a vague impression. However, anyone can develop this ability. One must begin at his own state of advancement; the one who has it the least needs it the most.

In order to understand how we reproduce music we must analyze the process. There are two big divisions in any musical performance, regardless of whether the player learns by ear or by notes: first, he must be able to remember what the music or notes or fingers are; and second, he must be able to find them on his instrument. A person may recall the notes by seeing them on the page in his mind’s eye; or he may carry the feel of them in his fingers; or he may remember the names of the notes or of certain combinations of notes; or he may remember the sound of the tune and harmony – that is, he may hear it in his mind’s ear. Of course this last is the most musical way; but any other way may be completely efficient. Most players use a combination.

The ear player necessarily trusts to the ear most of the time; but he may, after having discovered how to play a certain passage by ear, hold it in his memory by the looks of his hand on the keys or by the feeling of the position of his hand, etc. The important difference between learning to play by ear and learning to play by note is that the ear player absolutely must hear the music while he is learning it, but the note player may learn it without using his ears at all.

The second part of the process, that of playing the note or chord after one has recalled it, seems to give the advantage to the note player. If he knows the name of the note or can see it vividly on the page, he should have no difficulty in striking it. The ear player may hear the note vividly and still not know where it is on his instrument. But the person who has learned to play by note is unable to strike a note which he merely hears, because he has never developed this set of associations; and, therefore, he must always learn and remember all his notes by some nonmusical means. The ear player, however, has spent his time finding the notes he hears and is very efficient at it.

Moreover, if the ear player makes a mistake, he will probably play another note that sounds good; but if the note player makes an error, it is likely to be a very sour note. If you are reciting a poem which has no meaning for you, any mistake which you make may render the text ridiculous; but if you have memorized the poem by its meaning, you may substitute words and still not destroy the meaning. That is merely saying over again that playing by ear is more musical than playing by note.

These two processes – that of recalling the music and that of then producing it – develop together; but the player should discriminate as to where his difficulty lies in order that he may help himself more efficiently.

A person must begin at his own level, but the manner of development, as well as the speed of progress, varies with different individuals and with the same individual at different times. How much music have you heard? How much can you recall? How much do you enjoy? Try to recall the tunes vividly. Sing them aloud or sing them in your inner ear. This is the first step in learning to play by ear.

Piano is an interesting instrument to learn. With commitment and dedication, it is hopeful to master the art of playing on a piano. Pianists use different piano techniques, to play piano. A person, interested in learning piano can choose a technique that he/she is comfortable, from an array of piano techniques.

Broken chord

Broken chord piano technique is a technique that can be learnt with ease. In this technique, a chord is broken up into notes. All the tones, involved are heard in the same instant. This is called solid chord.

If a pianist is using his/her finger and playing a C major triad, then he/she can break it up into three notes and can playing them one after the other, this is called broken chord.

Broken chord technique is used commonly, in the New age piano music. It is enthralling to listen to the music, when a piano player plays the notes of a particular chord, in the broken style. The sound of the piano is fuller and the music sounds wonderful.

Ostinato

This technique allows a pianist to generate music that is fuller. The specialty of the technique is that there is repeating pattern, which is present, frequently in every kind of music. The repeating pattern is called ‘ostinato’. Ostinato gives this technique its charm and depth. The Ostinatos can be utilized, in the creation of staccato sound. Two chords are used to produce harmonic background.

These two chords are created by the left hand and the right hand invents melody. Even a repeating bass note can be used to create the ‘ostinato’ pattern. This technique also stresses on melody, which makes the music created through the application of this technique, alluring!

The Ostinatos, quickly provide you the complete background and keeps the mood of the piece, intact. Then the melody can be introduced into this background to create beautiful music!

Open position chord

The open position chord technique is a technique that covers the two octaves of a keyboard and a person has to make use of both the hands, while playing. The open position chord is not an easy technique to master. Once a person familiarizes himself/herself with the chord structure, then it is easy to apply this technique. This technique allows one to create better sounds that the closed position chords.

Crossover

The crossover technique is used in the New age pianos and it spans one octave or more. The pianist, while applying this technique on the piano uses the left hand and produces a cascading pattern of notes. These notes ascend and descend, according to the way it is played. In some musical compositions, which can be played using this technique, a few chords are broken up into arpeggios. This generates a beautiful harmony loop. The chords are broken up with the left hand and the right hand polishes the melody, in the composition. While learning this technique, one has to master the left-hand crossover and then one has to learn to add melody, with the right hand.

All kinds of piano styles have their own share of techniques and risks. A particular technique suits a specific style. Some techniques prove to be very useful than other techniques. While playing on a piano, a pianist has to adopt a particular technique that suits the style of the music and the pianist himself. Learning new techniques makes a person play on a piano efficiently and create music that mesmerizes the listeners!

When you have successfully learned chords and scales, you will better be able to master playing the piano and other instruments. This is because once you know the basic musical chords, you can play music on any instrument including the keyboard, guitar, and other stringed instruments. All it takes is a few chords and you will be on your way to playing all types of music. Having the right free piano chord chart to help you learn makes all the difference.

The piano is a staple in all genres of music. Not only is it one of the most popular and universal instruments, the piano produces a lovely sound. This means that no matter what notes and chords you play, the sound will be one of traditional beauty. Once you’ve learned the basic structure of the songs you want to play, you will easily be able to play for others in no time.

To the untrained eye, the piano can seem like an intimidating instrument to learn. However, this can’t be further from the truth. When you have the right tools to help you develop and polish your skills, the piano can be an easy pursuit. One of the most important elements is having a free piano chord chart to help you master the right chords for every song. Chords are the foundation that will give you the ability to play any music you like.

The piano is an incredibly popular instrument played by everyone from classical geniuses to rock stars. The piano is used not only in classical settings such as orchestras and symphonies, but in chamber music and jazz as well. You may find the piano as the star of the show in a local jazz performance. Gospel and pop music is also very popular to play on the piano. And when you know the right chords, playing any type of music is even easier.

A free piano chord chart will help you keep track of those chords you need to know in order to learn and play any song. It can also help you master note placement and scales. Once you master the chords, the world of music will be at your fingertips.

Hear and Play is a professional piano learning system that can help you master any chords, scales, or songs within a few lessons. We help you learn to play music by ear based on the simple elements like chords and melodies that make up any piece of music. Contact us today at http://www.hearandplay.com/ to learn more.