Life
/ September 2019

10+ Ways to Celebrate National Piano Month for Musicians and Everyone

September is National Piano Month! I celebrated National Piano Month in the best way I could possibly imagine, I got a new keyboard! I’ve been using the same one since before Zoey was born, and it was definitely time for an upgrade to something more substantial and suited to my needs as a musician. I got the gorgeous Casio Privia PX-S1000, a digital keyboard with weighted keys. It gives you the feel of a real piano, with all the features of a high end digital. With the ability to record digitally, and switch between several different modes, combined with the smooth and modern design, you really couldn’t ask for more as a musician. Below I am going to share a list of my top ten ways to celebrate National Piano Month. First I will share a few ideas for everybody to celebrate National Piano Month, and then some for the musicians reading along.

For Everybody

1. Listen to Piano Music of All Kinds

One of my favorite ways to celebrate National Piano Month is by listening to piano music! Piano music is so versatile from soft coffee house instrumental, to powerful and emotional ballads, and everything in between. There is piano music out there for every person. National Piano Month is the perfect time to delve into piano music and find some that you love. Make a playlist of your favorites, and listen all month long (or all year long).

2. Take a Piano History Lesson

In college as a music major I learned all about the history of the piano. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but once you are ready to learn all about it, head to your good friend google and start reading the history of this well-loved instrument. There is a lot to be discovered.

3. Get to Know Your Way Around a Keyboard

You don’t have to be a musician to enjoy playing a keyboard! Did you know that most popular songs are made up of very simple chord progressions that literally anyone can learn to play on the keyboard?! This video is a great place to start if you want to learn some basic chord progressions. It will take you 7 minutes to watch the video and 15-30 minutes of daily practicing, and by the end of the week you will sound like a pro!

4. Support a Pianist You Know by Asking Them to Play

Know any piano players?! Tell them you would love to listen to them play. Set up a time. While it may feel awkward, most musicians actually love being asked to perform. It’s a great way to show appreciation for pianos, and pianists. As a singer, I never want to say, “Hey friends, listen to me sing!” but I appreciate being asked to perform so much (if given time to prepare). I think if we become more comfortable sharing art in this way all the time, not just National Piano Month, our society will become more beautiful as a whole! That is my opinion, as an artist, anyway.

5. Consider Piano Lessons

Have you always wanted to play, but been too afraid/busy to start. Now is the perfect time. You are never too old or too young to start learning the piano. Look up lessons in your area and set something up. Even if you don’t end up doing it long term, you will be proud of yourself for trying.

For Musicians

1. Mix up Your Practice Routine

It is easy to get in a routine as a musician and keep doing the same thing day after day. Sometimes it’s really good to switch things up though! Sit down and write out some musical goals you have for the month of September. Figure out ways you can practice better so you can achieve those goals.

2. Work on a New Piece and Record it

Part of your new practice routine might be learning a new song. If not, add it to your routine! Once you have nailed the new song, record it. You don’t have to share it, but it will be great to have just for memory sake. One day your kids and grandkids will love to watch/listen. It’s also fun to look back and see how you’ve improved over the years.

3. Invest in a New Keyboard

Like I said earlier, this is how I am celebrating National Piano Month. There is nothing like a new instrument to give you greater appreciation for music. The PX-S1000 is the perfect keyboard for the avid musician for so many reasons. Here are a few of my favorites:

It connects to your smartphone and can be controlled from your phone via the free Chordana Play for Piano app. This app has a ton of functionality that I am just learning to use, and LOVING, but this feature was my absolute favorite.
You can record digitally by connecting via USB to your computer. I use GarageBand for this, which comes free with mac computers, and no additional software was needed. The connection was easy and instant, makes my life easy!
The keys feel like a real piano, and have a texture meant to imitate real ivory. They feel amazing to play.
The sound is warm and rich.
The digital touch screen is discreet and well designed, so as not to take away from the overall beauty of this modern and stylish keyboard.
It has a touch screen to control it!!! How cool is that?!
You can plug it into the wall with the included AC adapter, or get some batteries and take it on the road without needing to plug it in.
The whole thing weighs less than 25 lbs, making it easy to move around, and set up yourself.
It has built in Bluetooth speakers that allow you to play along to your favorite songs.

4. Consider Signing up For a Piano Competition

This might feel a little out of your comfort zone, but can be so fun if you don’t take it too seriously! Just search local piano competitions and sign up. It isn’t about winning, it is about taking the time to hone your talent, share with others, and having the opportunity to listen to other talented people play.

5. Participate in a Recital With Other Local Artists

Not ready for a competition? Try a local recital. Most piano schools host recitals quarterly. Contact one and ask if you can participate. Most are happy to have new artists involved in these performances.

6. Broadcast Your Talent Online

Another great way to celebrate National Piano Month is to share your talent online. If you have been wanting to start sharing online, but have been nervous to put yourself out there, National Piano Month is the perfect excuse! Also, if you are not ready to perform in front of a live audience this is a great option. Performing in front of a camera can be way less intimidating. It gives you the ability to tape your performance, 1 or 100 times, so you can get it just right.

7. Compose Your Own Piano Piece

This is probably one of my favorite ways to celebrate National Piano Month! Writing vocal music is probably one of the most gratifying experiences of my life, and I can imagine writing piano music would be the same. While I can’t give much advice on HOW to write a piano song, I can share a few tips based on my experience writing vocal music.

Choose a topic – something that resonates with your soul
Create what I call a ‘word cloud’ start with your topic and brainstorm phrases and related words and thoughts
Choose a key. Try going major for happier/upbeat songs, and minor for sad/emotional. For your first song try a key that you are very comfortable in. I go with F major, Bb major, or C major 99% of the time.
Brainstorm different key progressions and melodies within your chosen key.
Experiment, see what happens!
Record your work!! I have learned the hard way that you will quickly forget unrecorded compositions.

There are so many ways to celebrate national piano month! This month I am going to be honing my piano skills and learning as much as I can about my new instrument to celebrate national piano month.