Who Invented the Piano

Interesting Facts About Bartolomeo Cristofori

By Ron Moore

Last year, Google Doodle paid a tribute to Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, which was a great way to get people talking who may not know who Cristofori is in the first place. But, there’s always room for more, and even the most avid piano players may not know everything there is to know about the famous musician. Here are a few fun facts about Bartolomeo you may not have heard before.

1. Bartolomeo’s invention was actually considered to be the Italian Harpsichord, and he gave it the description, “harpsichord that plays loud or soft.”

2. He went on to create two additional varieties of harpsichord in his life, as well - obviously, they didn’t reach the same level of popularity.

3. Only three original Cristofori pianos are still in existence today: One in Rome, one in New York City, and one in Germany.

4. Bartolomeo was working in his variations of the piano as early as 1698.

5. He was under the employment of the Royal Family of Tuscany during the time he invented the piano.

So, during the holidays, break out one of these fun facts the next time you’re in a music conversation with your family and friends - chances are, they won’t know many, if any of them. Let’s all give credit where it’s due, to Bartolomeo Cristofori.

Keep Playing!
Ron 
Moore Piano

Piano Based Movies

Pianos and Popcorn - Piano Based Movies You Can Enjoy

By Ron Moore

Pianos have been a part of popular culture for centuries now, but did you know there are some great movies that have been made that feature the incredible instrument? 
Whether you’re looking for something entertaining to watch this weekend, or a movie to recommend to a piano student or class, check out these five films based on the piano, and the music that surrounds it. All are very different in nature, and have something for everyone to enjoy, so be sure to do your research when it comes to deciding on a plotline you think you’d like.

Shine - 1996 
Amadeus - 1984 
The Piano - 1993 
Ray - 2004 
The Pianist - 2002 

Keep Playing! 
Ron

Learn To Play Piano Instantly: #1 Beginning Training (Pro Shortcuts)

Your Brain on Piano

Your Brain...On Piano Part 1

By Ron Moore

Sure, playing the piano is fun, and has a lot of different benefits, but have you ever thought about what your brain is actually doing when you’re playing a tune through different outlets of your body?
Eyes - When you’re sight reading music, your eyes have to focus on two lines at the same time, in different clefs. This is a basic function of your brain’s ‘motor cortex.’
Hands - When you’re playing a song, oftentimes your hands will have to play in two completely different rhythms at the same time. This also uses the motor cortex, as well as the cerebellum.
Touch - Pianists know the importance of dynamics, so on top of the hand-eye coordination required to play, touch is also an extremely important factor when it comes to putting more force on particular keys in order to make them louder, or less to make them softer.
Fingers - Can you think of another instrument that requires you to use all ten fingers at once? That’s a lot to think about!
We’ll talk more about the ‘artistic’ side your brain has to use when it comes to playing the piano in another newsletter. For now, take pride in knowing that every time you sit down to play, your mind is working in overdrive just to make sure your body is performing the way it’s supposed to - and that makes you pretty smart!

Keep Playing!
Ron 

Your Piano and Multi-Tasking

Your Piano and Multi-tasking
By Ron Moore
If you’re an avid player, you probably already know what you personally gain from playing the piano - perhaps a sense of tranquility or peace, perhaps the satisfaction of learning a difficult piece. Whether you play as a hobby or more professionally, you could probably dish out a laundry list of reasons why you love playing. But did you know there are some unique benefits to playing the piano as well?

Playing The Piano Teaches Split Concentration

You know the old saying about not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time, right? Well, while that might be a bit extreme, playing the piano does teach us the skill to concentrate on two or more things at once. Think about how frustrating it may have been when you first started playing, to use a different rhythm or playing pattern on each hand. Over time, however, you got used to it, and it’s likely now second nature to play two different things. Additionally, if you had a teacher, you had to focus on your playing while they may have been instructing or helping you, etc. When you’re playing live, either by yourself, or with a group, you have to pay attention to the other sounds around you, as well as your playing.

In a     , chaotic world where it seems like nothing is ever just happening singularly, this skill can be incredibly useful in our day-to-day lives. You’ve essentially been mentally training yourself through the piano, in order to become a multitasker. Think about that incredible skill you have this month as you look at your list of things to do, and feel confident that you can take on anything - all thanks to that piano, of course!
 
Keep Playing!
Ron
Ron Moore
Piano Technician

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Puzzles to reinforce Piano Lessons

School aged children, beginners, and even intermediate players can benefit from this great lesson, Keyboard Puzzles, to learn and reinforce learning the placement of keys.
http://www.ptg.org/userfiles/file/learningCenter/Keyboard_Puzzles.pdf