I'm slowly setting up the studio for some Halloween fun! I just love the spooks and the mysteriousness of Halloween.
QUICK REMINDERS FOR OCTOBER Oct 12: Make Up Class Day 11-5pm Oct 17: Welcome to the studio gathering for students! Oct 18 - 23: Halloween Week! Dress up and receive a special treat! Oct 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30: No Classes for Week 8 in lieu of group classes in Dec! Want to learn some fun Halloween Songs? You can print and bring to class or learn on your own! Click on this link for free music sheets!
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There are generally two types of piano to consider when purchasing a new piano: acoustic and digital. In my opinion, both acoustic and digital pianos can be great if they are of good quality. What type of piano to buy will all depend on what you're looking for and what your price point is. I've gathered below some ideas on acoustic and digital pianos and what to look for. It is always best to go to the music stores and check out other pianos in order to compare the timbre (sound), touch (feel), comfort, and overall quality of the piano. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and to also look into buying second hand pianos or rent to own pianos. I suggest you ask the piano salesperson to play songs on all the types of pianos that you're interested in as they usually are skilled pianists. Remember, not all pianos are equal and for those who are serious about learning to play it is important to choose the best-fit keyboard when starting lessons. There are so many options so good luck! Here is a short compilation of what to look for in an acoustic piano: * Uses the sounds purely from the natural acoustics of felt covered hammers hitting steel wire strings * A piano is generally considered an investment, like a car. * The larger the piano the better the tone which is equal to a small grand piano. * Consider a top quality used piano, no longer than 50 years. * The average lifetime of a piano is about 40 years, and you will probably have it long after you have sold your present furniture, house and car. Pianos depreciate very little. A used piano built 10 years ago and maintained well will cost almost as much as a comparable new piano. * Buy the most expensive piano you can afford. Saving money by buying cheaper musical instruments usually produces dissatisfaction. Making good music on a quality instrument is the best way to keep a young pianist interested. * Buy a piano made by a reputable company, one which has a good production volume, and offers a manufacturer-backed warranty. * Buy a piano favored by most music institutions (conservatories and universities). They know by experiences which are the best, most trouble-free pianos. * If you're buying it from a music store, ask the salesperson if it's possible to know the name of its previous owner, how long it's been in the store, etc to determine the condition of the piano. Specifics to look for: * Tone: Look for a piano that possess pleasing mid-tones with good balance in the higher and lower registers. Avoid a piano that has a metallic sharp edged bite to it. * Pedals: it is not necessary to have three pedals, most pianists only use two (damper pedal and una corda) * Keys: test the feel and resistance of the keys, see if you like the sensitivity of the keys and whether or not you can play the keys loudly and softly without difficulty. Avoid a piano that sounds very out of tune as this may be a sign that it falls out of tune very quickly. *Tuning Stability: Realize that no piano will stay in tune indefinitely, no matter who manufactured it or whether it is a grand piano or upright. But a well made piano will stay in tune for a fair length of time. * Touch: Look for a piano that has an even action (piano notes pushed down) throughout the entire keyboard. * Avoid pianos that have uneven tone or touch, you or your teacher-tuner should be able to determine if the piano has a consistent and even quality touch throughout. The touch is a vital and critical area to assess before you make the final decision. * Frame: Overstrung pianos have the bass strings crossing diagonally to the treble strings. You really want to find an overstrung piano if you can. The sound produced is better because the strings are longer. Also check that none of the strings are rusted, clogged or, of course, missing! You'll either get a 'thunk' noise or...nothing. * Some piano brands to look for: Baldwin, Steinways, Kawai, Boston, Yamaha Here's a small compilation of what to look for in a digital electronic piano: * Digital Pianos: uses tone generating technology to make a sound * Great for saving space if you do not have space for a full size acoustic piano! * Significantly cheaper than acoustic pianos, a great alternative for beginners! * Does not require tuning or maintenance and can be placed in most rooms regardless of the humidity. * Built in metronome, songs, and different sounds. Built in features of record and playback which will allow you to review your playing and identify any mistakes you have made. * A good digital piano can actually have a better tone and touch than poor quality new acoustic pianos, or a used piano. Watch out for an expensive musical toy with no good key action, sensitivity, tone, and touch! * Easily transported or connected to a sound system, and used with headphones for private practice. Specifics to look for: *Weighted Key Action: Should not feel light and like they're made of plastic and should have a weight to them. Basically, when the keys are depressed, they feel a bit harder by the added weight which will produce an effect more similarly to an acoustic piano. Make sure you try to play it with your eyes closed and see if it feels like an acoustic piano. Even if you consider buying it visit a piano store and try their range of pianos so you have an idea of what's good and what's not. *Touch Sensitive Keys: A Must! For example, if you lightly depress on the keys then there should be a soft sound and if you depress the keys hard then there should be a loud sound. Without this feature, keyboards will produce the same volume throughout regardless of how soft or hard you depress the piano keys. *Speakers: Make sure it is built in or otherwise you will have to purchase a separate amp. *Dynamic Steps: Make sure it is not controlled by a button and can be controlled by the fingers *New and up to date! Digital pianos become outdated after 5+ years. Keep in mind that the value of a digital piano depreciates over time. *Full Size Keys: Try to get a piano with 88 keys! *Other things to have: AC Adapter, stand (make sure it is sturdy, adjustable, and try to get one with a triangular shape), stool (choose a comfy one!), and a sustain pedal. *Try to get the best Yamaha Clavinova Digital Piano from the CVP range if possible... * Suggested electronic pianos for beginners: Yamaha (P35, P105), Roland, Cassio (PX150) Places to begin looking for a piano: 1. Online: Craigslist.org: A good place to find second hand pianos that are sometimes still new. Make sure you see the piano in person before committing and inquire about the specifics and the quality of the instrument 2. Visit Stores: Pacey's Piano, Tom Lee, Long & McQuade Rental Options: Pacey's Pianos on Broadway offers a great rental program for those who would like to rent monthly or rent to own with acoustic and digital pianos under $100 a month. Article Source: Piano Teachers Federation, Piano Technicians Guild Hello Friends & Family, I hope you're all having a great summer! While I still need to add a piano to my studio space, the open space is ready to host it's first studio workshop starting next Sunday, August 16th 1-2pm. Please allow me to introduce 9 year old Audrey who will be teaching us how to make her beautiful creations using duct tape! Following right after the workshop, there will be an impromptu piano concert at Robson Park (down the street from my house) between 3:00-4:00pm. Come and join us for a fun filled day! Please see below for details and share this with your friends and families. PS. I will be out of town until Tuesday. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Where music happens, Donna Huang Piano Teacher www.happykeysmusic.ca Audrey's Duct Tape Creations Workshop Sunday, August 16 1-2pm Location: Happy Keys Music Studio 208-888 Kingsway, Vancouver Free Admission for All ages $5 Materials Fee & You can bring your own duct tape too! Have you ever wondered what you can do with duct tape? Come join us an hour of fancy duct tape creations with Audrey! Audrey can demonstrate to you how to make bows, wallets, and bags out of duct tape. Materials will be provided for $5 unless you want to bring your own duct tape! About the Artist: Audrey is 9 years old and loves to create art. She will be going to grade 4 in September and she one of Happy Keys Music Studio's student's older sister. When asked about why she loves creating art, she says "It's fun! Making and creating stuff!" Click here to sign up or send me an email if you are coming. Free Piano Concert At Robson Park! Sunday, Aug 16 3:30-4:30pm Location: Robson Park, 599 Kingsway (Down the street from piano lessons at my home!) Come join me for the 2nd year of an impromptu piano performance and get together at Robson Park's outdoor piano between 3-5pm on Saturday, August 15th. Please bring blankets (to sit on), your own snacks/drinks, and music books. Bring your friends and family members! All current and previous students are invited. I will be bringing watermelons as a snack! Weather permitted. Please email donna@happykeysmusic.ca if you are coming by Saturday, August 15th! See you on the Sunday, August 16th! Happy Key Music Studio's 1st Spring Piano Recital 2015!
We had a fabulous time for our first official spring recital. The students did an amazing job and I could not be more proud! I am thankful for all these children and families in my live and we are really looking forward to our next get together! We hope you enjoy these lovely photos which were taken by my very talented brother. Thank you for my family for all their support, all the parents help, and especially my brother for these amazing photos! Please share the photos and like! Check us out on Instagram: happykeysmusicstudio for more photos of our studio. We are accepting new students for Fall 2015 program. Come join us for a fun and engaging piano learning adventure! :) Warmest, Happy Keys Music Studio www.happykeysmusic.ca Dear students & families,
Miss Donna is hosting our first official Spring Recital with Happy Keys Music Studio. We are really excited and we invite you to come! Please RVSP: donna@happykeysmusic.ca Hello,
Last week was our first 'Bring A Friend Week!' April 20th - 26, 2015. I had a lot of fun meeting all the new friends at the piano studio. Here are some pictures to capture some of the lessons... from when I remembered to take a photo! Cheerios, Miss Donna To stay up to date with what's happening in the studio weekly, please visit our: Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/happykeysmusic Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/happykeysmusicstudio Hello Friends & Family,
You are cordially invited to our... FIRST WINTER HOLIDAY PIANO RECITAL 2014!!! Our students have begun preparing for the holiday piano recital, with many of them performing for the first time ever! We are really excited and hopefully you can come join us for our short and sweet recital. Time: 1:30-2:45pm Location: St. Clement's Anglican Church 3400 Institute Rd North Vancouver, BC View on Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/grsgP Bring: Light snack for a dozen (12) people for refreshments Community/Donations: St. Clement's Anglican Church has generously donated their space and time for us to use their facilities! Thank you so much! In return, a small donation is appreciated and a basket will be placed up front. Also, they are currently doing a socks drive for the North Vancouver Youth Safe House. Any help would be appreciate as this goes directly to the youths. If you prefer to make a dollar donation, say a tooney or two, these will be collected and a purchase made on your behalf. View for more info: http://www.stclementschurch.ca/content/collecting-socks-north-vancouver-youth-safe-house RVSP: donna@happykeysmusic.ca Note: Please RVSP if you will be attending with the number of guests or family members and what you will be bringing. Look forward to seeing you all there! :) Sincerely, Donna Huang (Piano Teacher) HappyKeysMusic.ca Dear students, families, & friends, You are cordially invited to Happy Keys Music’s first 'Impromptu Summer Piano Playing at the Park!’ Impromptu meaning that this is intended to be a relaxing and carefree event where students are invited to play whatever they desire and to meet new friends! I will be there regardless if any students show up and I hope some of you will join me! :) Because this is not an organized event (unlike a piano recital), you are free to leave as needed. At Robson Park, there is a free outdoor public piano that we can use brought to us by Keys to the Streets Program. There will be TWO performance dates for the event; you can attend one or both! Location: Robson Park 525 Kingsway, Vancouver BC Date #1: Thursdays, August 21st 2014 @ 11:00am - 11:45am There is a wading pool at the park on this day for those who are interested in swimming and an arts and crafts booth! Date #2: Saturday, August 23rd 2014 @ 1:30pm - 2:15pm The proposed time will fluctuate, as this is an outdoor piano which, may be used by other patrons of the park. If it's busy, we can all play at the playground while we wait. :) We will be near the playground and the outdoor piano. Come earlier to find a shady spot under the tree! What to prepare: 1. PREPARE 2-5 songs to play. Bring your piano books! 2. BRING a picnic blanket, snacks, sunscreen, and water! 3. INVITE friends, family, and have a great time! If an unfortunate event occurs such as heavy rain on the day of the event, the event will be cancelled and you will be notified as soon as possible. Hope everyone is having a great summer thus far! To stay connected, please find me here! Don’t forget to ‘Like’ to support and share the event! www.facebook.com/happykeysmusic www.twitter.com/happykeysmusic www.instagram.com/happykeysmusic www.pinterest.com/happykeysmusic www.happykeysmusic.ca Where music happens, Donna Huang, Piano Teacher Happy Keys Music Resource & Links: http://citystudiovancouver.com/projects/keys-to-the-streets For the .pdf version of this blog post, click below to download.
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