Piano pedals are often overlooked by beginners, but they play a vital role in transforming the instrument’s sound and expressiveness. Whether you’re playing a delicate classical piece, a lively jazz tune, or a modern pop ballad, the pedals on your piano help shape the character of your music. In this guide from Academy of Music, we’ll explore everything you need to know about piano pedals, their history, functions, and how you can master their use: [...]
Can someone learn to play the piano by ear instead of reading music? What is easier, playing by ear or reading music? Is one better than the other? These are questions that I often get asked as a professional musician and educator. It is possible to learn to play the piano by ear, even if you don’t think you have a good ear. You can train your ear with proper guidance along with learning some [...]
Choosing the right piano can be an exciting but overwhelming task, especially for beginners. Whether you’re a new musician or a parent helping your child start their musical journey, selecting the right instrument is crucial for developing skills and enjoying the learning process. Do you opt for an acoustic piano, a digital piano, or a keyboard? Each option offers different experiences, features, and price points. This guide will walk you through the main types of [...]
Learning a new skill or hobby gives you the chance to pursue something different and put yourself or your child up to the challenge. But we also understand that some may find a new hobby quite intimidating—but it doesn't have to be—especially if it's taught from the comfort of your own home. Private piano lessons can be a real treat and allow students of all ages to practice and learn from home. So, what are [...]
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the enchanting melodies of your favourite songs, wishing you could effortlessly recreate those soul-stirring tunes? Perhaps you've dreamt of belting out ballads like your musical idols, but the idea of hitting those high notes feels like an unattainable fantasy. Fear not, for embarking on the journey of singing lessons might just be the key to unlocking your hidden vocal potential. In a world where the spotlight often shines [...]
The guitar has been a part of music history for decades, and its versatility has put it on the map as one of the most compelling musical instruments to play. The cool factor of the guitar has also added to its allure, as many iconic and talented guitar players, such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, have pushed and showcased the instrument’s capabilities. Its popularity has made it one of the most common instruments [...]
As a singer, your voice is your instrument. Whether it is professional, aspiring, or simply meant for the shower and karaoke, your voice is essential. Many people think that a solid or beautiful singing voice comes down to how you belt out those words, but there is so much more to it. Your vocal health should be something on the top of your priority list. Your life as a singer can be very hectic - [...]
Learning to play an instrument has many excellent perks, and maintaining a practice schedule is vital for increasing musical skills. Whether your goals are to improve your playing, build muscle memory, and/or understand the pieces better, setting aside a selected time of your day to practice should be scheduled. Unfortunately, there can be many distractions around to keep you from your practice routine, which can be demotivating. Here are some tips to help you stick [...]
So, you have decided to tackle piano lessons and are concerned about what to expect when it comes to the first online lesson. The digital world has graced us with many options and possibilities for use in our daily lives, like online piano lessons. We see more and more benefits of the video conferencing service “Zoom” in our education, work, and social lives. There are plenty of advantages to taking a lesson online, but it [...]
As a musician, you will come across many types of scales in music. While some may appear to be more familiar than others, there are a series of scales called modes. Modes are a type of scale based on one major scale, and of those that you will see is called the Dorian mode. The Dorian mode has become a very popular seven-note scale that has been put to use by many musicians. To help [...]
