Hejran's
Piano Lessons

THE INVENTION

The piano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Florence, Italy around the year 1 700. Cristofori was an instrument maker and a harpsichord expert. The problem he was trying to solve was how to change the volume of the harpsichord by way of touch. He solved this by using a hammer to strike the strings. You can read more about the history of the piano here: www.ukpianos.co.uk/piano-history.html

THE NAME

Pianos originated from dulcimers. Next came the clavichord, followed by the harpsichord, then the square piano, and finally the piano. The original name for the piano was ‘gravicembalo col piano e forte'. This is Italian for a large harpsichord with soft and loud sounds. This name was shortened to ‘pianoforte’, then ‘fortepiano’, and finally ‘piano’ which is the name we know today.

TYPES

There are four types of piano: upright, grand, digital, and keyboard. It’s best to learn on an upright or a digital piano. Grand pianos are difficult to play when you're a beginner. Keyboards have smaller, lighter weight keys than a piano. Learning to play on a keyboard will not develop your finger muscles and will make it ditficult to play the piano later. If you’re not sure whether to get an upright or a digital piano there's some useful information you can read online that will help you decide. Go to the following website address: www.ukpianos.co.uk/piano-articles.html

TUNING

If you have an upright or grand piano, you should get it tuned every six months. A change in humidity is the main reason your piano goes out of tune. Indoor heating also dries out the wood in your piano making it sound flat. The best way to look after your piano is to keep it in a room with a constant temperature. Keep your heating low and place your piano as far away from radiators and draughts as you can. Digital pianos don't need tuning.

FACTS

Independent studies show that children who learn piano tend to do better in school

The piano is known as "The King of Instruments". The piano earned this title because it covers the full spectrum of instruments in the orchestra. The piano can also produce melody and accompaniment at the same time, and has a broad dynamic range.

There are 88 keys on most upright and digital pianos. Some older pianos have 85 keys.

Upright pianos weigh from 150 to 230 kilos (330-500 pounds). Grand pianos weigh from 270 to 450 kilos (600-1000 pounds), and digital pianos from 20 kilos to 80 kilos (45-176 pounds).