Playing Piano

You probably already know that piano playing is an exciting talent to develop. If you are a jazz enthusiast, you may have listened to piano music from great artists like Count Basie or Duke Ellington. You might like modern jazz piano players better and there are many who have won the hearts of audiences everywhere. One piano player who crosses many genres is Jim Brickman, who often plays his own compositions. Along with smooth jazz stations, Brickman’s music is played on pop, inspirational, and new age stations. You may be more interested in the rock keyboard players. Some of them have been: Rick Wakeman of Yes, Tony Banks of Genesis, Dennis De Young of Styx, and David Sancious who played for Springsteen, Santana, and Sting. Rock piano players include Elton John, Billy Joel, Carole King, Paul McCartney, and Carly Simon. Even if you have never liked classical music before, you might begin to enjoy it once you have started to play the piano. It presents a challenge and is very satisfying to master. Some of the greats are Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Brahms. If you are like many people who hear these great musical works of art, you will want to emulate them. You may learn well enough to play for a band or as a solo act if you are dedicated enough. You can certainly learn to play the piano well enough to entertain yourself, your friends, and your family. There are other benefits to playing the piano as well. One is relaxation. When you feel upset, it is very therapeutic to play the piano for awhile. If you are angry, playing the piano can release your frustrations. Your playing will soothe your nerves if you are anxious. If you are feeling down, you can start with slow songs and build up to more up-tempo, happier-sounding songs. This will often lift your sad mood. If you do end up playing professionally, you can gain a source of income from your piano playing. Some piano players earn very little – just some tips from a jar on their piano bar instrument. Other piano players can earn fantastic amounts of money if they are talented enough and lucky enough.

Another reason to learn to play piano is to develop discipline. If you are someone who starts and stops activities without giving them a fair shot, you might have better luck with the piano. It gives rewards at every level, keeping you motivated to stay at it and work harder. Learning to play the piano is easier in some ways than learning other types of music. With vocal music, you have to learn more carefully about pitch. You have to worry about being just a touch above or below the note. With a piano, the only way that would happen is if your piano is out of tune, in which case you just have a technician fix it.