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Articles & Books From Adam Perlmutter
The key to fast and fun piano proficiency! Whether you’re a wannabe Mozart or are an experienced hand at tinkling the ivories, the latest edition of Piano For Dummies has what you need to take you to the next level in making beautiful music using this much-loved and versatile instrument. Working as an introductory course—or as a refresher to keep those fingers nimble—you’ll find information on getting started, improving your technique and performance, and the best ways to practice until you hit finely tuned perfection.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 08-31-2021
Learning to play the piano takes a lot of practice. For that practice to be productive, though, you need to make sure your hands are in the right place to get the notes you want and that you correctly translate musical terms and symbols.Common musical symbols and terms for playing the pianoWhen you’re learning to play the piano, or any instrument for that matter, it can be hard to remember all those different musical terms and symbols — base or treble clef, whole notes or half notes, confusing time signatures, and more.
Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016
When a singer needs a good intro, the pianist needs to be able to bring it. The audience has a tendency to talk between songs, so it’s your job to shut ’em up and announce the start of the new song. Playing a few bars of show-stopping, original material really gets things hopping and leaves them begging for more.
Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016
The band is building up to the final chord, and it’s time for the big finish. The singer belts the last lyric, and it’s up to you to drop the curtain. Quick! Grab a handful of these finales and you’re sure to receive an encore request.The I Loved You, You Left Me finaleThis finale is a simple but effective ending, perhaps even a tear-jerker when played with the right emotion.
Article / Updated 04-19-2017
Keys on a piano and each one's location on the keyboard can be difficult to remember when getting started playing piano. Print this page (the notes are large enough to see easily from a distance) and place it right above the keys on your piano or keyboard to help you instantly recall the note name for each key.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
In music stores, libraries, and online, you find literally thousands of music reference books, sometimes called supplementals, about the piano. Books exist on everything from the history of keyboards to building your own piano (good luck!).
Don’t be fooled: Reference books don’t teach you how to play. They should be used in addition to, not instead of, a method book or teacher.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Piano playing is a dynamic experience. Some people think of classical music as old, intellectual, sometimes boring music written by a bunch of dead guys who wore wigs. This may be true (except for the “boring” part), but the sound and feel of classical music is unique. You, too, can apply the sound and feel of classical music to your songs, even ones written in this century.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
In the 20th century, many composers and pianists became bored with the normal sounds of a piano. No longer satisfied by the effects of trills, glissandi, and tremolos, these brave pioneers started tinkering around under the piano lid.
Try it yourself. Open your piano lid and pluck the strings with your fingernail.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Nothing teaches music better than playing music. The piano is no exception. After a while, you may feel in the mood for collaboration. Lucky for you, the concept of piano duets, ensembles, and bands came along. In any city, college, or university, you can easily find other musicians who simply love to play together.
Article / Updated 03-01-2019
When you're learning to play the piano, or any instrument for that matter, it can be hard to remember all those different musical terms and symbols — base or treble clef, whole notes or half notes, confusing time signatures, and more. The following can help you keep all these music symbols and terms straight — and if you get stuck often, click here to print this sheet to use as a quick reference when you need it.