While the pinblock and action age only by usage, the curvature of the soundboard, which is necessary for tonal projection is a linear degradation and constant loss overtime.

No matter if the piano is played eight hours a day or eight hours a year the 40,000 – 50,000 pounds of tension, which is applied when the strings are tighten to pitch slowly robs the piano’s ability to produce full dB production. In other words, pianos get quieter with age.

Facts to understand:

The Chinese number 1.4 billion and music participation is in the 50th percentile.

In the United States music participation is in the teens and there are only 350 million of us.

For this reason, the largest cello producers, violin producers, drum manufacturers and yes pianos builders come from China.

Before you dismiss these instruments it worth mentioning, the vast majority of what Yamaha manufacturers and sell globally are no longer built in Japan. The bulk of their pianos come from China, Indonesia, Taiwan, etc.

Additionally, a significant if not dominant percentage of what Steinway sells globally they do not manufacturer! Pearl River manufactures the Essex for Steinway and Kawai manufactures the Boston for Steinway.

That is right! Kawai and Pearl River are the official builders for much of what Steinway sells globally!

Thought experiment: Would Pearl River, which derive 100% of their revenue from producing pianos, agree to manufacture a superior piano for a competitor?

Of course not!

In my opinion, it is absolutely absurd to spend thousands more on a legacy brand which is producing the bulk of their product in China, Taiwan, Indonesia, etc.

When we look at all of these facts analytically, it is easy to see why a new 2022 Pearl River piano is the smart choice.

Make Steinways choice your choice, choose Pearl River!

The sale includes:

• 10 year manufacturer warranty
• Local, ground floor delivery
• Matching bench
• One in-home service
• Lowest price in the United States guarantee!

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The MSRP of a 6’1” Yamaha grand is nearly $60,000. At just $18,900 this is an incredible offering for a piano with such a rich musical history.

This is a nongray market Yamaha piano that comes with proof of authenticity. If you are looking for a conservatory Yamaha grand series piano in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, or elsewhere call Dave directly to discuss his many options.

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Bradley is a long-time Billy Joel fan, having attended all of his concerts at Fenway Park for the last three years. He held up a sign at every performance and fueled a Twitter campaign to get the attention of the musical legend. And eventually it worked! Billy Joel invited the teen up on stage for one song- Root Beer Rag- Bartlett-Roche’s favorite. Joel also autographed the young man’s shiny shoes. It was a special moment for a special young person.

Bradley will continue to develop his musical skills as he follows his passion. He just completed a five-week musical program at the Berklee College of Music. He is also the new solo keyboardist for the school’s All-Star Rock Band. Longer term, he hopes to continue to write and play music with the laudable goal of one day spreading his music around the world and making a positive difference.

Bradley is an inspiring young man who can be an inspiration and positive role model for other children. His passion and determination have allowed him to accomplish a lot at a very young age and we should all celebrate his success. The gesture that Billy Joel made has only fueled the young man’s inspiration and has allowed the legend to make a positive difference himself by carrying forth a relatively small gesture.

Image credit: www.bradleybartlettroche.com

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In a recent interview, the legendary music writer told a reporter that he has stopped writing music as it took a toll on him, especially in regards to his personal life. He seems to have made the conscious decision to move away from that part of his life. It seems like he is very happy with his decision and in the end that is what really matters.

There was some controversy not long ago between Billy Joel and Elton John, when a proposed tour apparently fell through and the gloves coming off. John criticized Joel for not writing new tracks while the latter criticized the former for writing too many. In the end, the tour did not happened, but there is no doubt that both men are going to go down in the hall of fame of music. Billy Joel’s piano play and songwriting has captured the hearts of millions and continues to do so and the same can be said about Elton John’s pieces.

It will be interesting to see where Joel’s career goes as he continues to age and deal with some health problems including replaced hips. He is still scheduling and performing concerts, so that seems to be likely to continue unless he has some really serious health problems (let’s hope not!). Aside from that, it seems safe to say that we will not be seeing anymore new music from the legend in his waning years. Nonetheless, we should be thankful to have had such a talented individual make it big and to have his music forever. The author of hits like “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Piano Man”, and “New York State of Mind” can rest assured that his legacy is firmly cemented with the greats and he will be cherished for a long, long time. Here’s to Billy Joel, is past accomplishments, and his future health and hopefully continued concerts! A great musical man for sure!

Image credit: Wikipedia (slgckgc)

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While the human brain is also an incredibly beautiful thing, one whom learns or self-teachers how to play an instrument, especially the paino, is all the more plentiful in skill, patience, and wisdom.

Utilizing not only hand-eye-coordination, but a willingness to conform your body to moves, measures, and beats that it otherwise would never be exposed to; here lies the beauty of what makes a musician.

“Modern” Pianists

A lot of people think that a musical-instrument that’s best learned at an adolescent age, primal to any other time period. While it’s proven by science and human development that children are most perceptive to such dynamics as children—including learning foreign languages—this doesn’t mean it will be the case for every individual.

Ruth Neitzel is actually a 100-year old prime example of such an instance, starting the piano at a mere 12 years old, yet continually playing throughout her entire lifetime—to date!

An outlet to Love, Despair, and Development

Many people play many different instruments—sometimes more than one—for many different reasons. With that out of the way, it’s significant to consider the unique personality, energy, and efforts (including long hours) that are required to learn, practice, and proficiently study an instrument—especially one as large as the piano.

From the great Ludwig van Beethoven to Johann Sebastian Bach, musical composers—especially pianists—have always shown an added-sense or touch of personality, unique moods, creativity, and imagination when producing passion and expressing themselves through playing the piano.

What the World Expects

In today’s modern world, most people on average—especially in western culture—don’t expect a life expectancy to surpass averaging 70 for men, or 80 for females. Although dependent upon country, these ages are more or less fairly consistent in reflecting the ‘median’ mortality rate across the globe.

When you look at someone like Ruth Neitzel, 100 years old still playing the piano, you can appreciate the characteristics of a true professional, musician, and one whom plays with a passion, to please others, and find content or comfort in one’s self through doing so.

No matter what the original purpose of learning an instrument is, no matter how big or small you or the piece is, why and how you play it—as well as study—will all truly be the determining factors in the end for proficiency, success, and happiness with your instrument and music!

If someone like Ruth Neitzel can play the piano for the sake of expressing her past, current, and future goals and achievements, hardships and losses—then there’s no reason why we cannot do the same, should our heart and spirit truly match our purpose.

Although now living in a Lutheran Assisted-Care home, Ms. Neitzel still continues to, and likely will play the piano until her very last days. That is, even with a loss of eyesight, her ears remain wide-open to conceptualizing the tunes she feels and hears, flowing from her brain, to her fingers, and into the keys in which she plays for all to hear.

Image credit: www.jsonline.com

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