Robert Jackson 
Are your kids or young students learning piano? Want to find some easy songs for them to learn? When they first start learning, it’s vital that they enjoy what they’re playing. We all know scales and arpeggios are important but let’s be honest, they’re pretty boring. Learning fun, but easy pieces can help them develop …
Fast, fun, and full of improvisation, jazz is full of talented musicians. They play various instruments and each has its recognizable technique. The piano is easily one of the most impressive and is equally versatile being able to be a supporting instrument or take center stage in the right hands. There have been countless amazing jazz …
One of the more intriguing percussion instruments is the marimba. Larger and warmer-sounding than its cousin, the xylophone, marimbas bring a mellow sound to the percussion section. Originating in the Bantu region of Africa and modified and brought to its modern form in Latin America during the 19th century, the marimba is a beautiful and …
The Harmonica is one of the most played instruments in the world. Its success came from German clock-maker Mathias Hohner in the mid-1800s. Within ten years, the harmonica had become a hit, and he was selling his invention to millions worldwide. Other versions eventually came along in the 1950s, such as the plastic harmonica, which …
Ever wondered how an accordion works? You wouldn’t be the first. This incredibly unique instrument doesn’t operate like familiar stringed or brass instruments might. So what’s actually inside an accordion? In this article, we’ll go over the different parts of an accordion. Inside the weird slinky-like instrument are a whole host of bits and bobs …
Timpani are those large semi-spherical drums that look like big shiny bowls or upside-down tea-kettles—which is why they’re also called kettledrums. A classical percussion section would never be complete without timpani. They’re important both in classical orchestras and musical ensembles, including concert, marching, and even rock and roll bands. The sound of timpani can be …
The piano’s ancestry traces back to several instruments, including the harpsichord and the monochord. When you press the white and black keys, a small hammer strikes the internal metal strings producing the sound. Having evolved over the centuries, the piano continues to enrich music performances and compositions to this day. We’ll share 16 interesting facts …
Black pianists have shaped the sound of American music throughout the history of our country. The most famous black piano players, alive or dead, live on in our public consciousness through their songs and influences on the artists of today. In this article, we’ll be covering the most famous black pianists ever to live. We’ll …
American pianists have shaped the sound of music for centuries. In fact, some of the most famous American piano players are considered some of the best musicians to ever live. This article will cover some famous American piano players, including a short biography and what type of music they play. Keep reading if you’re looking …
Today when we think of keyboard instruments, we think of the piano. Bulky, sometimes upright, and percussive. But historically, there are many precursors to the piano, some of them more effective than others. The clavichord stands out because whereas many of the piano’s ancestors had limited dynamic capability, the clavichord could run the gamut from …