Author Archives: blanton

Announcement: Southern Piano Service (& Piano Tuning) 804-677-2416 (M-F 9-6)

kitten on pianoWelcome to Southern Piano Service, where we take care of your piano as if it were our own!

Please note: This is my welcome message, and it will stay right here for the foreseeable future. BUT… look right underneath this post for my newest blog posts about piano care and maintenance, and lots more. Or just keep reading… 😉

To get in touch, please TEXT me (or call) anytime from Monday to Friday between 9 and 6.

If you have a piano, no matter what kind of piano it is, and if you want a trusted expert to take care of it, you’ve come to the right place.

We at Southern Piano Service love pianos, and will be very happy to help you take care of your piano and keep it in top playing condition.

Check out the services below to see the range of what we do. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, we STILL might do it. Just give us a call at 804-677-2416. Continue reading →

Hanover Piano Tuner Fall News

Hanover Ashland Piano Tuner Hanover piano tunerYour Hanover piano tuner, also your Richmond piano tuner and your Ashland piano tuner. News coming up on how to care for your piano during this time of the year.

It’s fall, and if it’s been a while since you have had your piano tuned, now is the perfect time to have it done again. Not only will your piano hold the tuning better and for a longer time, so you’ll get more value for your investment, but you’ll also be in fine shape for enjoying your piano throughout the holiday season.

Hanover Piano Tuner And More

Hanover is not the only area where I’ll be happy to go to tune your piano. I also go service pianos in Ashland, Eastern Hanover, all along Route 360 to Tappahannock, including Aylett and Central Garage! Yes! Central Garage!

You probably don’t know this, but some of my family members recently moved into that area, so if you need your piano tuned in Central Garage or nearby, it will give me an excuse to visit. Even better, pianos there are no longer so out of the way for me, which will make scheduling easier.

And if you live in Aylett or Central Garage or even close by, send me a text and let me know. Then I can let YOU know when I’ll be in the area. My number is 804-677-2416.

Why Get Your Piano Tuned in the Fall?

In case you’re wondering why fall is such a great time to get your piano taken care of… The temperature around Virginia stays quite stable during that time, which means your piano will hold its tuning so much better. Even if you play spooky tunes for Halloween.

And that stability will even help it keep its tuning well into winter, especially if you make sure to protect your piano from wild temperature swings. Obviously, this means keeping drafts away and keeping the piano away from heating vents.

And now that you can have guests again, you can entertain your family and friends with your favorite holiday music. You can host sing-alongs and invite them to accompany you on their violin, their recorder, or their guitar throughout the season.

So Get in touch, whether you live in Ashland, Hanover, Central Garage, or Aylett. Your Hanover piano tuner is never far away. Of course, I’ll also continue to be the Richmond piano tuner. And as always, you can reach me at 804-677-24116. Text me (preferred) or call me to get in touch!

Get Your Piano Ready for the Holidays

piano ready for the holodaysFall has come and gone and you’re probably thinking about getting your piano ready for the holidays. After the last holidays were more of a solitary experience for most people, you’re surely looking forward to having lots of family and friends over to celebrate.

And all those guests call for preparation. So what are the steps to get ready for them? Read on for some tips to make sure your holiday celebrations are events your family members and friends will be sure to remember.

1. Make your piano sound great

The first item on the agenda is to make sure your piano sounds great. Is it in tune? When was the last time you had it tuned? If it’s been more than 6 to 9 months, it is time to give it a little tune-up. Of course, with the holidays coming up, others have the same idea, so call or text your Richmond piano tuner as soon as possible to get on his calendar.

2. Give your piano a festive look

A great way to make your piano really shine is to give it a festive look. What does that mean? Add some holiday decorations to really make it shine. Depending on the other decorations you have in the room, you can even place a miniature tree on top, or maybe next to it. Add some beautiful baubles and glass galls, and tinsel, or whatever decorations please you most.

3. Get your piano ready for the holidays with music

You may already have plenty of sheet music for the holidays, and if so, it’s time to get it out and have it ready to play for your own enjoyment or that of your guests. If you’re a little short on music, there’s still plenty of time to shop for it, either online or in your favorite local piano store.

4. Get ready to play your holiday music

Depending on your skill level, you may also want to practice playing your favorite holiday music. If you’re playing year-round, that may not be an issue, but if you have some new music you want to try out, give yourself time to rehearse it. And if you want to play with other musicians and/or singers, maybe adding a violinist or cellist, or a guitar to your ensemble, rehearsing is a must.

5. How to expand your repertoire

Perhaps you have some favorite songs you play every year. But how about expanding your repertoire? There are a lot of websites devoted to provide you with wonderful holiday music, and even sites that help you practice holiday tunes. They’re geared to accommodate all levels of expertise, from beginners to highly experienced players. Have fun exploring them and finding your new favorites. Here are 10 holiday tunes anyone can play.

It’s easy to get your piano ready for the holidays with these steps

Get started now and getting ready will be easy enough. Start by making sure your piano sounds great. Schedule to get it tuned as soon as possible. Just text your favorite Richmond piano tuner at 804-677-2416 for an appointment.

Next, add some baubles for the proper holiday spirit to your piano, and then focus on the music. Find new favorites, practice the old ones, and get ready to enjoy the season with your family and friends.

 

Piano Lessons and Covid-19

piano lessons and covid-19Piano lessons and covid-19? We’re now well into the second year of the coronavirus, along with social distancing and other preventive measures. What does this mean for your piano playing and lessons?

Well, there ARE a few positives, of sorts. Most people enjoy playing the piano at home, with or without an audience. And yes, there are challenges with piano lessons, which we’ll address later. But unlike violins and clarinets, no one usually picks up their piano to go visit friends or play with a group.

Piano and social distancing

So a piano is ideal for social distancing, if you must practice social distancing. You can play it at home, and you don’t HAVE to have company. You can also get inspiration from YouTube or sheet music if you want to practice something new.

Piano lessons and covid-19

But what about piano lessons? Many teachers have adapted to remote teaching, often using Zoom. There are different set-ups, but basically, you can show the hands on the keyboard, and you can also show sheet music, though not necessarily at the same time. If you or your children are getting started, you can always look for a piano teacher who is using Zoom. Your children probably use it for school too.

Do you need to have your piano tuned?

You may be wondering if you need to have your piano tuned if you’re the only one who hears it. Well, if you care about what you’re hearing, I’d say yes. And if your children are learning to play it, it’s even more important. You want their ears to be aware of all the nuances of the music during their piano lessons. And covid-19 doesn’t change that.

Also, even though the weather is still on the chilly side, spring is coming up rapidly. So you might want to book an appointment soon to get your piano tuned. That’s because spring and fall are the best times to get the most out of a tuning.

To get the most from your piano

Questions? Just send me a text message at 804-677-2416 to check for appointments. I’ll be happy to help you out with a tuning, or fix small repairs. After all, if the piano gets used more than usual, there might be some wear and tear as well. And of course, I can take of most of that while I’m there to tune your piano.

In the meantime, enjoy playing your piano.

Piano Holiday Season 2020

Piano holiday season 2020The piano holiday season 2020 is different from any that came before. What makes it different? Almost a year’s worth of the coronavirus, face masks and social distancing.

With all the restraints placed on us as far as going out is concerned, many people are focusing on things they can enjoy doing at home, and playing music is at the top of the list, certainly for music lovers. If you’ve been playing the piano for years, you know all the joy it can bring into your life. And if you have decided to start playing during the last year, you’ve discovered it as well.

The interesting thing is that most piano showrooms were closed since they were regarded as “non-essential” businesses. But that didn’t seem to hurt their business at all. In fact, business has boomed, as you can read in this article.

The benefits of having a piano at home

There are many benefits to having a piano at home. First you and your kids can play anytime you want. Now that we all are spending much more time at home than we usually would, that’s a big advantage.

Playing music also has many benefits, from bringing enjoyment to keeping our mood stable and our minds focused. Research has also shown that it helps with brain development, which helps kids do better in school, and keeps the rest of us sharp for many years to come.

Sharing piano holiday season 2020

Inviting lots of people over to a recital is a no-no right now. And recitals at school are no longer happening. But that doesn’t mean that we cannot share our piano holiday music in 2020.

We’ve all become accustomed to Zoom. Whether we’re using a tablet, a computer, or simply the phone, we can record and share anything we want, including our favorite piano music. And if you’re wondering what to play, take a look at some of my Christmas music suggestions.

Keeping that piano in tune

Did you remember to get your piano tuned the last few months? If not, it’s not too late to get it in great shape before Christmas, The best way to get on my schedule is by sending me a text at 804-677-2416, preferably Monday through Friday between 9 and 6. If you prefer to call, that works too, but texting is better since I can’t take calls while I’m working, but I can always check my texts.

A thoughtful gift… Piano gift certificates

If you have a friend with a piano, you can also send them a piano gift certificate. Just give me a call. If they haven’t tuned their piano yet, it will come in really handy. And if they have, the next tune-up will be coming up in late spring – and they’ll remember you fondly then.

So enjoy your piano and use it (along with zoom) to bring joy to your friends and family, close-by or far away. And if I can help you with anything during this unique piano holiday season 2020, such as tuning, repairs, or gift certificates, let me know. Just text me Monday through Friday between 9 and 6 at 804-677-2416.

Piano And The Coronavirus

piano and the coronavirusHow are you dealing with your piano during the coronavirus pandemic? If you’re teaching piano or taking classes,  things have definitely changed. Today I’ll offer a few tips on the piano and the coronavirus.

Social distancing

First of all, there’s the mandate of social distancing. One positive aspect of playing the piano is that you can enjoy playing it by yourself. So get in some extra practice time and enjoy learning some new tunes.

A lot of piano lessons have gone virtual as well. Thanks to Skype or Zoom, we can now enjoy piano lessons without having to worry about infection. Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s worth it.  You can still play piano safely during this time of the coronavirus.

And especially, now that most schools have sent their children home, virtual lessons are the only option. After all, it’s important to put safety first, and since it’s possible to be both safe and enjoy (or teach) lessons by way f virtual methods.

Hand washing 

Hands should be washed out of principle. Of course it’s not as crucial when the teacher and the student are not in the same room. But if they are, it’s definitely a must. And it’s just a good practice.

Cleaning the keys safely

First of all, be sure not to spray liquids onto your piano keys. Instead, spray the cleaner or sanitizer on a tissue and wipe off the keys. You may want to test the liquid in a less obvious spot to make sure it doesn’t damage the keys.

Piano and the coronavirus: how to be safe

I like Thieves essential oils, mixed with water, or mild antibacterial soap in water. It shouldn’t be too wet, as mentioned above. Just lightly moisten a paper towel. Definitely avoid drips from going down the sides of the keys.

Why Thieves essential oils? It has great cleaning and disinfecting power and can be used in a range of ways. And of course, especially for keeping those piano keys clean.

Your Piano in 2020

your piano in 2020It’s 2020. A new year AND a new decade. Do you have special plans for your piano and yourself – or your family? Your piano in 2020 could offer exciting opportunities. In today’s post, I’ll make a few suggestions for how you can make the most of it.

Who Will Play Your Piano in 2020?

Think about it.  Who usually plays your piano? And who will play your piano in 2020? Do you play it yourself, or do you have kids who play? Perhaps both?

Then again, maybe you haven’t taken the time to play it as often as you would have liked, and perhaps hardly ever at all. That’s kind of sad.

So the first thing to think about is how to play more and more often, to increase your enjoyment in your investment. And, of course, you should encourage your family to do the same.

What will you be playing?

Then again, you may have been playing for years, or even decades. But perhaps your repertoire has gone a bit stale. Playing the same thing over and over again could get just a little bit (or a lot) boring.

So how about taking the time to discover some new music for your enjoyment – and that of your friends and family?

Now is a good time to start looking – and then practicing those new tunes. There are lots of holidays and occasions to look forward to, starting with Mardi Gras and Easter…

Keep your piano in top shape

To get the most enjoyment from your piano, make sure to keep it in top shape. Is it still in tune? If it’s been a while, schedule a time for your trusty Richmond piano tuner to stop by and take care of it. And spring, which is coming up shortly, is a perfect time to get it tuned.

What if it needs repairs? Are there keys that feel a bit sticky? Maybe some have stopped working altogether.

Then again, your piano may make some strange noises. This could be because something has become lose inside of it, or because an object has fallen inside.

How to fix your piano in 2020

Fortunately, all these problems can be fixed, and sometimes it’s a very easy fix. In fact, when I tune pianos, I also take a look around inside to spot problems that can be fixed right then and there.

So if you are ready to get your piano in shape for 2020, consider giving me a call (or send me a text message) at 804-677-2416 and we can schedule a time for me to come by to take care of it. I look forward to helping your piano sound its best no matter where in Central Virginia you happen to live.

Note: Please call only M-F during business hours, i.e., from 9 to 6. I keep my phone turned off during my private time and wouldn’t want to miss your call.

Please visit (and “like”) my Facebook page for updates as well..

Piano Tuning Richmond VA in Fall

piano tuning richmond va in fallHave you noticed the weather lately? It’s the perfect time for piano tuning Richmond VA. I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s time to bring out the jackets and the sweaters, even though it’s not really COLD yet.

This means that in fall (or autumn, if you prefer), the weather is perfect to get the best results from your having your piano tuned.

Why the best results? Because the weather, along with the temperature and the humidity is comparatively stable, which means that your piano will stay tuned for quite a while.

The perfect time for Piano Tuning Richmond VA

Richmond has seasons, and so it can get quite cold during the winter. And when the heating system comes on, the air indoors can become quite dry, unless you’re putting some effort into setting up humidifiers.

And of course we all remember what the summer was like. Hot and humid. And humidity can expand the wooden parts in your piano and make the piano go out of tune.

But when the piano has some time to hold its tune, it will stay well-tuned for a little longer, so the best time to have it tuned is in fall — and in spring! But now it’s fall…

Perfect pitch for the holiday season

And there’s another reason to make sure your piano has perfect pitch: the upcoming holiday season! Don’t you want your piano to be in good shape for social events at your home? Someone might want to sit down and show off his or her skills. Maybe even a member of your family!

Whether you’re in the mood for some spooky tunes for Halloween, or something festive for Thanksgiving and the entire Christmas season, a well-tuned piano will increase your enjoyment greatly.

Piano Tuning, Richmond, VA, prepares your piano for holiday fun

So consider Piano Tuning. Richmond, VA, offers the perfect weather to help you get the most of your investment. Of course you’re not the only one who knows that! Others are making their appointments too, and I’ve been pretty busy as it is.

Why don’t you send me a text at 804-677-2416 to schedule a good time to have your piano tuned. Of course you can also call me if you prefer. It’s just that it’s often easier and faster for me to get back with you quickly if you send a text message. It’s just the nature of my profession…

And as you know, I don’t only tune them in Richmond, including in the Fan, the West End, Bon Air, and many other places, but also in surrounding areas. In fact, just about anywhere in Central Virginia. Whether it’s in Hanover or Henrico County, Ashland, or any of the surrounding towns and communities, I’ll be happy to tune your piano.

Just text or call me at 804-677-2416, and I’ll take care of your piano!

P.S.: Please visit (and like) my Facebook page too.

 

Benefits of Piano Lessons

benefits of piano lessonsIt’s back to school time, and if you have kids, you may be wondering if they should start taking piano lessons if they aren’t already. Do they want to? In that case, the answer is absolutely yes. The benefits of piano lessons are just too great.

In fact, they’re so great that you should encourage your kids to take piano lessons even if they’re not (yet) clamoring to do so. And if they’re already learning to play the piano, you can do a few things to get them to plunge back with enthusiasm, as you can see in these back to school piano practice tips.

At what age are children ready to learn to play the piano? That varies, but usually it is between the ages of five and nine. You should aim for giving it a try earlier rather than later because they will benefit greatly from it academically. They should definitely start in grade school.

Benefits of piano lessons: improved IQ

Yes, you can actually improve your child’s IQ by letting them learn the piano. Music has a powerful effect on the brain and helps build new synapses, and that leads to greater intelligence. This in turn, leads to better performance in school, and not just in math, though math skills are a major benefit.

Stronger math skills

Stronger math skills are among the best-known benefits of piano lessons! As children practice their scales and their tunes, their brain rewires itself to strengthen their analytic and spacial development. And that’s what leads to overall stronger math skills.

So if you want your child to do well in math, practicing playing the piano really helps with that. Who would have thought that something like playing the piano can have such a powerful impact on children’s math skills? It’s almost an unfair advantage.

Sharper language skills

Learning to play the piano has a very positive effect on children’s brain development and also helps with their language skills, both those when it comes to learning their native language and when they’re studying a foreign language.

Better concentration

Whether or not your children have ADHD, playing the piano helps them concentrate. It involves a lot of focus, and as they practice, their brain gets better and better at focusing.

Improved hand strength and hand/eye coordination

As you can imagine, playing the piano requires some powerful hand/eye coordination. Imagine playing one track with the left hand and another one with the right! This can be very challenging to a piano newbie.

But as they keep practicing, they get better and better at it, and their brain will become capable of keeping track of each hand’s movement.

In addition, playing the piano also strengthens the hand muscles. And both the improved hand strength and the hand/eye coordination transfer to other tasks as well.

More benefits of playing the piano

As if the above benefits weren’t enough, there are many more benefits associated with playing the piano. They include improved ability to handle constructive criticism, better stress management, stronger social skills, and more.

So letting your child learn the piano is a very smart move… if you want a smart kid! And getting your children started at the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to get them going with their new routine and have them reap the benefits of piano lessons.

Get your child started on a well-tuned piano

Of course, you’ll also want a well-tuned piano for them to practice on. And right now, after the worst of the summer heat has subsided, is a great time to schedule it for a tuning. Questions? Send me a text at 804-677-2416.

And please visit my Facebook page for more information.

 

How to Protect Your Piano in the Summer

how to protect your piano in the summerIt’s summer in Richmond and Central Virginia again, and temperatures are inching up. So does the humidity. t’s time to find out how to protect your piano in the summer from excess heat and humidity as well as temperature and humidity fluctuations. It’s also a good idea to find out whether you need a humidity control system for your piano.

You probably know that your piano is very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. And so it’s important to protect it from those changes as much and possible. read on for some tips on how to keep your piano safe during the hot Central Virginia summer months.

How Humidity Changes Can Affect Your Piano

You may wonder how a change in humidity can affect your piano. As you know, your piano is mostly made out of wood. And wood expands and contracts as the room humidity increases and decreases. As a result, your piano can go out of tune. worse, some of the key wooden parts can crack and may need costly repairs.

How to Protect Your Piano in the Summer

As a Richmond Piano Tuner, I am constantly giving tips to my clients on how to protect their piano in the summer.
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