Category Archives: Coronavirus

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.