The piano is considered a polyphonic instrument. “Polyphonic” means “producing multiple sounds at the same time.” He also belongs to several musical instrument groups. It is, of course, a keyboard instrument. However, it is also considered a percussion instrument because when one presses the keys, the hammers strike the strings to produce sound. Therefore, it is also considered a stringed instrument. Each of these classifications is correct. The piano is truly an extraordinary instrument with several aspects that make it quite special.
One uniqueness of the piano is that it is actually used to teach students harmony, an area known as “keyboard harmony”. This is the knowledge of chords and their progression. Harmony is a fundamental part of music theory. It is comparable to knowing grammar to master English; It is the basic structure of music. To understand it, one is taught harmony in music theory, but since music is also an applied subject, it must also be taught in a practical way. Since the piano has 88 keys, it makes it suitable for this purpose.
Almost all music schools actually have required piano proficiency courses for all instrumentalists and singers. They are usually a minimum two-year curriculum. Pianists, curiously, however, are not required to learn other instruments. Even at the amateur level, most people, especially children, who want to learn a certain musical instrument usually start with the piano, believe it or not, as a fundamental step. By the way, good music instructors will generally recommend this.
Although primarily a solo instrument, the piano is considered the most ideal instrument for accompaniment. Almost all classical and jazz singers and instrumentalists are usually accompanied by a pianist. In fact, the piano, by itself, can replace a whole orchestra or a musician rehearsing a concert.
Playing the piano requires a lot of coordination. Therefore, by learning it, one’s sense of coordination is greatly improved. For one, each hand works independently, performing a different task than the other. All ten fingers are used constantly. The notes feature a set of two staves, one for each hand, called a “big staff.” The player has to read both at the same time and coordinate what is being typed on the keyboard, while listening to it and making sure it is being done correctly. Technically speaking, a pianist has to coordinate their eyes, hands, fingers, ears, and feet (to pedal) simultaneously.
Learning the piano is, of course, possible for almost everyone, regardless of age. However, in order to become an accomplished concert pianist, it is recommended to start cultivating this skill from an early age, preferably in childhood. To even be accepted into a higher education music school, one must be a relatively successful performer. For this reason, parents of talented children, in any of the arts, should be aware of this and encourage and cultivate their child’s hobby to the maximum, consulting the child’s disposition at all times, of course. Typically, aesthetic talents emerge during the early years and formative years, so they should be nurtured accordingly.
There is also more. Pediatric research has even determined that learning to play the piano at an early age helps develop motor skills, improves memory, improves academic performance, and even self-esteem. In adults, tests have shown that pianists are much less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
Due to the variety of technical factors associated with the piano, self-study is not recommended. You miss out on the real benefits. Just as one does not self-teach to become a doctor, one should not self-taught in learning such a complex and powerful instrument.
The piano, as you can see, is quite a special instrument. It is velvety-sounding, elegant, and can be either thunderously powerful or delicately subtle. It is a joy to learn and play and is one of the best investments one can make for one’s own personal growth and enrichment.
by Evelyn Simonian
© 2011. Evelyn Simonian
