"I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music." -Albert Einstein
Whichever type of music you enjoy playing or listening to, there is one thing that can be agreed upon: the piano is a universal instrument. It's "universal" because it is widespread, practised, and appreciated throughout the world.
Also, because of the piano, most of the repertoire of music worldwide can be heard and appreciated.
Therefore, let it be known that the piano is a magical instrument because whether you are a concert performer, a beginner in conservatories, a piano teacher, or in musical training, the piano can turn your music into something that is adored by many listeners.
The piano is not only for chamber music or to be played in an orchestra, but everyone can own a piano and practice their favourite songs from the comfort of their home. Truthfully, the piano is the world's most cherished instrument and that is mainly because of its versatility and range among many genres of music.
Nonetheless, since we're living in the digital age and everything sounds electronic nowadays, it's safe to ask ourselves, does the piano adapt to the modern genres of music? Let's take a look at today's article to discover the answer.
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Why Learn the Piano?
While we have stated at the beginning of our article that the piano is universally adored and appreciated, there are many reasons why that is the cause. Such as? Before we start discussing all of the potential music genres that go well with the piano, it's important to consider the three following reasons why you should learn the piano immediately:
- To Hone Transferrable Skills: whether you're young or old, learning to play the piano has been scientifically proven to improve abilities such as concentration, dexterity, memorisation, agility, flexibility, and problem-solving. All of the aforementioned abilities are transferrable and can be used in other sectors or domains. After some months of regular piano playing, people will see their skills improve drastically.
- To Learn More About Music History: most of the world's greatest musicians and composers have created music on the piano or know how to play the piano. Therefore, by learning the piano, you are embarking on a journey of exploration that is similar to famed artists such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. Also, at the same time as you learn the basic guidelines of the piano, you are additionally acquiring more knowledge of music history. The rich history of the piano is truly remarkable.
- To Reduce Stress: as is the case with other musical instruments, when people learn the piano, they are participating in an activity that helps them to reduce stress and calm down. So, if you're feeling anxious you might want to start practising the piano to fight your nerves away.
Therefore, even if you don't consider yourself a person with musical talent, we highly recommend taking the time to learn the piano by yourself or with a fantastic private tutor on Superprof because the previously listed benefits are truthful.
Also, it's worth stating that the piano is a timeless instrument that is a sure bet with no sign of going anywhere. But, do all music styles and genres sound good on the piano? Let's take a look at the following subheading to find the answer.
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What are the Fundamental Genres of Music Played Using the Piano?
If you're not an avid piano player (yet), you might have wondered if all music genres and styles sound beautiful on the piano. It's worth stating that since the piano is so diverse and universal, most styles of music do sound amazing on the piano; nonetheless, there are some genres that are better than others. Such as? Let's take a look.
Classical Music
The piano was born to play classical music by composers such as Bach, Chopin, and Beethoven. Most sonatas or musical pieces from classical music were composed with the piano as the base instrument. Simply put, classical music would not be classical music if it wasn't for the piano.
For decades, even centuries, the piano was taught only using classical sheet music. The classical genre was synonymous with the piano and it had a massive influence.
Even with the changing times, classical music will continue to be a reference point when playing the piano.
Jazz
After classical music, another primary music genre that encompasses the piano is jazz. So much so that there is even a genre of music called "jazz piano."
Just think of the film La La Land!
Jazz piano incorporates the elements of jazz on the piano and is often accompanied by other percussion instruments that are typically jazz.
Musical Theatre and Film
Over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries, musical theatre and film music have become essential music genres. Composers such as Marvin Hamlisch, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hans Zimmer, and John Williams have created some of the most memorable songs using the piano as their primary instrument.
Some film scores and musical theatre themes have become engraved in our memories and are now classics.
To compose a song in these genres, the piano is used predominantly and accompanied by a singing voice. It's worth stating that the link between cinema, music and piano is woven in musical theatre and film genres more than ever!
When learning the piano, many beginners will start out practising songs and scores from Broadway musicals or popular films.
Gospel
While not everyone in the UK or Europe might listen to Gospel music, it's worth stating that the piano or the organ is a staple instrument in this music genre. Mostly popular in the Americas, primarily the United States, gospel songs always have a lot of piano rhythms and melodies to them.
It's important to state that the four previously mentioned music genres are only some of the styles that feature piano; there are many more!
As we have said at the beginning and we will continue to say, the piano is a diverse instrument and almost 90-95% of music genres feature piano playing.
But, are there any musical genres that don't obviously feature the piano? Let's take a look at the following subheading to learn more.
Do All Music Genres Sound Good on the Piano?
On paper, it's possible to play every single music genre on the piano. Nevertheless, it can be more complicated in specific genres to make the piano shine and be actively heard in comparison to other instruments. Such as? For instance, very rhythmic music such as rap and R&B does not feature the piano as much as other genres.
Even if R&B and rap do not have piano solos throughout their songs, that doesn't mean that it's impossible. For example, Kanye West's Runaway is a song that is part of the rap genre; however, the piano sounds throughout the tune are brilliant and mesmerising. Listen to it!
Also, most rappers and R&B artists are seasoned performers who love music and have learned many musical instruments throughout their careers such as the piano and they might use the principles of the piano to create their unique sound.
Even if it's not as common to hear the piano in rap and R&B songs, the instrument is not incompatible with the genre.
But, what about other genres such as electronic music? First appearing in the 1970s, electro music is extremely popular today yet it has been described as an "anti-musical" style, practised by non-musicians who are more comfortable with a computer than with a real instrument.
Nonetheless, even though electronic music doesn't feature the piano, if you play the right notes, some electro tunes can be played on the piano. It's important to state that some DJs such as David Guetta and Kygo compose their music with real or virtual keyboards, or, in other words, a piano.
It's important to state that some genres such as trap, heavy metal, and some songs of hard work push the limits of musicality and the notes and keys of the piano are not heard in songs from these genres.
However, in conclusion, we can effectively see that the piano, in its universality, allows a musician to explore 90% or even 95% of the global musical universe; that's quite impressive! Therefore, if you're looking to explore all the genres and styles that the world of music has to offer, we highly recommend learning to play the piano.
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