History
What instrument families does the piano belong to?
Percussion and String families
What are the types of modern pianos? (there are 2)
Vertical and Horizontal
What are some of the pianists that we heard about in the video?
Sergei Rachmaninov, Amy Marcy Beach, Glenn Gould, Arthur Rubinstein, Clara Haskil
How has technology affected the piano?
it has improved the materials which improve the sound and tuning ability; made the piano more accessible – less expensive; the availability, cost and size of electronic keyboards makes them easier to own
Why is piano in two families?
You hit the keys to make sound, which puts it in the percussion family. It has strings to make sound, so that puts it in the string family.
How many parts are in a piano?
Over 7000
What is the name of the jazz pianist featured in the video?
Thelonious Monk
What did Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder have to overcome to become piano players?
They were blind
Who invented the piano and when was the first piano built?
Bartolomeo Cristofori in the 1700’s
What are some of the materials used in making a piano? (name 3)
wood, cast iron, metal, carbon steel wire, steel wires wrapped with copper, plastic
What movies have you heard Randy Newman's songs in?
Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Monster’s Inc and Toy Story 3
Why does piano work so well with Jazz?
it is a very versatile instrument that can be played in many moods
How are the piano and the harpsichord different?
piano is louder, has more keys, can be loud or soft, piano strings hit with hammers, harpsichord strings are plucked
Why do pianos need to be made of such hard materials?
The hard strength of the materials amplifies the vibrations, improving the quality of the sound.
How many Top 40 hits has Elton John had?
Over 50
Name 2 types of vertical pianos.
spinet, console, studio, upright or player.
What can the piano do with rhythm and melody that no other instrument can?
it can play the rhythm (beat) and melody (tune) at the same time.
What are some of the parts of the piano? (name 3)
case, structure, plate, pinblock, soundboard, strings, tuning pins, keys, keyboard, hammer
Name some of the styles of music that we saw in the performers of today from the video.
Jazz, Alternative Rock, Funk, Pop, Rock, Top 40, Classical
Name 2 types of horizontal pianos.
petite grand, baby grand, medium grand, parlor grand, ballroom and concert grand.