Piano classes in San Diego

History of the Piano

The piano’s long history starts with Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori, who was credited with inventing the piano back in 1709 in Padua, Italy. There are some distinctions between his invention and what we now consider the modern piano, but there were also many predecessors. Cristofori was the first to develop the basis of the piano instrument and introduced the dynamic play with the build of strings. Cristofori’s instrument resulted in the development of changing the intensity of hitting the keys which created the different volumes of sound. 

The instrument’s unique sounds have gone through an evolution since Cristofori’s first build. From its first introduction using gourds and boxes that would help to amplify the sound to more modern engineering of strings attached and stretched over bows. These were what the original versions would have looked like. 

The piano’s closest cousin at the time of its invention was the harpsicord. While functionally very similar, the harpsicord was limited to one volume that did not change. Whether you hit the keys gently or with a great force made no different to the sound that was emitted. 

The piano’s ability to project louder sounds aided in the artistic freedom of the player. It was also better suited for concerts and larger venues as the piano was naturally louder than the other instruments in the same category. 

Since the 1700s, pianos have evolved quite a bit. Most notably, their keyboards have grown to play a wider range of sound.  Most other aspects of this stringed instrument have remained the same for the last 300 years. Other iterations of the modern piano include player pianos which we think of any time there is a movie reference to a wild west saloon and the modern fully digital player pianos we see at any rock concert today.

Piano in Different Musical Genres 

Many people think that the piano is only good for classical music, yet nothing is further from the truth. The piano is probably one of the most diverse and versatile instruments in terms of range and variety of sounds. You can find this instrument used in nearly every genre of music out there. 

From blues, jazz, country, and of course classical the piano can be used by anyone’s musical inclination. 

There are too many great pianists that play so many different genres to list, but one of the benefits of learning the piano is that you can blend the unique sounds of the piano to any genre. A few notable modern musicians across all genres who used the piano include:

• Dr. John from New Orleans played the piano with his bluesy key ranges
• Elton John with his piano keys that depict his unique modern rock’n’roll beats 
• Nat ‘King’ Cole for his unique jazz musical notes and known as the Jazz Piano king 

Every genre has its nuances and signature beats, but the piano is one of the few instruments that allow you to be as creative as you want with the ability to tweak every note to make them your own. You can make it sound different and give it your own flare across all genres. 

Venues in San Diego

If you want to hear some of San Diego’s best pianists playing different genres, then stop at one of many musical venues or bars around the city. 

The La Jolla Music Society is an amazing non-profit that holds concerts throughout the year. Located on Fay Avenue in La Jolla, concerts and plays are regularly held in their state-of-the-art auditorium. The visiting artists come together and play so many different genres from across the world. From classical piano compositions to folklorically inclined piano sounds many artists are featured at the society’s seasonal concerts.  

Panama 66 located in the heart of Balboa Park is another awesome venue. The indoor and outdoor venue features live music with access to great drinks and bites. Local jazz bands play every Wednesday night with a variety of pianists to violinists at every age playing their notes and keys to perfection. 

A 5-10-minute walk from Panama 66, is the famous Spreckels Theatre organ. While more of a relative of the piano, this pipe organ makes sounds that can be felt in your chest from a mile away. Built in 1912 in Balboa Park, bands from across all genres have played on the organ stage including rock’n’roll, jazz, blues, and classical. 

Best Artists from San Diego

There are a few famous San Diego pianist across the city from Shea Givens who has reached various heights in her musical career from backstage for pop and R&B artists to her long term in musical theatre. 

Other great local artists include John Lowery, J-Mann, and Emo Alaeddin. These local San Diegans have so much soul behind their work and you can feel it when they play every keynote on the piano. 

What is great about all these pianists is that they are also local piano teachers on their downtime from playing on stage across the country. So, take the opportunity to reach out and get lessons from some of the best there is in the city. 

Piano Tutors 

Self-guided lessons on the piano are great, but it does come with its own set of hurdles. The biggest challenge is generally the lack of feedback on whether you are hitting the piano keys correctly. Timekeeping and the speed in which you play also has to be right on key. Or maybe your fingers are stumbling over each other and you cannot seem to keep them calm. 

All of these small errors can be fixed by hiring a private tutor that can make all the difference in your piano playing journey. Someone who can guide you and make corrections when something doesn’t sound right. 

Superprof can easily help you choose a piano tutor who has once been where you are now. They know the next steps and can help you avoid the plateaus that make people stop. With their help, you can play that song that speaks to you and others you thought you’d never be able to play.