Piano Facts
The piano is a musical instrument played by way of a keyboard. The typical acoustic piano has a protective wooden case surrounding the soundboard and metal strings. Strings are sounded when the keys are pressed. There are 88 keys in all (52 white and 36 black). A greater touch on a key produces a louder sound of the corresponding note. By using pedals, notes can be sustained even when the keys are released.
The piano was created in Padua, Italy in 1709. Harpsichord maker Bartolomeo Cristofori is credited with development of the instrument, which he called a pianoforte—piano meaning “soft” and forte meaning “loud.” Unlike the harpsichord, the piano allowed for variations in volume depending upon a pianist’s touch on the keys.
Many improvements have been made over the past 300 years, yet the modern instrument remains true to Cristofori’s earliest designs. His oldest surviving pianoforte was built in 1720 and is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
There has never been a better time to acquire and learn to play the piano. Not every home has the space or budget for a grand or upright model, but there are many other options. Digital pianos and keyboards are extremely popular and affordable.
More Piano Facts
Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a pianist.
Notable pianists include Leif Ove Andsnes, Martha Argerich, Claudio Arrau, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Daniel Barenboim, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel, Frédéric Chopin, Glenn Gould, Myra Hess, Vladimir Horowitz, Stephen Hough, Lang Lang, Franz Liszt, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Ogdon, Murray Perahia, Maria Joao Pires, Maurizio Pollini, Sergei Rachmaninov, Sviatoslav Richter, Arthur Rubinstein, Clara Schumann, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Mitsuko Uchida. Source: Classic FM – The 25 Best Piano Players of All Time
Piano Scales & Keyboard Chart
Full-Color Piano Chords Poster
Piano Chords Chart – Keyboard Note ChartFull-Color Piano Chords Poster 24×36
Listen to the Piano
Don Grusin & Friends
Songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Don Grusin performs Catwalk, from the album “The Hang.” Also performing are Alex Acuña (drums), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Abraham LaBoriel (bass), and Sadao Watanabe (alto saxophone).
We Love Pianos
Looking for more piano facts? Here are some of our favorite pages about pianos for you to enjoy:
Business Cards for Performers and Teachers
Best Gifts for Music Lovers
We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite piano player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Piano collection.
Find a Keyboard Online
RockJam 61-Key Electronic Keyboard Package
Product details:
- True full-size 61-key keyboard piano with standard key sizes
- LCD screen, record and playback functionality
- 100 keyboard sounds, 100 rhythms, 50 demo songs
- Strong, adjustable stand designed to hold keyboard securely
- Padded stool is comfortable for pianists of all ages
- LCD display shows correct keys to press for demo songs
- Power supply for home, backup uses six size D batteries
- High quality, over-ear headphones for quiet play
- Free Piano Course for Simply Piano by JoyTunes!
RockJam Full-Size 61-Key Electronic Keyboard SuperKitIncludes Adjustable Stand, Padded Stool, Headphones and Power Supply
Piano Gift Ideas
If you need to find a gift for your favorite piano player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.
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Practice Keyboard Note Chart – Training Tool – Measures 48 inches Wide – Fits Across All 88 Piano KeysBonnlo Adjustable Duet Piano Bench with Storage – Black Faux Leather – Wooden Legs – Cushioned Seat
Grand Piano on the Moon – Astronaut Pianist – Funny Music T-Shirt Gift for Piano Teachers and Players
VTech Zoo Jamz Zebra Piano – Light-Up Keys – Microphone Lets Kids Sing – 100+ Songs, Melodies, Sounds
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