Do you appreciate a simple beam of light shining on the side walk, or imagine how a photograph will look as you frame your subject in the cameras lens and snap the picture? If so you have the creative gift of observation. Piano artists learn to observe with their ear.

Piano sheet music is no more than ink blots on paper. So how does a professional pianist or a piano student transform this into a beautiful picture of sound? The same way a painter does, with brushes! Yep, there are lots of different brushes available to a pianist, as well as hues of color. Piano artistry includes a palette of playing styles, rhythms and techniques to tell and illustrate musical stories.

Music always has a story to tell. The Russian Sailor Dance for example is a traditional physical endurance test sailors perform to music in a minor key. It has a steady march beat famous for repeated notes. Its not a happy tune, but it helps sailors impress girls with their physical strength. Its the one where they bend their knees and kick out one foot at a time to the music with their arms crossed over their chests. Get the picture? Its awesome! Now imagine military Muscovites in Red Square performing their traditional dance to a waltz. It just wouldnt produce the same affect! Outraged Russians girls would protest. Hey mates, what gives? If we were impressed by a waltz, we'd marry dancing bears!

Pianists and other musicians tell stories illustrated with music that has the power to bring history back to life and touch the hearts of people everywhere. Just imagine what the movie Star Wars would be like without music?

If youre a piano student who wants to play with more artistry and style, ask Whats the story that Im trying to tell with this piece of music? Am I conveying the right picture? How could I get this message across to an audience more clearly? Experiment with different playing styles and techniques until you find the one that tells the story best. Remember youre not just the piano player. Youre also the artist and the director. Learn to observe with your ear and snap the right picture!

Cynthia VanLandingham

Cynthia VanLandingham's Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources create an exciting musical adventure for children ages 5 to 11. Visit PianoAdventureBears.com for free samples of her Piano Adventure Story Books and piano resources for children. She is also the author of The Wonder Guide to Creativity.

Cynthia has been teaching piano in Tallahassee, Florida for 20 years and is the owner of TallyPiano & Keyboard Studios. She is a member of the American College of Musicians National Guild of Piano Teachers, the President of TallyPiano Enterprises, LLC, and a graduate of the Florida State University College of Education. Visit her website at TallyPiano.com to download her original, uplifting piano compositions, including "The Potter's Wheel." While you're there subscribe to her free internet newsletter, Piano Matters, and read the Wonder Guide to Creativity Online.

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