Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Piano: The leading instrument

First I would like to say if you are reading this post, thank you. Welcome to Cody’s blog. I hope you all are thrilled in being a part of my very first post.
I have played piano for four years now. Yes that makes me still a beginner, but I am still very knowledgeable about the instrument. I love the piano. It creates such a beautiful sound, and is a great piece of furniture. I know it may sound cheesy, but when you have a piano in your house it feels like a home. I think fellow musicians can agree with me on this one. My dream home consists of a royal blue grand piano in my living room.
What I love about the piano is that it is the Zeus of all instruments. In most songs it creates the base of the song, or the background if you think of it that way. Piano can be used in many types of music too. Jazz, pop, country, hip-hop, gospel, and even some rock all include piano. I have heard: “if you know how to play the piano, then learning another instrument will be easy.” I cant remember how many people have told me that, especially if I talk about picking up the guitar.
I guess what I’m trying to say is having the ability to play the piano is important. Its important because with piano playing skills comes great power, especially for singers. It’s also a great stepping-stone in becoming a musician, just like the guitar. Just think about the greats that pianists are associated with, Beethoven, Bach, Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bruno Mars, and even Lady Gaga.  

Next time you see a piano notice the sparkling reflection of heavens light shinning down on its majestic stature.

7 comments:

  1. I don't know how to play the piano but i have family members that does. I must agree with you that it does sound great. And it is a plus to be a singer that knows how to play the piano. Its a full effect.

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  2. Hey Cody! You sound like me, with a little favoritism. I've been playing keys, trumpet, and jazz bass since I was in 6th grade. Later on, I picked up an electric (during my Hendrix phase) and even the sax. I must say trumpet has to be my favorite. I think it's one of the most arrogant instruments in an ensemble. One can't hear a trumpet and NOT know what instrument it in. Trumpets are used to announce important people, death, war, and anytime you need everyone's undivided attention. Even in heaven, there's supposed to be trumpets to announce arrival! Trumpets are just about as arrogant as I am!

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  3. Hi Cody!

    You're absolutely right, a piano makes a house feel more like a home. Growing up I remember being jealous of my half-brother and his sister because they had a piano at their mom's house. I apparently was so jealous that I managed to convince my parents to get a piano in our house and sign me up for piano lessons when I was 8 years old. Unfortunately, after a few years I struck a deal with my mom that allowed me to quit playing piano in seventh grade. My younger brother kept up with practicing piano throughout high school and into college. Still to this day whenever he goes back home he can be found at the piano. He always makes it a point to call me while he's playing because it used to annoy me, however now the sounds remind me of my childhood and make me wish I wouldn't have ever quit.

    I'm not sure if I missed it, but I'm still a bit unsure of what the "purpose" behind your blog is. Would you mind explaining it a little more to me?

    Here is a link to a clip of my brother playing piano if you'd like to check it out! https://www.dropbox.com/s/g3irwludqgxvlak/TAD_Fantasie%20Impromptu%20bit.m4a?dl=0

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  4. Hi Cody,

    I know exactly where you're coming from brother, as a musician myself I can sit down at the keys and write something that I couldn't write on my acoustic guitar. It changes the tone and the feel for a song when you're sitting there at the piano. I can tell by your post that you're very passionate about what you do or else you wouldn't be a champion for it and putting your name out there by doing so. Is there a specific genre that you feel connects to you more when you play the piano or is it all the same for you? I'd like to hear more from you and I'll definitely be checking back on your blog to see what else you've got to say.

    All the best,

    Eric M.

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  5. Hey Cody, great blog! I really liked how you are all about piano; that's one I've always wanted to learn but have had some difficulty (since I don't have a piano). I know how to play the trumpet, flute, guitar, bass and baritone horn, but not piano. It's such a beautiful instrument. It's easy to tell how passionate you are about music. Your passion will take you far. Keep your head up!

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  6. Hi Cody Blair, I like your blog post entry. Are you currently still living in LA? I moved to Hollywood for film school and understand your journey. The culture is totally different from back home. You have to adapt in order to survive. Do you think that you should reevaluate your image or branding? How does the audience connect with you as a singer and songwriter? How does your music sound? Who is your influence? What makes your artistry unique and different from everyone else? Is there any artist and songwriter in the marketplace that has the same style as you?

    I believe you should post some of your music, videos, and photos on your blog to give the audience an idea of who you are and what type of music you have to offer. The blog template doesn’t really define this dynamic person that wrote these journal entries. I would definitely like to hear some of your music and see videos about your journey.

    It’s quite exciting that you auditioned for the Voice and American Idol. It would have been great to see a short video of your move to LA with some snippets of your auditions. You should use some of these videos to create a buzz about your journey into Planet Hollywood until you own the town. You should provide links to your social media pages to use as a tool for people to connect with you. A wise film instructor that co produced Training Day once told me, “No doesn’t mean it’s over. It only means not right now.”

    I can’t wait to hear some of your creative works. I am sure there’s more to come and opportunity is always knocking. So don’t give up! Keep going to the auditions until you are chosen. This would help prepare you for the stage. Sometimes judges are looking for something at a certain time. It may not have anything to do with you. It’s the same with directors who have an image in their mind to tell a story. Actors go through the same process in casting. You just have to persuade the judges that you fit that image even if it’s not the image that they assumed was perfect for the job. So bring it and Good luck!!!

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  7. Hi Codys!
    It was a pleasure to read your blog. I feel the same when you talk about Zeus. As child y always played the piano an flute. At this time i am trying to play the guitar, I hope that one day you make you dream real and have the royal blue grand piano at your living room

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