STAYING IN TUNE

by Ashley and Justin Ducharme The journey of finding an acoustic piano for your home can be an exciting and overwhelming process. While choosing the right instrument that fits your specific needs can bring years of joy, having an understanding of quality and maintenance can help you avoid pitfalls during your search. When considering your budget, keep in mind that price is often reflective of quality and condition. Playing multiple pianos before making a decision is the best

Here in North Carolina, we see drastic humidity swings during the changes of the seasons throughout the year. These changes greatly affect the structure of your instrument. Your piano is made of mostly wooden components. The case, soundboard, bridges, keys, and action are all made primarily of wood and therefore susceptible to humidity fluctuations. Here we will focus on the soundboard in relation to tuning stability. The strings on a piano are stretched over a bridge that re

by Ashley and Justin Ducharme 1 min read One of the common questions we encounter is: What are the greatest techniques in learning piano and improving one's skills? In our professional opinion this question is best answered by covering the basics. As with many things we pursue, having the correct tools and proper instruction provides the foundation for the shortest path with the best results. 1) First, one must acquire an acoustic piano made with quality craftsmanship 2) Fi

by Justin Ducharme Shinichi Suzuki mirrors my thoughts in a book that "found me" in an old piano bench. If find myself returning to this passage, time after time. It reminds me of the true essence of music and value of its expression. Suzuki explains his realization about the essence of music after living with Albert Einstein and socializing with great musicians during his youth:     "Love can be had only by loving. Our life is worth living only if we love one another and c

Written by Ashley and Justin Ducharme Deconstructed Piano Definition: pi·an·o pēˈanō noun A piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound when its keys are depressed, activating an action mechanism where hammers strike strings. Cast Iron Plate with Strings What makes a piano a PIANO? All real pianos have a cast iron plate that looks similar to a harp. This plate makes up a good portion of the pianos weight. Running across the plate are more than 220 heavy gauge string

For centuries, since the invention of the piano forte, countless people have enjoyed exploring the intricate and fascinating world of sound this instrument presents. The infinite possibilities of endless harmonic voicings have captivated pianists and audiences around the world since its inception.