Presto Piano Magic

12/04/2025

Harmonizing a melody is generosity toward the tune. Support makes beauty feel safe to take risks.

12/03/2025

Piano Lesson 046: Rhythm (Introduction to Rhythm, Rhythm Basics, Rhythmic Notation in Music)

Piano Lesson 046: Rhythm. Let's learn about rhythm in music! In this piano lesson tutorial, Prestissima teaches students about the fundamentals of rhythm. Th...

12/03/2025

Transposition turns the keyboard into a landscape you know. Familiar roads appear wherever you travel.

12/02/2025

Are there songs in Presto! It's Piano Magic, Book 1, that could be considered Christmas & holiday season themed?

Yes! Consider these:

Hot Cross Buns
Happy Birthday
Michael, Row the Boat Ashore
Duermete mi niño
Go Down Moses
Song of Happiness
De colores

12/02/2025

Piano Lesson 045: Little Birdie, a Southern American Banjo Tune, for easy piano

Piano Lesson 045: Little Birdie, a Southern American Banjo Tune, for easy piano.Let's learn "Little Birdie" on the piano! In this piano lesson tutorial, Pr...

12/01/2025

The terms fortepiano and pianoforte early on were used interchangeably for the same instrument, which was an evolution from the harpsichord and clavichord that allowed for a wider range of dynamics. (Fortepiano came first.) Over time, particularly with technological advancements in the mid-19th century, the instrument evolved into the more powerful and resonant modern piano.

The shorter, more common term "piano" was adopted as the name for this modern instrument, while "fortepiano" is now used retrospectively to describe the earlier models made before about 1830.

Fortepiano/Pianoforte (circa 1700-1830)

Invention: Invented around 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy, who was looking for a keyboard instrument that could play both soft (piano) and loud (forte) notes, unlike the harpsichord.

Distinguishing features:

Lighter touch and less sustain compared to modern pianos.
Lower string tension and lighter, leather-covered hammers.
Smaller soundboard and a more limited range of keys (e.g., around 61 notes by Mozart's time).

Usage: The term "fortepiano" or "pianoforte" was used to distinguish it from the harpsichord and clavichord, but the terms were used interchangeably during this period.

Evolution to the modern piano (circa 1830-present)

Key developments: Manufacturers introduced significant changes, including a heavier, cast-iron frame, thicker and higher-tensioned strings, and felt-covered hammers. These changes resulted in a much louder and more resonant instrument.

Expanded capabilities: Composers began exploring the new possibilities of the more powerful and versatile instrument, which influenced musical composition.

Key range expansion: The keyboard expanded to the modern 88 keys to accommodate this new music.

12/01/2025

Accents without tension are proof of wisdom. Strength delivered softly is power at peace.

11/30/2025

Piano Lesson 044: First 5 Major Scales Two Octaves on the Piano (Presto! It's Piano Magic)

Piano Lesson 044: First 5 Major Scales, Two Octaves, on the Piano.Let's learn our first five Major Scales - two octaves - on the piano. C Major, G Major, D M...

11/29/2025

A teacher’s library is a vote for the future. Scores on shelves become scores in hands.

11/28/2025

Grateful for expression when words are hard: playing or singing helps feelings move safely.

11/28/2025

Piano Lesson 042: Go Down, Moses, an African-American Spiritual, for beginner piano

Piano Lesson 042: Go Down, Moses, an African-American Spiritual, for beginner piano.Let's learn "Go Down, Moses" on the piano! In this piano lesson tutorial...