7 Accessories Every Piano Keyboard Player Should Have
The piano is one of the most popular musical instruments. So, it’s unsurprising that there are dozens of accessories that go with it.
In this article, we’ll highlight the seven best accessories to help you refine your piano playing skills.
1. Piano Bench
Many piano beginners encounter challenges picking a properly-sized piano bench. Some don’t appreciate the need for a bench at all, only realizing its significance when they suddenly have no platform to place their instrument.
The right piano bench can improve your comfort and posture while playing the piano. A sturdy bench also holds the instrument firmly, preventing costly damages caused by accidental falls.
You’ve probably wondered, how to learn to play piano keyboard?
There’s no hard-and-fast answer to this question, as the duration depends on several factors. However, a stable and comfortable bench can make a significant difference in terms of accelerating your piano learning experience.
2. Piano Lamp
There may be times when you need to practice the piano at night or in otherwise dim conditions. These scenarios will necessitate a piano lamp.
Most piano lamps are designed to be small enough to carry around yet incredibly powerful to offer focused illumination. The accessories provide the visibility you need to read sheet music and navigate the keyboard.
For piano learners who frequently train in the dark, a piano lamp can also reduce eye strain.
When shopping for the right piano lamp, insist on those with adjustable brightness. These lamps let you customize the lighting depending on the ambient conditions.
You could also consider lighter lamps for easy portability. Needless to say, the accessory should blend with your piano’s design as well as the interior décor of the room you usually practice in.
3. Music Stand
Most high-end pianos come with built-in holders. If yours doesn’t, then you’ll need to get it a separate music stand.
A stand gives your piano a solid support base. It also provides a dedicated platform for holding your sheet music and other essential music books.
When shopping for a piano stand, insist on the x-shaped varieties.
X-stands are ideal for on-the-go piano students. Their lightweight and collapsible design allows you to bring them with you wherever you go – work, school, picnic, etc.
X-stands also don’t consume much space. Besides, they feature adjustable arms that you can extend or retract depending on your keyboard size.
4. Metronome
There are several metrics that experts use to determine your piano experience level. Examples include accuracy, speed, and synchrony. A metronome is one of the best tools to analyze these parameters.
Metronomes can offer numerous benefits to piano learners. The tools are notably critical to rhythm development. They can enhance your timing and sense of rhythm, accelerating your piano experience.
A metronome might also help to improve your tempo control. Simply adjust the tool as required and it will produce a steady beat based on the presets. This can be instrumental in developing tempo control, especially when playing dynamic tunes.
As with other piano accessories, metronomes differ in their capabilities.
Insist on those that respond by vibrations rather than making a sound. Such devices improve your accuracy by letting you react in real-time. They also boost concentration by minimizing distractions caused by the otherwise ringing sound.
5. Tuning Tools
If you own an acoustic piano, you’ll occasionally need to make adjustments to improve the instrument’s performance or for maintenance purposes. That makes tuning tools a must-have accessory.
A tuning hammer is one of the most versatile piano tuning tools. The hammer can come in handy when you need to fine-tune aspects like pitch and frequency.
Note that having the right piano tuning tools isn’t enough. You’ll need to understand how to safely deploy them to avoid causing undue damage to your expensive keyboard.
It’s also important to underscore the significance of enlisting professional assistance for regular inspections and maintenance. Routine checkups can help to identify and forestall bigger issues with your piano keyboard.
6. Piano Cover
Even in the cleanest environments, pianos are constantly exposed to dust particles. Prolonged contact with dust could damage the instrument’s soundboard and action mechanism, leading to costly repairs.
The surest way to keep your precious investment dust-free is to invest in a piano cover.
A piano cover traps dust, dirt, and debris that could settle on the instrument and damage its internal components. It also minimizes the frequency with which you have to clean your piano, thereby preserving its aesthetic appeal.
Some piano covers are also designed to trap ultraviolet (UV) rays. Such covers prevent fading or warping of the keyboard caused by direct sunlight.
7. Headphones
A pair of headphones is a necessary accessory, particularly for digital pianos.
Enhanced privacy is the most outstanding benefit of headphones for piano learners. The device allows you to practice discreetly without disturbing everyone else’s peace.
A quality pair of headphones also enriches your learning sessions. While the gadget doesn’t alter significant aspects of the sound produced, it provides a more immersive experience by covering your entire ears.
Many factors go into picking the right headphones for your piano classes.
Most importantly, test the sound quality that a pair of headphones delivers to ensure it’s rich and well-balanced.
Other noteworthy considerations include headphone size, noise-canceling capabilities, and Bluetooth compatibility.
Final Word
The above accessories are sure to enrich your piano experience.
Whether you’re an inexperienced beginner or a seasoned professional, these tools will make you better equipped for every piano lesson or performance.