Sticking with the theme of extended techniques, this week I’d like to take a look at the piano. You’re probably wondering, “What kind of extended techniques can a pianist use?” Keep in mind that pianos are not just black and white keys. When you take a look inside a piano, there are also strings, hammers, and wood and metal panels. In the last century or so, composer and arrangers have become more creative in how they write for the piano.
Prepared piano is the extended technique pianists use to create unique sounds on the piano. This can include many different things like sticking objects inside the piano or on the strings. In addition, a pianist could play the piano strings with a bow like they would a violin or cello.
Let’s take a look at one very popular group called The Piano Guys. They became popular on YouTube almost overnight for their piano and cello arrangements of popular songs. The Piano Guys take prepared piano to a whole new level in their arrangement of What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction. With five people around the piano, they make use of every surface of the piano. They pluck and bow the strings, knock and slap the wood and metal surfaces, and of course play the keys.
Take a look at this video to see some prepared piano in action!
Piano Lessons with Raluca Bojor
We are blessed to have Raluca as an instructor at the JESM. We invite students from Wheaton, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Lisle, West Chicago, Naperville and the other suburbs of DuPage to contact us for their first lesson. Call us today at 630-359-7725 or email us at admin@jeschoolofmusic.com to schedule your first lesson.
