World Piano Day is celebrated on the 88th day of the year, which is the same as the number of keys on the piano. This year, it takes place on March 29. World Piano Day was founded by a group of like-minded people who aimed to create a platform for piano-related projects to promote the development of music and to share the joy of playing the piano.
History of World Piano Day
Why do we need a World Piano Day? “For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers, and most importantly, the listener,” replied Nils Frahm, the German pianist, and composer who initiated World Piano Day in 2015. The idea behind it was to celebrate the piano across the world by holding events, performances, masterclasses, lectures, e.t.c. Since its launch, World Piano Day has gained immense popularity, with participation from pianists, promotors, organizers, distributors, technicians, piano enthusiasts, and basically anyone associated with the instrument.
Hammered dulcimers were the very first string instrument used since the Middle Ages in Europe. After several attempts of creating stringed keyboard instruments, the mechanisms of the clavichord and the harpsichord were developed during the 17th century.
As the Mozart-era piano underwent changes from 1790 to 1860, the modern structure of the instrument came into existence. These alterations were a result of the preferences of composers and pianists who wanted more powerful and sustained sounds. Over time, the tonal range of the piano was also increased from the five to the seven octaves that can be found in the modern-day piano.
World Piano Day is a celebration of the piano and everything connected with it. This day celebrates the music of the past and promotes its evolution. So, on this 88th day of the year, we come together to celebrate one of the greatest instruments of all time and all those who make this day possible.
World Piano Day timeline
Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy invents the piano during.
Sébastien Érard invents the double escapement action, which makes it easier to rapidly play and repeat notes.
The World Piano Day team announces the construction of the Klavins M450.
Christian Henson of Spitfire Audio launches a website, ‘pianobook.co.uk’ dedicated to creating and sharing instrument samples for free.
World Piano Day FAQs
Do you need 88 keys to learn piano?
Most keyboards have 66, 72, or 88 keys. For a beginner, 66 keys are sufficient for learning how to play. You can play most music on a 72-key instrument, although playing the classical piano requires all 88 keys.
Is it possible to learn piano by myself?
Yes, while we believe the best way to learn piano is from a qualified and experienced instructor, some students have an ear for music and can benefit from self-learning.
Why was the player piano invented?
Edwin Welte invented a player, which controlled all the aspects of the performance automatically so that his machine would play back a recorded version exactly as if the original pianist were sitting at the piano.
World Piano Day Activities
Play the piano
On this day, pianists can celebrate by playing a beautiful piece on their pianos. So whether you’re an amateur or seasoned, there’s no excuse not to start learning the new piece that you’ve been meaning to for a while now.
Learn to play the piano
If you are someone who has always dreamed of playing the piano but has never had the chance to, this is your chance. Commit yourself to learning how to play the piano by starting with beginners’ lessons on the internet and, if the interest develops, enrolling in professional piano classes.
Join the celebrations
Take the time to enjoy some classical music while driving or at home. You can even attend a concert and invite your friends and family to join in on the celebrations.
5 Melodious Facts About The Piano
Soft and loud instrument
The piano was first called ‘gravicembalo col piano e forte,’ which translates to “soft and loud harpsichord.”
Middle C is not the middle
The exact middle of a piano keyboard is not middle C, it is the space between E and F above middle C.
An intricate machine
There are 12,000 parts that make up a piano and 10,000 of these move.
The most expensive piano
This prize goes to the galaxy piano which is priced at 1.36 million dollars because its body is made from 24-carat gold.
So much tension
Each string in the piano usually holds around 168 pounds of tension and most pianos have a total tension of around 18-20 tons.
Why We Love World Piano Day
Pianos deserve to be celebrated
The piano has been around since the 1700s creating beautiful music for hundreds of years. This intricate instrument has the widest range of tones and can play accompaniment and melody at the same time, making it a complete, independent instrument, and earning it the title “the king of musical instruments.”
The piano is beneficial
Playing the piano helps improve your well-being. Studies show that playing the piano improves mental health and people who play the piano tend to experience less anxiety and depression. A few minutes on the piano can improve self-esteem and make you feel more positive too.
It celebrates all things piano
This day not only celebrates the piano and pianists. It gives us an appreciation for the contribution that composers have made to the world of music and manufacturers of the instrument, who are part of the evolution of the instrument.
World Piano Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 29 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | March 29 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 28 | Thursday |
| 2025 | March 29 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 29 | Sunday |
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