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Amazon October Prime Musical Deals are Live

Full Size Brand Name Keyboard! Yamaha 88 key   Amazon exclusive model includes power adapter and sustain pedal 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience Slim and stylish design with a depth of less than 12 inches, the P71 requires little space and weighs only 25 pounds You will need to purchase a separate stand or use a table.   Great guitar or cello stand at a great price! Updated Strong Retainer Arm Guitar Stand:🎵Adjustable Height retainer arm for securing guitar and adjustable head clamp with rubber neck guard locking latch keeps the neck in place ,this guitar stand made from steel is tough enough to withstand day to day knocks and bumps whilst at home or being transported that for any instrumentali
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Prime Days on Amazon will be October 10th and 11th, 2023* get ready for Lesson Need Deals

 Why am I posting about Amazon Prime Days when I am a music teacher? Because music teachers and their musicians need supplies! Rosin Strings Stands Cases Lesson Books Bows Gig Bags Other Accessories! I will be watching for great deals and listing them in blog posts as well as on facebook and instagram to share all of the deals with those who need them most.   Don't have an Amazon Prime Membership? Get a Free 30 Day Trial Here *Disclosure As an Amazon Associate, if you make a purchase through one of my links I may receive a few cents compensation. 

Summer Time is a Great Time to Start Piano Lessons

  Got those Summertime Blues?  Why not turn them into music?  Summer is a great time to explore an instrument.  Piano is the 'gateway' to all other instruments.  Theory comprehension comes's easiest as it is literally black and white!  At Keys & Strings we combine lesson studies with fun popular arrangements, so the student always feels accomplishment in their new music exploration.  We have posted a previous blog on our educators recommendations, but wanted to provide our families with a way to explore other options.   Best Digital Keyboards for Beginner's

Rosin, What is it? Why do I need it?

Rosin is made from conifer (evergreen) trees.  Some rosins will smell like a Christmas Tree after you apply it to your bow.  It will not hurt your fingers or your clothes.  But it can hurt the varnish on your violin, so make sure that you wipe down your instrument after each play. In the summer I tend to use Light Rosin *, as it works better in the high humidity in our area.  I won't recommend a particular brand, but I do like Hill brand from England.  Light Rosin tends to be harder, and won't get as sticky in the heat of the summer months.   I switch over to Dark Rosin*  in the dryer air seasons.  It's a bit softer, and adheres better.   Price DOES matter.   Cheap one dollar rosin will not be the best quality.    But Rosin does not need to be a break the bank product.  $12-$20 will be a better quality rosin and it will last. Some educators say you must knick up the rosin the first time you use it.  I personally have never done this, I heard my first teacher tell my

Our Recommended Digital Keyboard/Piano for Beginner Musicians and why we like them

YAMAHA P71 88-Key*  Yamaha P71  Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive) Why do we like this keyboard? No bells, whistles or lights Weighted keys Place on table you already have or get optional stand Don't have the space for a full sized keyboard? Here is a smaller size Why do we like this keyboard? Minimum acceptable size of 61 keys responsive touch keys has power source Weighted keys Place on table you already have or get  optional stand   Casio CT-X700 61 keys No matter which brand or size you purchase, keep in mind that the minimum requirements are: 61 keys Touch Sensitive, Touch Responsive, Weighted or Semi-Weighted Keys A pedal will be needed at some point in the future.  *These items were available at Amazon on publication date of this post.  As an Amazon associate we will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no cost to you if you purchased through our link.  

Violin Viola Cello Holiday Music and Other Stocking Stuffer Ideas

  Choosing a music related gift to help get your musicians creative juices flowing is always a good idea.   With the holiday season fast approaching, we have compiled some of our favorite ideas in one place so you don't have to search.  Holiday Bowed String Books by instrument.  We suggest getting a level up if they are midway through their current level.  Full disclosure, as an Amazon Affiliate, we do earn a small percentage if you purchase through one of our links.     Stocking Stuffer Ideas When Choosing a Shoulder Rest be sure to pick the right size based on your violin size 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4      We recommend Everest Brand, and they come in fun colors.  Viola's have their own sizing.  If you are unsure, check in with Ms. Sandie Who doesn't love an eight note music stand?

Piano Holiday Music and Other Items We Recommend for Gift Giving

 Choosing a music related gift to help get your musicians creative juices flowing is always a good idea.   With the holiday season fast approaching, we have compiled some of our favorite ideas in one place so you don't have to search.  Holiday Piano Books by Level.  We suggest getting a level up if they are midway through their current level.  Full disclosure, as an Amazon Affiliate, we do earn a small percentage if you purchase through our link.   Piano Adventures Christmas Primer   Piano Adventures Christmas Level One   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 2A  Piano Adventures Christmas Level 2B   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 3a   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 3B   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 4 Sound Forge for the Savvy Music Writer   Sheet Music Notebook for Kids   Wide Staff Music Manuscript Paper  Garage Band Music Theory  If you have questions or are looking for other suggestions just leave us a comment down below!