Latest articles and reviews

Yamaha P-225 vs Roland FP-30X: Close call or easy win?

In this article, I’m comparing two of the most popular beginner-friendly stage pianos on the market: the Yamaha P-225 and Roland’s FP-30X. These two instruments are priced similarly and target the same type of buyers, so I’m putting them head-to-head to see which one comes out on...

Kawai CA501 review: True Concert Artist piano under $4000?

Kawai’s CA501 digital piano is a step above the entry-level of the flagship Concert Artist series. At almost $1000 more than the cheaper CA401, it’s an expensive step. In this review, I’ll determine if the CA501 lives up to the Concert Artist name and is worth the extra investment.

The 16 jazz standards and solo pieces every pianist should know

There are jazz standards that every pianist should know for various reasons. In addition to being fantastic tunes, they each help you explore and understand different elements of music, such as rhythm, harmony, and melody. These tunes will teach you more than any theory book and provide enough...

Circle of fifths guide

What is the circle of fifths and how to use this powerful tool

The circle of fifths is like a Swiss army knife for music theory; this simple tool unlocks a world of musical knowledge. Despite its potential, the circle of fifths is often ignored or presumed to be some complex puzzle that’s more hassle than it’s worth. Fortunately, that...

What are pentatonic and blues scales: An easy introduction

Learning pentatonic and blues scales is a milestone moment for piano students. It’s not a complicated concept, but it’s a significant step in composition and improvisation. Countless melodies and piano solos are rooted in these scales, and you don’t have to be a pro to make them...

Top 12 easy worship and gospel songs to learn on piano

Some of the best pianists in the world started playing in the Church. The world of professional gospel musicians is incredibly demanding, but even the best had to start somewhere. Here are some of the best gospel songs, spirituals, and hymns for beginner pianists.

Casio AP-S200 review: True Celviano but much cheaper

Casio’s flagship Celviano series includes gorgeous digital pianos, but many are too expensive for the average student. The AP-S200 is Casio’s new entry-level model, bringing Celviano quality to a more affordable instrument for the first time.

What are major and minor scales, and how do you use them

Major and minor scales are the backbone of modern western tonal music. We use these scales to form melodies and build diatonic chords and progressions. Understanding major and minor scales will help develop the skills you need for composition and performance.

Yamaha Montage M8x review: Most anticipated keyboard in years

The Montage M8x is the latest addition to the Montage lineup and Yamaha’s new flagship keyboard. The Montage M8x promises to be much more than a synth; it appears to be the ultimate workstation keyboard for performers. In this review, we’ll find out if one of the most anticipated...