Learn Extended Piano Techniques (PIANO SOUNDS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE)

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thank you for watching! Which extended piano technique is your favourite? Please let us know by commenting below!

[@tomgunnnash6398]

London Contemporary School of Piano Wonderfull video. I think my favourite is harmonics. The whistling is also amazing! A popular prepared technique I've noticed seems to be a fourth pedal which releases a layer of felt to dampen the strings, sure wish I had one of those! Learnt a lot of new things from this video

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thanks Thomas, we have more new videos on the way, stay tuned!

[@tomgunnnash6398]

Just subscribed, I look forward to the new videos! Would enjoy learning more about extended techniques and prepared piano, although this video was thorough nonetheless.

[@matselecuitlahac5352]

i love the bow

[@gwenvanderlaak5894]

I really love all the techniques here. I was wondering if you also have a video which explains how to notate these particular techniques?

[@darb.musica]

What a nice sounding piano. A very good demonstration, thanks!

[@ludwigvanbeethoven8164]

😂😂😂

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci beaucoup. This explains many of the sounds we've heard in film and music. Couldn't some of those techniques damage the strings? It might be interesting to use a tuner before and after each effect. Why didn't you try a tambourine? And why not design a tambourine specifically to be placed on the strings in various locations, and maybe adjust the wood and bells for bass or soprano strings?

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

These techniques generally won't hurt the strings, plucking the strings actually is probably lighter than the action of the hammers of the piano. Though, if you have an expensive high-end piano, that you want to maintain, it might be worth using gloves when you use some of these techniques as the natural acids on our fingers can slightly effect the strings. This is often the policy in high-end recording studios. Things like ping pong balls, have almost no effect at all on the strings, completely harmless (a pianist belting out a large Romantic piano concerto many times a day would have far more impact on the health of the instrument!)

[@Mukundanghri]

You are a valuable resource. When I was a child in the late 60's & 70's I was caught by my teacher doing similar things to the piano in the music room of school. I was severely scolded and punished for my wonder. Thank you for this presentation.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thank you Michael!

[@davidgraham-fi8gg]

Very nicely done! Thank you! I will enjoy using it as introduction to a composition-course for kids.

[@miguelcarvalho3685]

Thank you for your explanations.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

You are welcome!

[@evanparrafx]

She's awesome! I really like her. This is a fascinating tutorial! I've heard some of these techniques before in a few horror movies! Once she glided her nail over the strings, I finally figured out how they got certain sounds in the movie Black Christmas! 😄

[@THEYEAR2143]

I'm just mesmerized by the E bowl sound. Almost has is it generates pure sine waves

[@UkuleleAversion]

The Ebow sound was gorgeous. I reckon it'd be amazing to hear Ebow bring out some upper structure over LH arpeggios.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

It's a technique with so many different opportunities. We are so lucky Siwan shared her secrets with us on this YT video!

[@balmoraltowers]

I wish I go Where you go, Absolutely marvellous music is everywhere, I love Jet engines or anything Mechanical and Piano of course

[@marquislewis9063]

Interesting. Definitely has some The Shining vibes to it. Come to think of it, Stanley Kubrick’s films, in general, are those that come to mind. Has its place, undeniably. My concern, though, would be damage to a very expensive instrument. I don’t see myself getting anywhere near attempting many of these things without someone very close that could repair or restore, as needed. Tempting, as it is an extremely well-made resonance box, but an upmost appreciation for craftsmanship would be good enough for me. Then again, if I spent upwards of $50k on an instrument this elegant, I’d have to add “care” to the toolbox-at least at a basic level. It’s funny, because right here is where I see Siwan Rhys. I imagine the folks that have her are happy to have her, and are like, “Together-like with music-where can’t we go?” Better for it! Appreciate the lesson.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thanks for your comment. A couple of tips. Siwan mentioned the one or two exercises that could affect the instrument. The rest of them (bouncing balls or the electronic device) completely harmless, the electronic device would actually have less wear on the instrument than the hammer and the felt does! On a very expensive piano that needs to be in upmost condition (such as a recording studio) some places will have a policy of wearing latex gloves so the grease on our fingers don't affect the strings. If you are still nervous for your expensive Steinway or top range instrument, and have the space and passion to experiment you can get a honky tonk hand.me down can't give it away piano, and experiment like there's no tomorrow. Lots of fun in that too....it's all about staying inspired.

[@marquislewis9063]

@contemporaryschoolofpiano, I totally agree. Dealership’s have service centers, however. That electronic, consumer best-buy does too. With some things, you either leave it to the pros, or become one. This doesn’t feel like an exception. Fortunately. I imagine the sounds would be different, still, with an instrument that wasn’t well tuned? Fortunately, too, I suppose; sound seems to be the kind of thing one could explore, endlessly.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

@@marquislewis9063 Yes I've often been surprised by how good this sounds on beat-up old pianos, the harp part of the instrument is still in good order, it's the sticking keys, or key action causing problems, or rusted hammers that need replacing. All very expensive to do, meaning the "old goanna" has lost its value, but if the strings are still attached to the harp, very much can be done. I remember the early 2000s in the London Avante Garde scene, pub pianos were used for such experimentation for some very niche gigs, such as Hugh Metcalfe's Klinker Club, some of the beaten-up pianos, got themselves some very experimental music gigs and recordings. They were fun times. Regarding piano maintenance, that's a whole other can of worms piano's lifespan is equally affected by a Romantic Piano concerto piano practiced many times a day in terms of felts wearing out. But yes - it's safe to say, some of these techniques, don't try them at home unless you're confident to do so.....

[@irbomusic]

8:36 You turned a piano into a raw sinewave. I didn't even know that was possible

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Congratulations @Airboerne Kid on your music releases. Just checked out your channel. Keep up the great work,

[@irbomusic]

@@contemporaryschoolofpiano Thanks! I appreciate it

[@Wwise_sounds]

can you provide how these effects are written on paper?

[@marieherrington9494]

ugh I was just about to say this. . . I think plenty of us came here to find that specifically, rather than how to demonstrate the techniques

[@spacerockwizard]

Nice sounds! I can imagine 2 or 3 Ebows. Also, electronic delays or looping. Of course, John Cage's pieces for prepared piano are key. (No pun intended).

[@xuzheng1642]

1:50 “piano is just a massive resonance box” 2:47 knock 2:57 strings 3:46 pluck the strings 4:00 4:21 strumming the strings: 4 regions (2) 4:30. (1) 4:34. (3) 4:40. (4) 4:45. 4:54 hitting the low strings 5:47 dampening/muting 6:20 low strings 6:32 6:47 preparation 13:41 harmonics

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

That's it!

[@music4allteachers]

Great stuff. Will start trying these out with my students.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thank you Lynda! Do try these techniques and please let us know how your students get on with them! Would love to hear from you.

[@music4allteachers]

I will let you know, my teaching piano is an upright but I hire our local hall which has a grand once a term so will explore on both.

[@prestopiano88]

How do you teach pianists to memorize which pitches are where when you're looking into the strings side?

[@matthiasmcintire3548]

Does the bluetack leave any residue or hurt the piano in any way?

Thanks for the great video! What is your opinion about the following? Does sweat or moisture from the fingertips hurt the strings?

[@adriennader5330]

I am completely mesmerized !!!!!!!!! Amazing content !!!!!Thanks for blowing my mind

[@balmoraltowers]

Look at those Bass strings dance. 🎹

[@carlang4793]

Very Helpful ! Thank you !

[@karisundet]

Wonderful tutorial. :-) I was wondering, the muted notes, which sound very ominous in the lower register, how would you notate those?

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thanks for your question Kari! This is a hard question to respond over KZbin since it involves specialist graphic notation. If you would like us to answer your question, please reach out to us via our website www.contemporaryschoolofpiano.com, and Siwan will be able to provide you with a few examples. Thank you for watching! Happy 2019!

[@troensspring2650]

Thank you! This is invaluable.

[@saraivangellidecresci9698]

Very good job and clearly explained!

[@mikebristow218]

Great stuff. Must get the next door neighbors kids to throw a load of chains and screws into my brand new multi thousand dollar Steinway. Must get more Blue Tack.

[@kypjak42]

3:47 plucking 4:31 strumming 4:53 hitting piano strings 5:38 muting

[@rdleonortiz]

Thanks a lot for this video! As a composer and pianist, I find it very useful and valuable as a resource. Plus, you really do your best to show all the possibilities of each technique, not just superficially. Thank you again!

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thank you Roberto! So glad it was helpful! Visit our website www.contemporaryschoolofpiano.com for more tutorials.

[@sollybussell8241]

This is like sound design but with a piano!

[@yat_ii]

doesn't touching the strings cause them to rust?

[@pittan86]

Thanks very useful!

[@TechTins_Projects]

Shame, I have a digital piano! If only I could afford a Steinway. That was absolutely fascinating.

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thank you! Come to our studios and experience it all first hand.

[@TechTins_Projects]

Okay when can I come?

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

@@TechTins_Projects Please leave your details in our contact form and we will be in touch shortly to arrange a piano discovery session for you: www.contemporaryschoolofpiano.com/contact/. Alternatively, you can book it through our website too: www.contemporaryschoolofpiano.com/home/discovery-session/

[@johannsebastianbach3411]

I'm inclined to say that plucking piano strings is a really dangerous thing to do. I know it is done, but still, I would never have the guts myself to put my hand against a string under pounds of tension. :(

[@martinihenry9792]

Because you use a harpsichord, modern grande pianos are safe Johann

[@johannsebastianbach3411]

@@martinihenry9792 Dude, modern pianos are not safe at all!!! The tension o the strings of a harpsichord is only a small fraction of what that metal frame endures in a modern piano!! If your hand is near one of those strings and it breaks while your fingers are there, you'll be lucky to have your fingers in tact!! Harpsichord strings didn't hold that much potential energy and mass to inflict such harm!!

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Thanks for the comment Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach. We are pretty careful with this and haven't had any injuries yet. But thanks for your concern and for your amazing contribution to classical music! I have a question for you, how did you manage to write so much music and have so many kids at the same time? You'd be a master at prepared extended piano techniques if you gave it try with your multitasking skills!

[@johannsebastianbach3411]

@@contemporaryschoolofpiano HAhahah :D Yeah, I mean think about it: Regular people these days have sex a couple times a week. People use contraception of course or condoms, and infant mortality rates are low. When you don't have contraception and you are inclined to having more kids to better your chances due to high infant mortality, you'll realize that you don't really need to be that "decadent" to have a lot of kids. So it's not that I spent all my days just having sex, but more like whenever I had sex, it was in order to have kids... Also, if you have a deadline (like the next Sunday) and a purpose in mind, like the glory of God, you'll find that you are producing a lot of music :D

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

@@johannsebastianbach3411 I was going to ask you some questions on polyphony and equal temperament, but you've exceeded all expectations. I know you are in retirement right now, but if you'd ever be willing to join us as a visiting professor at our school, we would be honored to meet you. In 2020, there are wages available that would make your paymasters as the Church cry, and secondly the kids these days are into all sort of heresy, such as Glenn Gould and the Swingle Singers, you should hear what they have done to your masterpieces, and even your fellow Germans have got so swept up by Romanticism most classical pianists are more interested in double 8ves than polyphony. But I don't want to disappoint you. I'm sure you'd like the Beatles...

[@handledav]

strings

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

A string instrument or a percussion instrument?

[@itsameaffi]

does this damage the piano in any way?

[@contemporaryschoolofpiano]

Dear Zadicus, general not, though there are a few other extended piano techniques that can, the exercises in this video are all piano safe (the piano is a very robust instrument!).