The Piano Power Play: an accessory that will keep your kids in piano lessons.

Sam Bennett — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:46:00 GMT

Playing the piano is a life-skill that many parents want their children to learn, but it takes time and hard work. Along the way, your child's excitement and interest in the piano may go up and down, and what parent wants to fight for what is supposed to be a fun activity? QRS Music Technologies developed an optical MIDI record strip that can be retro-fitted to almost any acoustic piano, and a smart parent can adapt this feature into a weapon against piano boredom!

Even an excited child with an interest in music will find that their piano practice time will compete with other worthwhile activities. Parents want these activities to be fun as well as educational, but many are reluctant to push their children through the rough patches that accompany a long-term, committed activity like playing an instrument. Consider the resource that your computer is for your children and now connect it to your piano lessons.

Story & Clark Pianos now come standard with this new technology. School systems everywhere are quickly being introduced to its benefits and that is what this article is about. The optical MIDI record strip allows the piano to send data from the piano keys back to your computer. Once connected, there are tons of software options that allow you to use that MIDI information. Would your children like to compose? There is simple notation software that will allow your children to compose and print sheet music as they play it (Finale Notepad, $9.95). That should get their and their piano teacher's attention. Piano Wizard is an educational video game that can grab your kid's attention (think Guitar Hero, but for piano and using the real keys!). Even more software like Music Ace would now work with your children right at the piano.

So if you are thinking about buying an acoustic piano, consider these advantages with Story & Clark. If you already have a piano, contact your local QRS installer about upgrading your piano.

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The Piano Power Play: an accessory that will keep your kids in piano lessons.