If you have every wanted to learn to play piano then that is what we are talking about, many of us wish we could play an instrument especially one like the piano, we see it as skill that is only achieved by the gifted but this is not true, with good tuition or a good course most of us can learn. We may never be a concert pianist but we can be proficient enough to entertain our friends and learn to play reasonably well.

If you want to learn to play piano then you should and no one should put you off the idea, it can be much easier than you would think and if you can read and write and follow instructions and move your fingers then you can learn to play piano. Although many people think it is complicated and difficult you do not have to be gifted to learn. The name piano comes from a shortened form of the word pianoforte. The earliest known model was built by Batolomeo Cristofori a maker of harpsichords in Florence Italy in the early seventeen hundreds. Today many people learn to play for the sheer pleasure of having this ability and talent and with the right lessons you can learn to play piano quicker than you could imagine. Technology has advanced since the piano was born and this allows you to get a modern electronic keyboard at the fraction of the cost of a classical piano and also gives you the opportunity to learn in the comfort of your own home and in many cases with the use headphones you can do this without disturbing the neighbours or your family. Step by step instructions from a quality modern course makes the experience much easier and enjoyable and you could be playing music before you know it.

Above are the keys and notes of the piano as layed out.

The name piano is derived from a shortened form of the word pianoforte. This is seldom used today except in formal language and for the description of early pianos.

The original Italian name for the instrument is gravicembalo col pian e forte (wich literally has a meaning of harpsichord with soft and loud).

Research into the history of the piano shows the earliest known model was built by Batolomeo Cristofori a maker of harpsichords in Florence Italy in the early seventeen hundreds.

There are some indications in the research that prototypes were built in the later half of the sixteen hundreds. There are a couple of pianos that have survived from those early days and are dated to around 1720.

Choosing the right course is down to the individual and there are a lot of choices available, as mentioned in the comments by djtphn1 with almost any kind of discipline there is no substitute for one on one personal tution. This can be said for almost anything but it still has to be said that there are courses that give you an idea or taster and even more comprehensive one using video and mp3/4 formats to help if you have neither the time nor the funds to pay for tuition with a teacher or school.