Basic Info

Key:
C
Clef:
Grand Staff
Notes:

The piano is the center instrument in almost all western music and is a crucial component in almost every genre from jazz to classical. Along with keyboards and all the various electric forms the piano can either be a rhythmic instrument (in jazz big bands for example) or the main melodic and harmonic instrument as in many jazz and contemporary ballads.

Types

Acoustic Piano

Piano

The typical piano has a set of 88 keys but can range in size from a narrow upright to a full grand and baby grand. While a grand piano is common in an orchestral setting and in certain jazz venues various sizes and shapes of the instrument are used in a live setting depending on the venue and style of music.