{"id":59260,"date":"2024-11-18T01:25:57","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T00:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edwinm29.sg-host.com\/?p=59260"},"modified":"2025-07-24T11:32:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T09:32:30","slug":"contemporary-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"What is contemporary piano and how to play it?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #103133;color:#103133\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #103133;color:#103133\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#Understanding_contemporary_piano\" >Understanding contemporary piano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#Genres_under_contemporary_piano\" >Genres under contemporary piano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#Notable_contemporary_piano_composers\" >Notable contemporary piano composers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#Popular_contemporary_piano_pieces\" >Popular contemporary piano pieces<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#How_to_play_contemporary_piano\" >How to play contemporary piano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#Tips_for_success\" >Tips for success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/#Check_out_some_contemporary_piano_today\" >Check out some contemporary piano today<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The world of piano music is expansive and constantly evolving. Unlike the traditional classical repertoire that has long been a staple, contemporary piano introduces a fresh, dynamic, and innovative way of engaging with the instrument.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spanning styles from minimalism to avant-garde, this genre has gained significant popularity, attracting both beginners and experienced musicians alike. Its rise mirrors a broader movement in modern music, where pushing boundaries and embracing creativity have become central themes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For today&#8217;s musicians, exploring contemporary piano is invaluable. It not only introduces new techniques and styles but also deepens one&#8217;s connection to the ever-changing musical landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"componentContainer\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"h2Notable\">Start your musical journey<\/div><ul><li><span><strong>Fall in love with the music -<\/strong> Learn your favorite songs, at a level suitable for you.<\/span><\/li><li><span><strong>Enjoy interactive piano lessons -<\/strong> Explore courses covering music theory, technique chords & more.<\/span><\/li><li><span><strong>Get real-time feedback -<\/strong> Skoove's feedback tells you what went well and what needs practice.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"column\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/optimized\/iPhone15-1A-3-800.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"846\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" \/><\/div><\/div><small><\/small><a class=\"skooveButton skooveButtonWithin\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Book a trial lesson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/auth\/register_promotion?coupon=7d-blog-npd&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=btf&utm_campaign=7d-blog-npd&t=Start%20a%207%20day%20free%20trial&st=No%20credit%20card%20required!\" rel=\"noopener\">Book a trial lesson<\/a><small>No credit card details required<\/small><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_contemporary_piano\"><\/span><strong>Understanding contemporary piano<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano refers to piano music composed from the late 20th century to the present day. It\u2019s a genre characterized by its diversity, incorporating elements from various musical traditions, including classical, jazz, pop, and electronic music. Unlike classical piano, which often adheres to strict forms and structures, contemporary piano embraces freedom, innovation, and experimentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This genre is not confined to any one style or technique but rather encompasses a wide range of approaches to the instrument. From the minimalist compositions of Philip Glass to the emotionally resonant pieces by Ludovico Einaudi, contemporary piano is as varied as the composers who create it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Evolution from classical roots<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano music evolved from classical piano traditions but with a twist. While classical and romantic composers<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">like Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt laid the foundation with their intricate compositions, contemporary composers have taken those foundations and built upon them with modern influences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of movements like Impressionism and Jazz, which began to incorporate more complex harmonies, rhythms, and improvisation into piano music. These influences set the stage for contemporary piano, which fully embraces these elements while also integrating new ones, such as electronic music and extended techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Key characteristics<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s explore some of the key characteristics of contemporary piano music. While this is not an exhaustive list, these characteristics are found in most contemporary piano music.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rhythmic innovation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Contemporary piano music often features complex rhythms and syncopations that challenge traditional notions of meter and time. This rhythmic complexity adds a layer of depth and excitement to the music.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use of modern scales and harmony<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary composers frequently explore non-traditional scales, such as whole-tone and <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/pentatonic-scales-on-piano\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pentatonic scales<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as more dissonant harmonies. These elements give contemporary piano music its unique and often unpredictable sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Experimentation with sound <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano is known for its experimentation with sound. Composers may incorporate electronic elements, unconventional playing techniques, or even preparations (where objects are placed on the piano strings) to create new and interesting textures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genres_under_contemporary_piano\"><\/span><strong>Genres under contemporary piano<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano is a bit of a vague term in some regards. Contemporary piano does not exactly point to one specific genre, as the terms \u201cclassical piano\u201d or \u201cImpressionistic piano\u201d might. Let\u2019s take a look at some recent stylistic and genre innovations that generally fall under the banner of contemporary piano.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-100\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-100\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Minimalism<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A style characterized by repetitive patterns and gradual changes, often creating a hypnotic effect. Composers like Philip Glass are pioneers of this genre.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">New age<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">A genre that blends classical elements with ambient, meditative sounds, often used for relaxation or contemplation. Ludovico Einaudi is a well-known figure in this genre.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Avant-Garde<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Experimental and unconventional, avant-garde piano music pushes the boundaries of traditional composition, incorporating dissonance, atonality, and unconventional playing techniques.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Jazz and fusion<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Contemporary piano music often borrows from jazz, incorporating improvisation, swing rhythms, and complex chord progressions. This fusion creates a rich, dynamic sound that appeals to a wide audience.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-100 from cache -->\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Notable_contemporary_piano_composers\"><\/span><strong>Notable contemporary piano composers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano has been shaped by a number of influential composers who have each brought their unique voice to the genre. These composers have expanded the possibilities of what piano music can be, influencing countless musicians and listeners around the world. Let\u2019s briefly explore four of the top contemporary piano composers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Philip Glass: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A giant in the minimalist movement, Philip Glass\u2019s compositions are characterized by repetitive structures and subtle variations. His works, such as \u201cMetamorphosis\u201d and \u201cGlassworks,\u201d have become iconic in contemporary piano music, offering a meditative and almost hypnotic listening experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ludovico Einaudi: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps one of the most well-known contemporary composers, Ludovico Einaudi\u2019s music blends classical structures with popular music sensibilities. His pieces, like \u201cNuvole Bianche\u201d and \u201cUna Mattina,\u201d are emotionally evocative and have a broad appeal, making them popular in films and television.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Yann Tiersen: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best known for his soundtrack to the film <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Am\u00e9lie<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Yann Tiersen\u2019s music is a fusion of classical and contemporary styles. His compositions often feature a blend of piano with other instruments, creating a rich, multi-layered sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Nils Frahm: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A contemporary composer and performer, Nils Frahm is known for combining classical piano with electronic music. His innovative use of synthesizers and unconventional playing techniques, as heard in albums like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spaces<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Felt<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, has earned him a devoted following.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_contemporary_piano_pieces\"><\/span><strong>Popular contemporary piano pieces<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano music is rich with compositions that showcase the genre\u2019s unique characteristics. Here are a few notable pieces that exemplify the diversity and creativity of contemporary piano:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><b><i>Metamorphosis One<\/i><\/b><b>\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">by <\/span><b>Philip Glass<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This piece is a quintessential example of Glass\u2019s minimalist style. It features repetitive arpeggios with subtle shifts in harmony, creating a meditative and almost trance-like effect.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\"><iframe title=\"Philip Glass - Metamorphosis One (piano)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fgbH-zdMq6o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><b><i>Nuvole Bianche<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d by <\/span><b>Ludovico Einaudi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A hauntingly beautiful piece, \u201cNuvole Bianche\u201d is one of Einaudi\u2019s most famous compositions. It blends simple, emotive melodies with rich harmonies, making it a favorite among both listeners and performers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\"><iframe title=\"Nuvole Bianche\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/793340972?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"1000\" height=\"463\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class='maxbutton-1-container mb-container'><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-christmas\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Start free trial\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/en\/auth\/register_promotion?coupon=7d-blog-npd\"><span class='mb-text'>Start free trial<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><b><i>Comptine d\u2019un autre \u00e9t\u00e9: L&#8217;apr\u00e8s-midi<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d by <\/span><b>Yann Tiersen<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Featured in the film Am\u00e9lie, this piece is both playful and melancholic. Its repetitive motifs and simple yet expressive melody have made it an enduring favorite in contemporary piano repertoire.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\"><iframe title=\"Comptine d'un autre e\u0301te\u0301\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/407917190?h=ba0d0c9a88&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class='maxbutton-1-container mb-container'><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-christmas\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Start free trial\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/en\/auth\/register_promotion?coupon=7d-blog-npd\"><span class='mb-text'>Start free trial<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><b><i>Says<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d by <\/span><b>Nils Frahm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This piece is a prime example of Frahm\u2019s innovative approach to piano music. It combines acoustic piano with electronic effects, creating a powerful and dynamic soundscape that evolves over the course of the piece.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\"><iframe title=\"Nils Frahm - Says (Live on KEXP)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xLNeZogTsK8?feature=oembed\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h3><strong>Breakdown of the unique elements in these pieces<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what is unique in all these pieces? Here are a few elements to note:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Rhythmic patterns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In \u201cMetamorphosis One,\u201d the repetitive arpeggios create a steady rhythmic pulse, while the shifts in harmony add subtle tension and release. This use of <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/rhythm-in-music\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rhythm in music<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a hallmark of minimalism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Melodic simplicity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: \u201cNuvole Bianche\u201d is characterized by its simple, yet deeply emotional melody. Einaudi\u2019s use of repetition and variation in the melody creates a sense of longing and introspection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Expressive dynamics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In \u201cComptine d\u2019un autre \u00e9t\u00e9: L&#8217;apr\u00e8s-midi,\u201d Tiersen uses <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/dynamic-markings-in-music\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dynamics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to great effect, with the piece moving between soft, introspective passages and more forceful, expressive moments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Electronic integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: \u201cSays\u201d by Nils Frahm exemplifies the integration of electronic elements in contemporary piano music. The piece builds gradually, with layers of electronic effects adding depth and complexity to the acoustic piano sound.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These pieces highlight the diverse range of styles and techniques found in contemporary piano music, each offering something unique and compelling to both the performer and the listener.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_play_contemporary_piano\"><\/span><strong>How to play contemporary piano<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To begin playing contemporary piano, there are several fundamental skills that you\u2019ll need to develop. Let\u2019s explore a few of these skills, all of which are applicable to most every other style of piano playing you might be interested in.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Strong rhythmic sense<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the complexity of rhythms in contemporary piano, developing a strong sense of timing and rhythm is essential. Practice with a <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/practicing-piano-with-metronome\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metronome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and explore different time signatures to build your rhythmic foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ear training<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano often involves improvisation and non-traditional harmonies, so <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/ear-training-exercises\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ear training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is crucial. Practice identifying intervals, chords, and progressions by ear to enhance your improvisational skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Technique and dexterity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While contemporary piano may not always require the technical precision of classical music, having a solid technical foundation will allow you to tackle more complex pieces. Regular practice of scales, arpeggios, and finger exercises will build the necessary dexterity.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Creativity and open-mindedness<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano is all about innovation and experimentation. Be open to trying new techniques, exploring different genres, and creating your own interpretations of pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few practical exercises to help you get started with contemporary piano:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Rhythmic variations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Take a simple melody and experiment with different rhythmic variations. Try playing it in different time signatures, adding syncopation, or altering the rhythm to create a new feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Improvisation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">practice: Start with a basic chord progression and practice improvising melodies over it. Focus on exploring different scales and <a href=\"\/blog\/musical-modes\/\">modes<\/a> to create unique sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Electronic integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you have access to a keyboard with electronic capabilities, experiment with layering different sounds and effects. Practice playing along with a backing track or creating your own electronic accompaniments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Extended techniques<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Explore extended <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/piano-posture-and-technique\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">piano techniques<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as plucking the strings inside the piano, <a href=\"\/blog\/guide-piano-pedals\/\">using the piano pedals<\/a>\u00a0to create a wash of sound, or preparing the piano with objects to alter its timbre. These techniques can add an exciting new dimension to your playing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get inspiration from some of Ludovico Einaudi\u2019s top pieces in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">video below<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as you master playing contemporary piano.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\"><iframe title=\"10 Pieces by Ludovico Einaudi \\ Relaxing Piano [1 HOUR]\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_dmOgDlWAkU?feature=oembed\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_success\"><\/span><strong>Tips for success<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few tips that can build you up for success when playing contemporary piano:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-101\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-101\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Consistency is key<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Regular practice is essential for mastering contemporary piano. Set aside time each day to practice, even if it\u2019s just for a few minutes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Listen actively<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Immerse yourself in contemporary piano music by listening to a wide range of composers and styles. Pay attention to the nuances in rhythm, harmony, and texture.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Experiment and innovate<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t be afraid to experiment with new sounds and techniques. Contemporary piano is all about pushing boundaries, so explore different ways to express yourself through the instrument.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Join a community<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Engaging with other contemporary piano enthusiasts can provide inspiration, feedback, and support. Consider joining online forums, attending workshops, or collaborating with other musicians.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Use technology<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Take advantage of technology to enhance your learning. Apps like Skoove, digital synthesizers, and recording software can open up new possibilities for your playing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-101 from cache --><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_out_some_contemporary_piano_today\"><\/span><strong>Check out some contemporary piano today<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contemporary piano is a fresh and exciting genre that opens up endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether you\u2019re into the rhythmic twists of minimalism, the moody vibes of new-age, or the bold, experimental sounds of the avant-garde, contemporary piano has something for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By getting familiar with the key elements of the genre, exploring influential composers, and sharpening your skills, you\u2019ll be ready to dive into this world. Most importantly, enjoy the ride and let your creativity run wild.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to get started? Check out Skoove\u2019s contemporary piano lessons and discover what makes this genre so fun to explore!<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container\"><iframe title=\"Skoove\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/479012867?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"1000\" height=\"462\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class='maxbutton-1-container mb-container'><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-christmas\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Start free trial\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/en\/auth\/register_promotion?coupon=7d-blog-npd\"><span class='mb-text'>Start free trial<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Author of this blog post:<\/strong><br \/>\nSusana P\u00e9rez Posada<\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-6965 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Susana-Pe\u0301rez-Posada-1.png\" alt=\"Susana P\u00e9rez Posada\" width=\"164\" height=\"168\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana&#8217;s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.<\/p>\n<p>Edited and fact-checked by Eddie Bond, multi-instrumentalist performer, composer, and music instructor<br \/>\nPublished by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The world of piano music is expansive and constantly evolving. Unlike the traditional classical repertoire that has long been a staple, contemporary piano introduces a fresh, dynamic, and innovative way of engaging with the instrument. Spanning styles from minimalism to avant-garde, this genre has gained significant popularity, attracting both beginners and experienced musicians alike. Its &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"\/blog\/contemporary-piano\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What is contemporary piano and how to play it?<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":59276,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"What is contemporary piano and how to play it?","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover the world of contemporary piano music, from its key characteristics to how to play popular pieces by modern composers like Einaudi and Glass.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[242],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-best-piano-songs"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/92"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59260"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59260\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}