Piano Day

Piano Day History

Piano Day celebrates the piano, one of the most versatile and popular musical instruments in history. The event aims to promote the love and appreciation of piano music, as well as fostering connections among piano enthusiasts, performers, and composers. Piano Day features numerous concerts, recitals, and educational events designed to cater to piano lovers of all ages and skill levels.

The origins of Piano Day can be traced back to German pianist and composer, Nils Frahm, who started the tradition in 2015 as a means to unite the global piano community. In the United Kingdom, Piano Day presents an excellent opportunity to appreciate the country's rich tradition and contribution to the world of piano music. This is evident in the works of numerous British piano composers, such as Edward Elgar, Benjamin Britten, and Frederick Delius, as well as the support and encouragement of up-and-coming talent.

Piano Day is observed through various events and initiatives held across the nation, including concerts, workshops, masterclasses, and discussions that celebrate the piano and its repertoire. Both amateur and professional pianists come together to share their skills and enthusiasm for the instrument. Piano Day takes place on the 88th day of the year to symbolically represent the 88 keys on a standard piano keyboard, which usually falls on March 29th.

Piano Day Facts

• The piano is formally called pianoforte, which means soft high sound.
• The average piano is made using more than 12,000 parts. Every part is required to work flawlessly in order to produce the desired sounds.
• Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers, and most important, the listener - Nils Frahm
• When a piano key is pressed, a small felt-covered hammer strikes the corresponding strings to produce sound. The arrangement of the hammers and strings allows the pianist to control the volume and tone of the sound by varying the force with which they press the keys.
• The early pianos had a more limited range of keys compared to modern pianos, with only 54 or 61 keys. Today's pianos usually have 88 keys, allowing for a greater range of musical expression.
• A modern piano has more than 200 strings made of high-quality, durable steel. An average concert grand piano has approximately 230 strings with a combined tension of about 40,000 pounds.

In the News and Trending for Piano Day

Piano Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Listen to the 2023 Piano Day playlist if you haven't heard it yet.
• Watch a performance dedicated to the 2023 Piano Day.
• Visit a piano bar and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Celebrate the Piano Day by participating in Yamaha Music London's work (a retail outlet for Yamaha's musical instruments) and attend free piano lessons or workshops.
• Visit Kew's Musical Museum which holds one of the world's most significant collections of self-playing musical instruments.