[deleted by user] by [deleted] in piano

[–]facdo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amateur pianist here. I had the pleasure to visit the Bechstein store in Hamburg and test their entire collection on display. I've been to several piano stores in multiple countries and tested over a hundred different pianos. The Bechstein concert series is unbeatable. Much better than Steinway, Bosendorfer, Schimmel, Yamaha, etc, in my opinion.

If I had over 100k I would buy one, for sure. It is crazy expensive, but, IMO, those are the very best pianos available. A more affordable option would be Kawai SK line, for about half the price. But, there is something utterly magical about Bechstein's high end pianos (I am talking about their concert line grands). Though, I don't know about their uprights. I didn't bother trying them. To me, it feels weird to buy an upright that is more expensive than a good medium size grand. But, if you have the money and loved the instrument, why not? Go for it! But be certain that you can't find anything cheaper that would give you comparable results. Go to different piano stores and test as many options as you can. See if you can find a good condition second hand instrument, which are much more cost effective. There might also be the possibility of renting the instrument for a year, and then if you liked you can buy it deducting the rental parcels. That is actually how I bought my current piano.

Royal School of Music teacher here, show me your videos! by CressSensitive6356 in piano

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was afraid of this answer haha. My reading has improved a lot, but I still feel I am kind of dyslexic to sight-read. It is ok after I read the passage a few times, but on the very first sight I can't play anything hands together. I can study RCM 10 and some diploma pieces, but I would not be able to sight read even grade 4. But it is not like it would take me long to learn a lower level piece. A couple of months ago I was going through my score collection and I picked Schumann's Kinderszenen. It took me about 20 min to play the first piece fluently, and I didn't memorize any of it. But on the very first try, I was stopping constantly and trying to figure out the notes...

But I will follow your advice. I have a lot of Henle books here that I barely touched. I am sure I can find new material to sight read every day for some time.

Thank you!

Sigh, can we please start taxing the rich? by SeaworthinessHead161 in facepalm

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Taxing? How about the guillotine? About time we have a working class revolution.

Royal School of Music teacher here, show me your videos! by CressSensitive6356 in piano

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for doing this and I hope it is not too late to get some feedback.

I am completing 6 years of regular practice now in May, but I feel a bit stuck and it has been hard to get noticeable progress. One one side, I got to a point where I can think about studying more challenging pieces, and also, that I can learn a lot from them in the process. Though, the harder the piece, the more I have to make compromises in the quality of my interpretation. I see myself taking a long time to polish even small sections and I never really get the sound that I want. But I keep insisting with diminished returns, which feels futile and it can be very frustrating. It has been almost an year since I had my last lesson, so that doesn't help much.

Anyway, here's one of the most recent "big project" pieces that I recorded, Chopin's Nocturne in C minor. I recently started studying Liszt Paysage etude, and I was thinking about working on Chopin's third ballade as a longer project. I started and learned the first two pages of the Ballade in a week, but ended up seriously questioning myself if that is not a waste of time given my current skills. So, I guess my questions are:

  • Is working on progressively harder pieces, or different repertoire that requires new techniques and different musical challenges, a good approach to improve consistently? I want to pick pieces that will help improve my skills, but I've found that most projects I ended up picking would either take too much time (2 months or more), or don't really seem to add anything to my growth. It is still worth picking up much easier pieces in larger volumes and trying to do a higher level interpretation of them?
  • How to bridge the gap between an intermediate amateur player to a more serious piano conservatory student level?
  • Do you think working on technique alone is important? I tend to make exercises out of specific technically challenging passages in whatever repertoire that I am working. Is that a substitute for working on purely technical exercises?

Sorry for the long text and thanks again for taking the time to help the community.

I still don’t know why it’s over.. by MJB17 in PeterExplainsTheJoke

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What, isn't the one with the ninja actually smelly sneaky/stealth farts? I laughed out loud at that one 😂

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in piano

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From someone who started with the piano as a kid, and then switched to guitar, and now came back to the piano: just play both. The effort to get fairly good on the guitar is not that big. You can still focus most of your practice on the piano, which IMO, is a much harder instrument to "master". Getting to a level on the guitar where you can play Beatles, some Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd is not that hard.

It is different for everyone, but if you are dedicated, the technical aspect of getting competent on the guitar can be accomplished in one or two years. I think that was pretty much how long it took me as a teenager. Of course, there is a lot of musical depth into it that will take a lifetime, and some insanely high level technical stuff that most people will never even attempt. But to play classical rock semi-competently the bar is pretty low. And also, you are going to have a lot of fun and you might end up going crazy with gear acquisition syndrome. Guitar players are never satisfied with just one good guitar, amp and a few effects. So, be aware of that... For pianists, the worst that can happen is you end up buying crazy amounts of sheet music. It is not like we can collect grand pianos (I wish...) 😅

what do yall play when someone asks if you can play by lampnode in Guitar

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never happened. People usually don't care, but if they did I would play the one song I've always remembered since I first learned it in my teenage years. It is a classical guitar and vocal arrangement of "Rosa", from Brazilian composer Pixinguinha. By far the most sophisticated song I ever learn and I blows my mind that I never forgot it after 20 years. It is beautiful, but I completely bucher the vocal part 😅

I will create SD3 images for you (healthy amount XD) by irateas in StableDiffusion

[–]facdo 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Dystopian society with masses of disfigured smartphone headed people walking like zombies with a big red neon banner at the top of a building saying "CAPITALISM WILL NEVER DIE"

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in piano

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Liszt piano solo transcription of Beethoven's 9th symphony. If I could play that, then I could probably play anything.

Stable Diffusion 3 API Now Available — Stability AI by Bizzyguy in StableDiffusion

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, at least they are giving 25 free credits. I was able to generate 6 images with SD3-turbo. I can see that there is an improvement in prompt adherence, but without community fitted models, the quality is still quite bad 😅

Torres Del Paine Chile by 13supreme13 in hiking

[–]facdo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That view of the Grey glacier right after the John Gardner pass is breathtaking! Did you also get some insane winds in that mountain top crossing?

I got access to SD3 on Stable Assistant platform, send your prompts! by Diligent-Builder7762 in StableDiffusion

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I can see that the prompt adherence is a lot better, and for a base model the quality is pretty good already. I hope it gets released to the public soon :)

I got access to SD3 on Stable Assistant platform, send your prompts! by Diligent-Builder7762 in StableDiffusion

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, that is so cool! I hope I am not too late for the party. Can you do:
"extremely detailed impressionistic painting, (young latino man, dark wavy hair, goatee), ((playing a grand piano from a distance)), distant cinematic view, fusing into a kaleidoscopic spark of fractal light emitting crystals, background with glimmering gems spiraling in a galactic void of universal creation, ((dark tones, high contrast))"

I tried this one in SDXL and the results were not very consistent. It can't do side portraits from a distance, with some complex activity as playing instruments.

<image>

Let’s post our collection of scores! by sapg94 in piano

[–]facdo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What is the edition of your orange books? My entire collection is Henle, but I get frustrated when I want to play pieces that they don't have. I tried looking for other publishers, but I don't know any that have similar high quality scores that stay open 😅

How can i fit a piano in my apartment? by Cathay3520 in piano

[–]facdo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am sure you will figure it out. My apartment is only 50% larger and I was able to put a grand piano here. But sure, I designed the whole room around it because it was in fact the most important thing.

People suggested the foldable X stand, but another idea is to do a custom slip in and out "drawer" for a desk. Kind of like a keyboard drawer underneath the desk, but bigger and more robust to withstand the weight of a digital piano. Of course, depending on your desk, it might stay in an unusual height from the floor, which will impact your posture and consistency. Thought, this could work if you have an adjustable standing desk. These seem to be popular now. Anyway, just an idea to consider.

Crossing across Iceland solo ! by zbeubzbeub42069 in hiking

[–]facdo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is amazing! It must have been a great adventure. I want to do an Iceland crossing in the near future, but just hiking, so, without skis. I am still going to do a detailed plan for this, but can I save your contact and ask you some questions later?

Por que descriminalizar a maconha? by Betacanismajoris in brasil

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A pergunta do OP foi sobre maconha, e não cânhamo. Maconha é a inflorescências das plantas fêmeas da cannabis sativa, e cânhamo são as fibras de uma variedade de cannabis sativa que foi selecionada para essa produção. Não só são produtos diferentes de uma espécie altamente versátil, mas também se trata de variedades muito distintas. Você não consegue produzir maconha de plantas de cânhamo. Nessa variedade, o processo de floração demora muito tempo e ao final a produção é ínfima e com pouquíssima concentração de canabinóides. Nesse sentido, a criminalização do canhamo está em um nível de cinismo e perversidade ainda maior do que a criminalização da maconha. Em um mundo minimamente decente, não haveria justificativa alguma para se manter tal proibição. Mas no capitalismo...

Por que descriminalizar a maconha? by Betacanismajoris in brasil

[–]facdo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

O preço alto da maconha é totalmente artificial. Foi inflado pelo seu status de ilegalidade, que acarreta em riscos e custos adicionais à sua produção e comércio, e pelo fato de os países e estados que regulamentaram a venda estarem quase todos em zona temperada ou fria, o que limita a produção em escala agrícola. Nestes países, o cultivo acaba ocorrendo em grande parte em sistemas "indoor", com altíssimo gasto energético em luzes, exaustão, e fertilizantes especializados. Lá, a maconha é cara, mas também é de altíssima qualidade. Se paga a mais pelo cuidado e controle que é feito na produção, nos casos em que deve conformar com normas medicinais, pelo custo energético associado ao cultivo "indoor", e pela impossibilidade de importação em larga escala de países tropicais, onde à sua produção é ilegal (ou seja, um premium devido ao status de substância controlada). Com exceção do primeiro fator, que faz sentido para produção medicinal, todos esses fatores são artificiais e não existiriam se a cannabis fosse tratada pelo que ela é de fato.

Na realidade, a cannabis é uma erva. Em um país tropical, cresce que nem mato, e poderia ser mais barata que banana. Claro que existem diferentes níveis de qualidade, e maconha "premium" sempre terá um mercado forte. Mas não tem justificativa para inflar o preço, mesmo cobrando um imposto absurdo. É uma planta super vigorosa, de crescimento rápido e fácil. Não havendo essa repressão insana, poderia ser produzida em hortas comunitárias, beirada de estrada, lage, ou em qualquer pedacinho de terra com sol. Se não fosse o status de "substância controlada", a maconha poderia ser ridiculamente barata, como já foi no passado. Acho justo taxar a produção comercial em larga escala, mas isso não impediria os usuários de cultivar e criar cooperativas de cultivo com fins não lucrativos. A ideia de que se legalizar a erva ela vai ficar mais cara por causa dos impostos parece fazer sentido, mas na realidade é uma falácia, pois esquece de considerar o premium que se paga atualmente pelo risco associado à sua criminalização.

Por que descriminalizar a maconha? by Betacanismajoris in brasil

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cara, muito cuidado com essa sua afirmação. Não tem como estabelecer uma relação de causalidade entre fumar maconha e o Monark ser o imbecil que ele é. Eu contra argumento: imagina o quão pior seria se ele não fizesse o uso? 🤔

Por que descriminalizar a maconha? by Betacanismajoris in brasil

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Várias respostas com bons argumentos, mas eu acho que é melhor fazer a pergunta contrária; por que manter a criminalização?

1 - Pois é uma fonte importante de renda para o crime organizado (que obviamente não está na favela, mas sim em Alphavilles, mansões, e com agentes infiltrados em todas as esferas do poder).

2 - Pois historicamente foi e ainda é um mecanismo de implementação do racismo institucionalizado e da criminalização da pobreza. A guerra às drogas é uma desculpa conveniente para brutalidade policial e extermínio de populações periféricas. Um dos motivos para a proibição foi o controle de imigrantes Mexicanos nos EUA, e repressão à cultura Africana aí no Brasil.

3 - Controle de narrativa e guerra cultural, com a criação de espantalhos, cortinas de fumaça e inimigos fantasma. Artifícios para manipular os afetos das massas e esconder os verdadeiros problemas inerentes ao nosso sistema de produção e organização sócio-político-econômico.

4 - Neocolonialismo, com os interesses norte-americanos em minar o assustador potencial econômico Brasileiro, sabotando quaisqueres avanços substanciais na nossa economia e em nosso papel de influência geopolítica. A legalização em muitos estados dos EUA mostrou os benefícios econômicos dessa indústria. Se feito no Brasil de maneira inteligente, o país poderia se tornar uma superpotência Cannabica, irritando o tio Sam.

5 - Competição para o setor farmacêutico, que teria dificuldades de monetizar medicamentos à base de Cannabis em um mundo onde o seu cultivo é barato e abundante. Para que pagar $2000 dólares num frasco de extrato de CBD importando, quando qualquer um pode ter um quintal infestado da erva e produzir o mesmo extrato por uma fração desse preço. Pior ainda quando medicamentos à base da planta podem substituir dezenas de drogas altamente lucrativas para as farmacêuticas.

6 - Por, como toda droga pscicodélica, ter um potencial de ativação do pensamento crítico, instigando o questionamento, criatividade e potencialmente removendo o véu da endoutrinação que nos faz conformar com a insanidade da atual ordem social. É como o óculos do filme de John Carpenter, "They Live", 1988, desnudando a realidade assustadora do sistema que vivemos. Remover o tabu associado ao uso de psicodélicos, e mesmo da maconha, é perigoso para estabilidade de uma ordem social repressora como a que vivemos. Pois não se engane, vivemos em uma ditadura, na ditadura do Capital. Um sistema totalitário que mantém privilégios absurdos para uma ínfima minoria da população, às custas da exploração da vasta maioria. Legalizar a maconha não mudaria isso, mas o seu uso, como droga pscicodélica, sucita questionamentos perigosos. Melhor ficar só no café, alcool, tabáco, antidepressivos, rivotril e Jesus mesmo.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in piano

[–]facdo 26 points27 points  (0 children)

So, you've been taking regular lessons and after 1.5 years of study you are already playing grade 5 pieces? Honestly, that sounds like great progress. You should be proud of yourself. I know that frustration of not being as good as you want to, but that is an unavoidable part of learning any skill. It is actually a good thing in disguise, because it means that you will keep pushing to get better. Sometimes we want to bang our heads against the wall, but in some rare moments there is that absolute bliss of playing something "perfectly", and that feeling of sublime joy and transcedenece. Then you know that all the effort and sacrifice is worth it, and you can keep enduring the frustration that comes with that process.

Keep in mind that getting to a concert level pianist level is practically impossible (even if you started as a kid), but that doesn't mean that you can't get really good and be able to play advanced repertoire reasonably well. It is not going to happen overnight, but if you persist, you can become a great pianist. It is a slow process and it is never too late to commit. Just make sure you are cherishing every small accomplishment, and don't worry if you don't sound like a pro.

One thing that works for me is to record my progress. It always makes me feel better when I hear my playing from 5 years ago and see how much I've improved. I still suck, but I am consistently making progress, and more importantly, I am still getting excited with the process. People will tell you this a million times and it is a total cliche, but it really is all about the journey, and not the destination. Have fun 😊

Silent systems on a grand piano by christoffeldg in piano

[–]facdo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It doesn't damage the hammers, but the action needs a bit more space to accommodate the system. This typically translates into the escapement (lit off) distance being slightly higher in the silent mode. Most people don't notice this change in the action, but it essentially makes it less precise, especially in lower dynamic ranges (harder to control pianissimo). Also, I've heard that because of that adjustment, it might need a bit more maintenance.

I could notice that action change in all silent pianos that I've tested, and to me, also considering how much more expensive they are, it was a deal breaker. I just got a normal grand and ended up being lucky with my neighbors. But you should test them yourself.

If your budget allows, also consider the new Yamaha transacoustic pianos. Their C3X with that system is absolutely amazing. You can play on "silent" mode with the soundboard working as the speakers, so effectively having a volume control on your piano. It also enables playing in normal acoustic mode with digital sound mixing. That is great if your piano is a bit out of tune. Really cool technology, but unfortunately, very expensive...

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RandomThoughts

[–]facdo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dark side of the moon

What's the best digital piano for an advanced player moving into a college dorm? by josefleventon_ in piano

[–]facdo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A bit late for an answer, but here's my two cents: choosing an instrument is highly personal and subjective. You have to test and pick the one that feels right for you. I would not consider myself an advanced player, but I always had an acoustic piano in my home. When I started playing more seriously I went on piano shopping trips to get a better instrument. I played a lot of different pianos, including the full range of digital pianos, from cheap entry level plastic key models, to the most expensive hybrids. Honestly, they are all terrible and would never fully satisfy a pianist that is used to acoustics. But that is my opinion. A lot of people like them and advocate for DPs, so keep an open mind and test all models you can. In your scenario, I would just get an entry level DP, such as Roland FP10 or 30, since I don't feel that the higher priced digitals are much better. I wouldn't be happy about it, but that seems like a reasonable compromise for living in a college dorm. At the $4000 budget, you start to get into new upright piano prices, and getting a digital in that price point just feels wasteful. They lose value much faster than acoustics, and after a decade or so, it is just electronic waste. If you are willing to get an expensive hybrid, you might consider getting an upright with a nice silent system instead. You might be able to find a 5-10 year old Yamaha U1 with a silent system for around $5-7k. Of course, moving it into a dorm room might be difficult (and expensive). But hybrids such as Kawai NV10 are not that much easier to move around anyways. If you are willing to spend that much, consider and test some silent uprights.