Whether you have just started taking piano lessons or you’ve been a musician for years, it’s important to be familiar with the parts of the instrument you’re playing. There are hundreds of parts to a piano, so European Piano School has put together some information on the main ones to help you better understand them.

Here are the components you should know about:

• Keyboard: Anyone who has taken piano lessons, and many people who haven’t, can point out a keyboard. It’s the most recognizable feature of the instrument and is made up of the keys.
• Keys: These are pressed by the musician’s fingers. There are black keys, which play sharp and flat notes, and white keys, which play natural notes. The keys extend into the inside of the piano.
• Hammers & Strings: A hammer is connected to each key and covered in felt. It strikes the strings when the key is pressed. The strings vibrate and produce the sounds we hear. The entire process of the vibration happens in less than a second.
• Dampers: To keep the strings from vibrating after the hammer hits them, a damper, which is made of a small piece of felt or cloth, rests on them.
• Pedals: The musician presses these with his or her feet. The pedals can sustain the sound of the notes, or they can make them sound softer.
• Lid: On a grand piano, there’s a lid that can be opened to create a louder, more profound sound. The lid on an upright style can also be opened; however, it doesn’t affect the sound as much.

If you have other questions, European Piano School can help. Owner Iryna Dunaeva has taught piano lessons for more than 38 years. She provides private lessons with convenient times and enrollment that goes year-round. Call European Piano School at (907) 360-2915 or visit their website to learn more.