15 Piano Interview Questions and Answers

Pianists are in demand for a variety of events, from weddings to corporate functions to concerts. If you want to work as a professional pianist, you’ll need to be able to answer some tough questions in your job interview.

Your potential employer will want to know about your training, experience, and repertoire. They’ll also want to know how you handle difficult situations, such as last-minute requests or working with challenging clients.

To help you prepare for your next piano-related job interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers.

1. What are the parts of a piano?

This question is a basic test of piano knowledge. Interviewers ask this to make sure you have the necessary skills and experience for the position. Use your answer to highlight your piano skills, but also show that you can work well with others.

Example: “There are three main parts of a piano—the keyboard, the action and the soundboard. The keyboard is where I play the music. It has 88 keys, which correspond to different notes. When I press down on one of these keys, it triggers the action, which is the part of the piano that makes the strings vibrate. This vibration creates the sound. Finally, the soundboard amplifies the sound so that people in the audience can hear it.”

2. What is the difference between an upright and grand piano?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the piano and its parts. It also shows that you understand how each type of piano works, which can be important for an applicant who may need to work on both types of pianos in their role. In your answer, try to explain what makes each type unique while also highlighting any similarities between them.

Example: “Upright pianos are smaller than grand pianos and have a vertical design. They’re usually placed on top of a stand or bench so they can be played at eye level. Grand pianos are larger than upright pianos and have a horizontal design. They’re often placed on a platform so they can be played from a seated position.”

3. How many keys does a standard full-size piano have on it?

This question is a test of your piano skills and knowledge. It’s important to show that you have the necessary experience to perform the job well. You can answer this question by giving the number of keys on a standard full-size piano, as well as what they are used for.

Example: “A standard full-size piano has 88 keys. The keys are used to play different notes depending on how hard or soft you press them. There are also pedals under the piano that change the sound of the music.”

4. Why do some pianos have different colored keys?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of piano construction and design. It also helps them understand how you might approach a project that requires you to use different colored keys in your work. In your answer, try to explain why pianos have different colored keys and what they’re used for.

Example: “Pianos with black keys are known as ‘pianos without sharps or flats.’ This is because these keys don’t produce any notes when played by themselves. Instead, they’re used to play other notes. For example, if I wanted to play an F note on a piano with black keys, I would need to press both the C key and the E key at the same time. Pianos with white keys are called ‘pianos with sharps and flats,’ which means each key produces its own note when pressed alone.”

5. When was the first modern piano created? Who invented it?

This question is a test of your knowledge about the history of piano. It also shows that you have an interest in this instrument and its development over time. Your answer should include the name of the inventor, when they invented it and what made their design unique.

Example: “The first modern piano was created by Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1700. He built it to replace the harpsichord, which had been the standard keyboard instrument for many years. The piano’s ability to vary volume and tone through the use of keys was revolutionary at the time.”

6. What is the longest note you can play on a single key on a piano?

This question is a test of your piano skills and how well you can play the instrument. It also tests your knowledge of the piano itself, so it’s important to be prepared with an answer that shows you know what you’re talking about.

Example: “The longest note I’ve ever played on a single key was a C-sharp for over 30 seconds. This was during my first year of playing the piano when I was learning scales and chords. Now, I’m able to play much longer notes because I have more control over my fingers and hands.”

7. What’s the difference between an 88-key keyboard and a full size piano?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of piano construction and function. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you have experience with both types of pianos. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the differences between the two instruments in terms of size, sound quality and functionality.

Example: “The main difference between an 88-key keyboard and a full size piano is the number of keys. An 88-key keyboard has 88 keys while a full size piano has over 100 keys. The larger number of keys on a full size piano means there are more strings inside the instrument, which results in a richer sound. Another major difference is the price. A full size piano is much more expensive than an 88-key keyboard.”

8. Can you explain what the damper pedal does?

The damper pedal is one of the most important pedals on a piano. It controls the dampers, which are small pieces of felt that cover the strings to keep them from vibrating when they’re not being played. This allows you to play multiple notes at once without having to use your hands. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand how to properly use the damper pedal and what it does for the instrument.

Example: “The damper pedal is located in the middle of the three pedals under the right foot. When I press down on the pedal, it lifts all of the dampers off of the strings so that I can play multiple notes at once. If I want to stop playing, I simply release the pedal.”

9. Is there any way to make my piano sound louder without having to buy expensive equipment?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of how to make a piano sound better. Use examples from your experience that show you know how to use different equipment and settings on a piano to improve its sound quality.

Example: “Yes, there are several ways to make a piano louder without having to buy expensive equipment. One way is by using headphones or earphones while playing. This will block out some of the sound so it’s not as loud for others in the room. Another way is to turn up the volume on the amplifier. You can also adjust the treble and bass knobs on the amplifier to increase the overall volume.”

10. What are the notes that comprise a C Major Scale?

This question tests your knowledge of the piano and its notes. It also shows how well you can apply what you know to a practical situation. When answering this question, be sure to name all seven notes in the scale.

Example: “The C Major Scale is made up of seven notes—C, D, E, F, G, A and B. These are the white keys on the piano that correspond with these letters. The black keys are called sharps or flats depending on whether they’re higher or lower than the key next to them.”

11. What are the white keys on a piano called?

This question tests your piano skills and knowledge. It also shows the interviewer that you are familiar with the names of different parts of a piano. Use this opportunity to show off your piano skills by giving an answer that includes the name of each key on the keyboard.

Example: “The white keys on a piano are called natural keys, while the black keys are called accidentals. The natural keys have two sharps or flats, while the accidental keys only have one sharp or flat.”

12. What type of wood is used to create a piano?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the piano’s construction. It also shows that you have an interest in learning more about this instrument and its history. When answering, try to show that you know how pianos are made and what they’re made from.

Example: “Pianos are typically made from hardwood such as mahogany or rosewood. These woods are strong enough to withstand the pressure of the strings while still being light enough for the piano to be easily moved.”

13. Do all pianos produce the same pitch when played at the same volume? If not, then how come?

This question is a test of your understanding of the piano and its inner workings. It also tests your ability to explain something in simple terms that others can understand. Your answer should be clear, concise and easy to follow.

Example: “All pianos do not produce the same pitch when played at the same volume because they are made differently. The strings inside each piano have different lengths, which means they vibrate at different frequencies. This is why some pianos sound higher or lower than others even though they’re all being played at the same volume.”

14. How often should I tune my piano?

Tuning is an important part of piano maintenance. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you know how often tuning should occur and when it’s necessary. In your answer, explain that pianos need to be tuned every six months or so. You can also mention that the best time to tune a piano is during the fall or winter because the strings are more relaxed at those times.

Example: “I recommend tuning a piano once every six months. This is usually the best time to do it because the strings are most relaxed then. If you’re unable to tune your piano during the fall or winter, I would suggest doing it as soon as possible after that.”

15. What is the best way to learn how to play the piano?

This question can help the interviewer determine your piano teaching skills and how you might teach others to play. Showcase your knowledge of different methods for learning piano, including private lessons, group classes or online tutorials.

Example: “I believe that the best way to learn how to play the piano is through private lessons. I have found that one-on-one instruction allows students to develop their own unique style of playing while also developing their technique. Group classes are a great alternative because they allow students to interact with other musicians and learn from each other’s experiences. Online tutorials are another excellent resource for learning piano skills. They provide an opportunity to practice at home without having to leave your computer.”