A piano is a large keyboard instrument that produces sound by striking strings with felt‑covered hammers. It has 88 keys—52 white and 36 black—covering over seven octaves. When a key is pressed, a corresponding hammer hits a string (or multiple strings for higher notes), causing it to vibrate and create a tone. The piano’s sound can be sustained by holding the keys, and its volume is controlled by the force with which the keys are struck.
There are two main types:
1. Grand piano – The strings and soundboard are laid out horizontally, and the action (the mechanism that moves the hammers) is open and exposed. Grand pianos are favored for concert performances because they offer superior tonal richness and responsiveness.
2. Upright (vertical) piano – The strings and soundboard are positioned vertically, making the instrument more compact and suitable for homes, schools, and smaller venues.
The piano was invented in the early 18th century by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy, originally called the “gravicembalo col piano e forte” (harpsichord with soft and loud), highlighting its ability to play both soft and loud dynamics—something earlier keyboard instruments could not do. Over time, the piano evolved in design, materials, and construction, becoming a central instrument in classical, jazz, pop, and many other musical genres.