Ring In the New Year With the Best Music of 2010!

Start 2011 with a bang! The new year is a perfect time to get started with making music in a new way, whether that means picking up a new instrument, starting a new practice regimen, or branching out into new ways to learn and perform music. To give you some ideas for making 2011 your most musical year yet, we've assembled a hand-picked selection of the best songs, styles, and PianoSoft from 2010. These songs and styles will take your performances to new places in the new year, and give you exciting tools to play with and explore. Plus, while you're giving your hands a rest, 2010's best PianoSoft your give your ears enough great jazz, country, pop and classical music to keep them occupied well into 2011.

If you've never tried PianoSoft, MIDI or styles on your keyboard before, the new year is a great time to start. We'll even help you get going with the Best of 2010 Song Pack - save 20% on five of the best songs of the year and get playing now! Take a look at the year's 10 best below, then keep reading to find 2010's best styles and PianoSoft albums:

MIDI Songs

Waka Waka (Time For Africa) - Shakira

The official song for this year's World Cup comes from the Colombian singer Shakira and the South African band Freshlyground. The song is sung in both English and Spanish, and is based on a traditional African soldiers' song named "Zangalewa". It features rousing, inspirational vocals alongside a variety of lively African rhythms.

Hey, Soul Sister - Train

Train goes back to the basics with this timeless example of great soft pop music. With this MIDI version of the song, the catchy melody that stuck in our heads all year long will live on in your keyboard performances for years to come.

Satellite - Lena

This year's Eurovision winner, "Satellite" blends soul, pop and hip hop to create one of 2010's signature sounds.

California Gurls - Katy Perry

"California Gurls" was without a doubt the song of the summer in 2010. The dance-pop sounds in this track are so hot that it's sure to add a warm California vibe to any performance, even in the cold winter months.

Need You Now - Lady Antebellum

With a beautiful, delicate country arrangement and a melody full of longing, this has all the makings of a song that will live on through the years. One of the biggest country hits of 2010, "Need You Now" was also nominated for this year's "Song of the Year" Grammy award.

Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble

The piano line is tons of fun to learn and play, and the vocals are croon-along gold - add it to your repertoire today, and "Haven't Met You Yet" will add tons of fun to your performances in 2011 and beyond!

Alejandro - Lady Gaga

From "Bad Romance" to "Telephone" to "Alejandro", Lady Gaga continued to produce great pop songs in 2010. "Alejandro" has the beat and synthesizer based instrumentation that will sound right at home in a European disco, but also has a strong vocal chorus that fans of ABBA should find familiar, and fans of modern pop music should find very refreshing.

Pirates Of The Caribbean Medley - Hans Zimmer (Arranged & Performed By Peter Baartmans)

Yamaha's premier keyboard expert, Peter Baartmans, is as skilled with the finer, more technical aspects of Yamaha's keyboards as he is with creating amazing performances. With these skills combined, he's produced one of 2010's best selling MIDI files, a medley of music from the "Pirates of the Carribean" films.

Fireflies - Owl City

"Fireflies" was the hit that kept on hitting in 2010, bringing its catchy electronic sounds to Europe and continuing to light up the charts in the US.

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

A true classic that sounds as fresh today as it did when it was released, "I Gotta Feeling" put smiles on millions of faces in 2010.

You can keep reading to find this year's best new styles and PianoSoft albums, but we'd also like to take this opportunity to wish our readers all the best in 2011. As the calendar turns over again we hope you've had a musical 2010, and want to do everything we can to make sure that 2011 is even better. The next year will bring many new opportunities and tools for making music with your keyboard, but if you have suggestions for specific things you would like to see, or things you want us to help you do with your keyboard, let us know! You can always leave a comment here on the blog, on our Facebook page, or contact us through Twitter to let us know about any ideas you have. Happy new year!

Styles

The Blues


Celebration Dance


Pop Mambo


Piano Rumba


Lambada


Modern Talking Disco


Easy Country Swing


US Smooth Ballad


French Swing



50's Quickstep



PianoSoft

"Home" - Best New Ballads

The popular ballads included on this new collection, like Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You", and Michael Bublé's "Home" all pull at your heart strings in familiar ways. The new piano solo arrangements created by pianist Tom Zink for this album bring out the soaring melodies that make these songs true ballads.

"You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" - Super Seventies

"Super Seventies" does a great job of merging both the loud and in your face rock and roll that emerged in the 1970s with the mellower songs that were equally popular at the time. With Plimmer's deft touch and the new arrangements on this album, the singer/songwriter classic "American Pie" and the wistful ballad "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" sit comfortably next to hard rockers like "Smoke on the Water" and "Dream On".

Cool Cunliffe - Great Jazz Solos

Bill Cunliffe has made a name for himself in the jazz world as a Grammy winning arranger, a renowned composer, and a respected educator, but on this PianoSoft album, you can see where he really shines - as a performer. From on breathtaking virtuosic runs on Bud Powell's "Clepoatra's Dream" to delicate takes on softer standards like "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Say It (Over and Over Again)", Cunliffe displays his mastery of the piano.


"Let's Do It" - Songs of Cole Porter

Cole Porter was one of America's great songwriters, penning songs for some of the biggest musicals of the 30s and 40s, as well as creating memorable standards that are still widely sung and enjoyed today. This PianoSoft album features many of Porter's most beloved songs, including the playful "De-Lovely" and "Anything Goes", the romantic "In the Still of the Night" and "Every Time We Say Goodbye", as well as, of course, the title track.

My Valentine - Songs For Lovers

Pianist Tom Zink's arrangements bring a warm, cohesive feel to the album, focusing on what all of the songs have in common: timeless romantic melodies. Of course, there are also some wonderful interpretations throughout the record - Zink takes the Beach Boys classic "God Only Knows" into waltz time, and he throws some exciting improvisational flourishes into Etta James's "At Last".

- Doug

The First Annual Online Services Boxing Day Sale

Christmas is over, and the New Year is on the way, but in many countries around the world, there's another holiday going on right now, and that means another chance to save.

In honor of Boxing day, everything at Yamaha MusicSoft and Internet Direct Connection is 20% off for today only, so act fast!

If you're in Europe, Canada, or Australia then you certainly don't need us to explain Boxing Day to you, but you don't have to be living in a country that celebrates the holiday to take advantage of this sale!

No matter where you are, you'll save on everything from new expansion songs, to fresh styles, to exciting new PianoSoft albums and informative Digital Lesson Books - and if you're not connected, now is the perfect time to connect to Internet Direct Connection and start enjoying Piano Radio, online lessons and more right on your instrument. Disklavier users can watch our new connection video for a full step by step guide to getting connected.

* All products discounted 20%, except for subscriptions and select Premium Packs and Voices.  Sale ends 12am December 27th, EST.  Cannot be combined with other promotions.

- Doug

Three More Days To Save On All Downloads

Three days until Christmas, and three more days to save on all downloads at Yamaha MusicSoft and Internet Direct Connection.*

During the Download Sale, you'll save 20% on everything from new expansion songs, to fresh styles, to exciting new PianoSoft albums and informative Digital Lesson Books. That includes all of our latest releases, like Christmas songs from the Pogues and Cliff Richard, international Christmas carols, Premium Styles, holiday PianoSoft, and more.

The sale is also on at Internet Direct Connection, which means that users of compatible instruments can download music directly onto their keyboards and still save 20%! If you're not connected to Internet Direct Connection yet, now is the perfect time to connect and start enjoying Piano Radio, online lessons and more right on your instrument. Disklavier users can watch our new connection video for a full step by step guide to getting connected now.


* Sale offers 20% off all downloadable MIDI files, styles, registrations, PianoSoft albums and songs, Digital Sheet Music, and Music Finder+ Performance Guides on Yamaha MusicSoft and Internet Direct Connection. Select Premium Packs and Voices also on sale. Sale does not apply to shippable items or subscriptions. Note that Digital Lesson Books are on sale, but are hosted online and cannot be downloaded. Sale ends 12am EST, Saturday December 25th.

Also note that this sale is running only at the World Edition of Yamaha MusicSoft, and not on the European Edition.


- Doug

Happy Holidays From Yamaha's Online Services!

So far this holiday season, we've talked about how the holidays are a time for saving money, learning new songs, and finding new ways to enjoy the special music of the season. But perhaps most importantly, the holidays are a time to give thanks and reflect on the past year.

As such, we'd like to take the opportunity to thank you, our readers and customers, for sharing 2010 with us and doing your part to spread the joy of music throughout the world.

Soon it'll be time to start a new year full of new musical endeavors, but in the meantime, enjoy our annual office photo - this year taken in the photogenic confines of the Yamaha Artist Services Band and Orchestra showroom.

On behalf of Yamaha, here's wishing you a wonderful, musical holiday. Season's greetings!

- Doug, Aaron, Drew, Patrick, and everyone at Yamaha Music Interactive

Treat Yourself To New Pop Hits, International Christmas Carols, and Styles

It's the season of giving, and our gift to you is a bunch of great new songs and styles you can load up on your keyboard now at a 20% discount!*  Between new hits from Bruno Mars and Lady Antebellum, favorites from Michael Jackson and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, international Christmas carols, as well as great new styles, there's enough fresh music for your keyboard available this week to last you into 2011 and beyond.

New Hit Songs

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Not to be confused with the Billy Joel hit, this tune could only have been produced in 2010. Alternating between a hip hop beat on the verses and a straight dance beat on the soaring choruses, it's a big chunk of pop gold that's topping the charts all around the world.


Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
With a beautiful, delicate country arrangement and a melody full of longing, this has all the makings of a song that will live on through the years. One of the biggest country hits of 2010, "Need You Now" was also nominated for this year's "Song of the Year" Grammy award.


Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
This medley of two legendary ballads was arranged for voice and ukulele by the Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole in 1993, and over the years it's become one of the most famous renditions of these songs. It has been heard in a number of films and television shows ("You've Got Mail", "ER", "American Idol"), and most recently hit the German pop charts in October.


Black or White - Michael Jackson
This groundbreaking single was Michael Jackson's biggest hit of the 90s. Though it's not technically a holiday song, its message of reconciliation and harmony is certainly in tune with the season. Plus, Macauly Culkin - star of the classic holiday movie Home Alone - features prominently in the music video!


Stay the Night - James Blunt
A brand new slice of sunny good time pop from the "You're Beautiful" singer that's sure to bring some bright, upbeat vibes to your keyboard this winter.


Wonderful Life - Hurts
Euro-pop at its finest, "Wonderful Life" features brooding synthesizers and captivating arrangement that makes the reinvents 80s sounds, making them sound totally fresh.


Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds
One of the 80s most recognizable songs, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" soundtracks the famous final scene of The Breakfast Club. Together, this movie and song defined a specific moment in time that still resonates today.



New Styles

Schlittenparty
A unique combination of Caribbean rhythms and holiday cheer, this fun Caribbean style features a variety of percussion, including cowbell and wood blocks, along with sleigh bells and sparkly synthesizers.


Uni Beat
A funky, hip hop inspired pop beat alongside piano, strings and acoustic guitar.



New International Christmas Songs

Nur wer nach träumen kann - Helene Fischer
German Christmas Pop


Santa's Party - Nick and Simon
Dutch Christmas Pop



Keep reading for more international Christmas songs, including French, Scandinavian and Dutch carols and Christmas pop songs.

* 20% discount on downloadable songs and styles runs until 12am EST December 26th.
Jeg Er Saa Glad Hver Lukeveld - Oslo Gospel Choir
Traditional Norwegian Christmas Carol

När Vi Närmer Oss July - Amy Diamond
Swedish Christmas Pop

Vi Oensker Jer En Glaedelig Jul - Tommy Seebah and Anette Heick
Danish Christmas Pop

Samen in een Arreslee - Rene Schuurmans
Dutch Christmas Pop

Gdy sie Chrystus rodzi
Traditional Polish Christmas Carol, with Modern Arrangement

Uz zahy prijde vzac (Der Heiland)
Traditional Czech Christmas Carol, with Modern Arrangement

Joyeux Noel - La Compagnie Creole
Traditional French Christmas Carol, with Swing Arrangement

The Christmas Song - Joy Finland Orchestra
Traditional Christmas Carol, with French Lyrics and Swing Arrangement

Hijo de la Luna - Loona
Spanish Christmas Pop

Der Heiland ist Geboren
Traditional Austrian Christmas Carol

- Doug

All Downloads On Sale Until Christmas!

One week until Christmas, but there's still so much to do - you still need to send out your Christmas cards, plus there's only a week left to learn all of the Christmas carols you wanted to play this year!  While Yamaha's Online Services can't help you cook Christmas dinner or decorate your lawn, we are making it easy on your schedule and your bank account to get new music and more for your keyboard this week.

From now until Christmas day, you can save 20% on all downloads at Yamaha MusicSoft, or save time and money by downloading directly to your instrument with Internet Direct Connection.*

You'll save on everything from new expansion songs, to fresh styles, to exciting new PianoSoft albums and informative Digital Lesson Books - and if you're not connected, now is the perfect time to connect to Internet Direct Connection and start enjoying Piano Radio, online lessons and more right on your instrument. Disklavier users can watch our new connection video for a full step by step guide to getting connected.


* Sale offers 20% off all downloadable MIDI files, styles, registrations, Digital Books, PianoSoft albums and songs, Digital Sheet Music, and Music Finder+ Performance Guides on Yamaha MusicSoft and Internet Direct Connection. Select Premium Packs and Voices also on sale. Sale does not apply to shippable items or subscriptions. Sale ends 12am EST, Saturday December 25th.

Also note that this sale is running only at the World Edition of Yamaha MusicSoft, and not on the European Edition.


- Doug

Easy Holiday Songs to Learn In Time For Christmas

Time is running out to learn new Christmas songs this year, but since the holidays wouldn't be the same without music we've put together some easy holiday songs you can pick up with just a minimum of practice. Each of the songs we've picked out can be played with four chords or fewer, so your left hand won't have to do too much work, so you can easily play them with a right hand melody, or as an accompaniment for a sing-along.

As with our previous feature on three chord songs, each of these songs is listed alongside a MIDI song file that includes chord data to help you learn and play along on your keyboard. Playing along with a MIDI file, as you can see in the videos below, is a great way to learn to play a song, but it's also a great way to perform - you can load up any of these MIDI files, mute a few tracks, and you're ready to add your own parts and put on a show. These files also make great accompaniments on their own, if you need a background for singing or playing other instruments.

Finally, if you're playing along with one of these files and find that key of the song is too difficult to play at first, you can easily transpose it on your keyboard into one that's easier to play. Put anything in the key of C, and you probably won't have to mess around with any of the black keys.

Jingle Bells - There's a good reason "Jingle Bells" is a universally known holiday tune - it's simple, easy to learn and fun to play.


A Holly Jolly Christmas - Written by Johnny Marks, the composer of "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer", "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" and other classic holiday tunes of the 50s and 60s, "A Holly Jolly Christmas" is a catchy holiday romp that's simple enough to learn without straining your fingers.


Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Performed by everyone from Bill Evans to Bruce Springsteen, this holiday gem is simple enough for you to mold it into whatever stylistic form you want. Get creative!


We Wish You a Merry Christmas - This old caroling favorite that dates back to the 16th century is the perfect song to start with when building up a repertoire of holiday music.


- Doug

New PianoSoft: Country Hits and Ballads Come to Life With New Piano Arrangements

As any disenchanted musical purist will tell you, it's easy to make a song sound good using the advanced studio technology behind today's radio hits. But, try stripping off the layers of instrumentation and playing the song on a solo piano. If the solo piano version still conveys the same feeling contained in the original, then you know that you're dealing with a great song. You can hear this idea in action on both of the latest PianoSoft releases, as Yamaha's PianoSoft artists adapt today's biggest country songs and ballads for solo piano. In these original performances, the emotion and power of songs as diverse as Taylor Swift's "Love Story" and Train's "Hey Soul Sister" come through loud and clear, which means you can enjoy the songs that you love in a totally new way.

Today's Country Hits

With stars like Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift producing future classics at an unbelievable rate, these are great days for country music. This PianoSoft album brings together some of best country tunes of recent years, in new original arrangements that bring new life to the songs and will sound wonderful played back on your keyboard or piano. While focusing on today's hits, this collection also finds room for some classics like Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and Lonestar's "Amazed". Each song was arranged by pianist Jason Nyberg for solo piano, and his interpretations never cease to convey the warm emotion of these beloved songs.

"Home" - Best New Ballads

While you may be hard pressed to clearly define what make a song a "ballad", you definitely know one when you hear one. The popular ballads included on this new collection, like Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You", and Michael Bublé's "Home" pull at your heart strings in familiar ways. But these are "new" ballads, and songs like Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" certainly aren't the same sort of ballads that were radio staples in the 50s or stadium fillers in the 80s. The new piano solo arrangements created by pianist Tom Zink for this album, however, bring out the soaring melodies that make theses songs true ballads - even the country twang of "I Hope You Dance" and the modern soul phrasing of "Fistful of Tears".

- Doug

The Biggest Christmas Songs of the 70s and 80s - New MIDI Songs

All Christmas songs, especially hymns and religious songs that reference ageless spiritual matters, have a timeless feel to them that keeps them relevant even in modern times. But more and more Christmas songs are written every year, and songs composed more recently often express what Christmas means today more clearly older tunes. This week's new releases include four Christmas songs produced by major rock and pop musicians of the 70s and 80s, which use modern sounds to get to the heart of the holiday. Between beer soaked melancholy, stadium ready rock and emotional balladry, these songs reflect some of the varied guises Christmas takes on in 2010.

Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
A love song, an irish folk ballad, a Christmas carol - "Fairytale of New York" is all these things and more. With a unique mix of lovelorn despair and Christmas hope, this song is often proclaimed as one of the greatest modern Christmas songs. Enjoy and a rare live appearance from Kristy MacColl in this performance of the song from 1988.


I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
Another take on Christmas from the British rock and roll tradition, this song expresses the joy of Christmas through the sound of 70's glam rock and Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound". Written by Roy Wood, the song features the bombastic arrangements and catchy tune you'd expect from his previous band, Electric Light Orchestra.


Mistletoe and Wine - Cliff Richard
This song touches on every element of Christmas, both the familiar images of gifts and snow, and also the larger ideas of hope and peace, all with a great ballad tune and distinctive 80's sound. A Christmas #1 in 1988, it followed 1960's "I Love You" as Richard's second Christmas #1 single.


Lonely This Christmas - Mud
With a 6/8 feel straight out of a soul 60's ballad, this is a love song at heart, but the holidays put a special spin on both feelings and music, making "Lonely This Christmas" a true Christmas song (and a Christmas #1 in 1974).


Thank God It's Christmas - Queen
Released in 1984, this ballad celebrates Christmas has the unmistakable sound of 80s Queen.


- Doug

Musical Gifts In Time For Christmas, With Free Shipping!

Fifteen shopping days until Christmas, and counting! But whether you're searching for musical gifts for the keyboard enthusiast on your list, or music to soundtrack your holiday, there's still plenty of time to find the perfect thing at Yamaha MusicSoft, and even save on shipping.

Yamaha MusicSoft has gift ideas that will make any musician's life easier, make it more fun for them to play and practice, and make their performances more impressive. Between music stands, sustain pedals, new state of the art Yamaha in ear headphones, and musical board games you're sure to find great stocking stuffers that will brighten up any musician's day. Tons of lessons and sheet music books are available, too, so if a more educational gift is what you're after, you'll have a variety of options to choose from.

And no matter what you're looking for, this weekend, when you place an order for more than $15 worth of shippable items on Yamaha MusicSoft, you'll get free UPS Ground shipping.* With UPS Ground shipping, not only will you get quick delivery, you'll also get a tracking number for each order so you can make sure that your items are on schedule to be delivered in time for Christmas.

Of course, this free shipping offer covers PianoSoft albums as well, which means there's still time to get music for your Disklavier this season, even if you're unable to download.

- Doug

* Allow for up to three business days after ordering for items to ship, then allow 2-6 days for delivery of orders shipped with UPS Ground. Free shipping promotion covers all orders including at least one shippable product with cart subtotal of at least $15, shipping to an address in the United States. Offer ends 12am EST Tuesday December 14th.

Rock 'n Roll, Blues and a Christmas #1 Single In Our Latest Midi Songs

What better way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season than by sitting down for some quality time with your keyboard? With the new songs released this week at Yamaha MusicSoft and Internet Direct Connection, you can also treat yourself and your keyboard to some great new music. Whether you're in the mood for some Elvis, crooning from Michael Bublé, or the unique country-blues-pop of
Bonnie Raitt, there's sure to be something to suit your taste and playing style. Plus, to add a dose of holiday nostalgia, we've also released Cliff Richard's UK Christmas #1 single from 1960, "I Love You".

I Love You - Cliff Richard: "I Love You" was the second UK number-one single from Cliff Richards and The Shadows. Released in December 1960, it became a classic Christmas number 1, even without a traditional holiday theme.


Something to Talk About - Bonnie Raitt has been making hits for the last 20 years, but her most famous is definitely the "Something To Talk About".


Cry Me Out - Pixie Lott: "Cry Me Out" is just one of the 7 hit singles to come from Pixie Lott in her young career. A sure bet for fans of sugary British pop.


Hammer To Fall - Queen: A huge hit from 1984, this song is always a favorite. The song, written by guitarist Brian May, with it's heavy guitar riff and driving beat, harks back to the Queen of old.


In the Ghetto - Elvis Presley (As performed by Christer Sjögren): A haunting ballad, rooted in gospel, "In the Ghetto" has the makings of a protest song, but bears no trace of patronizing or pity, just wistful resignation from the King. Enjoy this version by Swedish star, Christer Sjögren.


Kiss From A Rose - Seal: "Kiss From A Rose" made it's way to the top of the charts in the U.S. and Australia and won two Grammy Awards in 1996.

Save the Last Dance for Me - Michael Bublé: This is Michael Bublé's hit version of the classic song first performed by The Drifters.


For even more new songs, including more from Elvis, the Hollies and Brad Paisley, keep reading or check out our full catalog at Yamaha MusicSoft.

Show Them To Me - Rodney Carrington: This is a really funny song done by the American stand-up comedian, actor, and country singer Rodney Carrington. The song is from Carrington's 2007 release, "King Of The Mountains."

Komm Mit Mir - Hansi Hinterseer: The song is from the famous Austrian schlager-singer, Hansi Hinterseer. Hansi is one of the best selling schlager singers in northern Europe, and this song is taken from his 2009 Platinum-selling album, "Komm Mit Mir".

Ring My Bell - Anita Ward (As performed by Zindy Kuku): This song is a disco favorite from back in the day that was originally done by Anita Ward. This version is done by two fantastic Danish artists, Zindy Laursen (former singer in the band Cut 'n' Move) and rapper Kuku Agami. A really nice cover of this timeless disco hit.

He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother - The Hollies: Most people familiar with the music of the British invasion will remember The Hollies. This 1969 classic is just one of their many hits.

(You're the) Devil In Disguise - Elvis Presley (As performed by Christer Sjögren): Take yourself back to the roots of rock with Elvis Presley and a fantastic song from 1963. Here it is in an upgraded version from the famous Swedish singer Christer Sjögren.

Glenn Miller Medley - Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers: Here's a very popular medley from the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra, consisting of "In The Mood," "Little Brown Jug," "American Patrol," and "Pennsylvania 6-5000".  You're sure to enjoy playing the music of such an iconic big band.

Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - Ray Charles and Bonnie Raitt: This song is one of the most beautiful duets ever written. Done by Ray Charles with Bonnie Raitt, "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" is from the final album by Ray Charles, released in 2004, just two month after his death. The album won eight Grammy Awards, and was a statement from two of the biggest blues musicians ever.

Long Sermon - Brad Paisley: This is one rocking contemporary country song. "Long Sermon," is Brad Paisley's first hit from his debut album "Who Needs Pictures?". Released on June 1, 1999, the songs from that album became huge hits on Billboard's country music charts.

- Doug

Get a Real Catalog Shopping Experience With the PianoSoft Digital Catalog

In these days of online shopping, one thing that gets lost is the traditional experience of paging through an honest-to-goodness catalog. While Yamaha MusicSoft stopped producing a paper version of the PianoSoft catalog in 2009, this year's PianoSoft digital catalog gives you a chance to get the same shopping experience.

With the digital catalog you can get the catalog experience online, complete with page turning animations, download the catalog as a PDF file to browse offline, or print out the full thing so you can have your own hard copy to study. With over 150 pages describing every PianoSoft album in stock, you can get the full picture of what's available for your Disklavier. Plus, indexes at the back of the catalog let you browse by album title or artist so if you have something in mind you can find it quickly and easily.

Once you've sufficiently perused the catalog, you can use the links in the digital version, or search by album title to purchase online, or feel free to bypass the web and give us a call to place your order. You can reach us Monday through Friday between 9am and 5:30pm EST at 1866 430 2652.

- Doug

Welcome German Downloadshop Customers!

As of today, Yamaha's German Downloadshop, formerly located at downloadshop.yamaha.de, has a new home at eu.yamahamusicsoft.com. This means that we are welcoming all German Downloadshop users into the Yamaha MusicSoft family!

For nearly nine years, the German Music Software Downloadshop reached many European customers, but with today's change Downloadshop users will now be able to enjoy a number of new features and improvements on the Yamaha MusicSoft site including five languages for navigation. Here are some more highlights of the new European Yamaha MusicSoft site:

• A wider range of products - including Premium Voice Packs, Disklavier software and new Digital Lesson Books
• More details about each item
• Warning messages to help you avoid duplicate purchases
• Ability to sort products by country
• Versatile search options including FAQ support
• Standard web forms to contact our support team, to make sure you get a response more quickly than ever
• No more need to worry about finding the correct format version for your keyboard! Just input your model name and our system will find the best match for your keyboard.
• In addition to credit cards, PayPal is available as a payment option on the European Yamaha MusicSoft. If you're new to PayPal, create an account now. Note that Click&Buy will not be available as a payment method on the new site, however you can keep your Click&Buy accounts for other online shopping activities.
• Prices will have been adjusted so that Tyros-related formats will now be cheaper:
  
  • Single Songs + Styles, lower price class: 5,90 €
  • MegaVoice Songs + Styles, upper price class: 7,90 €
• Users wishing to purchase different versions of a song to use on more than one keyboard can purchase additional versions at a 50% rebate

Also worth noting:

• Due to legal issues PDF leadsheets and lyric documents will no longer be supplied along with Midi files. However, the score, lyrics and chord presentation in keyboard display will remain.
• New songs and styles will continue to be released on a regular basis
• News and information will still be sent out in a monthly newsletter
• Accounts from the German Downloadshop and Yamaha MusicSoft will be merged, and all old passwords and login information can used on the new site
• Any items purchased on the German Downloadshop or Yamaha MusicSoft will appear in your consolidated account, available for continuous and repeated downloads in case any of your data is lost

The new European version of Yamaha MusicSoft will also be tuned specifically towards European customers, with special local repertoire, prices and promotions. Very soon you will find that the new site brings many advantages over the old Downloadshop site. Please add the new address to your favorite bookmarks.

And one last piece of good news to wrap things up: we will be offering a 10% "welcome rebate" on all Midi song and style purchases in the new European Yamaha MusicSoft during December!

* 10% rebate applies to all MIDI Files, registrations and styles ordered on the European Yamaha MusicSoft site. Not applicable to Digital Lesson Books, Premium Packs and Voices, or PianoSoft products. Sale ends 12am EST January 1st, 2011.

** The new site has been tested seriously, but during this initial period unexpected things might happen. We apologize for any inconveniences you might face and will find immediate solutions. Please contact us if you have any problems.

How to Connect a Disklavier to Internet Direct Connection

Internet Direct Connection can open up a new world for your Disklavier piano, but first you need to get connected. If you're having trouble getting your Mark IV, DKC-850 or E3 model Disklavier connected to the internet, this video will get you up and running with detailed, step by step directions. Then, once your Disklavier is online, you can enjoy all of Internet Direct Connection's benefits, such as Piano Radio, and instant PianoSoft downloads. Follow this video now, and get your piano online in time to enjoy new music this holiday season!



- Doug

Tyros3 Firmware Upgrade Available - New Wireless Connection Support

With the release of firmware version 1.20, the Tyros3 can now connect to the internet wirelessly using a WPA or WPA2 encrypted connection. This connection type allows for greater security than the previously supported WEP format, and the upgrade will allow Tyros3 owners already using a WPA wireless network to take their instrument online without changing their network's settings.

To find more information, and download the firmware itself, you can visit either of the following Yamaha sites:

Yamaha Tyros3 Downloads

Yamaha Tyros3 Support (See the "support" tab)

The firmware can also be downloaded directly to the Tyros3 through Internet Direct Connection.

- Doug

Save On PianoSoft Disks For the Holidays - 30% Off All Disks, Plus Free Shipping

You have a Disklavier piano or Clavinova with a floppy disk drive. You want holiday music to enjoy on your piano this season, but you need it on a floppy disk and you don't want to mess around with downloading. We understand, and we've got just the thing to help you out.

From now until Friday, December 11th, all PianoSoft disks are 30% off at Yamaha MusicSoft, and all orders for PianoSoft disks will receive free USPS Media Mail shipping to anywhere in the US.*

See the full list of discounted albums here.

With this sale, you can still afford stock up on PianoSoft albums in time for Christmas!

- Doug


* Only orders shipping to addresses in the continental United States are eligible for free shipping. Shipping promotion applies only to USPS Media Mail shipping option. Orders shipped via USPS Media Mail may take up to 10 business days to arrive once shipped. All Yamaha PianoSoft disks and CDs subject to 30% discount. Virtuoso Performance, PianoLab and WebOnlyPiano products not discounted. PianoSoft and shipping promotions end 12am December 11th, 2010.


** Disklavier models made before 1996 can only use 2DD floppy disks and may not be able to load the PianoSoft disks shipped from Yamaha MusicSoft. If you are unable to download PianoSoft, and own an instrument that reads only 2DD disks, please contact us.

Fresh Songs From Taylor Swift, the Script and More

This time of year is always an exciting time for music - what with new releases from the biggest stars, the announcement of Grammy nominees, and of course, the annual re-emergence of heartwarming holiday music. The latest MIDI songs from Yamaha MusicSoft and Internet Direct Connection, featuring songs from Taylor Swift, the Script, Matt Redman, and more, you can bring all of this new music excitement to your keyboard!

Mine - Taylor Swift
Bringing together the worlds of country and pop music like never before, Taylor Swift's music will be a real breath of fresh air for your keyboard. Like her past hits "Love Story" and "Our Song", "Mine", captures the wide-eyed wonder of young love with a hint of country twang and a wonderful pop arrangement.



The Only Exception - Paramore
Though they're known for their punk rock attitude and upbeat tunes, Paramore this waltz time love song has been one of their biggest hits around the world. And if Taylor Swift is putting a dose of pop into her country songs, you can definitely hear some country in this pop rock tune, too.



Breakeven (Falling to Pieces) - The Script
The Script channels the soaring melodies and heartfelt lyricism of fellow countrymen U2 with this massively catchy song.



Slice - Five For Fighting
Piano driven soft rock from the band that brought you "100 Years" and "Superman".



Keep reading to find new songs from Lily Allen, Estelle, the Drifters and Matt Redman.

Smile - Lily Allen
The first big hit for the British phenomenon, "Smile" has a fresh, funky vibe, and a great organ line that will be tons of fun to play along with on your keyboard.



Let Everything That Has Breath - Matt Redman
In the world of Christian music, there are few bigger names than Matt Redman. "Let Everything That Has Breath" is one of his signature songs, and is a classic of modern Christian worship music. Suitable for the Christmas season, or any time!




American Boy - Estelle
This song set both sides of the Atlantic on fire in 2008, with a wonderful beat that manages to sound both retro an futuristic, created by none other than will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.



This Magic Moment - The Drifters
This legendary slow dance song was also famously covered by Jay and the Americans. A true 60s classic.



- Doug

New Premium Styles - Motown Ballads and Funky Disco

This week's new Premium Styles represent two musical movements, Motown and disco, that defined their eras. Pop music is always changing, with each passing fad and era leaving its imprint on future sounds, but 60s Motown and 70s disco, are timeless, unique and universal, just like the music you'll make with these new Premium Styles.

The two new styles are each available in five different versions designed to suit each specific instrument type, including an optimized version dedicated to the new Tyros4, so you can be sure you're getting the best quality style for your particular keyboard model whether you're using a Clavinova or a workstation keyboard.

Detroit Ballad - Some of the biggest ballads of the 60s came out of Detroit and Motown records. Detroit put a distinctive soulful pop spin on ballads in songs like "My Girl", and "I Second That Emotion" that you can hear in this style. Using lots of backing vocals alongside prominent drums and horns, the Motown sound is unique but sounds great accompanying a wide variety of ballads.



Disco Celebration - The disco music of the 70s is all about big speakers, big shoes, and living the high life: at heart, disco is all about celebration. And with unmistakable treble heavy disco guitar style, along with funky bass and horn lines make this style perfect for celebrating anything at all.



- Doug

New Tyros4 Voices - Vintage Keyboards and Expressive Saxophones

The new Tyros4 expansion Premium Packs and Voices prove that the musical possibilities of Yamaha's keyboards are truly endless. With the new voices, available now from Yamaha MusicSoft, you can open up new musical worlds using sounds from some of the most famous keyboards of all time, and brilliant and expressive Super Articulation 2 Saxophone voices.

Fans of analog and early digital keyboard sounds will be delighted by the new voices from the Vintage Keyboard Pack. With the pack, you’ll be able to add the sounds that have defined the keyboard since the 1950s to the Tyros4. These vintage sounds have been heard in a variety of legendary recordings, by hundreds of popular artists, and with the new pack you’ll be able to create even more new legendary tracks.

In total, the Vintage Keyboard pack contains 30 voices, along with 10 exclusive Premium Styles, three MultiPads, 16 registrations, and two demo songs, providing a full upgrade for the Tyros4. Watch demonstrations of each of the new voices at the official Tyros YouTube channel.

The voices in the pack span a variety of sounds made famous by classic electronic pianos. In these new voices, Yamaha has masterfully emulated the "electro-mechanical" electronic pianos of the 60s and 70s.



In addition to these well known electric piano sounds, the pack also includes voices from two of Yamaha’s most popular keyboard models, the legendary DX7 responsible for some of the most famous sounds of the 80s, and the CP80, a groundbreaking electric piano. The new DX7 inspired voices feature classic electric piano sounds from the instrument, as well as other sounds emulating the many chorus, studio, and delays available in the DX7, and the CP80 voices highlight the unmistakable bright CP80 sound.



Two new sets of SA2 Saxophone voices are also available now. These new voices give Tyros4 users breathtakingly realistic tenor and alto saxophone sounds, complete with SA2 technology to provide extra expressive capabilities. Voices are available separately for alto and tenor sax sounds, and include pop and funk variations of each instrument.



The new Vintage Keyboard Pack and the SA2 Saxophone Voices follow up on the packs and voices released last year for the Tyros3. In addition to the forthcoming pack and voice, the Euro and US Organs Pack, the Choir and Vocals Pack, as well as the SA2 Pan Flute and Trombone voices, are all now available in new versions for the Tyros4.

Installing the Premium Packs and Voices on the Tyros4 is quick and easy, and can be done with one simple touch of a button. To use new voices, though, you will need to install expansion flash memory on the Tyros4. The Yamaha FL102M and FL512M memory expansions are available from Yamaha dealers both in your area and on the web. For more information about installation, see our directions on Yamaha MusicSoft.

- Doug