The Piano was invented in 1709 by an Italian musical instrument maker called Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori. That makes this beautiful instrument 310 years old!

The Piano was first called 'pianoforte' as it had the ability to play both quiet (piano) and loud (forte) notes. It was later shortened to Piano.

The person who plays the piano is called a pianist.

The modern day piano has 88 keys made up of 52 long white and 36 short black keys.

The black and white keys on the piano were tradionally made of ebony (dark wood) and ivory (tusks of elephants). Over years, the ivory keys would become discoloured (yellowish) and quiet often badly chipped.

Now days, the black and white keys are made from a durable plastic which means animals and trees are not being destroyed to make pianos!

The piano boasts the widest range of tones of all the instruments - it really has the entire orchestral range in one instrument. It plays a note lower than the lowest note on a double-bassoon and a note higher than the highest note on the piccolo - that's impressive!

If you ever go to New York City, make sure to stop by the Metroplitan Museum of Art where you will be able to see an original piano made by Cristofori in 1720.

Every year on 29th March, people all over the world celebrate the piano. This day is called World Piano Day. It happens on this day as it's the 88th day of the year - to signify the 88 keys on the piano. 

The aim of the day is to promote this glorious instrument and continue sharing the centuries-old joy of playing piano. The piano is enjoyed by everyone young and old from beginner to professional.

Check out your local music school or musical instrument shop to see if they are having any special events to celebrate.