The 'New Age' and Music:

The term new age refers to a movement of religio-cultural aspects of societies from orthodoxy and conformism to a more liberal and individual oriented approach. Piano music too has undergone that transformation. The traditional way of playing piano is still considered to be prestigious and elitist, there are individuals who have broken with tradition and have established a new identity for their own way of creating music. They have built their own 'brand' of piano music so to say. They are called the new age pianists. Their music does not have vocals, but mostly it is instrumental. New age music, whether it is piano or any other music it is mainly used for relaxation, meditation, yoga, reiki and the like. The new age pianist defies traditional rules of playing piano and creates his/her own rules for himself or herself. S/he will not want to impose that way of playing onto others. If others are inspired to go in that is fine.

Some New Age Pianists:

Shannon Janssen's compositions especially the album Piano Paintings is an excellent example. It is a delicate swaying of light melodies that paint a musical landscape which is played with imagination and grace. This music set a new trend/genre for many aspiring musicians. The style in her original compositions stirs soft emotions and settles them in deep comfort. It is the heart that generates music through her hand which transports one to the divine realms. Richard Carr is another artist who composes soulful music with thoughtfulness and spirit. This personal art form gets an enhancement from the synthetic additions to the piano track. "At Heaven's Edge" integrates piano with lots of other keyboard fillings. For those who are frustrated and worried this music is a spiritual food and medicine to sooth the soul. Philip Aaberg is a 'born pianist' who has his own label of music, the 'Sweetgrass Music'. High Plains, The Shape of The Land, Morning Walk are few examples of his compositions. Giovanni, Kurt Bestor, Dan Mahoney and Martin Mayer are some of the new age pianists.

New Age Piano Music and the Contemporary world:

Today's world is on a fast track. Everyone is busy. No one has time for oneself or for others. Piano music that emerges out of the emotions that are born in the artist's heart are often the reflection or the response to the contemporary mood. This helps one to stop for a while and take stock of one's life, direction and purpose.