Yamaha introduced the first digital piano to the U.S. in 1984. This new instrument, called the Clavinova,® revolutionized the music industry. The Clavinova is an instrument that, unlike electronic pianos, reproduces the tone and touch of a real acoustic piano. Only Yamaha, with over 100 years of experience as an acoustic piano manufacturer, could create a digital instrument so true to the original.

Using exclusive Advanced Wave Memory sampling, Yamaha created a piano sound that is virtually indistinguishable from its acoustic counterpart. The Clavinova tone contains not only notes but uniquely acoustic phenomenon such as soundboard resonance, damper resonance and string resonance as well. This incredibly realistic sound has earned the Clavinova the music industry’s most prestigious awards.

The Clavinova has also won acclaim for its acoustic piano-style touch and feel. It is a model for which all others strive to attain. Yamaha’s exclusive GH (Graded Hammer) action recreates the difference in how a key reacts due to the variation in hammer size from the lower to upper ends of the piano.

The new Natural Keyboard action (CVP900 and CLP990/175 only) uses real wooden keys and a genuine acoustic action design. This allows the Clavinova to reproduce the touch of a real piano in absolute detail, right down to the let-off or “escapement” experienced toward the bottom of the key dip. For realism in tone and touch, no other digital instrument can compare.

The Clavinova has other advantages as well. The touch response of the keyboard can be varied for different performers. The Clavinova never goes out of tune, even in the most extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity. The Graded Hammer Action never requires the “regulation” of an acoustic piano. (With no tuning or regulation requirement, the Clavinova saves you money.) The compact size and lighter weight make it easier to move than a conventional piano. And convenient audio outputs and inputs allow the Clavinova’s speakers to be connected directly to a PA system, CD-Burner, tape recorder or computer.

With all these advantages, and more, it’s easy to see why so many schools and institutions use Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos as their instruments of choice.

CLP Series Product Information

Clavinova CLP models are designed to offer the best reproduction of a standard acoustic piano. The attention to detail of tone and touch in the Clavinova CLP is legendary.

Additional voices, including harpsichord, organ, electronic piano, vibes, strings, choir and others, allow for new possibilities in performance. Imagine playing a harpsichord while discussing the Baroque period and Bach. Imagine using the electronic piano for contemporary hits. Imagine strings, choir, or a combination of both to enhance a group’s performance. And, with up to 160 note polyphony, audiences will hear every facet of the performance.

Additional features make the CLP a powerful teaching tool. Struggling to play a song in another key? Just set the Transposer and play what’s written. Are you used to playing along with your instructor? Use the built in Recorder and the CLP becomes an instant accompanist. With the CLP’s MIDI and USB/Serial connections (depending on model), the Clavinova CLP is an excellent MIDI controller as well as a piano.

Additional features, such as a sliding key cover, various wood grain finishes, and outstanding performance and reliability make Clavinova CLP models the choice for a wide range of music classroom needs.

CVP Series Product Information

Anyone who has attempted to create a MIDI system by connecting various components has discovered how time consuming and difficult it can be to use. The answer to this challenge is Yamaha Clavinova CVP digital pianos. Each of these instruments integrates the five parts of a standard MIDI system and puts them in one easy-to-use package. The first part is the unparalleled piano tone and touch. Second, the integration of AWM tone generators gives the user access to over 700 instrument voices. Third, the CVP integrates a 16-track sequencer for MIDI recordings with a Step Editor for easy corrections. Fourth, a built-in drum machine adds percussion parts to a song with the simplicity and convenience of pushing a button. The final element is the powerful Auto Accompaniment feature that adds fully orchestrated accompaniments based on the style or piece of music selected.

Players with limited keyboard skill can access the Step Editor, which allows for several methods for inputting song data so chords can be added one at a time without playing a single note. The Step Editor also permits accurate entry of notes one at a time without playing in real time.

The CVP makes recording easy. And because it saves as Standard MIDI files, it can load recordings onto a computer for notation printouts, insertion in Power Point presentations, or even to share compositions via email and the Internet.

Another special feature of Clavinova CVP digital pianos is the exclusive Guide Mode. With CueTime™ software, everything you play is beautifully embellished by professional arrangements. What’s unique is that you don’t have to play along at the recording’s pace — the accompaniment plays along with you! Fermatas determine when the player wants to go on. Ritardandos and accelerandos are done the way the player wants them played. The Guide Mode gives you the power to add your own interpretation to the music.

Applications

Music teachers all over the world are discovering the wonders of having a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano in their classrooms.

General Music classrooms use the Clavinova as a creative learning tool. Teachers play historical instrument sounds to add life to the classroom experience. The sequencer on the Clavinova permits teachers to spend more time interacting with students and less time on the bench. Educators everywhere appreciate the smaller height of the Clavinova, where it’s a cinch for students to gather around for singing. In addition, classroom curriculum software from MacMillan/McGraw Hill’s MIDI Connection or Silver Burdette Ginn’s Share the Music can be used on the Clavinova to make the learning experience far more effective. And the Clavinova’s transpose and tempo functions let the teacher change the music for each class to help every child succeed.

General Music, Music History and Music Literature classes find the Alternative Tunings to be a way to expand student understanding of historical periods. With individual key Scale Tuning, the Clavinova can be used to play scales from around the world. Teachers and students can recreate or compose music from the Middle East to the Orient, allowing a greater understanding and appreciation for the music of other cultures.

Choral and instrumental classrooms are discovering the many benefits of a Clavinova as well. Many schools experience difficulties in finding a good accompanist who can attend daily practices. With the Clavinova, these schools can have the accompanist record the music so students and teachers can have an accompanist when they need one. With a built in 3.5" disk drive, schools can create their own libraries of music to be used year after year.

Show Choirs use the Clavinova to enhance their programs. With a CVP digital piano, choir directors can record their own fully orchestrated accompaniments quickly and easily. Unlike tapes, directors can use tempo and transposition control for better rehearsals and performances when a band is unavailable.

Band and Orchestra directors also use the Clavinova. It’s the preferred instrument for jazz bands. It’s great for ensemble rehearsals: teachers use pre-recorded accompaniments or their own recordings with students to individually mute any instrumental part, or parts, for practice. Students can also have a section of the piece set to repeat for extended practice. It’s “Music Minus One” where the teacher picks the part or parts to eliminate. Plus, when a unique or hard to find instrument is needed for a special orchestral performance, the Clavinova can step in to provide it.

Clavinova digital pianos are the cornerstone of Music Technology classrooms everywhere. They use the instruments, with headphones and the MLC-100 Classroom Lab Management System, to assist students in fully attaining the National Standards for Arts Education music requirements and effectively and efficiently teach the elements of music performance and technology. Students in these classrooms learn skills that will last a lifetime.

With Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos, the possibilities are endless. A special booklet, K-12 Music Classroom Designs, contains information regarding classroom configurations, equipment specifications and funding information, including grants. Contact the Yamaha Academic and Institutional Relations Department at 714-552-9926 for your copy.