Celebrated annually on the 88th day of the year, World Piano Day is a holiday designed to create a platform for piano-related projects to promote not only the joys of playing the piano but also to promote the development of music in general. Why is it observed on the 88th day of the year?

That’s because the standard piano has 88 keys, so the date when this holiday is observed is a nod to that fact. Of course, that means the holiday doesn’t always take place on the same day of the year. For example, in 2022, the holiday fell on March 29th, but in 2024 it falls on March 28th.

The History of World Piano Day

This holiday was created based on an idea by the German composer and pianist Nils Frahm. He suggested and launched the holiday in 2015. When he was asked why it’s important to have a Piano Day, his reply was short and to the point. To paraphrase him: “It doesn’t hurt anyone to celebrate the piano and everything associated with it: the performers, piano builders, tuners, movers, and composers.” The holiday was an almost instant success and has been observed every year with demonstrations, concerts, recitals, and other such events.

The History of the Piano

Since this holiday is all about pianos and everything surrounding them, we thought it would be appropriate to talk about the invention of this instrument. The first piano was invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori. He invented the instrument because he was dissatisfied with the lack of control musicians had over volume levels with the harpsichord.

He is credited with replacing the plucking mechanism of the harpsichord with a hammer mechanism in 1700. He initially named the instrument “Clavicembalo col pianoforte” or “Harpsichord that can play both soft and loud noises.” Over time, it would be shortened to the word “piano.”

Observing World Piano Day

All across the planet, this holiday is observed with piano concerts and other musical events. There are also fundraisers and other programs that help rehabilitate broken pianos and give them to deserving musicians. Each year, this holiday continues to expand and include other celebratory events on this day. A good way for many people to celebrate this holiday is to learn how to play the piano or to teach someone how to play.

For those who don’t have the desire to learn music, can’t travel to a concert or a recital, or to teach someone else how to play the piano, they can listen to piano music online. On the World Piano Day website are resources that help everyone enjoy this holiday.