Have you ever practiced the piano (or other instrument) without actually playing it?  I have often played a song in my lap or on a desk when I’m bored or to test myself on my memorization. 

I just found out that Rachmaninoff practiced his Third Concerto on a fake piano on an ocean voyage to the United States.  He didn’t have enough time to actually practice in Russia, so he had to sit in his little cabin, going through the motions on a fake keyboard (which he made himself)!  What makes this even more impressive is that this was his first trip to the United States; his first chance to make an impression on a new group of people- and he didn’t even get to really practice!  Now that’s talent!

I learned all this from this cute book called “The Cardboard Piano” about a girl who makes a cardboard piano for her friend in hopes that she will be able to take piano lessons too.  Check it out- it’s a fun book!  And read more about Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto here.