Keys' collaboration with Native Instruments in designing a virtual piano software is a first of its kind. The new and innovative software emulates Keys' Yamaha C3 Neo Grand Piano and allows musicians of all levels to recreate the rich sounds that embody her soulful music. Together with her Engineer, Ann Mincieli, Sample Specialist Thomas Skarbee, and Impuse Response Specialist Ernest Cholakis, Keys created a virtual piano software that would also simplify her recording process.

In her interview with Guitar Center Magazine, Keys says, "I wanted to be able to take my piano sound on the road with me as well as have it any time I wanted to record." Keys continues, "We all got together in my studio and started to create it by going through this long process of sampling, recording every note, sound and expressive nuance. We ended up with my entire piano in virtual form."

Keys used her piano software exclusively to record her latest album, The Element of Freedom, and also used the software heavily throughout her most recent world tour.

To experience the complete exclusive interview with Alicia Keys in Guitar Center's September issue or learn more about her new virtual instrument software "Alicia's Keys" from Native Instruments:

Visit: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/interview/alicia-keys/