| As a beginner, whether or not buying a piano is | | | | each of the instruments, so that you get a feel for the |
| necessary depends very much on what method you | | | | sound quality of the piano before you buy. Remember, |
| choose to learn. In other words, if you intend to take | | | | not only is the piano an expensive item, it is also |
| professional lessons at a teacher's home, having your | | | | cumbersome, so, if possible, you want to make sure |
| own piano is useful, but not necessary. | | | | that you get your purchase right first time. |
| On the other hand, if you plan to learn at home with a | | | | Alternatives to Buying a Piano |
| book, DVD or online course, then you will need an | | | | If you are concerned that you cannot afford to buy a |
| instrument in front of you to get the most out of these | | | | piano, or you are worried that you may lose interest in |
| lessons. | | | | your lessons after a few weeks, renting an instrument |
| However, if you're just beginning piano lessons, you | | | | is a wonderful alternative to buying. Obviously, it is |
| may have noticed that buying a piano is an expensive | | | | much cheaper than purchasing an instrument and it |
| business. So how do you go about finding one that is | | | | allows you to sample your lessons and an instrument |
| right for you, and are there are alternatives to buying? | | | | without the financial commitment. |
| Advice for Buying a New Piano | | | | Typically, you can rent a piano for between $50 and |
| First, it is a good idea to research the various types of | | | | $100 per month. However, the cost will obviously vary |
| piano. In most cases, vertical pianos are more suitable | | | | depending on the type and make of piano you wish to |
| for a home, simply because they take up less room. In | | | | rent. The good news is that there are a great number |
| addition, they are typically less expensive. | | | | of piano renting firms and a quick browse on the |
| However, many people maintain that vertical pianos | | | | Internet will provide you with many results. |
| cannot match the horizontal pianos for sound quality. | | | | Of course, there is a second alternative to buying an |
| Do a little research and find out which piano will suit | | | | expensive traditional piano and that is to consider an |
| your needs, budget and spatial constraints. | | | | electronic piano. These are much less expensive than |
| Most of your research can be done online. However, | | | | traditional instruments, and although purists believe that |
| once you have narrowed down your choices, or found | | | | these instruments cannot compare with the 'real thing,' |
| the 'one,' then it is a good idea to visit a number of | | | | they do offer good sound quality. You may not be |
| music stores or piano stores in your area. The prices | | | | invited to play Carnegie Hall with your digital piano, but it |
| will vary, so this is definitely worth your time. | | | | is perfect for beginning piano lessons. |
| Ensure that you play, or get a salesperson to play, | | | | |