| As a piano teacher I want to be a resource for | | | | headphones. Again, get the best one you can afford. I |
| parents when they have questions. The most | | | | recommend a minimum of 76 keys. A full keyboard is |
| frequently asked questions I get from parents are | | | | 88 keys. This is important because learning to play the |
| about buying a piano. Read this article to learn how to | | | | piano involves "geography." Reading piano music is |
| choose the piano that's right for your family. | | | | comparable to reading a map of the piano keyboard. |
| I want to enroll my child in piano lessons. When should I | | | | Other key features that affect playing quality and |
| buy a piano? | | | | enjoyment are touch sensitivity, weighted keys, and |
| Think Susie can learn to play piano without one? Don't | | | | hammered-action keys, which imitate the lever action |
| hold your breath. Taking piano lessons without a piano | | | | of an acoustical piano. Touch sensitivity is a minimum |
| is like learning to swim without water. Don't wait to | | | | requirement. If you are considering a used keyboard, |
| purchase a piano or keyboard if you have enrolled or | | | | check to see if it is still under warranty before you |
| are planning to enroll your child in piano lessons. There | | | | make your offer. Also, electronic keyboards do not |
| are many options for every budget. My advice is to | | | | need to be tuned. |
| get the best instrument you can afford because | | | | How do I know which is better for my family? |
| pianos hold their value. If your child later decides that | | | | If volume is a factor for you, get a keyboard with |
| piano is not their cup of tea, you can always sell it for | | | | headphones. With this feature your piano student can |
| about what you paid for it. Another reason to get the | | | | still practice while his sister is doing her homework. If |
| best piano or keyboard you can afford is that quality | | | | space is a factor, you should also consider a |
| matters. You can safely compare this to your golf | | | | keyboard. Another advantage of a keyboard is that |
| game. How much more fun is it to play with a good | | | | you can take it with you to grandma's house. She'll |
| set up clubs over a bargain set that lacks power and | | | | love it! |
| precision. | | | | If, however, you are looking for a beautiful piano to fill |
| What's the difference between a piano and a | | | | your home with music, go for an acoustical piano. You |
| keyboard? | | | | can't beat this choice for playing quality, inspiration and |
| An acoustical piano is what your great grandmother | | | | enjoyment. |
| and Beethoven learned to play on, only now they're | | | | Why should I purchase a piano for my child? |
| built in a factory. A factory built acoustical piano is a | | | | The answer to this is simple. Students who go on to |
| great investment at a practical cost. There are many | | | | excel in piano have had a quality piano or keyboard to |
| types new and used. From smallest to largest they | | | | practice on at home. Does the purchase of a piano |
| are: spinet, console, upright, baby grand and grand. You | | | | guarantee your child's piano success? No. But I can |
| can also rent a piano. Usually the rent is applied to the | | | | guarantee that without a quality instrument your child |
| purchase price of the piano should you decide to buy it | | | | will not achieve their musical potential. So go ahead - |
| within six months. | | | | take the leap! Don't wait to give your child the gift of |
| A keyboard is an electronic instrument with many | | | | music. |
| features such as recording and the ability to play with | | | | |