Your Instrument
Students MUST have a piano at home for daily practice.
I prefer students to have a real (acoustic) piano.
Digital or electronic keyboards are only acceptable as a temporary substitute.
Students should plan to upgrade after 4-9 months of lessons with me.
Even beginners?
How do I know they'll enjoy piano lessons enough to justify getting a piano?
I get it: Lessons are a big investment in time and money! Parents might hesitate if they aren't sure how a young child will feel about lessons.
I PROMISE: they will enjoy it more if they are learning on a quality instrument that helps them sound and feel good while playing it!
Quality practicing = enjoyable learning!
You can have an outstanding teacher and awesome lessons, BUT:
A student needs to replicate at home what they learned in the lesson - and they need a quality piano to do that!
YES, even beginners!
A beginning piano student needs a good instrument just as much as an older student who has been playing for several years. Successful playing as a beginner is connected to continuing motivation & enjoyment for years!
Not ready to commit to piano ownership?
Consider renting, or rent-to-own!
Many piano dealers have accessible rental options for different styles of pianos. Scroll down for local businesses.
WHY an acoustic piano?
An (acoustic) piano is essential for:
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Technical and musical development
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Enjoyment
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Motivation
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Short- and Long-term progress in piano study
The technique and artistry that students learn in their lessons with me from Day 1 is directly related to how it feels to play an acoustic piano, which sets them up for enjoyment and ongoing success!
A quality acoustic instrument that produces sound from real strings, real wood, and real pedals feels and sounds very different than a digital keyboard. An acoustic piano offers a level of responsiveness and a range of dynamics and tone color that even the nicest digital piano cannot match.
If a student makes music that sounds beautiful, they will enjoy playing more!
Pianos are expensive - I'm not sure I can afford it!
There are many types and sizes in a wide range of prices to fit many needs:
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upright pianos
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grand pianos
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hybrid pianos
Used and refurbished upright pianos are usually more affordable than factory new models.
You definitely don't need a brand-new grand piano to get a quality instrument!
And consider renting, or rent-to-own!
See my list of local piano dealers below.
(Just please promise to stay away from the Craigslist "free" pianos! They're often free for a reason ...
and if you don't know what you're looking for, you may get stuck with a dud.)
I don't think I have space! How much room will it take up?
Did you know?
Upright pianos are generally the SAME width and depth as a full size digital keyboard?
It's true! The only big difference is height (up to about 52").
So, if you're concerned about space, and thought you only had room for a digital piano because it was smaller: the good news is, you can usually fit an upright piano in the same space, and for close to the same price!
What type of instrument should I get?
Check out the Piano Buyer website for tons of educational "how-to" articles & tips for piano shopping,
plus links for local dealers and offers.
I'm more than happy to advise you and give you references!
Local piano businesses to check out:
Williams Piano Shop (in Brookline)
Roger's Piano (in Natick)
Piano Rentals of Boston (Allston Piano Moving Co.)
Darrell's Music Hall (Nashua, NH)
Do you already have a piano?
Fantastic! Now, be sure to keep it in good shape!
Just like you would change the oil in your car regularly, a piano needs regular tunings to maintain correct pitch and quality of sound. It's an important - and EASY - thing to do!
You should set up a schedule to have your piano technician come TWICE a year - I recommend at the change of seasons: Summer/Fall and then again for Winter/Spring.
Looking for a piano technician?
Visit the Piano Technician's Guild website, and search for a certified, professional technician in your zip code area.
You'll also find other helpful tips on how to properly take care of your instrument, advice for buying a piano, and fun educational tools.
