Your Instrument
Students MUST have a real (acoustic) piano at home for daily practice.
Digital or electronic keyboards are only acceptable as a temporary substitute, or during the first 4 months of beginner study.
WHY?
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 specifically related to how it feels to play an acoustic piano, which sets them up for enjoyment and ongoing success!
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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.
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If a student can replicate at home what they learned in the lesson, then practicing will absolutely be more enjoyable - and therefore, productive!
And with lasting benefits: a student will be more likely to stick with something that's enjoyable!
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Even beginners?
How do I know they'll enjoy piano lessons enough to justify getting a real piano?
The answer is even MORE likely to be YES if they are learning on a real, quality instrument that helps them sound and feel good while playing it!
A beginning piano student needs a good instrument just as much as an older student who has been playing for several years. Beginning skills and habits last a lifetime!
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But pianos are expensive - I'm not sure I can afford it!
There are many types and sizes of upright pianos and grand pianos in a wide range of prices to fit many needs. You definitely don't need a brand-new grand piano to get a quality instrument!
Start by looking at used and refurbished upright pianos for lower, affordable prices.
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(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.)
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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 real 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 almost certainly fit an upright piano in the same space, and for close to the same price!
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How do I know what kind of instrument I should get?
Start out at the Piano Buyer website for tons of educational "how-to" articles & tips for piano shopping,
plus links for local dealers and offers.
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TIP: If you're not ready to commit to piano ownership, consider renting, or rent-to-own.
Many piano dealers have these helpful options (see below).
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I'm more than happy to advise you and give you references!
Please send me your questions.
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Here are some local businesses to check out for options:
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Williams Piano Shop (in Brookline)
Roger's Piano (in Natick)
Piano Rentals of Boston (Allston Piano Moving Co.)
Darrell's Music Hall (Nashua, NH)
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Do you already have a piano?
Fantastic! Now, be sure to keep it in good shape!
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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!
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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.