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!
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 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!
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!
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.
(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 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!
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.
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).
I'm more than happy to advise you and give you references!
Please send me your questions.
Here are some local businesses to check out for options:
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.