Piano Basics: Getting Started with the Piano

January 30, 2020
January 30, 2020 Barbie Wong

Is your child looking to play the piano? Do you need guidance on acquiring a piano for your household? Below are some ideas to consider when bringing this instrument in to your home.

Acoustic or Digital?

Many people want to know the best type of instrument to have for learning to play the piano. Hands down, a good quality acoustic piano is the best choice for any piano student.  In order to develop a good ear and coordinated finger technique, one must practice on an acoustic piano because it has a touch sensitivity that digital pianos do not.  That being said, there are many reasons why some students still choose to learn on a digital piano. By far the best reason is cost. If your family cannot afford to rent or purchase an acoustic piano, then you may choose to purchase a digital piano for a beginning student.  However, if you are looking at the big picture, it is vital for students who enter the intermediate stages of piano proficiency to practice on an acoustic piano. Keep in mind that students who begin their piano education on an acoustic piano have a greater advantage when it comes to sensitivity to touch and dynamics in their playing.  These students will be more advanced than students who begin on a digital piano.

Rent or Buy?

If you can afford to purchase a high-quality acoustic piano, then that is the best choice for your family.  However, if there are doubts about a student continuing with piano, renting a piano is a good option.  It is more cost-effective and some piano stores will even allow you to apply some of the rental cost toward the eventual purchase of that piano.  Call around to piano stores to locate good options.

Maintaining Your Piano

It is crucial to keep your piano in tune at all times.  Generally, pianos are tuned every 6 to 12 months.  Find a good piano tuner who will get to know your piano and its nuances.

Keep your piano in a place that has very few fluctuations in temperature and away from direct sunlight.  When not being played, close the cover and keep it protected.

Never set a drink or anything damp on your piano. A spilled drink can ruin a piano.

Hopefully, these tips will help you figure out what piano to bring home. Let me know how your search goes. Happy playing!