The Kaley School of Music First Spring Performance Tour of Gainesville, 2010Oak Hammock April 24, The Atrium April 25, The Village May 1
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Parent's Guide to Music Lessons: Are We Ready, and What are the Options?
With increased cuts to arts funding in schools, now more than ever, parents need to actively make sure their children gain valuable experiences in the arts. More families are seeing how music gives students increased focus, drive, creativity and self-confidence in all facets of life.
I believe the most successful music student is the one who is matched to the right teacher at the right time. Here are some questions to get you started in researching music lessons:
Is my child ready?
A child may be ready to start private (one-on-one) music lessons when he or she is a good beginning reader, can sit or stand in place for 15-30 minutes, shows clear interest in the instrument and a good aptitude for memory, can state her commitment to practice, and the instrument is not too big for her to learn proper technique from the first lesson. In my experience, based on size requirements and mental and physical demands, the typical minimum ages are: violin, age 3; piano, 5; drums 6; guitar and woodwinds 7; voice, 8. For children under 5, I recommend music classes (see list below), a children's choir, or other group music experiences. Starting private lessons too early can waste time and money, as the learning curve will be steeper than if you wait until the optimum age range.
Is my family ready?
Before signing a student up for music lessons, ask your family: Do we have a quiet space and daily time for the student to practice? Do I as a parent have the energy to consistently encourage practice time and progress? Do we need to purchase or rent the instrument? (See other articles in my blog for guides to finding instruments.) It is absolutely necessary for students to have adequate instruments from the start, so they can practice throughout the week. Ask, can we commit financially? Will we commit to attending recitals, competitions, and other events as necessary? As with other disciplines like sports and dance, successful music students are not "islands" unto themselves. Their satisfaction and progress depends on some regular family support.
Should we go with a music class, studio teacher, or independent teacher? Having directed and worked as all three over the past 19 years, I suggest considering:
Music class vs. private lessons
Music classes are a great way to introduce music in general, note reading, or a specific instrument to children from birth up to about age 8. They learn along with their peers using group instrument experiences, or simple lesson books, and often do games and fun exercises to help learn theory. Excellent classes are offered locally by: Peggy's Music, Tonewood Family Music Together ®, Musikgarten, Studio Percussion, Kindermusik at Great Southern Music, and O2BKids. When your child shows increased interest and aptitude in an instrument, try private lessons with an appropriate teacher.
Private Lessons at a Studio/School: Ask, what professional and security standards do you have to which teachers must conform? How do you match teachers to students, by scheduling or personality? If my teacher is absent or a scheduling conflict occurs, can another be assigned to avoid a lapse in lessons? Do you give recitals, and what is the fee to participate? How can I keep up with my child's progress? Are there set sessions throughout the year, and is there a signup fee each time? Is there a contract we must sign?
Independent Teachers: Ask, what genres do you specialize in (Classical, jazz, composing, etc.)? Are you affiliated with state and national music education groups, through which you stay updated with teaching trends and repertoire? Do you teach year-round or take summers off? Are you established here, or do you plan to move? Do you specialize in beginners/intermediates or very advanced students? (It's not often that someone can teach both well.) Do you offer recitals and competitions, and is there a fee?
Travel to lessons or in-home lessons?
What works best for your family? To have someone come by every week while you help other siblings with homework or get dinner prepared? Or to take your child to a quieter location so that lessons are free of home distractions? Is it helpful for you to be able to listen in on the lessons and touch base weekly with the teacher, or is your child more independent and able to bear the responsibility of music assignments with less supervision? In-home lessons may save you considerable time but could cost more due to driving fees. Whichever you choose, be sure to confer with the teacher at least every few lessons, to be sure expectations are being met on each side regarding practicing, performances, and lesson quality.
More questions to ask each private music teacher or studio:
Do students get to help choose their repertoire? What do you expect in terms of practicing? May I supervise lessons? Are recitals or competitions mandatory? How long do your students typically stay with you? Where are your former students now? Do you, yourself, still perform in the community? What forms of payment do you take, and when is payment due? What's your cancellation policy? What's your termination policy? Are you authorized/code-compliant to do business in this location?
My philosophy is, "What's best for each student is best for everyone." Each student enrolled in my school is there because he or she sincerely wants to take lessons and enjoys working with their teacher. My teachers have a long history of loyalty because they get quality students with whom they enjoy teaching. Parents know they can count on me and my teachers to deliver positive results. When a student is paired with the right teacher, everyone benefits!
I believe the most successful music student is the one who is matched to the right teacher at the right time. Here are some questions to get you started in researching music lessons:
Is my child ready?
A child may be ready to start private (one-on-one) music lessons when he or she is a good beginning reader, can sit or stand in place for 15-30 minutes, shows clear interest in the instrument and a good aptitude for memory, can state her commitment to practice, and the instrument is not too big for her to learn proper technique from the first lesson. In my experience, based on size requirements and mental and physical demands, the typical minimum ages are: violin, age 3; piano, 5; drums 6; guitar and woodwinds 7; voice, 8. For children under 5, I recommend music classes (see list below), a children's choir, or other group music experiences. Starting private lessons too early can waste time and money, as the learning curve will be steeper than if you wait until the optimum age range.
Is my family ready?
Before signing a student up for music lessons, ask your family: Do we have a quiet space and daily time for the student to practice? Do I as a parent have the energy to consistently encourage practice time and progress? Do we need to purchase or rent the instrument? (See other articles in my blog for guides to finding instruments.) It is absolutely necessary for students to have adequate instruments from the start, so they can practice throughout the week. Ask, can we commit financially? Will we commit to attending recitals, competitions, and other events as necessary? As with other disciplines like sports and dance, successful music students are not "islands" unto themselves. Their satisfaction and progress depends on some regular family support.
Should we go with a music class, studio teacher, or independent teacher? Having directed and worked as all three over the past 19 years, I suggest considering:
Music class vs. private lessons
Music classes are a great way to introduce music in general, note reading, or a specific instrument to children from birth up to about age 8. They learn along with their peers using group instrument experiences, or simple lesson books, and often do games and fun exercises to help learn theory. Excellent classes are offered locally by: Peggy's Music, Tonewood Family Music Together ®, Musikgarten, Studio Percussion, Kindermusik at Great Southern Music, and O2BKids. When your child shows increased interest and aptitude in an instrument, try private lessons with an appropriate teacher.
Private Lessons at a Studio/School: Ask, what professional and security standards do you have to which teachers must conform? How do you match teachers to students, by scheduling or personality? If my teacher is absent or a scheduling conflict occurs, can another be assigned to avoid a lapse in lessons? Do you give recitals, and what is the fee to participate? How can I keep up with my child's progress? Are there set sessions throughout the year, and is there a signup fee each time? Is there a contract we must sign?
Independent Teachers: Ask, what genres do you specialize in (Classical, jazz, composing, etc.)? Are you affiliated with state and national music education groups, through which you stay updated with teaching trends and repertoire? Do you teach year-round or take summers off? Are you established here, or do you plan to move? Do you specialize in beginners/intermediates or very advanced students? (It's not often that someone can teach both well.) Do you offer recitals and competitions, and is there a fee?
Travel to lessons or in-home lessons?
What works best for your family? To have someone come by every week while you help other siblings with homework or get dinner prepared? Or to take your child to a quieter location so that lessons are free of home distractions? Is it helpful for you to be able to listen in on the lessons and touch base weekly with the teacher, or is your child more independent and able to bear the responsibility of music assignments with less supervision? In-home lessons may save you considerable time but could cost more due to driving fees. Whichever you choose, be sure to confer with the teacher at least every few lessons, to be sure expectations are being met on each side regarding practicing, performances, and lesson quality.
More questions to ask each private music teacher or studio:
Do students get to help choose their repertoire? What do you expect in terms of practicing? May I supervise lessons? Are recitals or competitions mandatory? How long do your students typically stay with you? Where are your former students now? Do you, yourself, still perform in the community? What forms of payment do you take, and when is payment due? What's your cancellation policy? What's your termination policy? Are you authorized/code-compliant to do business in this location?
My philosophy is, "What's best for each student is best for everyone." Each student enrolled in my school is there because he or she sincerely wants to take lessons and enjoys working with their teacher. My teachers have a long history of loyalty because they get quality students with whom they enjoy teaching. Parents know they can count on me and my teachers to deliver positive results. When a student is paired with the right teacher, everyone benefits!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Key Ingredients: What to Look for in a Piano or Keyboard
So your child came home from a friend’s house clamoring for piano lessons. She sings all the time and would probably really love to learn the piano. Problem: you’re just missing the 800-pound piece of furniture to make that work, and your musical knowledge ends at pressing Shuffle on your iPod . Where do you start? Read on, and you’ll be wheeling and dealing in solid spruce soundboards and graded hammer action in no time. I’ll take you through the lingo, price ranges, North Central Florida piano store info, buying advice, and care tips you’ll need to make the best choice for your student, your home, and your budget.
First, exhaust all options of adopting or inheriting a piano in decent condition. Does Grandma, a co-worker, or a kind neighbor have a piano in decent condition that they’d like to see get more use at your house? Emphasize the tax write-off benefits for donating it as you ask around . . . you never know. See tips at the end of this article for moving a piano.
If you can’t locate a donor, get smart before you go shopping by using this all-inclusive guide to pianos and keyboards.
PianoSpeak
To help you understand the info that follows, here’s a rundown of piano types and shapes:
Acoustic piano
A piano with a wood case, strings and real hammer action. When you press a key, a felt-tipped hammer swings up (in a grand) or forward (in an upright/console) and strikes one string or a set of two or three strings, depending on the note. The three types of acoustic pianos are upright, console and grand.
Upright
A tall piano whose soundboard and strings are placed vertically, like the kind in old-time saloons. Sometimes have ornate wood trim. The lid flips up from hinges in the back. May have 2 or 3 pedals. A nice, deep sound; but older, used ones too often show the most neglect. Needs tuning at least once a year. Professional movers recommended.
Console
An upright piano with a smaller soundboard, and thus a shorter case. The lid opens up from hinges in the back. You can often acquire one at an estate sale or from a private seller. Usually only has 2 pedals; some feature a "quiet" pedal for practice in an apartment or at night. The smallest, lightest, and least expensive acoustic piano. A fine choice for any student. Needs tuning at least once a year. Can be moved with four strong adults, but call a pro if stairs are involved.
Grand
The traditional horizontal form of piano, these come in many different lengths ranging from 4.5 feet to more than 9 feet. Usually the ones you’ll see in stores are 4-6 feet. The longer the piano, the more resistance the keys will give, and the richer it will sound (when comparing them side by side). Heavy top opens to the right, with hinges on the left; always have a sales associate show you the correct way to prop the lid open. Has three pedals, which are a little harder to work than on an upright, and when you press the left one, the keyboard may shift (unlike on upright pianos). Needs tuning at least once a year. It's extremely important to use professional movers only-- don’t ever attempt to move a grand piano one inch without knowledgeable assistance.
Digital keyboard
An electronic keyboard (most these days are digital instead of analog). May or may not have onboard speakers, may require an amplifier and cable (sold separately). Requires a stand, bench and plug-in damper pedal (all sold separately). Easily portable, does not need tuning and usually comes loaded with different piano, organ, strings and other sounds, which can be accessed by pressing buttons.
Digital console piano
An electronic keyboard that comes with a built-in stand, at least two pedals, and a matching bench. Sometimes has many more features than digital keyboards, such as a graphics screen, automated playback, and recording features. Never needs tuning. On some newer models, the library of sounds and features can be enhanced by inserting a CD or other storage media with more sounds (sold separately).
88
The number of keys (including all black and white keys) that a keyboard must have in order to be suitable for piano lessons. All acoustic pianos, regardless of size or type, have 88 keys (there are some built for professionals that have more). Why it’s necessary: Would you teach your child to drive in a golf cart? Would you teach her to type on a phone? You may think there’s no way she will ever use all those keys, but trust me, she will from day one, as she builds mental maps of which notes are where. I cannot emphasize enough, to expect a student to start lessons on an abbreviated keyboard and not be confused when you later invest in a full-sized keyboard is expecting too much.
Weighted or Touch-Sensitive keys
A feature found on most 88-key digital keyboards and digital console pianos. It means that a piece of lead actually counterbalances each key, giving the resistance feeling of playing an acoustic piano. You can sometimes tell a weighted keyboard from a non-weighted one just by looking at it: if the keys are cut away and hollow underneath the front edges, they aren’t weighted. Why it’s necessary: Non-weighted keys do not produce dynamics; in other words, you can’t make the sound loud or soft by pressing harder or gentler. Dynamics are one of the first things that all musicians learn. Warning: repeatedly bang on this type of keyboard or drop something heavy on it, and the plastic inside that holds the lead weight to the key can break, causing multiple problems that are expensive to repair.
Graded or Scaled hammer action
A feature on better digital pianos and keyboards, which means the weights are heavier on the lower/bass (left-hand) keys and lighter on the higher/treble (right-hand) ones. This mimics acoustic pianos, especially grands, because the strings are very long on the bass end and very short on the treble end. Why it’s good to have: Early to advanced piano technique will require students to understand and take advantage of this aspect of the piano.
Sampling
A fancy word for recording. How many times did the keyboard maker record the sound of each key of a real grand piano to get the different soft to loud tones programmed into each key of the digital piano? This is measured by bit-depth, but it's best determined by just using your ears. Try to play the most expensive digital or acoustic piano in the store, then compare that sound to whatever digital keyboard you're considering. If the keyboard sounds very 2-dimensional and tinny compared to a real piano, you'll want to consider an upgrade to a more realistic sounding one.
Polyphony
The number of keys (voices) that can be overlapped at one time. Sure, you only have ten fingers, but when you hold the sustain pedal down, an acoustic piano note can continue to sound for almost two minutes after it's played. The higher the polyphony, the better the digital keyboard. All piano music is written with the effects of natural piano polyphony in mind; in other words, piano pieces just don't sound good on a simple-polyphony keyboard. Generally, 32- or 48-voice polyphony or higher is adequate for piano lessons.
_______________________________________________
So . . . what’s the damage?
A gently used acoustic console piano can run anywhere from about $800 (a bargain) up to $2500 or more, depending on the brand name and the finish. New console pianos start at around $2500. Used grand pianos can be found for as low as a thousand dollars (buyer be wary—see Kick the Tires below) or as high as several tens of thousands of dollars if it were, say, a well-preserved Steinway. New grand pianos start at around $5000 for a smaller one and go up to $75,000 or more for a concert-length, professional-brand, with expensive wood and built-in player/recorder. All music stores offer financing.
The Kaley School's favorite piano stores: You’ll be in good hands with any of the following:
Parramore Pianos and More (352-331-3636, located on Archer Rd. 1 mile west of I-75) has a great selection and is an authorized Yamaha dealer. They carry the Yamaha Clavinova digital piano series, which have amazing sound as well as fun accompaniment and recording features. They have affordable grands and many uprights. Also a good place to look for used pianos. Ask for Randall or Jody.
Lipham Music (352-372-5351, located at the corner of University and 34th St.) has expanded their showroom to include a larger selection of grands, uprights and consoles, as well as digital console pianos and keyboards. An excellent choice for finding a good new or used piano or keyboard that fits your budget. Ask for Buster.
Hoggtowne Music (352-271-4772, Hunter's Crossing Shopping Center, 43rd St. and 53rd Ave.) The best-kept secret in town for stumbling upon used digital console pianos-- when they sometimes get these from local schools, and they’re a great deal. Ask for Masa.
Forte Piano Gallery in Ocala (352-624-9623) is a unique showcase of gorgeous upscale grands, consoles, and the latest Kawai digital pianos. They feature personalized buying assistance and impeccable delivery service. Their own Registered Piano Technicians refurbish pianos as an art form and know them inside and out. They can also trade up some pianos later if you have them tune yours every year-- a good deal! Ask for Nancy.
Teresa’s Piano Gallery in Jacksonville (904-908-8850) An outstanding showroom of new and refurbished acoustic and digital pianos of all sizes, including vintage Steinways. An authorized Kawai and Baldwin dealer. Trade-up program available. Ask for Teresa.
Sweetwater Music and Sound The most reputable and customer-friendly online company I’ve worked with over many years. Ask for Sage SanMartin at 1(800)222-4700 ext. 1305.
You may want to travel to Sam Ash Music in Orlando or Tampa to try all of the different digital keyboards available. Or, our loyal and convenient local merchants may be able to order what you’re looking for and may be able to match an online or chain store price. What you pay in tax may save you the shipping costs you'd pay online.
Save a buck. Keep your eye on the newspaper classifieds, as well as Craigslist Gainesville and Ebay (browse local listings ONLY). Check local thrift stores (often any pianos found there are junky and not worth repairing, but it’s worth a look). Ask around at schools, music schools, churches and studios to find out if they’re planning on upgrading their pianos and offloading old ones.
NEVER buy a used piano you haven't visited and checked out. I’ve seen many well-meaning owners say, over the phone or in an ad, that a piano is in “good condition,” only to arrive for inspection and find a cracked soundboard, loose strings, eroded felt, or other expensive problems. Buying a brand-new piano sight-unseen (as on Ebay) is not a great idea, either. Each piano is unique and plays differently. Besides, there could be cosmetic flaws you don’t know about, mismatched legs, or a finish color that didn’t represent correctly in an online photo.
You get what you pay for. Invest in the highest quality instrument you can afford, and keep it in tune. These factors make a big difference in your child’s music education. Children are sensitive to sound and touch and will grow into whatever instrument you select for them. If you want your child to have amazing technique and strong endurance, invest in whatever sized grand piano you can fit in your home. If you want him to be exposed to lots of different instrument sounds, a digital piano is a fun start. If you just want him to enjoy learning music and to try to stick with lessons, a quality acoustic piano of any size or brand is fine.
Remember, the higher the quality of the instrument, the higher the resale value will be, should you decide to trade up or discontinue lessons. Acoustic pianos of all ages and brands tend to retain their values much better than any electronic pianos, as long as they’re in good condition.
Kick the tires. No matter what age the piano is, step right up and ask to touch, play, and look over the entire piano. (However, don’t touch the strings or felts of a piano, as oils in your hands can damage them). Depress every key with varying intensity and press the pedals. They should all be in working order (no sticking). Open the top and look in with a flashlight. The soundboard should be smooth with no cracks, the strings should all be intact and not rusting, the hammers should be responsive and in a straight line (broken ones may be falling out of line). I like to even get on the floor and look under grand pianos. I once saw a piano that had years of gum stuck under the keyboard. A well-cared for piano will not sound grossly out-of-tune (twangy, flat notes). Like a car, if the seller can show you yearly tuning receipts, that’s a good sign; but if not, you should be able to go by your physical assessment of the piano. Try to play the keys very softly to very loudly on different parts of the piano. If you have a lot of trouble, or if you see any other malfunctions or signs of neglect, then the piano is too old and would probably need to be repaired or refurbished. Students would have a difficult time learning proper technique and expression on such a piano unless you spent the time and money to fix it--which is usually NOT worth it. Also, just because a used piano is in a store with a certain price tag, doesn't always mean that it’s a great deal. Check its condition just like you would the piano of a private seller, and negotiate if necessary.
When buying a brand-new piano, make a note of the serial number inside, then check your receipt when paying for it. Upon delivery, be sure that’s the piano you’re getting.
Move it. A digital piano is easy-- carry it home in your car. Or, now that you’ve found your dream acoustic piano, how will you get it home? If you’re buying from a store, the delivery charge and who does the delivery (their back stock guys, contractors, or professional movers) should be one of your first queries. Many stores will include a free first tuning with delivery. Don’t make the mistake of using your free tuning certificate too early. Pianos need to become accustomed to their new environment for at least 4-5 weeks. I recommend a 6-8 week settling period for a grand piano or for any piano that was moved near a change of seasons. If the piano falls out of tune within a few months after any tuning, call your tuner back and ask for a correction tuning free of charge.
If you buy from a private seller, work the delivery cost into the price. Some sellers will take the price you name if they don’t have to worry about moving the piano themselves. Call around your local piano dealers to get an idea of moving costs and availability. Don’t get macho and ruin your investment by underestimating the weight of this instrument. It takes a lot of planning and thought to move any piano!
A note on grand pianos: Be sure you’ve carefully measured your room space AND your doorways before buying!
Location, location, location
When considering where to place the piano or keyboard in your home, find a place that’s a comfortable, quiet environment for practice and lessons. If the TV is viewable from the bench, then move the piano or the TV. A piano placed next to an interior wall or shaded widow, away from doors and direct sunlight, will hold its tune better. A grand piano should be placed with the right side of the lid open to the room for best sound.
Tuna Piano
As I mentioned already, you’ll want to maintain your acoustic piano investment. Special consideration for our Florida climate is important. Heat, direct sunlight, humidity, and cold air (from outside, not your AC) are all poised to attack the integrity of your piano’s strings over just a few months and cause it to go out of tune. But if you position the piano well in your home, and if your home doesn't often have open windows, one tuning every 12 months should be sufficient. Don't let your piano get lonely-- if it’s played regularly, it will stay in tune longer.
One of the great things about having lessons in your home is that your teacher, who visits several pianos a day in others’ homes, can tell you when yours is starting to slip. If your child attends lessons elsewhere, don't let your home piano get noticeably out of tune compared to the lesson piano, because this will lead to confusion for the student. To find a good tuner, start with the store you bought the piano from, or ask your piano teacher. A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) is the best kind of tuner, because he completed a rigorous study of training and apprenticeship with an approved school. This means he’s not only expert at tuning, but also at adjustments, repair, and refurbishing. He’s a good person to consult if you want to buy a particular used piano but aren’t sure if there are serious mechanical problems with it.
As any piano teacher will agree, I highly recommend a good acoustic piano over even the best digital piano, but check out your options and see what works best for your student.
Congratulations, you’re now an educated consumer! Feel free to contact me anytime for more detailed info on certain brands of pianos and keyboards, or regarding RPTs, etc.
First, exhaust all options of adopting or inheriting a piano in decent condition. Does Grandma, a co-worker, or a kind neighbor have a piano in decent condition that they’d like to see get more use at your house? Emphasize the tax write-off benefits for donating it as you ask around . . . you never know. See tips at the end of this article for moving a piano.
If you can’t locate a donor, get smart before you go shopping by using this all-inclusive guide to pianos and keyboards.
PianoSpeak
To help you understand the info that follows, here’s a rundown of piano types and shapes:
Acoustic piano
A piano with a wood case, strings and real hammer action. When you press a key, a felt-tipped hammer swings up (in a grand) or forward (in an upright/console) and strikes one string or a set of two or three strings, depending on the note. The three types of acoustic pianos are upright, console and grand.
Upright
A tall piano whose soundboard and strings are placed vertically, like the kind in old-time saloons. Sometimes have ornate wood trim. The lid flips up from hinges in the back. May have 2 or 3 pedals. A nice, deep sound; but older, used ones too often show the most neglect. Needs tuning at least once a year. Professional movers recommended.
Console
An upright piano with a smaller soundboard, and thus a shorter case. The lid opens up from hinges in the back. You can often acquire one at an estate sale or from a private seller. Usually only has 2 pedals; some feature a "quiet" pedal for practice in an apartment or at night. The smallest, lightest, and least expensive acoustic piano. A fine choice for any student. Needs tuning at least once a year. Can be moved with four strong adults, but call a pro if stairs are involved.
Grand
The traditional horizontal form of piano, these come in many different lengths ranging from 4.5 feet to more than 9 feet. Usually the ones you’ll see in stores are 4-6 feet. The longer the piano, the more resistance the keys will give, and the richer it will sound (when comparing them side by side). Heavy top opens to the right, with hinges on the left; always have a sales associate show you the correct way to prop the lid open. Has three pedals, which are a little harder to work than on an upright, and when you press the left one, the keyboard may shift (unlike on upright pianos). Needs tuning at least once a year. It's extremely important to use professional movers only-- don’t ever attempt to move a grand piano one inch without knowledgeable assistance.
Digital keyboard
An electronic keyboard (most these days are digital instead of analog). May or may not have onboard speakers, may require an amplifier and cable (sold separately). Requires a stand, bench and plug-in damper pedal (all sold separately). Easily portable, does not need tuning and usually comes loaded with different piano, organ, strings and other sounds, which can be accessed by pressing buttons.
Digital console piano
An electronic keyboard that comes with a built-in stand, at least two pedals, and a matching bench. Sometimes has many more features than digital keyboards, such as a graphics screen, automated playback, and recording features. Never needs tuning. On some newer models, the library of sounds and features can be enhanced by inserting a CD or other storage media with more sounds (sold separately).
88
The number of keys (including all black and white keys) that a keyboard must have in order to be suitable for piano lessons. All acoustic pianos, regardless of size or type, have 88 keys (there are some built for professionals that have more). Why it’s necessary: Would you teach your child to drive in a golf cart? Would you teach her to type on a phone? You may think there’s no way she will ever use all those keys, but trust me, she will from day one, as she builds mental maps of which notes are where. I cannot emphasize enough, to expect a student to start lessons on an abbreviated keyboard and not be confused when you later invest in a full-sized keyboard is expecting too much.
Weighted or Touch-Sensitive keys
A feature found on most 88-key digital keyboards and digital console pianos. It means that a piece of lead actually counterbalances each key, giving the resistance feeling of playing an acoustic piano. You can sometimes tell a weighted keyboard from a non-weighted one just by looking at it: if the keys are cut away and hollow underneath the front edges, they aren’t weighted. Why it’s necessary: Non-weighted keys do not produce dynamics; in other words, you can’t make the sound loud or soft by pressing harder or gentler. Dynamics are one of the first things that all musicians learn. Warning: repeatedly bang on this type of keyboard or drop something heavy on it, and the plastic inside that holds the lead weight to the key can break, causing multiple problems that are expensive to repair.
Graded or Scaled hammer action
A feature on better digital pianos and keyboards, which means the weights are heavier on the lower/bass (left-hand) keys and lighter on the higher/treble (right-hand) ones. This mimics acoustic pianos, especially grands, because the strings are very long on the bass end and very short on the treble end. Why it’s good to have: Early to advanced piano technique will require students to understand and take advantage of this aspect of the piano.
Sampling
A fancy word for recording. How many times did the keyboard maker record the sound of each key of a real grand piano to get the different soft to loud tones programmed into each key of the digital piano? This is measured by bit-depth, but it's best determined by just using your ears. Try to play the most expensive digital or acoustic piano in the store, then compare that sound to whatever digital keyboard you're considering. If the keyboard sounds very 2-dimensional and tinny compared to a real piano, you'll want to consider an upgrade to a more realistic sounding one.
Polyphony
The number of keys (voices) that can be overlapped at one time. Sure, you only have ten fingers, but when you hold the sustain pedal down, an acoustic piano note can continue to sound for almost two minutes after it's played. The higher the polyphony, the better the digital keyboard. All piano music is written with the effects of natural piano polyphony in mind; in other words, piano pieces just don't sound good on a simple-polyphony keyboard. Generally, 32- or 48-voice polyphony or higher is adequate for piano lessons.
_______________________________________________
So . . . what’s the damage?
A gently used acoustic console piano can run anywhere from about $800 (a bargain) up to $2500 or more, depending on the brand name and the finish. New console pianos start at around $2500. Used grand pianos can be found for as low as a thousand dollars (buyer be wary—see Kick the Tires below) or as high as several tens of thousands of dollars if it were, say, a well-preserved Steinway. New grand pianos start at around $5000 for a smaller one and go up to $75,000 or more for a concert-length, professional-brand, with expensive wood and built-in player/recorder. All music stores offer financing.
The Kaley School's favorite piano stores: You’ll be in good hands with any of the following:
Parramore Pianos and More (352-331-3636, located on Archer Rd. 1 mile west of I-75) has a great selection and is an authorized Yamaha dealer. They carry the Yamaha Clavinova digital piano series, which have amazing sound as well as fun accompaniment and recording features. They have affordable grands and many uprights. Also a good place to look for used pianos. Ask for Randall or Jody.
Lipham Music (352-372-5351, located at the corner of University and 34th St.) has expanded their showroom to include a larger selection of grands, uprights and consoles, as well as digital console pianos and keyboards. An excellent choice for finding a good new or used piano or keyboard that fits your budget. Ask for Buster.
Hoggtowne Music (352-271-4772, Hunter's Crossing Shopping Center, 43rd St. and 53rd Ave.) The best-kept secret in town for stumbling upon used digital console pianos-- when they sometimes get these from local schools, and they’re a great deal. Ask for Masa.
Forte Piano Gallery in Ocala (352-624-9623) is a unique showcase of gorgeous upscale grands, consoles, and the latest Kawai digital pianos. They feature personalized buying assistance and impeccable delivery service. Their own Registered Piano Technicians refurbish pianos as an art form and know them inside and out. They can also trade up some pianos later if you have them tune yours every year-- a good deal! Ask for Nancy.
Teresa’s Piano Gallery in Jacksonville (904-908-8850) An outstanding showroom of new and refurbished acoustic and digital pianos of all sizes, including vintage Steinways. An authorized Kawai and Baldwin dealer. Trade-up program available. Ask for Teresa.
Sweetwater Music and Sound The most reputable and customer-friendly online company I’ve worked with over many years. Ask for Sage SanMartin at 1(800)222-4700 ext. 1305.
You may want to travel to Sam Ash Music in Orlando or Tampa to try all of the different digital keyboards available. Or, our loyal and convenient local merchants may be able to order what you’re looking for and may be able to match an online or chain store price. What you pay in tax may save you the shipping costs you'd pay online.
Save a buck. Keep your eye on the newspaper classifieds, as well as Craigslist Gainesville and Ebay (browse local listings ONLY). Check local thrift stores (often any pianos found there are junky and not worth repairing, but it’s worth a look). Ask around at schools, music schools, churches and studios to find out if they’re planning on upgrading their pianos and offloading old ones.
NEVER buy a used piano you haven't visited and checked out. I’ve seen many well-meaning owners say, over the phone or in an ad, that a piano is in “good condition,” only to arrive for inspection and find a cracked soundboard, loose strings, eroded felt, or other expensive problems. Buying a brand-new piano sight-unseen (as on Ebay) is not a great idea, either. Each piano is unique and plays differently. Besides, there could be cosmetic flaws you don’t know about, mismatched legs, or a finish color that didn’t represent correctly in an online photo.
You get what you pay for. Invest in the highest quality instrument you can afford, and keep it in tune. These factors make a big difference in your child’s music education. Children are sensitive to sound and touch and will grow into whatever instrument you select for them. If you want your child to have amazing technique and strong endurance, invest in whatever sized grand piano you can fit in your home. If you want him to be exposed to lots of different instrument sounds, a digital piano is a fun start. If you just want him to enjoy learning music and to try to stick with lessons, a quality acoustic piano of any size or brand is fine.
Remember, the higher the quality of the instrument, the higher the resale value will be, should you decide to trade up or discontinue lessons. Acoustic pianos of all ages and brands tend to retain their values much better than any electronic pianos, as long as they’re in good condition.
Kick the tires. No matter what age the piano is, step right up and ask to touch, play, and look over the entire piano. (However, don’t touch the strings or felts of a piano, as oils in your hands can damage them). Depress every key with varying intensity and press the pedals. They should all be in working order (no sticking). Open the top and look in with a flashlight. The soundboard should be smooth with no cracks, the strings should all be intact and not rusting, the hammers should be responsive and in a straight line (broken ones may be falling out of line). I like to even get on the floor and look under grand pianos. I once saw a piano that had years of gum stuck under the keyboard. A well-cared for piano will not sound grossly out-of-tune (twangy, flat notes). Like a car, if the seller can show you yearly tuning receipts, that’s a good sign; but if not, you should be able to go by your physical assessment of the piano. Try to play the keys very softly to very loudly on different parts of the piano. If you have a lot of trouble, or if you see any other malfunctions or signs of neglect, then the piano is too old and would probably need to be repaired or refurbished. Students would have a difficult time learning proper technique and expression on such a piano unless you spent the time and money to fix it--which is usually NOT worth it. Also, just because a used piano is in a store with a certain price tag, doesn't always mean that it’s a great deal. Check its condition just like you would the piano of a private seller, and negotiate if necessary.
When buying a brand-new piano, make a note of the serial number inside, then check your receipt when paying for it. Upon delivery, be sure that’s the piano you’re getting.
Move it. A digital piano is easy-- carry it home in your car. Or, now that you’ve found your dream acoustic piano, how will you get it home? If you’re buying from a store, the delivery charge and who does the delivery (their back stock guys, contractors, or professional movers) should be one of your first queries. Many stores will include a free first tuning with delivery. Don’t make the mistake of using your free tuning certificate too early. Pianos need to become accustomed to their new environment for at least 4-5 weeks. I recommend a 6-8 week settling period for a grand piano or for any piano that was moved near a change of seasons. If the piano falls out of tune within a few months after any tuning, call your tuner back and ask for a correction tuning free of charge.
If you buy from a private seller, work the delivery cost into the price. Some sellers will take the price you name if they don’t have to worry about moving the piano themselves. Call around your local piano dealers to get an idea of moving costs and availability. Don’t get macho and ruin your investment by underestimating the weight of this instrument. It takes a lot of planning and thought to move any piano!
A note on grand pianos: Be sure you’ve carefully measured your room space AND your doorways before buying!
Location, location, location
When considering where to place the piano or keyboard in your home, find a place that’s a comfortable, quiet environment for practice and lessons. If the TV is viewable from the bench, then move the piano or the TV. A piano placed next to an interior wall or shaded widow, away from doors and direct sunlight, will hold its tune better. A grand piano should be placed with the right side of the lid open to the room for best sound.
Tuna Piano
As I mentioned already, you’ll want to maintain your acoustic piano investment. Special consideration for our Florida climate is important. Heat, direct sunlight, humidity, and cold air (from outside, not your AC) are all poised to attack the integrity of your piano’s strings over just a few months and cause it to go out of tune. But if you position the piano well in your home, and if your home doesn't often have open windows, one tuning every 12 months should be sufficient. Don't let your piano get lonely-- if it’s played regularly, it will stay in tune longer.
One of the great things about having lessons in your home is that your teacher, who visits several pianos a day in others’ homes, can tell you when yours is starting to slip. If your child attends lessons elsewhere, don't let your home piano get noticeably out of tune compared to the lesson piano, because this will lead to confusion for the student. To find a good tuner, start with the store you bought the piano from, or ask your piano teacher. A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) is the best kind of tuner, because he completed a rigorous study of training and apprenticeship with an approved school. This means he’s not only expert at tuning, but also at adjustments, repair, and refurbishing. He’s a good person to consult if you want to buy a particular used piano but aren’t sure if there are serious mechanical problems with it.
As any piano teacher will agree, I highly recommend a good acoustic piano over even the best digital piano, but check out your options and see what works best for your student.
Congratulations, you’re now an educated consumer! Feel free to contact me anytime for more detailed info on certain brands of pianos and keyboards, or regarding RPTs, etc.
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