PIANO

Technically a string instrument, the piano makes an excellent first instrument and many teachers of diverse instruments feel that piano study should be encouraged for any musician. Music teachers all agree that piano forms an excellent basic foundation for any further musical experiences your child pursues. Even if your child chooses to switch to another instrument later, the melody, rhythm and sense of harmony she acquires with piano education will carry over.

ADVANTAGES

• Piano offers a great way to learn the basics, from rhythm and tempo to reading music.

• As an instrument, the piano provides your child with the instant gratification of a good-sounding note with the simple strike of a finger. Other instruments require careful finger position, breathing, or mouth control before pleasing sounds can be obtained.

• A pianist hears the complete musical piece when she plays, while string and wind players generally hear only one part of it.

DOWNSIDES

• Playing the piano can be a very solitary endeavor. It’s only as an advanced player that your child may be able to play with an orchestra or jazz band.

• It also involves reading two staves of music in two different clefs, which can be confusing.

BEST AGE TO START

• Many children are ready to start traditional piano lessons between 5 and 6 years old. Children start Suzuki lessons as young as 3. For traditional lessons, most teachers prefer that your child:

• Have some basic reading skills or knowledge of the letters A through G.

• Can concentrate during lessons and practice for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.

• For piano, physical size or strength, such as that needed to hold a large wind instrument, is not an issue.

• Offer lots of encouragement and don’t let your child give up too soon. If your child seems too young, take a break, and try restarting lessons after six months have passed.

COST CONSIDERATIONS

• An electronic keyboard is generally smaller and less expensive, but many teachers prefer to start children on a normal acoustical piano. While some teachers will allow your child to start piano lessons with a keyboard, they usually insist on an acoustic piano within a year, if not sooner. If you start your child on an electronic keyboard, make sure the keys are the size of an acoustical piano and touch sensitive, as all beginning methods introduce forte (loud) or piano (soft) after a few lessons.

• A vertical piano generally costs between $2,000 and $3,000, and works well if space in your house is limited. Note that the taller the piano, the longer the strings and the better the tone. Grand pianos can start at $3,400 and go up to $95,000. Many stores offer rent-to-own plans, where your rental payments apply to the purchase price should you decide to keep the piano.

• You might also consider a used piano, but before buying one you should have a knowledgeable piano technician look it over.

• Other costs include the lessons themselves, which can range between $20 and $50 on average per lesson, sheet music, and music books.

MAINTENANCE

• Keeping your own piano in good working order usually involves twice-a-year tune-ups (usually Spring and Fall), costing between $75 and $175 depending on the work needed.

User Rating: / 1
PoorBest