29 April 2016 5 Things To Ask Before Buying A Previously Owned Piano

5 Things To Ask Before Buying A Previously Owned Piano

posted by

Buying a piano is a major decision. And one of the first factors you’ll have to consider is whether to buy new or used.

A previously owned piano can be a good investment… if you know what questions to ask before writing out the check.5 Things To Ask Before Buying A Previously Owned Piano

Why are you selling the piano?
Have you ever noticed people will give you all kinds of information if you ask? If you’re approaching a third part or private seller, take the time to ask why they’ve decided to sell. Inspecting it can often lead you to make a false assumption that a piano is in good shape. But when you ask, private parties will often provide lots of stories about a piano’s past. Some might sell because they need the money. Some might sell because no one in the home can play, it was simply an antique passed down. In both cases, their response may clue you in that they don’t know how to take care of a piano either. Pianos need regular maintenance, and if it’s been sitting there for years, it may require a lot of tuning and restoration to make it playable.

Was a maintenance schedule followed?
Every piano, no matter if it’s played on a regular basis or not, needs regular tuning. Skipping tuning will affect the sound quality, so it’s crucial to check if a tuning schedule was followed. If tuning has been completed, you can also inquire who performed the tuning. DIY methods rarely work, as tuning is a difficult process that is learned over time. Experienced professionals are always best.

Who plays the piano?
Did the owner purchase the piano from a friend to provide piano lessons to a small child? Or did a professional musician play it on a regular basis? The more advanced the player, the better guarantee you’ll have that the piano is quality and was well taken care of.

How often has the piano been moved?
If the piano has been moved on a frequent basis, it could be a sign that it has received potential damage during a move. If a piano has moved several times, check to see if any restoration work has been completed.

What is the asking price?
While many people will lead and create their ads with the price they desire, asking again can reveal how serious they are. Never purchase on the spot. Instead, make sure you do your own research. If you find equal comparisons are much higher, it could be a sign the owner is hiding something. If they are willing to negotiate for a quick sale, there more than likely is something wrong.

Pianos are a major investment. Selecting a high quality piano can give you years of enjoyment, provide you with a musical instrument you’ll be proud to play. Do your homework and make sure you have the right piano for your home. And if we can help, just ask.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
27 April 2016 Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

posted by

Imagine sitting in a world where nothing is familiar. You don’t know the people around you, are unfamiliar with your surroundings. You’re nervous, not sure where you are or what to do.

Then you hear a familiar tune. One you hummed and sang once upon a time. It calms you down. Makes you smile. Helps you feel more comfortable with your surroundings.Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

That’s reality for many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive disorders. Therapy can take place in many ways, from singing and dancing, to listening from an iPod, to playing an instrument.

While any kind of music can be helpful to the cause, studies show that participating makes more of a difference. Even patients with degenerative diseases and have reduced motor skills who are unable to do much else can participate when they have a digital piano in their presence.

They can respond when a simple tap produces a note. And with little effort, can tap out enough notes to create music, even a song. And if they are able, they can continue the process and learn piano to continue to make music every day.

Music therapy:

Improves memory – practicing piano requires repetition. It challenges a person to learn a little bit more each time they sit down to play.

Improves hand-eye coordination – these fine motor skills are often the first to go. Because a person easily connects that a note makes a sound, they quickly pick up the desire to progress and do more.

Relieves anxiety and stress – listening to music helps you relax. When you are part of the production, it can reduce stress, relieve signs of anxiety and depression.

Increase interaction – while Alzheimer’s patients often withdraw, patients who use music therapy often begin interacting with others, including family members, caregivers, and others in their lives.

Starting up a music therapy business? The perfect addition is a digital piano, one that will allow you to travel to your patients and incorporate all kinds of playing skills into their lives. We can help you select the right digital piano for your needs. Stop by today.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
20 April 2016 Adjusting The Pedals During Piano Tuning

Adjusting The Pedals During Piano Tuning

posted by

In most cases, a piano tuner’s job entails bringing the notes back into tune by adjusting the strings. But in some cases, they may also find a pedal that isn’t doing its job. Pedals on both verticals and grand pianos occasionally stop working.Adjusting The Pedals During Piano Tuning

In many cases, it’s simply a matter of a pedal rod that has fallen out of place. By removing the kickboard on the front cabinet of a vertical piano just under the keyboard, you’ll find a vertical wood dowel or metal rod that connects to horizontal levers that extend up into the piano to a mechanism in the action. Stepping on the pedals causes the rod to move, activating the proper action mechanism inside the piano.

Since the rods are usually only inserted into the action levers with metal pins, it is very common for them to simply fall out of position, causing the pedal to stop working. The more you use a pedal, or if a piano has been moved, the greater the chance of having the pin fall out of place.

Pedal rods usually fall out of place when too much freeplay is in the movement. Freeplay means the pedal and the lever move too much before the vertical rod rises. If freeplay is enough, it can cause the rod to fall out of position, or simply not rise enough to allow the proper movement in the action.

Proper adjustment calls for freeplay of only about 1/16th or an inch. In other words, the vertical rod moves very little during the process. A professional tuner knows how to adjust the rod to the appropriate length. If you adjust it to remove all freeplay, it may jam against other action parts and leave the pedals in a position they shouldn’t be in. This can allow the dampers to stick, or to remain off the strings altogether, allowing notes to ring on and on.

Grand pianos usually have fewer problems with pedal adjustments than verticals. Grand pedal rods are encased in a wooden lyre and rarely fall out of position. However, adjustments are sometimes needed and are completed in much the same way as on a vertical.

Have a question about tuning your piano? Pedals need adjustment? Give us a call today.

Filed Under: Piano Playing, Piano Renovation Tagged With: ,
15 April 2016 How To Move Beyond The Piano Is A Chore Mentality

How To Move Beyond The Piano Is A Chore Mentality

posted by

Whenever something becomes a daily routine, it becomes a chore. It becomes something we have to do rather than something we choose to do.

And that’s when it loses its appeal.How To Move Beyond The Piano Is A Chore Mentality

That’s when the majority of kids give up playing the piano. Because when it’s no longer fun, it becomes something your child has to do, they try to get out of doing it at all costs.

As a parent, to keep you child active in music, its important to switch around their thinking. Playing the piano should never become a chore. It should be a privilege to play. It should be a fun experience, every time they sit down at the keyboard.

And you can encourage the process.

Take Ownership
Instead of forcing a time to play, have your child set the pace. What goals do they wish to achieve? What do they enjoy most? Just a simple turnaround in thinking can move them beyond thinking of it as practice. Let them have more choice in their selections. How about composing their own? The more they see its about them, the more fun they will have with the process.

Provide Role Models
Its easier to have a desire to do something if you see how others are doing it too. Find pianists to inspire your child. People like Jim Brickman, Liz Story, John Tesh, or The Piano Guys all can provide inspiration to your budding piano player. Take them to see your local orchestra to see musicians in action. By bringing awareness of live music into their lives, they are more likely to see how it can impact them in the future.

Reach For A Goal
Piano practice sometimes means playing the same types of songs, over and over again. Break out of the habit and stretch for new music. Try jazz. Or pop. Or classical. Introducing kids to new music can have them striving for more. Maybe they hear a piece they love – how about Let It Go from Frozen? By playing something they love, they can take more ownership in their skills, and have a stronger desire to keep moving forward with their lessons.

Change Your Lingo
How do you talk about practicing? Do you say it with a chore mentality? Things like “You have to get your 30 minutes in today” sets the tone for it being a chore.  But when you build excitement with “You get to play your favorite song today” adds to their enthusiasm. Focus on changing your vocabulary and you will quickly see a change in the attitude of your child’s practice routine as well.

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
12 April 2016 Encourage Instead Of Nag Your Child To Piano Success

Encourage Instead Of Nag Your Child To Piano Success

posted by

It’s human nature to say no to things that challenge us. After all, it’s a whole lot easier sticking with things we know. Things we can do easily.

Encourage Instead Of Nag Your Child To Piano SuccessWhich is why after the rush of wanting to bring music into our lives, it suddenly all goes away. We want to be successful at playing the piano, until we discover several weeks in just how difficult the process really is.

And once that reality sets in, especially for a child, the process is no longer fun.

Yet it’s hard to have fun with something if you’re no good at it. To get good, you have to work for it. Which is why every parent realizes they have to push, motivate, even nag their child over and over again to help them achieve piano success.

How can you do that as a parent who wants your child to succeed?

Relax
Remember, playing the piano isn’t a race. You don’t have a set goal you have to achieve in a certain amount of time. We’re driven to think everything can be solved in short bursts of time. Kids can work through entire video game series in a matter of hours. We solve large problems in two hours – we can thank Hollywood for that. But piano is something where longevity wins over time. Playing is about personal enjoyment and fulfillment, something you carry throughout your lifetime. Enjoy, that’s what it’s truly about.

Consistency
Consistency is always better than establishing strict guidelines over time. A rule of 30 minutes per day can send kids into a tailspin, dreading the time that slowly ticks away on the clock. But if they can sit down as they please, even 10 minutes per day can instill a lifelong love of something that can help them throughout life in so many ways.

Camaraderie
Instead of leaving your kids to practice on their own, have them join a group instead. A piano instructor can lead you to a variety of groups that can have them creating music together. Schools have orchestras and bands. Or have them reach out to other friends who are musically inclined as well. When kids share a common interest, they form a tighter bond. And it can lead to wonderful things.

Showmanship
Instead of asking them to practice, ask them to play you a song instead. If you know they’ve been working really hard on a piece, taking the time to sit down and listen will leave them feeling happy with their success. Reward them with your attention; it’s by far one of the best ways to keep them playing.

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
10 April 2016 Why Can’t My Piano Be Tuned?

Why Can’t My Piano Be Tuned?

posted by

“I have an older upright piano. The owners we bought it from had it stored in their basement and said it hadn’t been tuned in a while. We’ve tuned it several times, but it always seems to go flat quickly. Can this piano be tuned? Is this something we’ll have to live with?”Why Can’t My Piano Be Tuned?

When a piano won’t stay tuned, it can be caused by a couple of things.

First, it could be the frequency of your most recent tuning sessions. If a piano hasn’t been tuned in a while, it needs time to adjust. Sometimes it is better to let the instrument “settle” for a couple of weeks in between tunings to adjust. When a piano is tuned, its pitch is raised and then fine tuned. It will wander off somewhat, depending on how far up the pitch was raised. If it needs to be adjusted by a wide margin, it will take several passes to bring it back up to level.

Second, it could also be an internal, mechanical problem. Tuning pins may be loosening. Strings may be expanding. Actions may require repair.

Over time, a variety of things can happen to a piano. Whether its played regularly or not, the elements and surrounding environment begin to wear on the individual pieces. Felt can deteriorate. Wood can expand or warp.

If you’ve had a tuner come in to tune your piano, is he looking at all of the working parts of the piano? Is he ensuring everything is in good working condition?

In some cases it takes more than a tuning to bring a piano back into good working condition. It takes repairing and replacing other parts as well.

If you haven’t had a qualifies professional tuner adjust your piano in a while, maybe now is the time.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With:
6 April 2016 7 Reasons To Buy A Digital Piano Instead Of An Acoustic Piano

7 Reasons To Buy A Digital Piano Instead Of An Acoustic Piano

posted by

Which should you choose, a digital piano or an acoustic piano?

It really is more a matter of style.

Nothing beats the charm and elegance of playing a high quality acoustic piano. An accomplished musician or composer will love the touch and feel as they create music.7 Reasons To Buy A Digital Piano Instead Of An Acoustic Piano

Yet for some, experimentation with sounds leads them towards technology, and that’s when a digital piano can really allow them to play. The best digital pianos on the market not only feel and sound like the real thing, but they can also be incorporated into almost anything when combined with today’s technology.

But how do you know if it’s time to invest in a digital piano?

1. You’re ready for choices and variety
Yes, digital pianos are designed to sound like acoustic pianos. But from there, they open up the world to opportunity. You can combine it with virtually any sound possible. Add percussion. Create new sounds. It’s perfect for the person ready to experiment with what is possible.

2. Needs less space
Many digital pianos are created as stage pianos, ready for performance and can be carried anywhere you desire. They can also be stowed away with ease. Perfect for kids in a dorm room, or when living in tight spaces.

3. Ready to experiment with sounds
High quality digital pianos produce each note by electronically recording some of the best acoustic pianos. You hear each rich sound when a key is struck. Digital pianos also sample a variety of other sounds, including various nuances and dynamics of different instruments. It puts an entire band at your fingertips.

4. No tuning required
Acoustic pianos require tuning on a regular basis to maintain their sound. With digital, you never have to worry about it going out of tune. That can be a good thing, especially if you move your keyboard around on a regular basis.

5. You’re ready to compose
One of the joys of learning to play the piano is eventually creating your own music. With digital, you can turn your composing skills into a recording studio. Digital pianos come with MIDI, which allows you to connect your digital piano to a computer, and turn it into a recording studio complete with all the tools you’ll need to create and share.

6. You want to play anytime
Families today have different schedules. When one is ready to practice the piano, another may be ready to study. Or sleep. All digital pianos have headphone output, which allows you to connect a headphone and practice without disturbing others.

7. Continue to expand
Thanks to the Internet, digital pianos can be upgraded all the time. With many recent models, you can connect your digital piano to the Internet and download all kinds of items, from songs to sounds and styles. It gives you even more opportunity when playing and composing.

Want more? Stop by today and learn just how beneficial a digital piano can be in your life.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With:
2 April 2016 What Parents Should Know About Piano Lessons

What Parents Should Know About Piano Lessons

posted by

Parents understand that whatever activity they put their child into, they will need practice along the way.

If they join a play, they will have regular practice to learn their part.What Parents Should Know About Piano Lessons

If they take up soccer, they will have regular practice to absorb the strategies.

In most cases, you can sit back and watch them in action from the sidelines, see them making progress, listen to the interaction between coach and teammates.

But that doesn’t work as well for piano lessons. If your child wants to learn how to play the piano, you drop them off and pick them up, without understanding what goes on behind closed doors. If you’ve never been through the process yourself, it’s difficult to understand your role in the entire process. But as a parent, there are many things you can do every day to help them enjoy the piano and improve a little more each week.

Your child needs help establishing a routine
The most important aspect of learning to play the piano is to help them develop a structure. For young children that have shorter attention spans, 20 minutes every day will beat out 30 minutes three or four times per week anytime. These short bursts can help them focus in on learning while avoiding the burnout that comes from extensive repetition. Even if you don’t understand music, you can still be there to help them organize their time wisely, practice things according to the teaching plan, and find ways for answering the “I’m stuck” questions that invariably come with learning something new. Be a part of this process every step of the way. Remember; their piano teacher is there for you to ask questions of too.

Your child needs encouragement
Learning to play the piano is difficult. It’s not something that will come easily in a short period of time. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming; that’s when they need your guidance the most. Show them you’re there every step of the way. You can listen to practice sessions. You can attend recitals with enthusiasm. You can invite friends and family to attend, showing you enjoy what they are doing and take pride in their performance.

Your child needs a positive practice environment
The daily routine should never be about cramming in everything to make sure it fits. It should never be about moving rapidly from one thing to the next to make sure you have time for it all. Instead, piano practicing should be a relaxing time, a time for enjoyment. It’s not just practice, it’s learning to enjoy and create beautiful music. Accomplishing the next scale or moving to a harder piece of music isn’t the goal if they don’t enjoy the process.

Your child needs a piano that’s enjoyable
Playing the piano is more than understanding where the notes are. It’s about the enjoyment of the music that comes from within. Even the youngest of players will experience making beautiful sounds. If you choose an instrument that gives them the joy of creating music, one that sounds good to their ear, they will be more fulfilled with the process.

Filed Under: Piano Lessons Tagged With: ,
26 March 2016 Are Refurbished Pianos As Good As New?

Are Refurbished Pianos As Good As New?

posted by

So it’s time to bring a piano into your home. Where do you begin?

When you’ve decided you or your child will begin playing the piano, the first step is to find a piano to practice on regularly. And in most cases, the deciding factor comes down to cost, how much you can spend.Are Refurbished Pianos As Good As New?

After all, pianos can be very expensive, depending on the make and model you select. Which leaves many would-be piano owners searching out the best deals. It takes a lot of time to wade through your options.

There’s also a lot of risks.

Used pianos are marketed in a wide variety of ways. What does it all mean? Are there some you can trust more than others?

Remanufactured Pianos
Remanufactured pianos will ensure the piano is in new-like condition, both regarding appearance and performance. It will have new hammers, felts, strings, action parts, a new soundboard, and pinblock. In most cases it will also go through a refinishing process.

Rebuilt Pianos
If a piano is listed as rebuilt, it has gone through several changes, such as receiving new strings, a new soundboard, or a new pinblock. Most rebuilt pianos are also refinished too.

Reconditioned Pianos
A reconditioned piano usually signifies the piano has had strings and/or hammers replaced.

Restored Pianos
A restored piano is often a generic term used to describe a piano that has been remanufactured, rebuilt or refinished.

Refurbished Pianos
A refurbished piano typically takes it to the next level. Pianos that are refurbished will go through a lot of work, such as new strings, hammers, felts, pinblocks and soundboard. They may also be refinished in the process. At the completion, a refurbished piano will also be tuned and have regulation of the piano action.

If you are on a budget and wonder how you can purchase the best piano in your price range, looking at refurbished pianos may be your best alternative. Refurbished pianos have almost everything repaired or replaced within the parts. In most cases, they are as good as new. It is important that you thoroughly inspect the refurbished piano to make sure it meets your standards.

Look for a reputable dealer that can provide information about previous owners and its current condition.

Look for dealer’s warranties to protect you in the future.

Ask questions. This can ensure you are comfortable with your purchase.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Renovation Tagged With:
21 March 2016 How To Make Piano Lessons – And Practice Sessions – Fun!

How To Make Piano Lessons – And Practice Sessions – Fun!

posted by

A child should never leave the piano feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

Piano playing should be fun and enjoyable. It should be challenging and rewarding.

And while a child may occasionally feel frustrated with learning a new task, it should quickly fade as they figure out the patterns and hear the end results at their fingertips.How To Make Piano Lessons – And Practice Sessions – Fun!

If your child ever becomes too frustrated when practicing, it may be time to take a break. Encouragement is needed to ensure they learn problem solving skills and have the ability to see things through. But equally important is learning when to step back and refocus, so they can approach a task in a new light.

Here are a few piano practicing tips that can help them step away from frustration for a moment, before returning to continue.

Pull out an old familiar piece of music
We all like our favorite songs, the ones we hum to and can play even without the music in place. Pull these old favorites out. Then give them new life. Play them faster. Make sections more dramatic. Add the pedal. Discover new ways to add pizzazz to an old song.

Compose their own tune
Even the youngest of students can begin composing their own tunes. They can put together a few bars from familiar pieces, mix things up and add their own notes and rhythms. Perfection is not the goal, having fun is. Combining classical with pop can create funny sounds. Mixing fast and slow rhythms can leave them feeling refreshed.

Improv
Ever sat down and tried to play a familiar tune? The more you try it, the better you get. Practice by humming out recognizable tunes and plucking them out one hand at a time. You don’t have to get the entire song out, even a few bars can leave a player feeling like they’ve accomplished a lot.

Pick up a piano game
With an iPad near by, piano games are always just a touch away. Kids today are motivated by games, they play them all the time. Find a few favorites that can pull the frustration away and help them get back into the mood of practicing.

It’s important to talk through frustrations while implementing refocus techniques to help them move forward. Not only will this make them better piano players, it can also teach them valuable life skills as well.

Do you have any other activities you use to make piano practice fun?

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »