You’re ready to expand your child’s skills. You’ve decided to enroll them in piano lessons.
The first order of business is buying the necessary equipment. But where should you go? What should you get? Should you buy a used piano, or rent your first piano instead?
Those are tough questions for parents who have decided to give the gift of music to their kids. Especially when you do a quick search online and find pianos can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Before you rethink your purchase, remember music is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. It’s a skill they can take and use for life. There is also scientific proof it raises their test scores, makes them better learners, and creates a happier, more stress-free life.
But first, you have to decide: buy used or rent your first piano?
Pianos come in all shapes and sizes. If you go traditional, you’ll find acoustic pianos come in upright or grand. Want something smaller? Digital and electronic pianos are available for your use.
As a newbie, your best course of action before you make a decision is to ask a lot of questions. Don’t walk into your local big box store and purchase a keyboard in the toy section. That will never give your child the resources they need to play beautifully and enjoy what they’re doing.
Instead, talk with someone who’s been in the industry for years. They can give you a better idea about what each type of piano can offer you. Higher price isn’t always better. It’s about knowing your goals and needs, and matching those up with the right piano.
Renting is often the right choice for a beginner who isn’t sure about playing and isn’t ready to commit to something bigger. This is a great way to get to know the instrument and further your knowledge in piano playing, so that you can make a better choice down the road.
Buying used can also be a great choice. Just be sure you know where the piano is coming from, and how well it plays. If it’s been sitting in your grandmother’s garage for the past fifty years, it’s been neglected and won’t provide high quality sound. The tonal quality will be off, and it will be noticeable as your child plays. Nothing can be more frustrating than playing a song that just doesn’t sound right. It can even cause your child to lose interest, and say no to continuing on with music lessons.
Visit with one of our staff, and we’ll show you how to select the right piano for your needs. We can also show you a series of used pianos, and find one that fits within your budget. A quality piano will be a welcome addition to your home for years to come.
