10 February 2021 I Have a New Piano … Now What?

I Have a New Piano … Now What?

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Buying the new piano is the easy part.

It’s what comes next that trips people up. Especially right here in the heart of a pandemic. You’re stuck at home. You want to play. But where do you go from here?

Maybe you can’t get out and go to your local community center to sign up for group lessons. Maybe the neighbor who everyone recommends is no longer giving lessons.

What’s next?

The good news is there are plenty of options to help you learn piano now.

Hire a piano teacher

Maybe your local piano teacher is no longer teaching, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find many who are. Just like other business models that have transferred their services online, you’ll find many piano teachers have done the same.

Instead of traveling to a home or music store, you can work one on one with a piano teacher from the comfort of your home. Head to Zoom or your piano teacher’s preferred program and you’ll get individual instruction from someone who can help you perfect your skills.

If you don’t know someone in your community offering piano lessons, do a quick Google search. You won’t have to rely on who is in your community – you can find someone who meets your requirements from anywhere in the world. This is also a good tip if you’re perfecting your skills, and looking for a particular type of instructor.

Online piano teaching

What if you could learn the piano from one of your favorite musicians? There’s an app for that.

This is a way to make learning fun. Using technology, you can work your way through a variety of lessons, pick songs from your favorite artist, and learn from some of the best in the business. If Harry Connick Jr was helping you improve your skills, would you play along?

Luckily, we’re at a point in history where this is possible. Playgroundsessions.com is a program produced by music legend Quincy Jones, with a little help from some famous friends. You choose what you want to learn, and have the option for going as fast or as slow as you desire.

What’s next?

If you have a new piano, your next step is to take action. Choose the perfect method of learning for your needs.

If you haven’t invested in a new piano yet, we can help. No matter what level of piano you’re looking for, we have the perfect piano for you. Give us a call today.

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Why The Piano Is Still An Important Part of Every Home

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2020 has changed our lifestyles in so many ways. We’re living in a before/after world. 

Before, we came and went to activities freely. We overbooked and stayed busy night and day. 

After, we’re more conscious about what fills our days. Without the ability to go places, we pay attention to everything we do. 

We’re asking questions like never before. 

Is this something I really want to do?

And in a lot of cases, that’s bringing us back to the simple things in life. 

Like playing the piano. 

There used to be a time when every home had a piano. It would often take center stage in the main living area. People would gather around it to be entertained. Kids would learn how to play from a very young age. 

There are benefits to that. 

Playing the piano as a child teaches many things. It helps with the brain’s development, increases language skills, creates a more active brain with better memory skills, and helps control stress and anxiety. It gives kids a confidence boost and makes them a better team player. 

More students that move on to medical school have a background in music than in any other major. 

It helps in all aspects of life. What’s more, it’s a skill that a person will hold onto for life. 

Before, when parents were busy running every day of the week, encouraging children to stick with piano lessons was difficult at best. That’s changing. 

As you create an environment that centers on less stress in your home, maybe it’s time to get back to the simpler things in life. Things that matter most. 

Maybe it’s time to invest in a piano, one that will take center stage in your family room. One that will become a bigger part of your life. 

There are many ways to learn to play – try an app, or a Zoom lesson with a pro, or use a digital system to invent your own music. 

Investing in a piano today is one of the best gifts you can give your family. 

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28 December 2020 How Long Will My Piano Last?

How Long Will My Piano Last?

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Everything in your home has a lifespan, a certain number of years it will function and provide you with service. Dishwashers last up to ten years. Water heaters work eight to twelve years. But how long will a piano last? 

You often hear of a piano being passed down from one generation to the next. Can it really last years, decades at a time? 

The good news is if you’re thinking about bringing a piano into your life, the short answer is: yes. 

Of course, there are a number of factors that go into predicting the longevity of your piano. If you’re thinking of investing in a piano this year, and want it to be a part of your life for years to come, pay attention to these variables.

Quality

Let’s start with the most obvious. Quality matters. If you’ve done any research on pianos in the past, chances are you’ve come across certain brands and manufacturers that are at the top of the list. They’ve stood the test of time because they pay attention to quality. You would never expect a quickly made, lower quality piano to be able to last for 100 years. Yet many brand names are built with that idea in mind. Talk it over with one of our sales associates, and you’ll quickly learn the difference between the two, and what’s most important in your search for the right piano. 

Location

It doesn’t matter what quality of piano you purchase if you place it in the wrong environment. Think the best piano in the world could survive in a cold basement where moisture and humidity eat away at the finish day after day? A piano is made up of thousands of tiny parts that come together to create a playable instrument. A piano that is well maintained and exists in moderate conditions will last much longer than one that isn’t. 

Amount of use

A piano is designed to be played. However, it will wear down with higher than expected use. If you teach music and the piano is in constant use, it may need more maintenance than one inside a home.

Maintenance

One of the biggest factors in keeping your piano in good working condition is to provide regular maintenance throughout its life. Pianos require regular tuning to ensure the strings receive consistent pressure. If you move your piano, ensure it’s moved by professionals who understand how to move it carefully and avoid damaging the inner workings. Be sure your piano is placed in an area with proper climate control, with just the right amount of humidity to keep it working at its best. 

On average, you can expect a piano to last for 50 to 100 years. Of course, that depends on all the factors we’ve listed above. 

If you’re ready to bring music into your home, we can help you find the perfect piano. 

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28 September 2020 How To Clean and Polish Your Piano Finish

How To Clean and Polish Your Piano Finish

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Your piano is a delicate balance between looks and sound. And while your piano might sit next to a table, armoire, or even curio cabinet, you can’t clean it in the same fashion. 

Different finishes require different levels of care. What’s the best way to clean and polish your piano?

Satin Finishes 

For some people, a piano with a satin finish is the only way to go. You’ll notice a satin finished piano anywhere in the room. It reflects light easily, and is usually finished with a lacquer, polyester, or some other finish that gives it its unique shine. 

To achieve this look, multiple layers of finish are rubbed into the wood. Between each layer, the finish is lightly sanded before the next layer is applied. By the time the final coat is laid into place, the high-gloss sheen gives it its signature look. 

What gives it its shine also makes it difficult to clean. Oils from fingerprints are easily trapped and are not easily removed. If you rub the finish the wrong way, you’ll be able to see the cleaning trails in the shine. 

To keep this finish looking its best, less is more. Never use water on the finish. However, you can use a dry-damp microfiber cloth with back and forth motion to wipe it down. Avoid waxes, petroleum-based products, cleaning products you get from your favorite big box store, and any product with ammonia. These products will all strip the finish and cause it to dull. 

High-gloss Finishes

A high-gloss finish will reflect both light and images, and is usually created using a polyester material. It combines synthetic resins that harden during curing, and create a hardness that’s durable. 

One of the main reasons this stands out over satin finishes because it’s easier to maintain. More traditional cleaning products may not hurt the finish, but they can lead to an uneven appearance. It’s a good idea to keep your cleaning methods simple, using a mild solution to clean up messy spots. Microfiber clothes are an easy way to clean messes and fingerprints from the finish. 

Open-pore Finishes

If you opt for a natural wood veneer instead of an ebony finish, you might have an open-pore finish. They are created in similar fashion to other furniture you keep in your home, such as tables or headboards. They are created by sanding the wood to a smooth finish, then applying a sealer and a coat or two of lacquer to seal in the wood. 

If you own a piano with this type of finish, you can care for it similarly to your other furniture items made out of similar materials. Just be sure to stick with natural materials, as product containing things like paraffin waxes can leave a sticky residue on the finish. Avoid spraying any product near any of the working parts, such as the keyboard or turning pins or strings, as this could damage and corrode the materials. 

What do you do to clean and polish your piano? 

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18 September 2020 What To Know About Piano Prices

What To Know About Piano Prices

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When most families decide to bring a piano into their lives, hoping the kids love and value being able to make music, their first stop on their journey is to try and find a good deal on a piano. 

Yet piano prices can be difficult to assess. After all, how do you compare what you’ll pay from a dealer with the “deal” you find on Craigslist, which is essentially getting the piano for free? 

Why should you pay when you can haul one away for no more cost than finding a truck and committing an hour or so of your time?

First, let’s talk about piano dealers. 

When a piano dealer opens up a retail shop, it’s usually as a small business. They have a love for all things musical, and have chosen to share their joy of creating songs by helping others choose the right instrument. 

A piano dealer obviously has to set the prices high enough to cover costs. But you’re also paying for:

Skill – they have access to know and understand dozens of piano brands, and have selected quality ones they think their customers will love. 

Knowledge – they’ve been around pianos for years – decades – and know what to look for when making a purchase. They can quickly assess your needs and help you make the right choice for what you want in a piano. 

Guarantees – the dealer has thoroughly evaluated every piano they sell, ensuring you get a high quality instrument. If for some reason it has problems during the warranty period, you’re covered. 

Deals – a dealer also knows how to find the best deals. If you’re looking for a particular piano, they can help you find it. They can help you find the diamond in the rough. They can set you up with a rental to determine how well piano fits into your life. They can help you trade up to a better piano when you’re ready. 

Remember, piano prices aren’t just about the piano. It’s about the other services that go along with it. 

Does the piano come with a bench, or will you have to buy one? 

What level of customer service comes with both pre and post sale?

How comfortable are you you’re making a good choice, one that will help you and your kids truly find the love of creating music? 

If you want to give your kids the gift of music, you have to choose the appropriate tools to help them along. 

We can help. Stop by today and compare many different pianos we have in stock. We’ll help you choose the right piano for your needs. 

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4 September 2020 How Your Piano Is Impacted By Indoor Air Quality

How Your Piano Is Impacted By Indoor Air Quality

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Have you ever thought about your home’s indoor air quality? Every year, a variety of things filter inside. 

You heat your home in the winter, cool it in the summer. It’s impacted by high humidity and bitter cold. Fires can bring ash and soot, and more dust than you can handle. Hurricanes can bring in mildew, mold, and more. 

When any storm hits our community, it’s a lot to take in. You may have landscaping needs to care for, or even broken equipment throughout your home. 

Don’t ignore your piano. Even if it appears to be okay on the outside, indoor air quality can take its toll on how well it works. 

Weather

Extreme heat in the summer. Bitter temperatures in the winter. And a swing of humidity changes of 50 percent or more throughout the year. How is that impacting your piano? 

Cold weather is known to be hard on piano strings. It causes them to contract, meaning they shorten and tighten up. Warmer temperatures cause the opposite reaction. It jars connections loose and can cause the sound to become slightly distorted. High levels of humidity can cause the soundboard to swell, while low moisture will cause it to shrink. 

It’s an ebb and flow throughout the year. And all of it impacts how well your piano plays. 

Smoke damage

If you’ve ever watched a stream of smoke after you blow out a candle, you understand the complexities of what it can do. Smoke is what you see with the incomplete combustion process of carbon matter. While smoke generally dissipates quickly, it can create a residue. The more smoke, the more impact it has throughout your home. Wipe a finger across the finish of your piano; this residue may have settled in. 

While it may seem like a simple task to wipe it away, it comes with odor as well as soot. It can move through the cracks and into the inner workings of your piano. Over time, it can cause everything from discoloration, corrosion, and even extensive damage throughout. 

Chemical cleaners

You haul out a variety of cleaners for your weekly routines. Glass cleaners, all-purpose sprays, even air fresheners to create a clean scent left behind. But what do all of these have in common? Chemicals filling your air supply. And with doors and windows closed, your ventilation system in full gear blowing heat or cool air to every room, it can also move chemicals throughout as well. 

Those chemicals land somewhere. They can impact the finish of your piano, bury deep inside and weaken joints and connections. 

Pay attention to what chemicals are in everything you spray. Not only will it protect your piano, but it can create cleaner air to breathe – a win/win for everyone in your household. 

These are just a few of the many things that can impact your piano all year long. 

Keep your piano in good working condition by having it tuned on a regular schedule. A professional will ensure your piano is working well, and is in the best condition, inside and out. 

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3 August 2020 The Differences Between Playing a Piano and a Keyboard

The Differences Between Playing a Piano and a Keyboard

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One of the most common thoughts parents have when enrolling their kids in piano lessons is whether to buy a piano or a keyboard. Can you learn to play the piano on a keyboard? 

The short answer is: yes. While there are subtle differences between the two, which we’ll get into in a minute, the two often work interchangeably when learning to play. But that doesn’t mean you can run down to your local discount store and buy an electronic toy. There are certain characteristics a keyboard will need in order to make your skills transferable. 

Do pianos and keyboards sound the same?

There is a big difference between a piano player at your local symphony, and a keyboard player in your favorite rock band. Does that mean one is better than the other, or the two can’t be interchanged? Not at all. A sophisticated keyboard is designed to play like a piano. Because it’s digital, it will also have the possibility of replicating other sounds, like percussion, synthesizers, or horns. It also has the ability to easily save music directly to your computer, or even send it to your YouTube channel. For computer geeks, that can be a big benefit. 

What are the significant differences between the two?

When comparing the two, the biggest thing to watch for is the action. Action is the response a key has when you press down. If you play a key on an acoustic piano, it has some resistance – a weighted feel. In order to learn how to play, it’s important that a keyboard has that same weighted feel. It makes your skills transferable from one to the other. 

You should also pay attention to the range of keys. A traditional piano has 88 keys. Keyboards often go down in key numbers in order to save on space and size. A standard piano has 88 keys. Some keyboards will eliminate an octave or more, going down to 72 or fewer. 

If you play a keyboard, does it discourage you from moving to an acoustic piano?

Not necessarily. But again, it’s important that you pay attention to quality. If the two aren’t interchangeable, the skills you learn on a keyboard won’t transfer to an acoustic piano. It will mean you’ll have to relearn hand and finger placement, as well as how the keys spring into action. 

What’s the right choice for you?

It’s easy to fixate on the price. But it’s equally important to remember that playing the piano is a skill you can carry throughout your life. In order to learn the craft, you have to have the proper tool. If you aren’t sure, stop by and let us help you understand the differences between pianos and keyboards. We can let you feel and hear the differences, and make the right choice for your needs. 

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25 June 2020 5 Accessories You Need For Your Piano Right Now

5 Accessories You Need For Your Piano Right Now

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The more we stay at home, the more we come to appreciate the little things. 

Music falls into that category. Where we once spread ourselves thin, running from event to event, barely fitting it all in, we now have time to sit back and think about what’s important. 

If you’ve taken a second look at the piano sitting in your living space, and are dedicated to music a bigger part of your life, there are a few accessories you should invest in now.

Piano stool or bench

You can’t pull up a chair and play the piano correctly. Different players need different heights. If you have an uncomfortable seat, it can impact your posture and hand positioning. It can also lead to poor technique. 

Music stand

Depending on the piano you’re using, it’s important to have the right music stand in the right place at the right height. For grand pianos, you can get sophisticated and decorative. For a digital keyboard, something portable may be your top requirement. It’s important to get one of high quality that can withstand years of use. 

Light

Piano practice doesn’t always occur in the middle of the day with perfect natural lighting. That’s why having the right light is so important. Can you see the music without squinting, moving forward, and losing your good posture? Does it add or detract from your music room? With so many options in piano lighting, find the one that’s right for you. 

Headphones

Think headphones are only for keyboards? Think again. With many of today’s pianos, headphones aren’t just optional, they’re required for easy practicing. How many times has your household been too busy to practice? By putting a pair of headphones on, you can practice anytime without disturbing those around you. 

Metronome

All levels of piano players will benefit from having a metronome. It allows you to stay on track with tempo, and improve the way you play through difficult selections of music. It’s great for learning pieces on your own, but is equally important when practicing to play with a larger group. It ensures you’re playing at the proper rhythm. 

Do you have the right piano for your needs? Do you have all the accessories to ensure your piano playing is on target? If not, we can help. Give us a call today, and we can help you outfit the perfect music room for your needs. 

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17 June 2020 How To Clean A Used Upright Piano 

How To Clean A Used Upright Piano 

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If 2020 has done anything for us, it’s taught us all to clean a little harder. Thanks to the coronavirus, we’re scrubbing, sanitizing, and organizing more than ever before. Even things we’ve forgotten in the corner are seeing new life as we move them, clean them, and do it all over again. 

But what about that used upright piano you brought into your home? You can’t throw it into the dishwasher. You can’t spray it down with a hose. 

Is there a right way to clean a used upright piano? 

Dusting – Dusting is the best course of action for your piano. Don’t let the dust settle in, inside or out. Every week, keep the surfaces dust-free to prevent buildup of harmful particles where they shouldn’t be. You can use a dry cloth or a duster to gently cover the surface. 

Deeper cleaning – Pianos and water don’t mix. Because a piano is a delicate instrument, never place anything around or on it that can damage the surface. A glass of water, a bottle of juice, a can of soda, a potted plant – keep everything that could potentially damage the surface of your piano away. If you want to remove smudges or spots, use a well-ringed out damp cloth, ensuring it dries quickly to avoid damaging your piano. 

Polishing – It’s recommended that you don’t use polish on your piano. They are bad for the piano finish and can do more harm than good. For complete guidelines, always check with your piano’s manufacturer before applying any product. 

Now let’s talk about the keys. This is the one part of your piano that will need more than a simple swipe of a duster. Touching them every day can release oils and grime to the keys. Clean them with a damp cloth. Be sure to ring all the water out, leaving it barely damp to the touch. You don’t want water seeping between the keys, damaging the internal workings of the keyboard. Use a separate cloth for the white and black keys, to keep the colors true to the keys. 

When you open up the top of either your upright or grand piano, you might find a dusty mess waiting for you. A vacuum with a hose attachment will be your friend as you keep it clean. Be careful as you move throughout the piano, being careful not to knock any pieces loose. You can invest in a can of compressed air to reach into tiny places. Pay attention to any damage you may find. If you haven’t paid attention to the piano in years, or have recently purchased it from someone else, you might find a variety of things inside that shouldn’t be there. Any of these things can cause extensive damage, and may require repair or even refurbing your piano. 

Not sure if you want to do it yourself? Have questions about the extent of damage you find on the inside of your piano? We can help. Give us a call today. 

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18 May 2020 Should I Cover My Piano When Not In Use?

Should I Cover My Piano When Not In Use?

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This is a question we get a lot around here. And it makes sense, you spend a lot on purchasing the right piano for your home, protecting it seems only natural. 

In most cases, it isn’t necessary to cover your piano. If you have a grand piano, covering it can be quite a chore. Especially if you play your piano regularly, covering and uncovering it each time can take away minutes that would be better off playing. 

If you do have a grand piano and are worried about keeping the inner workings in the best possible shape, it’s better to close the lid when you are done playing. This can help with the integrity of your piano, and protect wood and strings from dust and humidity. Air conditioning can be especially hard on it. You can’t completely stop your piano from being impacted by the elements, but closing the lid reduces exposure, and can slow the aging and degradation process. 

Your piano is designed to be inside your home and be played. With proper cleanings and tunings, it can last for decades. You can’t stop exposure to the elements, even if it’s covered or you close your lid. Aging and wear happen naturally. 

But there is one thing you should do before you place your piano in its final resting spot, and that’s paying attention to the way sunlight streams into your home. Sunlight is possibly your piano’s worst enemy. 

Sunlight can wear down the finish, warp wood, and tighten the tension throughout your piano. It can cause the soundboard to crack. It can degrade the finish, taking away your piano’s classic good looks. While you should consider moving your piano to a better location, covering it to protect it from the sun’s rays would be the next best step. 

Do you have other questions about your piano’s condition? 

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