28 October 2023 Choosing the Right Piano Teacher: What to Look For

Choosing the Right Piano Teacher: What to Look For

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The fastest way to learn something is with a teacher. Finding the right teacher isn’t always an easy process. 

That’s true for any subject, including music. Choosing the right piano teacher means finding one who resonates with your personality and keeps your music goals in place. 

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, finding the right piano teacher is crucial to your success. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. Where do you begin to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience?

Qualifications and Experience

First, check the qualifications and experience of your potential piano teacher. A good teacher should have a solid educational background in music, ideally with a degree in music education or performance. Look for teachers who have years of experience teaching students at your skill level. An experienced teacher will have encountered various learning styles and can adapt their teaching methods to suit your needs.

Teaching Philosophy

Every piano teacher has their own teaching philosophy and approach. Finding a teacher whose philosophy aligns with your goals and learning style is essential. Some teachers emphasize classical training, while others may focus on contemporary or jazz styles. Discuss your musical interests and goals with prospective teachers to see if they fit you.

Patience and Communication Skills

Learning to play the piano can be challenging, especially for beginners. A patient and understanding teacher can make a world of difference in your learning experience. A great teacher should be able to break down complex concepts into understandable terms and provide constructive feedback to help you improve.

Availability and Scheduling

Consider the teacher’s availability and scheduling options. Are they flexible with lesson times? Do they offer both in-person and online lessons? Choose a teacher whose schedule aligns with yours to ensure consistency in your piano lessons.

Student Reviews and Recommendations

Don’t hesitate to ask for references or read online reviews from current or former students. Hearing about others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into a teacher’s teaching style, personality, and effectiveness. Positive reviews and recommendations can strongly indicate a teacher’s quality.

Musical Versatility

While specialization is valuable, a well-rounded piano teacher who can introduce you to various musical styles and genres can be beneficial. Learning different styles can broaden your musical horizons and make you a more versatile pianist.

Performance Opportunities

If you’re interested in performing, inquire about the teacher’s involvement in recitals or opportunities for students to showcase their skills. Performance experiences can boost your confidence and motivation, so it’s essential to have a teacher who encourages and supports such endeavors.

Location and Accessibility

If you prefer in-person lessons, consider the teacher’s location. Is it convenient for you to travel to their studio? Make sure the location is accessible and safe, especially if you’ll be attending lessons regularly.

Cost and Policies

Discuss the cost of lessons and the teacher’s payment policies upfront. Some teachers offer a trial lesson or package deals, while others have a strict payment schedule. Clarify any cancellation policies as well to avoid misunderstandings later.

Personal Connection

Last but not least, trust your instincts. A personal connection with your piano teacher can enhance your learning experience. It’s important to feel comfortable and motivated during your lessons. It might be worth exploring other options if you have reservations or feel uneasy about a particular teacher.

Want to be a better piano player? Lessons are a good approach. But don’t rush the process of finding the right teacher to suit your needs. 

Take your time to research and meet with potential teachers to ensure they meet your criteria. Remember that a great piano teacher can inspire you, motivate you, and help you reach your musical goals. Don’t rush the decision. 

Take the time to find the perfect match, and your piano playing will flourish under the guidance of the right teacher. 

How can we help you in your music journey? 

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14 August 2021 The Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano

The Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano

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If you’re in the market for a new piano, you may have come across digital pianos in your search. Could this be the perfect instrument for your home?

Here are six reasons why digital pianos might be right for you.

  1. Many affordable options

Acoustic pianos are a classic instrument for a reason. They’re beautiful and complex instruments that sound beautiful. However, even the most basic models can be expensive to purchase. 

Digital pianos, on the other hand, start at a few thousand dollars lower than acoustic pianos. If cost has been holding you back from getting a piano, a digital piano might be a good solution for you.

  1. They can have a similar feel and sound as an acoustic piano

If you’ve ever played on a keyboard, you might know that it’s not the same experience as playing a piano. There’s not as much weight to the keys, and it can feel like playing a different instrument entirely. It also doesn’t have the same rich sound.

So are digital pianos the same? If you haven’t tried one out recently, we recommend that you test one out in person. You might be surprised at how much it feels and sounds like an acoustic instrument. Modern digital pianos even mimic the feel of acoustic pianos by weighting their keys with hammers. 

Sound quality and the feel of the instrument do depend on the quality of the piano, however, and a lower-end digital piano might not feel or sound exactly like an acoustic instrument. For this reason, it’s important to test the piano out in person to see if you like it.

  1. The ability to wear headphones while playing

If you live in a household with your family, you might worry about bothering others while you practice a song over and over again. With a digital piano though, you’ll be able to plug your headphones in and practice in your own world. You can also adjust the volume as you play.

  1. No more tuning

Since digital pianos don’t have strings that will go out of tune, you’ll never need a professional tuner to come by and service your piano. As well, digital pianos are less sensitive to temperature and humidity levels. While you may need some maintenance work over your piano’s lifetime, digital pianos are overall easier to maintain.

  1. Great for new piano learners

Digital pianos have a number of features that make learning easy and fun for new players. Smart accompaniments, guide lights, recording features, background rhythms, built-in songs, and different instrument voices all make learning engaging for children and adults alike.

  1. Can last you for decades

Other technology like phones and computers are quickly replaceable, so what about a digital piano? Will it last for a long time, or will you have to replace it when it becomes outdated? The great news is that, with proper care and maintenance, your digital piano can last you for decades. 

Is a digital piano the right instrument for you?

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7 September 2018 Should You Order Your Digital Piano Online?

Should You Order Your Digital Piano Online?

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We’ve turned into a world of online shoppers. Whether you want your latest beauty products, or a few items for tomorrow night’s dinner, all of your selections are just a click away. 

Some things are easy to buy online. 

If you want a new toaster, you can do a little searching to find which toasters have high ratings. You can decide your budget, find the best for your dollar, and hit the “buy” button to have it delivered in days. 

The toaster is mechanical. It works – it toasts. And as long as it does that, you’ll be happy with it sitting in your kitchen and being ready to work for you whenever you desire. Should You Order Your Digital Piano Online?

But other things are more personal. A picture doesn’t do it justice. If you can’t touch it and feel it, you won’t know if it truly meets your needs. 

Do a quick search for digital pianos, and you’ll find a wealth of information at your fingertips. You’ll find:

  • Photographs of all the makes and models
  • Reviews telling you what someone likes and doesn’t like about their purchase
  • Star ratings
  • Videos of a particular model in action

And if you’ve never played the piano before, all of this may seem like it’s enough to make a final selection. 

Yet playing a piano goes beyond good reviews and five star ratings. Just because someone else likes it doesn’t make it the right choice for you. 

A piano is personal. You have to touch it, hear it, feel the notes. And every piano creates a different sound. 

The main challenge with digital pianos is in engineering the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. Because a digital piano doesn’t operate with strings, hammers, and keys, it depends on a recording to emulate to sound. Every manufacturer does this in its own unique way. 

It also depends on weighting the keys in the right way. If you’ve ever played an acoustic piano, you know they have “give” when you press them. If you’ve ever played a digital piano without that “give”, you know the feeling isn’t the same. And that difference can impede your ability to play. If you can’t transfer your skills between different types of piano, you’ll be frustrated with your performance in the long run. 

The best way to ensure you have everything you need is to speak with a professional. Stop by today and we’ll help you select the right digital piano for your needs. 

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21 August 2018 The Best Place To Buy A Digital Piano Is At A Piano Dealer

The Best Place To Buy A Digital Piano Is At A Piano Dealer

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If you shop online for a piano, you might miss crucial steps to ensuring you find the right digital piano for your needs. 

If you shop for your new digital piano at a piano dealer, he’ll work hard to ensure you make the right selection by asking you a few questions. 

How much space do you have?

Even though you’re selecting a digital piano, they come in a variety of sizes. Will you leave it set up in your home? Or will you be tucking it away when you’re finished practicing? 

The Best Place To Buy A Digital Piano Is At A Piano DealerWhat purpose do you want the piano to have?

For some musicians, they take their piano wherever they go. For others, they prefer to play at home for their own enjoyment. There are right choices for every need and desire. 

Do you like the sound? 

It’s important that you enjoy the sound of your piano. We all hear things in slightly different ways. Test out several pianos to hear the differences; you’ll be surprised at how different they all can be. This isn’t a time to hit a few keys. If you can’t play a song, get someone who can. Sit down and really listen to the way your potential pianos play. 

Who will be playing it? 

Is this for you or is it a family instrument? Will your child be using it to learn, or bringing it with them to college? Be sure everyone who plays it is involved in the process. You might miss crucial elements that they require, and you haven’t considered. 

How long do you want the piano to last? 

Some parents know they’ll be upgrading in a year or two. Others hope the piano can last for years. We can help you think realistically based on your needs today. We can also provide you with information about upgrade and buyback programs, which can help you when you’re ready to upgrade. 

What’s your budget?

When you search online, chances are you look only at pianos with a certain dollar figure in mind. Stop by a piano dealer and he’ll show you a wide range of pianos, giving you a little education on what your money can buy. What if you can upgrade and have a piano last for years – and it’s only a few dollars more? 

What other questions should I ask?

When you buy online or from a big box dealer, what you see is what you get. What you buy is based on your own knowledge. But when you go to a piano dealer, they can help you understand what your choices really are. They can help you make the best choice for your situation, and be happy with your choice for many years to come. 

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30 July 2018 Digital Piano Accessories You Should Consider

Digital Piano Accessories You Should Consider

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Are you investing in a digital piano for your home? You may also wish to consider a few accessories to make your piano playing a little easier. 

A Stand

One of the reasons many people prefer digital pianos is because of their flexibility to move wherever you desire. You can set them up and take them down in a flash; it makes them a perfect instrument for smaller homes. But you can’t play your piano well if you try and set it up on a table. Having the perfect stand will help you play it in a way that’s convenient for you. Will you sit or stand while you play? Is your child growing, needing different heights over the next few years? Be sure to select a stand that offers flexibility for your changing needs. 

Digital Piano Accessories You Should ConsiderA Bench

For most pianists, they prefer to sit while practicing. Having a piano bench with adjustable heights gives you greater flexibility for where you play. Be sure the bench is strong enough to help you feel stable while you move throughout your practice routine. It should also support you so your shoulders or back don’t feel stressed while playing. 

Headphones

If you have a busy household, it can often be a challenge to find the time for practice. Digital pianos are a step ahead of their acoustic counterparts in that you can plug-in headphones and practice in “silence” at any time. It’s great for the pianist to focus in on their music, while the rest of your household can concentrate their attention on their own endeavors. 

Piano Pedal

While beginners might not practice using the pedals right away, they will quickly develop their ability and need the pedals for proper technique. Be sure the pedals won’t slide around on the floor once they are attached. You should also look for models that provide easy connection to whatever piano you choose. 

Music Stands

Be sure to select a music stand that offers flexibility. With today’s technology, many play directly from a computer screen or a tablet. Be sure your screen is at proper height to avoid strain. You’ll find a wide variety of options, from music rests that attach to your piano stand, to tabletop options that allow for different heights. This may be something you adjust over time depending on your needs. 

Are you considering purchasing a digital piano? Stop by and we’ll help you select the right options for your needs. And have you playing your new digital piano in no time. 

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24 July 2018 What You Should Know Before Buying A Cheap Digital Piano

What You Should Know Before Buying A Cheap Digital Piano

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So your son or daughter wants to learn to play the piano. Yet as a parent, you’re skeptical about how long this latest “desire” will last. You have piles of unused or barely used items in the basement from things your child has wanted to try before. Is the piano any different?

Why not invest in a cheap digital piano instead? Ride it out for a while and see if this newest idea lasts. And only if it shows promise, then you’ll consider investing in something better. 

From the outside, that seems like the best course of action. Yet it’s setting your child up for failure before they ever begin. Here’s why. What You Should Know Before Buying A Cheap Digital Piano

An 88 Note Keyboard 

If you look at all modern pianos, they all have 52 white keys and 36 black keys for a total of 88 keys. While a beginner won’t play all the notes any time soon, you will be surprised at how quickly their lessons take them up and down the keyboard. When you purchase a piano with 88 keys, you’re giving your child room to grow. 

Ensure The Keyboard Is Proper Width

A keyboard is a keyboard, right? Nope. A lot of the electric pianos you’ll find in the big box store are made for price, not for quality. When you compare them to quality instruments, you’ll find the manufacturers don’t produce these cheap imitations up to standards. When keys are standard size, it plays like a real piano. If you learn on a piano that doesn’t have standard size keys, you’ll never learn the proper hand placement for playing a song. That means your skills won’t be transferable from piano to piano. And you’ll never enjoy all that comes from making music anywhere.  

They Should Also Have Weighted Action

If you’ve ever run your hands along the keys of a traditional piano, you might have noticed the spring action in the keys. This is from the connection between the key attached to a lever that causes a felt-covered hammer to strike strings inside the piano. Many cheap digital pianos bypass this feel, creating an organ-like feeling instead. If you don’t learn with the weighted action, it’s more difficult to transfer your skills through to other pianos. 

They focus on the wrong bells and whistles

If you’ve never played piano before, you might be tempted to purchase things for the “fun” factor. After all, being able to create sounds at the touch of a button sounds like a lot of fun. But if your goal is to learn how to play the piano, you’ll never use most of these sounds. You won’t use a piano to sound like a trombone. But you will quickly appreciate things like a built-in metronome. 

Are you thinking of purchasing a piano for your child? Avoid the cheap digital pianos and invest in one you’re child will love to play. It’s the only way to get them excited about the opportunity of making music. 

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7 March 2018 Is A Digital Piano The Same As A Keyboard?

Is A Digital Piano The Same As A Keyboard?

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Are you thinking about buying a piano? Already decided to invest in digital rather than acoustic, but not sure what the difference is between digital pianos and keyboards? 

Digital pianos lie somewhere between acoustic and electronic keyboard. Their goal is to mimic an acoustic piano as closely as possible. In general, the higher the quality, the more realistic it becomes. It will be the same length as an acoustic with 88 piano keys. It will allow for a greater variation in sounds due to sound modification. Is A Digital Piano The Same As A Keyboard?

Digital pianos not only have the 88 keys to match an acoustic piano, but they also tend to have weighted keys, which makes them feel more like an acoustic piano while being played. They have built in speakers to further qualify the sound. 

Most digital pianos have a MIDI output which allows you to connect them to a computer via the interface. This allows you to record and edit your playing as well as control other sounds and instruments at the touch of a button. 

Keyboards are typically smaller than a traditional acoustic piano. You’ll often find electronic keyboards with 61 keys – 4 or 5 octaves – as opposed to the traditional piano which has 6 octaves. What makes keyboards unique is their portability. They also provide a wider range of sounds and have the ability to interact easily through MIDI or USB connectors. 

When playing a keyboard, you’ll notice the keys tend to be a bit smaller and easier to press than a traditional piano. This can take getting used to if you are proficient on a traditional piano. While young children might find this process easier, it’s important to keep in mind that transition to an acoustic can be difficult for someone who’s learned on a keyboard. The shift in feel can be difficult to translate. 

Acoustic pianos are larger, bulkier, and difficult to move. In general, you’ll place an acoustic piano in your home and leave it there. 

With keyboards, they are portable by nature. You can pack them up after each session, sliding them into a closet or underneath the bed. They work well in apartment or dorm living because they are flexible with their movement. You can also use the headphone feature which makes the playing silent.

Digital pianos mimic acoustic pianos. They can take on any size. You can select an upright to place up against the wall, a stage piano -portable piano – to use with a live band, or even a grand piano to make a statement in any room. 

Which piano is for you – digital or a keyboard? We can assist you in any way. 

Filed Under: Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
13 August 2017 Digital or Acoustic, What’s The Best Piano For Your Child To Learn On?

Digital or Acoustic, What’s The Best Piano For Your Child To Learn On?

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Digital pianos are turning up everywhere. You’ll find them at your big box store. And you’ll find them to be more affordable than the standard acoustic piano. But does that mean they are the right choice for your child to learn on?

One of the main advantages of a digital piano is that they are significantly less expensive than an acoustic piano. For many people, that’s a significant advantage, especially if you aren’t sure if your child will enjoy it. Digital or Acoustic, What’s The Best Piano For Your Child To Learn On?

Digital pianos are also more compact than acoustic pianos, and can be used in a home of any size. While traditional instruments have to find a corner to tuck into, or in the case of a grand piano, be prominent in a large living space, digital pianos can be folded up after every practice and stowed away. They can also be transported with ease for lessons or to play in a band. 

Unlike acoustic pianos, digital pianos don’t require the regular maintenance schedule. Digital pianos never require tuning, and can also be played in more extreme conditions, unaffected by heat or humidity. 

And if you live in close proximity to others, such as in a dorm or apartment, digital pianos also offer the convenience of working with headphones, meaning you can practice in silence anytime you choose. That can be convenient for roommates, or in family situations where other kids are doing homework or sleeping. 

Despite all the conveniences of digital, there are a few drawbacks as well. 

A digital piano will never sound or feel like the real things. Moreover, only the most sophisticated digital instruments are able to mimic the key dynamics of a real piano. In other words, digital pianos may play the same way, but they rarely sound or feel the same. 

That means the less expensive instrument you buy may not be benefiting the player in the same way as if they were playing on an acoustic. And if they aren’t practicing with the real thing, they are missing the opportunity to “hear” what they play. 

Part of the pleasure of learning to play the piano is to “feel” the music. If the notes are all wrong, the sound isn’t quite right, and you can’t “feel” the notes, some budding pianists lose interest. 

It’s like playing soccer with a flat ball. 

If you’re in the market for a piano – digital or acoustic – it’s important that you purchase the right piano for your needs. We can help. 

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20 February 2017 Digital Piano: Is There A Difference Between Beginner, Intermediate And Advanced Playing Needs?

Digital Piano: Is There A Difference Between Beginner, Intermediate And Advanced Playing Needs?

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As a piano dealer, one of the most common questions we receive is “How do I buy a good piano for a beginner?” Do a quick search online, and you’ll find the same question holds true. 

Because when you’re new to an industry, starting up a new hobby, you want to learn what you can before investing in the right equipment. Buying something you’ll outgrow quickly is never a good tactic. Digital Piano: Is There A Difference Between Beginner, Intermediate And Advanced Playing Needs?

And in there lies the problem. If you purchase a good digital piano as a beginner, how long will it last? Will you outgrow the digital piano in just a few short months? 

That could impact your budget big time. Which is why it may be necessary to add more questions as you search for the right piano. Instead of just asking:

  • What’s the best digital piano to buy for a beginner?

Follow it up with:

  • What the best digital piano that will allow me to grow from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced piano player too?

The difference between pianos will provide you with more opportunity not only for playability, but also for sound and function. 

People transition to higher digital piano levels because they have progressed into further understanding of music. They’ve moved beyond basic note letters, chords and compositions and most likely have more general knowledge of music theory. More advanced pianos have a wider range of rhythms and tones, along with more functionality and connectivity options for other platforms. 

By asking the question early in your search process, you can quickly learn what items make the biggest difference. It can also help you choose when to upgrade your requirements to choose a digital piano that can accommodate many of your needs. Possibly for years to come. 

What digital piano is right for you?

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

Why Digital Piano Is Perfect For Music Therapy

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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: ,
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