5-Minute Piano Lessons

The “war of instruments” is counter-productive in addition to silly

If there is one thing that pianists get hot about it is the “war of instruments” between the proponents of acoustic pianos and lovers of digital pianos. I know because I get caught in their battles quite often. Any reader of these essays knows that I believe the digital piano to be the best instrument for the amateur pianist, as well as a superior instrument for learning to play in the first place. If you’d like to know my reasoning you can read the other essays in this section. I hope what I say helps you come to some conclusions. However, I have one final thing to say about all this and it would be worthwhile for any pianist or piano student to hear it. (more…)

Having my studio robbed has confirmed many of my piano teaching principles

I know this is strange way to make lemonade out of lemons, but being burglarized this past weekend has served to validate many of the ideas I have used successfully when teaching adult piano students. Weird, but wonderful. (more…)

Knowing this key VITAL answer will bring the best value

Every year piano buyers spend vast sums of unnecessary money because they simply don’t know how to properly buy the right piano for their personal needs. I’d love to help you with this, despite the likelihood of offending those with a vested interest in their own wallets and/or opinions. (more…)

Modern technology maximizes piano pluses yet minimizes piano negatives

Resist it all you want, the Day of the Digital is here. I’m happy to see it, because it means that more and more folks will be able to make music themselves, rather than either listen wistfully as a music consumer or struggle endlessly to become a music producer. The piano, that instrument of choice, has been improved and updated using technology and those dedicated to creating music should be cheering. Those for whom any change is too much are fighting it, unfortunately. Let me tell you why they should get out of the way or even get behind the trend and push! (more…)

Predicting the Future is Usually Dicey but I Do See the Trends

I’ve been teaching piano now full-time since October of 1987. I began as most teachers do – traveling to my students’ homes. Later, I found space to teach at a local piano dealership. A few years ago I decided to limit my practice to adult and teen-aged students. This year I’m focusing my attention to the Internet. I give you this history to convince you that I might just be able to see “the handwriting on the wall” regarding piano education. (more…)

Which Piano Should You Buy?

I love digital pianos in spite of the fact that many traditionalists reject them. Digital pianos have been around since the late 1980’s, constantly getting better and better. However, even now, in 2010, you will find a ton of websites that explain how digital pianos have some good features but just don’t measure up to a “real piano,” meaning an acoustic piano, one with strings. (more…)

Which Piano Should You Buy?

Let’s continue with our discussion of the relative merits of the acoustic piano and the digital piano. I continue to believe that for both the amateur pianist and the beginner the digital piano is the better choice. Naturally, you, the buyer, will choose the instrument which best fits your needs and interests. I’m presenting my views as a long time instructor of adult piano students to possibly assist your choice. (more…)

Understanding the Piano Salesman’s “Pitch”

You need an acoustic piano, a digital piano, a keyboard, SOME keyboard instrument if you want to take piano lessons. The questions in your mind should be, “How do I get the best value on the right keyboard for my needs.” This would include not spending more than you need to spend. This rather long essay could save you thousands. (more…)

Is that “Bargain Piano” on Craigslist Actually a Bargain?

We all love bargains, right? If I could help you buy the very best piano, digital piano, keyboard, for your needs and wants AND get a great deal doing it, then THAT would be pretty useful. That’s where we’re going in this essay and I’d like to use an example of what is NOT a bargain to explain what IS – so bear with me for a bit ! (more…)

How to not buy the wrong instrument for YOUR needs and interests

Allow me to start with a definition from the American Heritage Dictionary:

“Tool” …#3: Anything used in the performance of an operation; an instrument

Some would think it blasphemy to refer to a sacred object such as the piano as a mere “tool.” (more…)