First of all - thank you for giving your child the opportunity to study music! Music is too often often seen as a luxury instead of a necessary and worthwhile field of study. You recognize the value of music. We appreciate you.
Step 1. Get a piano.
There are two main options here: acoustic pianos and electronic keyboards.
Here are the pros and cons of both:
Acoustic Pianos:
Pros
They're the real deal. You have a huge hunk of wood, metal, and intricate pulleys and levers. You can open up the inner working of the instrument and see exactly how the strike of a key results in a sound from the instrument. You can see exactly how the pedals affect the piano's strings and hammers. I'd say that's pretty cool. Discovering the inner workings of a piano is a ton of fun (and will probably be interesting to you, too!).
You might be able to find a decent upright piano on craigslist for free! People are often trying to get rid of their piano when they're moving. As long as you provide the truck and the muscle, it could be all yours.
The sound of an acoustic piano just has more character than a keyboard. If you've relished in the sound of a vinyl record, only to be disappointed by that same record's mp3 version... it's kind of like that. Kind of.
Great conversation starter for when your friends (and their kids) come over. But don't pressure your children to play for your guests though...that always stressed me out as a kid. 😅
Cons
Requires upkeep. Acoustic pianos need to be serviced and tuned about twice per year. Pianos tend to go flat over time. This is completely normal. As temperature and humidity fluctuate with the seasons (or the temperature of your house), so does the moisture content of the wood of your piano. This causes the pin block (the block of wood that holds the tuning pins) to expand and contract, loosening its grip on the tuning pins.
Takes up more space. If you live in a studio apartment or are just low on space, it may not be feasible to own an acoustic piano.
They're heavy! You're going to need a truck and several people to get it in your house.
Electronic Keyboards:
Pros
Volume-adjustable. Perfect for when your child wants to practice while your show is on. Headphones!
They take up less space. If you're low on space, just fold up your stand, prop the keyboard up in your closet, and voilà.
Less upkeep. Doesn't require tuning.
Most keyboards a sound bank of different instrument sounds. That's always fun to explore!
Cons
The price point for an entry level keyboard is slightly higher than a (free craigslist) piano.
The sound just isn't as physical and corporeal as a huge vibrating wooden box of piano strings.
A Note About Benches:
A proper bench is a vital part of the complete instrument. You'll want to acquire a bench that is sturdy and will be comfortable for extended periods of time. Height-adjustable benches are also good for growing children. Folding chairs or kitchen stools just don't cut it.
Make a trip to your local piano store! They will have a selection of keyboards and acoustic pianos across all price ranges. I recommend scouting out a dedicated piano store, rather than an all-in-one music store like Guitar Center or Sam Ash. Generally speaking, you'll have more options and a more knowledgable salesperson.
If you're still struggling, feel free to contact me directly for more advice. An instrument is a serious investment!
Step 2: Schedule your free consultation with me!
Or maybe this is your Step 1. We can definitely talk about getting the right instrument for you at that time.
Step 3: Purchase lesson books.
I'll be able to recommend the proper books for you during our consultation. For children, the Frances Clark "Music Tree" series and the Wunderkeys preschool series are my favorites, and are available for purchase on Amazon or JW Pepper.
Find a sharp pencil, an eraser, and download a metronome app (free versions available on the app store).
Step 4: Download an audio/video conference platform,
such as Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or FaceTime.
And that's it - You're minutes away from learning a new skill and having fun along the way!
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