Contents

• Preface
• Chapter One - Why the Piano?
• Why is the piano so popular?
• Keyboard, digital or acoustic...what's the difference?
• Upright versus grand
• Chapter Two - How to buy the right piano
• Is a keyboard a good place to start?
• Digital or acoustic...which is best?
• Finding the right acoustic piano for you
• Where was it made...what difference does it make?
• Should we buy a well-known brand or a new brand?
• Does colour affect performance?
• New or secondhand?
• Things to keep in mind when buying secondhand
• Important steps to follow when purchasing secondhand
• What is a good model for a learner?
• Why are some pianos more expensive than others?
• How to tell if a piano is well made
• What you should expect from the warranty
• Choose carefully
• Matching people to pianos
• To buy or not to buy? (advantages and disadvantages of renting)
• Purchase options - cash, personal loan, credit card, general finance, interest free Purchase Plan
• Chapter Three - Getting the most from your new piano
• Maintaining your piano - tuning, regulation, voicing
• Where to place your piano
• Humidity control
• Regular servicing is important
• Looking after the cabinet
• Chapter Four - Developing your skills
• Enter eisteddfods or music competitions
• Join a music group
• Achieve levels in music examinations - AMEB, Trinity College, St Cecilia, ABRSM, Australian Guild of Music
• Chapter Five - Career Options
• Afterword