- Preface
- Chapter One - Why the Piano?
- Why is the piano so popular?
"The piano is one of very few instruments widely accepted in all styles of music. You can hear pianos playing concertos with orchestras, improvising in jazz clubs, accompanying country and folk singers, and being played by contemporary music artists on television."
- Keyboard, digital or acoustic...what's the difference?
"Acoustic pianos have been in existence for over three hundred years. They were invented around 1700. The word ‘acoustic’ was added to the word ‘piano’ quite recently because there needed to be a distinction between the different types of pianos. ‘Digital’ pianos digitally master sounds via computers. Conversely, the sound in acoustic pianos is generated acoustically. That is, by strings sitting inside the piano that are hit by hammers when the keys are pressed."
- Upright versus grand
"The grand piano is the earliest piano shape. It is regarded as the prestige instrument because of its superior sound and definite advantages over other pianos in construction and design."
- Chapter Two - How to buy the right piano
- Is a keyboard a good place to start?
- Digital or acoustic...which is best?
"The new technology in digital pianos has an incredibly realistic piano sound plus hundreds of band and orchestral voices. There are also a host of rhythms and easy play features that enable the player to create anything from a big brass band to funky rock."
- Finding the right acoustic piano for you
- Where was it made...what difference does it make?
"Acoustic pianos are generally very multicultural. They may have a stamp or label stating ‘Made in Japan’, ‘Made in Korea’, ‘Made in Indonesia’ or ‘Made in China’ but you will find that many of the parts have been sourced from around the globe and just assembled in those countries."
- Should we buy a well-known brand or a new brand?
"Many teachers will recommend brands to you that they knew perhaps ten or twenty years ago. These brands are regarded as being safe and many people use them, so the brand is seen everywhere."
- Does colour affect performance?
- New or secondhand?
"Many people ask to see secondhand pianos, believing they will save money, but often miss the potential down side. Unlike a secondhand car that has an odometer to let you know how many kilometres it has traveled, there is unfortunately no such indication on pianos about their usage history."
- Things to keep in mind when buying secondhand
"Many people look for secondhand pianos in the newspaper or receive offers from family and friends. It may be more relaxing visiting private houses than stores and if you are smart about it you may be able to find a good quality piano and secure a bargain."
- Important steps to follow when purchasing secondhand
"If you have determined your buying purpose and decided to purchase secondhand, wherever possible purchase through a reputable piano store with technicians who will ensure you receive a piano in good condition. If you decide to purchase privately, please exercise extreme caution."
- What is a good model for a learner?
- Why are some pianos more expensive than others?
"There are two reasons. Firstly, the size of pianos affects the price. The reason for this is that taller uprights and longer grands have longer strings inside the piano."
- How to tell if a piano is well made
"When purchasing a piano it is very important to consider its internal construction. A piano has around 220 strings that, when stretched, exert a huge force of up to 20 tonnes (approximately 20, 000 kgs!) of pressure on the piano."
- What you should expect from the warranty
"Piano manufacturers offer different warranties. Ask your piano salesperson whether you will receive five, ten, fifteen years or a lifetime warranty."
- Choose carefully
"Unfortunately, if you do not like the style or the colour you have chosen, you will find it difficult to return or exchange most brands of pianos. Obviously the Trade Practices Act protects the consumer to a certain extent and allows for any faulty goods to be returned..."
- Matching people to pianos
- To buy or not to buy? (Advantages and disadvantages of renting)
"You can rent a piano, borrow a piano, use your school piano, or not practise at all and just go to your lesson every week! Just kidding with the last suggestion. Seriously, renting is an option that may suit you
and your family."
- Purchase options - Cash, Personal Loan, Credit Card, General Finance or Interest Free Purchase Plan?
"The purchase of a piano involves a significant capital outlay. There are many different ways that this outlay can be financed. The following examples are based around a 121cm upright piano, with a buy price of $6,995."
- Chapter Three - Getting the most from your new piano
- Maintaining your piano - Tuning, Regulation & Voicing
"Piano maintenance, or servicing, is called ‘tuning’. Every so often you will also need to book your piano in for a full service which includes ‘regulation’. Some people may also want to ‘voice’ their piano to
make sure it sounds perfect, which, to continue the car analogy, could be likened to having your car
detailed!"
- Where to place your piano
- Humidity control
- Regular servicing is important
"Once you have purchased a piano, it is important to look after your piano and maintain it regularly. Even though the piano appears to be sturdy because of its solid construction, the piano has thousands of moving parts and it is therefore quite a sensitive instrument."
- 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
- About the Australian Guild of Music
- Chapter Five - Career Options
