Arguably the best pianist in the world, Martha Argerich sells out concerts in a matter of minutes! If your child dreams of being a famous pianist, read on to discover how to help them on this journey.

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Steps To Buying a Piano

Buying the right one can bring you a lifetime of intellectual stimulation and enjoyment. If you are thinking about buying a grand piano, or any other type of piano, for you or your family, you will know if it can be a difficult decision. Before stepping into a piano shop, it helps to do some preparation so that you are more likely to choose the right piano for you from all the pianos for sale. A piano can give your home elegance, an air of sophistication and beauty. At the same time, you want an instrument that will play properly. 

Second Hand Vs New Pianos 

What are the major differences between buying a new piano and finding a second-hand grand piano for sale? When buying a piano, you are making a large investment and commitment, both in terms of finance and upkeep. For this reason, you want to know that your new, or second hand, the piano is in the best possible shape and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. When buying new, even a cheap grand piano for sale will come with a warranty from the manufacturer, as well as often receiving either cheaper or complementary tuning or moving services. A used piano is often reconditioned and whilst they do come with a dealer warranty, this is often not as comprehensive as you receive with a new piano. This is not to say that you shouldn’t consider a second-hand piano, more that you should check exactly what is covered by the warranty before you commit. When looking for a grand piano for sale, you can expect to pay more for a new piano, than a reconditioned or second hand one. If you are trying to find second-hand pianos, there are a variety of places you can search for them. However, the most reliable place to buy a second-hand piano is through a reputable piano retailer. By buying from a reputable dealer you will be able to find out more about the instrument, and be assured it is in the best possible condition as in instrument. 

The Costs Of Grand Pianos For Sale 

How much money should you budget when looking for a concert grand piano for sale? There really is no simple answer to this. Prices of pianos vary depending on age, condition and manufacturer, to name but a few reasons. Also, don’t forget that the piano is not going to be the only expense. Education is critical. You can read about different types of student loans for undergraduate students to discover what help is going to available should your child study piano or music at university. Nevertheless, it is likely you will need to pay for a piano tutor before this stage, so make sure all of this is factored in. 

By spending time researching and talking to experts, you will find that choosing the right piano for the person who will be playing it is the key, rather than price. Although, of course, you will need to work within what you can afford. If the piano is being purchased for a child, with the aim of giving them a lifetime of enjoyment and learning, you need to think of the cost as an investment in their future. A piano for a child will need lighter, more touch-sensitive keys. Children have smaller fingers and if the keys are too heavy your child will have a harder time learning to play.  A quality piano gives you more chance of improving your skills as a pianist. The larger your piano budget, the greater your choice of different makes, styles and types of piano. Grand pianos will often cost more than an upright piano. The more you spend, the longer the string length, which enhances the tonal qualities of the piano. The finish of the pianos you buy, whether traditional or modern, satin or polished and the colour it comes in can all also affect the price you pay.  Don’t forget to factor in the local piano movers who will deliver or move your piano once you’ve chosen one.

Choosing A New Piano Stool

Piano stools come in a variety of styles, sizes, qualities and playing positions. Before choosing a new piano stool you need to know what type of piano you are intending to buy, or already have at home, with which the stool will be paired. Different types of pianos from grand to baby grands, portable pianos or uprights each have their own ergonomics. When learning or practising the piano, you could well be sitting on your stool for several hours per day. You need to ensure that the stool you choose fits with this ergonomics and your own body shape to give you the most comfortable seating position when playing.

There are a number of factors to consider when looking at a new piano stool for your child including comfort, posture and of course cost. Both benches and adjustable piano stools are available to ensure that you are sat at the right height for the instrument you are playing. Not all piano benches and stools are created equally and a cheap piano stool might end up costing you more than you think in lower back pain.  The best are height adjustable and well-padded for player comfort. However, cheap does not have to mean poor quality, and much depends on where you purchase your stool or bench from. Buying from a reputable retailer, who has experience in fitting people to seating options will save you money straight away. Choosing the right bench also depends on your preferences for style, and colour. It is a decision that should not be rushed, get it right and you will be enjoying your seat for years to come.  Start by considering your piano. Depending on your piano and playing style, the right bench might be longer, wider or taller. A wooden seat might be easy to maintain and work well if you play occasionally, but isn’t good for sitting on often. A leather padded seat is still easy to maintain and more comfortable to sit on for long periods. Before making your purchase, remember to try to choose a piano bench that matches your piano, look for harmony in aesthetics and their contours. A poor seating position can cause many technical problems as well as aches and pains.   

How To Sit On A Piano Stool

When sitting on piano stools, your spine should make an ‘S’ shape, rather than the more common ‘C’ shapes people make when hunched over or slouching. Doing so avoids the risks of backache and neck pain that some pianists can suffer from. Sitting at a piano is different from sitting on a chair and the best piano stool for you won’t necessarily be for someone else. How you sit affects everything from whether you can breathe easily, are relaxed, and whether your feet have the necessary support as well as being able to smoothly operate the pedals. Your lower elbow should be around half an inch above the keys when playing. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid playing standing up as it makes good posture extremely difficult. Your upper arm should be neither raised nor reaching forward, whilst your forearm and hand need to be light and relaxed. Your wrists should not be flexed or fully relaxed and your hips open and able to move easily. The freer your hips, the better your sitting position. Make sure to sit far enough back so that you don’t need to hold yourself in place, but forward enough that your hips are free to move as discussed. The best height for you is one that enables your upper arm and elbows to freely fall and your forearm to be parallel with the flooring when your hand is in its natural playing position.