For the Parent 

Has your child approached you about taking piano lessons?  Have they shown interest in music?  Don't worry, it doesn't have to be expensive.  If they show the interest, encourage it!!!  Studies have shown that children who play an instrument, score higher on both standard and spatial cognitive development tests alike.  This is just one of the many benefits.  Like I said, ENCOURAGE it and enjoy the learning process as a family!!!  Maybe you can learn too!

First, shopping for a piano CAN be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.  There are MANY options for you as a parent.  You can rent a piano, purchase a used piano, or even invest in a new piano. 

You do have to be careful when purchasing a used piano.  I know it is tempting when you see "FREE, YOU HAUL" on craigslist or in the local classifieds.  Beware though, most of these pianos are free for a reason.  If you see a piano for sale, or listed as free, PLEASE give me a call.  I would be happy to take a look at it BEFORE you move it into your home.  There is a minimal fee, but it could save you a lot of stress and money in costly repairs or disposal fees.  It IS possible to find a "good" used piano for free or even for private sale in the $500 range and up.  So as you can see, it doesn't have to be expensive to start your child on piano.

Renting a piano from a reputable Piano Retailer is a great option as well.  Local rental plans start around $65 per month, with no obligation to purchase.  If lessons do not work out for your child, you simply return the piano.  I believe the total down-payment is approximately $300, which gets the piano delivered and into your home for 3 months.  Monthly rates are approximately $65-$95 per month thereafter.

Purchasing a brand new piano is an investment.  A good quality piano, properly maintained will hold its value in the long run.  Some pianos are heirloom quality and can be handed down from generation to generation.  New pianos start as low as $2000 street price (dealer's discounted price to the public).  A new piano f0r $2000 is most likely made in China using lower quality parts and labor.   Please don't shop for a piano based on price.  Like most things, you will get what you pay for and you have to weigh the pro's and con's.  Many lower quality pianos "LOOK" as nice as better quality pianos, but it's whats inside that counts.  Cheap parts, low quality labor, and poor manufacturing processes can result in a piano with many problems down the road.  If you are beginning to shop for a new piano, please don't hesitate to call or email, I will be happy to elaborate on different manufacturers and their pianos.

I DO NOT CHARGE CONSULTING FEES FOR OVER THE PHONE/EMAIL ADVISE. 

As far as maintanence goes, you should tune a piano twice a year, once when the heat comes on(FALL-WINTER), and once when conditions become more humid (SPRING-SUMMER).   New pianos will require more frequent tunings for the first year or two.  This is due to the "settling in" process of a piano and its wood components.   The cost of a tuning is $90.  If you are unable to tune the piano twice a year, once a year is also acceptable. 

New pianos usually require little to no maintenance the first several years.  Used pianos; however, MAY require more.  The parts of the piano's action are made up of wood, felt, leather, springs, plastic, etc.  These parts wear and sometime break, making repair or replacement necessary.   In general, small replacement parts are not expensive, but they can be tedious and time consuming.  Hourly repair rate is $65.  I do not charge for minor repairs requiring 15 minutes or less, WHILE you are having your piano tuned.

Hope this helps!

Please send me any questions and/or concerns