If I take piano lessons, do I need a piano? If so, how do I find one that is reasonably priced?

If you are going to take piano lessons, you need to have a piano, the same way you would need a paint brush and paints, if you were taking art classes. I've heard individuals and parents say, "I don't want to get a piano until I know that I (or my child) is interested".I answer with a question: " if you were taking art classes and did not have a paint brush, paints or any paper, how long would you stay interested in art class?!"

Piano lessons are progressive. You start with easy pieces, then gradually progress to more and more difficult (and indeed, more beautiful) pieces. In order for this progression to take place, you need to be able to practice regularly. If you don't have a piano, or access to one that you can practice on, genuine development is not likely.

When I started lessons, my parents did not own a piano, but my grandmother, who lived 5 miles away, did. I rode my bike to her house everyday and practiced. After three months of doing this, she gave the piano to my family!

Assuming you don't have someone who is ready to give you their piano, I recommend going to piano stores and pricing both new and used pianos. If you are looking for a real bargain, look in the classified section of your local newspaper. In NYC, there are two newspapers that contain nothing but second-hand items, including lots of pianos. These papers are called Loot and Buy-n-Sell. Some of my students and friends have found and bought their pianos, at great prices, through these papers.

It is also possible to rent a piano. At least two stores (Pioneer Piano and Beethoven Piano-- both listed in the Yellow Pages in NYC) will rent a piano with the option to buy. They apply the first year's rent to the purchase price. This is a good way of getting a second-hand piano because the store's piano technician works on the instrument to make sure it is in good playing condition.

If you have a question for Kevin, you can email him at pianosuzuk@aol.com.