Dd started piano lessons about 11 months ago. We just switched teachers. (long story, mostly about logistics and craziness with previous teacher's kids at lessons) Dd is 8 - just going into 3rd grade and is learning Alfred's Lesson/Recital/Theory Books- Level 2. The previous teacher was having her practice 30-40 minutes per day plus do theory work. The new teacher says that 20 minutes per day (including theory) at this age/level is more appropriate. Also, dd tend to learn all of her songs in the first 2-3 days of practice and then is just replaying and maybe polishing. My questions: What do you think is a good amount of practice time? Should something different be happening if dd is learning her songs in a few days? Is this normal- I have no idea as I am tonedeaf and don't really deal with music well. Her new teacher wants to spend some time getting to know Sohpia and talk more in a few weeks. I have gotten such good input form people here, I just thought I would throw it out.
Bill, We have, in fact, looked at nice electric pianos and I see lots of advantages too. Some of the sounds (in the higher range models) seem quite good. I don't like the look of the electric ones and sort of consider our cheepo keyboard an eyesore. I do like that dd can use headphones. There are so many options... Thanks for your input.
Two years ago, I purchased a low-end Yamaha keyboard with the stand. By the time I was done, I believe it was in the $800 range. I am not the best piano player in the world, but I outgrew my Casio, a very low-end keyboard.
I have never regretted this purchase. Real pianos are wonderful, and if I had the opportunity to purchase one at a really, really good price, I'd definitely consider it. However, the keyboard allows me to use headphones (much to DW's relief). It is also MIDI ready so it sort of doubles as a player piano when it's connected to my computer. Also, I found that weighted keys are not the only consideration. Some of the lesser keyboards that I looked at had weighted keys, but they were not pressure sensitive. In other words, if you press the key gently, the sound is not as loud as when you strike the key more sharply.
Most importantly, environmental conditions (humidity especially) do not affect the electronic keyboards, there is no tuning, and you don't need to hire movers to move it. (Mine is on the second floor.)
Again, I do not have the best ear. A true musician will know the difference between a keyboard and a piano.
Boy, I seem to be full of two-cent opinions today.
Lori, Thanks for the suggestion. I have thought of this as we have UW- Madison here with a huge music department. They are on my list to call tomorrow.
I would say that if you have the space for the piano, and your dh would get some use out of it, I'd go ahead and purchase it. Now if the baby grand is a little more piano than what you really wanted, and you were envisioning more upright....some ideas for getting a VERY VERY good quality used one.
All 3 of the "local" universities, as well as the local community colleges sell their VERY HIGH quality pianos at the end of EVERY school year! You can get a very very good upright for less than half what they sold for brand new a year before. I believe that this is common practice for most public universities. The thing is, you have to find out when the annual sale is, and be there EARLY....our 3 universities have combined their sale, and they can easily have 30-40 pianos sold in 30 minutes or less.
Blessings,
Lori
Re-committing myself to a healthy lifestyle that will include regular (and increasing) exercise, and following the baby steps rule on food. 6/17/08
Posts: 3149 | Location: California | Registered: March 11, 2004
We actually have plenty of room. I think it owuld go in our livingroom- almost totally unused most days. It would be beautiful. I wish the price was 300! I think it will be upwards of 5,000.
Peggy is right, though, about making sure you have the room. But that is an excellent price for a baby grand.
I, too, don't know what common practice (pun?) is for keyboards now. I'm an old fogey and have used my son's electronic. In fact, I'm thinking more and more that may be the way to go. I'll bet they're not as fussy about which wall they can go on - since "real" pianos shouldn't be on an outside wall.
Sheri, only saw you quote me - I guess I thought you were really impressed with my wisdom
This is really weird. I wrote a whole long reply to the typing issue below and, when I posted the reply, it was there...I read it. But now all I'm seeing is the text of Linda's that I quoted and none of my response.
I did get some sort of error message when I was trying to post, so maybe something went awry. DId anyone else see my response about typing?
Posts: 7336 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
Sandy, I would throw out the thought that an opportunity for a good used piano does not show up very often so it might be a 'strike while the iron is hot' sort of thing. I would also mention that pianos (and most quality musical instruments) don't generally depreciate so if you find you want to get rid of it at some point, you'll get your money back most likely.
I don't know what the current thinking is on regular piano vs. keyboard. When I was teaching there was no doubt you'd want a regular piano but I'm sure the technology is much improved.
When I see baby grand though I have to wonder if you have the right place for it in your home. Not exactly a small item. But if you do, I think they are beautiful pieces of furniture too.
Sandy If you are sure that your daughter will stick with piano for a while and your dh will get some use out of it, I say go for it (assuming the price is right). If it's still iffy with Sophia continuing, I would wait.
Our piano gets a lot of use but it's because I play. If I didn't, I don't think I would make the investment for Cori until I knew for sure it was something she'd have continued interest in.
Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our habits grows our character; and on our character we build our destiny.
Originally posted by johnbol: Then I typed 45 wpm on that old manual (do I remember the strength needed to push those keys down). Now I type close to 100 wpm.
Posts: 7336 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
After getting such good advice and input, I have another question. When we decided that dd would take lessons, we bought a very nice keyboard at Sam's Club for about $300. It stands on its own like a paino, has 88 keys and the weighted keys. It has 1 pedal. We have been thinking of buying a "real" piano. We have an opportunity to buy a beautiful, used baby grand (Kawai?) from a neighbor who is moving. I know and trust this woman. She is a teacher. She is upgrading. I don't play much, dh plays very well, but has taken only a few lessons as a child. He has a music gene. I am ambivalent. This is a lot of money to shell out- even for a used piano.
Do you think having a real piano is helpful for students? For those of you who have bought painos, are you glad you did? Do you wish you did not? Why? Pianos and lessons are a new ballgame for me as a Mom. Just looking for input.
Originally posted by BrenauMom: My typing teacher in high school told us that piano players are much better and faster typist than other people because their hands are more flexible.
I started piano lessons at age 8. I took typing my sophomore year in high school. This was the day of manual Underwood typewriters. I was the second fastest in the entire sophomore class. The fastest was also a pianist. I formed this same theory then. We already knew how to get our fingers to act on their own.
Then I typed 45 wpm on that old manual (do I remember the strength needed to push those keys down). Now I type close to 100 wpm.
With all my degrees - for many years, my typing brought in more money than any of the degrees.
Originally posted by schoolmom: I am not teaching currently, but have a Master's in flute and have taught privates and groups in the past.
I played flute all the way from 5th or 6th grade through junior high and high school. Went to State competition as a quartet a time or two. Have played on and off as an adult (joined my city's band years back but didn't like the music so I didn't stay long) but am not keeping up with playing lately.
Posts: 7336 | Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE | Registered: March 12, 2004
I am amazed at how many of us are music teachers. I am not teaching currently, but have a Master's in flute and have taught privates and groups in the past.
To me, this age is about learning to love music. If she enjoys practicing more than 20 min I would let her, but not force her. And while you probably don't want her to be bored, it is fun to be able to "perfect" a piece and enjoy playing it rather than constantly struggling with something that is too hard. Less burn out that way.
Kathy
90 Day Challenge Goal: 8 glasses water and post plan and actual daily.
I never played piano although my cousin taught me to play "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" with one hand when I was 6 or 8. I can still do it . My typing teacher in high school told us that piano players are much better and faster typist than other people because their hands are more flexible.
"Live your life so that you are not afraid to sell the family parrot to the town gossip."
Posts: 4067 | Location: NE Atlanta (Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth) | Registered: March 15, 2004
