For children, school is their first opportunity for social development and introduction to people outside of their family unit. Lessons learned in school go beyond mathematics and language arts. Students learn to cultivate individual interests and find other people who share their interests. Music is one of the ways like-minded children come together. When many people talk about the benefits of music education, they’re quick to point out all of the quantitative and measurable results of that music education. For instance, numerous studies have shown the positive impact music programs can have on children in other areas of study. Dr. Laurel Trainor, a professor of psychology, neuroscience and behavior at McMaster University, said that young children who take music lessons show different brain development and improved memory compared to children who do not receive musical training. Stanford University researchers have found that musical training improves how the brain processes the spoken word, a finding that researchers say could lead to improving the reading ability of children who have dyslexia and other reading problems. Furthermore, in an analysis of data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers at the United States Department of Education found that students who report consistent involvement in instrumental music during middle school and high school perform significantly better in mathematics by grade 12 than those who do not participate in music programs. There are many reasons why music education can help to make a child a better student, but there also are other benefits that go beyond the classroom environment. Being involved in music also is a social endeavor, and music education can set the course for lifelong friends and help create social groups that last through school and beyond. Music education breeds familiarity during a school career, when going from class to class or from school to school every year can be nervewracking and unfamiliar. Walking inside of a band room, whether in elementary school or high school, can create a sense of belonging. While neighborhoods may change and teachers differ from school to school, music can be a reliable constant. While not every child will go on to be the next, great musical sensation, thanks to music education at school, he or she will have learned lessons in working as a team and other social benefits that will help in all areas of life.
Discover Types of Pianos
Before you choose between a small or large piano, an upright or a grand piano, consider where you;ll keep it (e.g. your family room, an auditorium, a church) and how much you're willing to spend. These factors will help you set some parameters and narrow your focus.
Upright pianos vs. grand pianos
Upright or vertical pianos generally cost less than grand pianos and take up less space. The tallest upright pianos can reach 58 to 60 inches. Remember that it’s possible to get the same quality of tone with an upright piano as with the largest of grand pianos. In fact, a taller vertical piano will sometimes produce a better tone than certain baby grand pianos.
Select an upright piano
Upright pianos are differentiated based on their size.
Spinet pianos: Spinet pianos are usually around 36 inches tall.
Console pianos: Console pianos are approximately 40 inches tall.
Studio pianos: Studio pianos are around 45 inches tall.
Professional pianos: Professional pianos are 48 inches tall and higher
The taller the upright piano, the greater the action (i.e., the number of moving parts) the piano provides. An upright piano has around 5,000 to 6,000 moving parts, whereas a grand piano has an average of 10,000. Because of this distinction and other construction techniques, grand pianos are often found in the homes and studios of more serious piano players.
Play in style with a grand piano.
Grand pianos come in many different shapes and they run in size anywhere from 4 feet 6 inches to more than 9 feet long.
Baby grand pianos: The term baby grand generally refers to any grand piano smaller than 6 feet.
Concert grand pianos: A concert grand piano refers to the largest of grand pianos (9 feet and above).
The majority of grand pianos today have a conventional wing shape, with a curved side on the right and a flat side on the left. The main difference between shorter and longer grand pianos is the quality of the bass tones, the quantity of sound it can produce, and the overall quality of sound.
Experiment with digital pianos
Digital pianos offer a new twist on traditional acoustic pianos. Digital pianos include sound chips and speakers to recreate piano sounds and have some unique advantages, like being able to make other keyboard sounds, such as the organ or harpsichord, or background music. They also can provide the ability to record your performance. Major brands of digital pianos include: Alesis, Casio, Daewoo, Kurzweil, Roland, Suzuki, Technics, and Yamaha.
Enjoy player pianos
If you’d like the beautiful sounds of the piano drifting through your home whenever you desire, perhaps a player piano might be the way to go. The most commonly found older player pianos are pneumatic, meaning they are powered by vacuum (via foot pedals or electric motors), and contain a mechanism controlled by a paper music roll. Newer models use magnetic tape to record and play back the music.
Pick a Piano Maker
It’s a little-known fact that pianos made in different countries have entirely different sounds based on distinct variations in tone quality and touch. The reason for this is primarily due to the difference in materials, design, and construction techniques used. Following is a quick summary of U.S.-made pianos, Asian-made pianos, and European-made pianos, as well as their most notable brands.
American-made pianos
In general, pianos made in the U.S. are known for being of high-quality design and construction, and therefore tend to be more expensive than most imports.
Steinway pianos: Steinway pianos are considered to be the “model” piano by most pianists. Best known for their grand pianos, Steinway pianos are on the high end, in terms of both price and quality.
Baldwin pianos: High-quality Baldwin pianos also produce other lines of pianos under the Chickering piano and Wurlitzer piano brand names.
Asian-made pianos
Asian pianos are highly regarded today. The two most popular Asian brands are from Japan.
Yamaha pianos: Yamaha manufactures more than 200,000 pianos a year.
Kawai pianos: Kawai pioneered the use of plastic parts in their pianos.
Other leading Asian brands include: Pearl River, Samick, Young Chang, Nordiska, Daewoo, and Hyundai.
European-made pianos
While German- and Austrian-made pianos are considered some of the world’s finest, the Czech Republic, France, and the U.K. also produce a fine range of pianos.
Germany/Austria: Bechstein pianos, Bosendorfer pianos, Grotrian pianos, Hamburg Steinway pianos, Sauter pianos, Seiler pianos, Feurich pianos, Forster pianos, Bluthner pianos, Ibach pianos, and Schimmel pianos
Czech Republic: Petrof pianos, Scholze pianos, Bohemia pianos, and Riegler-Kloss pianos.
France: Pleyel pianos, Gaveau pianos, Rameau pianos, Erard pianos.
UK: Kemble pianos, Chappell pianos, Collard & Collard pianos, Knight pianos, Bentley pianos, Welmar pianos, Whelpdale pianos, Marshal & Rose pianos, Broadwood pianos, and Woodchester pianos.
Evaluate Pianos
Like snowflakes, no two pianos are exactly alike. Before embarking on your piano-buying adventure, be sure to study up on these musical aspects of pianos and you’ll be well on your way to finding the piano of your dreams.
Piano tone
How the piano sounds is a function of the overall quality of the piano’s construction and how well the piano components work together. However, the pleasantness of the piano tone can be a very subjective decision—meaning every person has a different ear for what sounds good or right.
To some people, a deep, loud tone sounds best. Others prefer a clean, light tone and others look for a warm, round sound. Consider where you’ll be playing the piano and that might help you decide the tone that’s right for you.
In the end, just remember that if it’s pleasing to your ears, offering good mid-tones and a strong balance of tones in the higher and lower registers, then it’s a good piano for you. The tone should be well-balanced throughout the piano’s entire range, so try to avoid a piano that has a metallic or sharp-edged sound to it.
Also remember that every brand of piano has its own unique sound. A Steinway piano sounds different from a Baldwin piano, a Yamaha piano sounds different from a Kawai piano, and so on.
Music therapy is defined as the use of music in the treatment of people of all ages who have problems of a mental, physical, or emotional nature. The healing power of music has long been known but has only recently gained popularity in use at hospitals, nursing homes, adult day care and senior centers. Researchers have recently been focusing on how music can benefit Alzheimer’s patients and their research has shown that music can tap into memories, reduce anxiety, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and works in pain management. Music also accelerates healing and improves social interaction.
1. Make Your List
One of the first things you should do is make a list of teachers that interest you. From your available sources, choose a balance between music studio teachers, and private teachers.
2. Set Up Interviews
Once you have your piano teacher list, you will begin to contact them via phone or email.. Set up interviews with your top 3 choices first. Be sure to ask if the interviews are free. Most reputable teachers will offer a free interview, but some excellent ones do not. Do not let interview fees color your thinking, though. Ask for a business card or business brochure, a studio policy, and a resume. You will want to take these items home and to think about the interviews and what you saw and heard.
You should plan to take your child for the interview. After all, your child will be taking the lessons, and he or she will have a pretty good idea right away whether or not he or she likes the teacher. The teacher should not only interview your child and answer your questions, but also tell you about teaching methods suggested to use with your child. Some teachers use only one method, others use more. Methods are best when suited to the child's needs.
3. What Is the Teacher's Level of Experience? Many music students offer their services at a reasonable price, but they may still have a lot to learn themselves. A college musician can be a great option when learning the basics. They identify with you, and can give you the expertise and advice that their professors are giving them. 4. Where Is the Lesson Held? When seeking a professional, ask your prospective teacher about their past students’ success rates, and the most common weaknesses they’ve observed in them. Make sure they can tackle any weaknesses you may have as a learner, and try to witness their skills as a pianist first-hand by asking them to show off their skills. If your teacher makes house calls, yet your practicing piano is at another location, this might prove to be a bit difficult! Some teachers give lessons out of their homes or music studios, and some will come to your house. Either option is a great choice, and having a visiting instructor can allow those without transportation to discover the beauties of proper piano playing. 5. How Long Will Lessons Be? Having your lesson elsewhere can be beneficial. It will help you get accustomed to other pianos, which can feel and play differently. Learning to adapt to a strange instrument will be helpful, since you never know where you will be playing. The standard time spent on a lesson is around 30 minutes to an hour. This is a good starting point since learning too much in one sitting can be distracting when you’re a beginner. Always ask about any extra fees. Some instructors charge you for supplies such as music books, and some do not. You might also have to pay a fee to be fit into a recital. Find out ahead of time if you will need to be shelling out a little extra cash, so you don’t end up with any surprises.
Some of the pianos below were purchased or happily given away for FREE through dealers, friends, family or classified ads. They are in our back room awaiting disposal. Sometimes a piano that has been obtained for FREE or for a minimal amount of money could cost you $1000+ dollars. Not to mention the cost of the move which could be $165 - $1000 based on the location and the number of stairs We get a minimum of 5 calls per week from people wanting us to take their piano for free. We may take in 2-3 a year so it pays to be picky and know what you're in for.
Before you purchase a used piano whether it's from a dealer, a friend or the classified ads, these are questions you need to ask: 1) What is the serial # - This will determine the age 2) When was it last tuned and how often has it been tuned - If it's a 15+ year piano and hasn't been tuned in 10 years, it may no longer be able to hold a tune. This could even be the case after 5 years based on the quality of the piano to begin with. 3) How much has it been played - If it's been pounded on by children, there could be issues with some of the 5000+ moving parts that may or may not be repairable 4) Where has it been - If it's been in a garage, moist basement or anywhere that hasn't been humidity controlled, it may not be worth having...FREE or not. 5) What is the history - has it been in a church, how many owners, etc. - This may determine how it has been used 6) How much did they purchase it for and from where - This may give you additional history to determine what its value is today 7) Are there any guarantees - If they don't want to take it back if there are issues, you may want to leave it there. Get this in writing. Once you obtain this information, call us and we can help you make the right decision.
We are now adding "Just For Fun" Group Lessons. Even if you've never played, this is for you. If you have to miss a couple, it's fine. You also do not need to have your own piano in order to practice. Remember, "It's Just for Fun" and stress free. The lessons are $160 for 8 weeks or $80 for 4 weeks. There's a substantial Group Discount available.
We will be playing on digital pianos so don't be surprised if it sounds like you have drums, saxophone or even a symphony playing with you. You may even sound like a Rock Star. You can send a check by mail or call in with a credit card or just drop by. Checks can be made out to Petit Music and sent to PO Box 113 Eyota, MN 55934 The lessons will take place at the Petit Music store located at 115 Lafayette Eyota, MN
©Copyright 2009-2012, Petit Pianos. All Rights Reserved.
Nov 12, 2012 "JUST FOR FUN" Adult Group Piano Lessons
NEWS FLASH!!! Have you thought about playing the piano as an adult? Even if you have never touched a piano key in your life, you will sound like an accomplished pianist within weeks. Did you take lessons when you were young and haven't picked it up again
Oct 13, 2012 2013 Rochester Music Guild Scholarship Competition
Announcing the dates for the 2013 Rochester Music Guild Scholarship Competition Saturday, February 23, 2013 Preliminary Competition for Piano, Strings, Winds (Brass & Woodwinds), Voice Sunday, February 24, 2013 Finals Competition Sunday, M
Oct 11, 2012 Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) Volunteer of the Year Award
Minnesota Music Teacher's Association (MMTA) Volunteer of the Year Award Winner! Congratulations to our very own Linda Seime from the Rochester Area Keyboard Association for winning the Volunteer of the Year Award! Here's an excerpt from the MMTA news
Oct 10, 2012 Benefits and Advantages of Playing the Piano as An Adult
There are many benefits of learning to play piano. Some of which are: • Hand-eye coordination • Concentration • Memory development • Self esteem • Discipline • Helps lower stress • Creative outlet • And it is a great exercise for both the
Oct 8, 2012 Questions To Ask When Purchasing A Used Piano
How to Buy a Used Piano • Before you visit a used piano, you can learn about its background. Ask the seller about the brand, model, year of manufacture, and if possible, the piano’s serial number. You can use the information to find the piano’s val
Oct 3, 2012 Thank you to all who attended the Sara McLachlan Concert Live Remote Broadcast at Peit Music was sensational!
Sara played from 6 to 7:30 p.m, her exact keystrokes and pedal movements were transmitted live to a networked Yamaha Disklavier-enabled piano at Petit Music and seen on a 70" television. The instrument receiving the broadcast is actually being played in
Sep 13, 2012 Do you want to know what your piano is worth?
Appraisals & Estimates - if you would like to purchase a piano or sell your piano, then only way to know the exact value of your instrument is to have a piano technician perform a full inspection and written appraisal on the instrument...
Sep 13, 2012 Help Me Find A Piano
Let Petit Pianos help you find your next piano.
Sep 10, 2012 How to Motivate Your Child to Practice Their Piano Lessons?
How to Motivate Your Kids to Practice Their Instrument Every child is motivated by different things. Furthermore, every other music teacher is facing the same problem of motivating their kids to practice their instruments during the week. Here's some id
Sep 6, 2012 How can you save money on a piano tuning?
Piano Tuners Can Inform You of Problems Some issues are undetectable by players, so having a qualified professional look inside your piano on a regular basis can prevent small problems from evolving into major damage. But remember: not all piano tuners ar
Aug 30, 2012 We enjoyed hosting the Rochester Keyboard Club and MMTA members
The Keyboard club is a growing number of teachers, performers, and lovers of music from SE MN, who meet together each month for education, to exhange teaching tips and ideas, for support and performance, and to promote the advancement of music education i
Aug 29, 2012 How can I save money tuning my piano?
Piano Tuners Can Inform You of Problems Some issues are undetectable by players, so having a qualified professional look inside your piano on a regular basis can prevent small problems from evolving into major damage. But remember: not all piano tuners ar
Aug 28, 2012 How often and when should a piano be tuned?
Now that school is starting and the children are back to piano lessons we are asked “When and how often should I have my piano tuned?”
Aug 22, 2012 Petit Music presents Craig Knudsen from Yamaha on August 21, 2012
For over twenty years, Knudsen has been YAMAHA’s premier concert artist and has been featured on hundreds of local and national television shows demonstrating his musical prowess, software creations and musical innovations. Knudsen was Musical Director
Aug 18, 2012 Why You Should Purchase A Piano From A True Retail Piano Store
WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE A PIANO FROM A TRUE PIANO RETAIL STORE. If you're in the market for a piano, there are a lot of choices out there for purchasing one. Just like with cars, there are a huge range of people selling, so as a buyer, you have a huge a
Aug 2, 2012 Should I Purchase an Acoustic or Digital Piano?
Acoustic or Digital Piano: What's Best for Me? Alden Skinner and Larry Fine The advantages of the acoustic piano start with the fact that it's the "real thing," inherently capable of nuances that are difficult for the digital piano to emulate. The experi
Jul 31, 2012 What Is The Ideal Age For A Child To Begin Piano Lessons?
How old should a child be to begin piano lessons? Petit Pianos says that while there are no hard and fast rules, there are some pointers and signs that you can use to determine when your child is ready for lessons. There are varying opinions as to when a
Jul 30, 2012 How do I select a piano teacher
6 Items to help you select a piano teacher.
Jun 23, 2012 Events
Events and Sales
Jun 15, 2012 How to Buy a Good Piano
Wondering how you buy a good piano? We can help you with important items you should know - from Petit Pianos.
Apr 25, 2012 Is there a certain location where I should place the piano in my home?
Yes. Because your piano contains materials such as wood and felt, it is subject to change withclimatic conditions.
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