Pianos and Keyboards

A real piano is absolutely irreplaceable. Statistics show that students who play on a real piano continue playing longer than those on a keyboard. However, a real piano is quite an investment. Many people think that a piano is a one time expense, and it will maintain it’s quality indefinitely. This is simply not the case. Pianos are delicate and sensitive instruments that require regular maintenance and tuning like a car. Although new pianos can be expensive, used pianos are often available for a low cost, or even for free if you are willing to pay to move them. A high quality used piano is the best option for most families. However, it is important to have a Tolbert Music Instructor play and inspect the piano before you purchase it. Pianos requires a professional, hands-on look to know if the instrument is in a good condition. Another great option is to head to a local piano store. These stores stake their reputations on up-keeping nice instruments, so it would be hard for you to go wrong in one of these stores. You will find a wide range of prices and options, and you will get what you pay for. Purchasing a piano is a worthwhile investment — especially with older and more advanced students. If you are interested in this option please call Chris or ask your instructor for more information.

For younger students and beginners, we do recommend starting with a nice electric keyboard. If you choose this option, it is important you find a keyboard that has certain features — especially 88 weighted, velocity-sensitive keys. These keys are weighted to feel similar to a real piano, and are velocity-sensitive so you student can control the volume of each note by pressing harder or softer. Although it may be tempting to buy the cheapest keyboard possible, doing such will likely cost you more money in the long run than buying a high quality, more expensive keyboard. A nice keyboard that is well cared for and has all the necessary features should cost around $500-$700. As long as it is cared for, a keyboard in this price range should retain it’s value. If your student decides to discontinue, higher quality keyboards will be much easier to resell than a lower quality model. We’ve got a link to a great starter keyboard linked above. You will find that the furniture stand included in the package is an especially helpful feature as it looks nice in your home, and the cheaper X-style stands will break after a year or two in your home.

Books

FAber Piano Adventures

These are our most frequently used books. Your student is very likely using them or switching into them. They are paced well, and the tunes seem to agree with modern ears a little better than some of the other popular piano methods out there. The lesson books are the essential components that you need. If you have been asked to purchase “the next book,” what you need is the next numerical “lesson book.” Note that there are some levels which are divided into A and B, ie 2A and 2B. If you are graduating from 2A, you need 2B.

LESSON BOOKS in Numerical Order — Click an image to view on Amazon