Pianos For BRAND NEW Students

Helping New Students Start Strong — Without the Pressure of a Major Investment

For families enrolling a student in piano lessons for the first time, one of the biggest hurdles is finding a suitable instrument at home. These families are typically aware that they need something for the student to practice on but are not ready to make a large financial investment. Because pianos are expensive and not easily rented, entry into lessons can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

As both a teacher and a mom, I completely understand that a child’s interest and commitment aren’t always certain at the beginning. Parents want to support their child’s enthusiasm without overspending on an instrument that might end up unused. My advice? Start small — and give it 3–6 months. A modest investment in a beginner instrument allows your student to explore their interest without breaking the bank. 

You can start with a free or inexpensive digital piano from facebook market place or contact Sisumusic.org and fill out their form. Sisu has a donation program which provides instruments to students that may otherwise not have the opportunity to own a piano, with both digital and acoustic models available for $500 including delivery. While these instruments are not intended to be forever pianos, they will help you get started with minimal investment and save you the time and hassle of shopping and coordinating moving and tuning on your own.

After those first few months, if your child is practicing and showing genuine interest, you’ll know it’s sticking. That’s when it’s time to take the plunge and get into something that will support growth and musical development.

The truth is, most pianos under 1,000 do not work properly or lack the features students need to continue to learn and develop. If you wait longer than 3-6 months you risk losing their interest because they will quickly find it frustrating to practice or simply unrewarding to play. You also risk ingraining bad habits that are nearly impossible to fix and will create a ceiling in their growth down the line. 

Seeing a cost to value analysis of pianos may help you prepare for your future instrument needs.

Under $2,000

• Older used pianos

• No warranty, return policy, delivery or recourse if something goes wrong

• Underlying mechanical or structural issues (cracked soundboards, bobbling hammers, tuning instability, lost responsiveness.)

• Digital pianos or keyboards, entry-level or used

$2,000 - $5,000 Entry-Level

• Used acoustic pianos from a dealer

• Warranty, tuning and delivery services

• Recourse if something goes wrong

• Better-quality digital pianos with realistic actions, sturdy furniture cases and matching bench (Both of standard piano height. Very important for students!)

$5,000 - $10,000 Committed Student

• New upright pianos with excellent tone and touch (Yamaha, Baldwin, Kawai, etc.)

• Used baby grands from quality brands, often fully serviced one owner pianos

• Top-tier digital hybrids with true piano actions and advanced tone and touch features

$10,000 - $25,000 A Musicians Piano

• New baby grand pianos from respected makers (Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Boston, Seiler, etc.)

• Meticulously rebuilt grands from iconic brands (Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin)

• Instruments selected for soundboard quality, action consistency, and tonal depth

• Ideal for advanced students, hobbyists, teachers, performers seeking an instrument that is more than a learning tool, but an addition to their home and lives.

• Expect top-notch sound, durability, responsiveness and tonal presence. These pianos are built to last and inspire.

$25,000 - 45,000 Forever Piano

• Performance level grand pianos

• Used hand-built instruments of the finest steel, wood, iron and wool

• New performance level models by Kawai, Yamaha, etc.

• Pianos often made in USA, Germany, Japan.

45,000 and Up - Luxury & Concert Pianos

• Used Steinway, Bösendorfer, Fazioli, Bechstien. (New these cost about 100,000 and up.

• Custom designer finishes, rare veneers, and collector value

• Often used by professional performers, institutions, and collectors.

• These pianos are lifelong companions made of the finest materials, by hand, by the finest craftsmen.

• If you’re seeking an instrument in this category, you’re looking for a soul connection of artistry, craftsmanship, and legacy.

Conclusion:

If you're just starting out and not sure if your child will even like the piano, go ahead and grab something you're willing to throw away in 6 months. Thereafter, buy the best possible instrument your budget will allow from us or a reputable dealer. Pianos are expensive and hard to move. No one wants to keep trading up pianos level by level, year after year. Get started where you feel comfortable- then buy a piano you think you'll grow into, not out of.

Have questions about what’s right for you? I’m happy to help- no obligation! 732-307-4011.