A Childs Learning Experience: Grand versus Upright

[tw2005]

I would be very grateful of opinions from teachers on issues relating to teaching an 11 year old on a grand versus upright piano. I am not a professional teacher, but instrumental and involved daily in teaching my son. He also attends weekly lessons from a qualified teacher due to the fact that I received no formal musical education.

My son plays piano (Grade5) and Clarinet (Grade5). A new piano is required for home tuition of which I have selected either a new Yamaha U3 upright or a new Yamaha C3 grand. His weekly lessons are on a Yamaha C7.

My concern relates to my son’s overall learning experience, plus whether by choosing an upright piano that I may be hindering him or not giving him the best opportunity to nurture his own talent. Is there for an example any reason to say a child enjoys more or performs better having learnt on a quality grand piano rather than a quality upright? Myself having learnt as a young adult on an old upright piano

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated…

[pianistimo]

since the instruments you are considering buying are new - i think either one would suit the occasion.  which instrument is best suited to staying in tune? i think the grand (am i right? i don't know)  you might ask the store manager how often a grand needs tuning versus an upright.  maybe it's the other way around (with longer strings).  of course, the ability to lift the lid is nice too.  and,the feel of a grand is - well - grand.

i have had uprights since childhood...and felt no limitations with my kawaii studio upright.  it has stayed in tune well, but if i'd had a choice - definately the grand (with keys that play not too stiffly, nor too easily and smoothly functioning pedal action).