HOW TO GET A NEW PIANO WITHOUT BUYING IT

[Rita_Moscow]

I need to practice on a much better piano than the one I have at home.  A grand piano - but only a small one as there is very little space in our flat.  
I have been offered a piano already by a music organisation but my mum will not let me accept it.  Is there another way to win a grand piano without having to give lots of concerts in return?  (I am 12 and do not work yet.)

[janice]

Well, I don't know how to "win" a piano.  That would involve extreme luck!  It looks like you will have to spend some money.  Even though I HATE electronic keyboards, that just might be the answer, given your situation.  I recommend a keyboard because of 1) your lack of space in the flat and 2) you already know how to play the piano, because I would not recommend a keyboard to a beginner because of many, many reasons.  It sounds like you realize that this is a TEMPORARY situation that you are in.  In my opinion, that is a green light for getting a keyboard.  Get a used one (cheaper) with minimal "extras".  I probably wouldn't take a piano that was donated to me (but I would try it first.  I mean, hey, if someone out there wants to give me a Steinway concert grand, I'll grab it without trying it first!!!)because keys probably stick, it's probably out of tune (although you deal with that) and most of all, the action and touch is all messed up.  One of the ONLY redeeming qualities of a keyboard is the fact that the "touch" is the same for every key.

These are just MY opinions.  Does anybody else have anything to offer?  Good luck!

[MzrtMusic]

If you really don't have any other choice, then I would go with a keyboard, but I would get a plain upright or spinet first. For five years, before I got my grand, I had a digital piano, and I must say that the only thing they allow you to do is play the notes. You can't get a tone, or really very much dynamics, or phrasing, or even accents out of them. Mabe some of the new ones are better, but I played some last year, and wasn't impressed. So, in my opinion, the best "temporary" fix is to invest in an upright. You can compromise a bit. Little space, and relatively cheap, but still having real strings, and the action!

Anyway... That's my opinion!

Love,

Sarah

[rich_galassini]

Just an idea here.

is there a piano store at all near you?

if you are polite, I am sure that they would let you play. In return you could inspire visiting customers, demonstrate when asked, or just stay out of the way.

It might be worth a shot, huh?

[tomingram]

I HIGHLY doubt that you can win a grand piano, given that even the cheap ones start out at about $6,000-$7,000, and some of the most expensive grands in the world can reach $250,000 or beyond!  Trust me, if I could win a grand, I would give every chance I could at it, but it is simply not possible.  My best advice is to get a digital piano, even though they are not like as good as a real piano.  My cousins take piano lessons from the same piano teacher that I do, and they have a digital piano.  They are really excelling too!  Good luck, and don't let your talent slip away! (I am 15)

[TwinkleFingers]

When I was in the airforce I did anything and everything I could to get some practice on the piano. I.E. chapel, base officer's club, and music store(which was a heck of a hike to get to!!  They didnt seem to mind me playing there every so often.  I was very polite and got up right away if someone wanted to look at it. hope this inspires you to do the same.

[TwinkleFingers]

I know how you could get a piano without buying it.  But I wont go there.

[eddie92099]

I have an idea. Many people who go abroad or live somewhere that cannot accomodate a grand piano put it into storage, at a large cost. Put out an advert saying you will happily take "under your wing" any piano and it will be played and maintained,
Ed

[Hmoll]

I have an idea. Many people who go abroad or live somewhere that cannot accomodate a grand piano put it into storage, at a large cost. Put out an advert saying you will happily take "under your wing" any piano and it will be played and maintained,
Ed

Ed's suggestion is actually a ggod one, and I've thought about that before. Anyone who owns a piano, and has to face storing their piano is in a dillema because there don't really exist piano storage places. Regular storage places, where you rent a locker, or a small room or garage, are not a good solution for a piano because there is almost never proper regulation of temperature and humidity.

[melmingoa]

How about opening a piano store which sells second hand pianos?  Go around the neighborhood or advertise, ask people if they are willing to sell their piano and have their pianos brought to your place so interested piano lovers can look them over and compare. You get to play all the pianos and have money on the side! Make business out of it and enjoy the music.

[Piano-Job]

How about hiring a piano?

[chopiabin]

Just wondering, what's wrong with your current one?