So my daughter (6 years old) has started taking piano lessons at her school. She seems to really enjoy that. (When I was a child, I played the violin for like 12 years. I was concert master in two orchestras. But I wasn't really into it. I realized it wasn't really useful for getting laid, and I was more into sports. I also had piano lessons for a year or so, but was too lazy.) But I think learning an instrument is good for a child's brain development. So I started looking into buying a keyboard or piano. My wife said, we must get something you can attach headphones to, because in the beginning, it's probably going to be painful if we have to listen to her practice . The more I have been looking into it over the last few days, the more shocked I am by how amazing the capabilities of some of these things are. I'm now set on buying this one, Yamaha CSP-170. It's for my daughter, but I think I'll fiddle around with it myself (if I find the time). Does anyone have this one or something similar?
What's the point of it being so large? I never really understood that, looks? I guess the speakers are in the stand so it probably sounds better.
$5200 for a kid's first instrument seems a bit steep. Are you sure she's going to stick with it? Not sure about Germany but here in the US people will literally pay you to haul off their old pianos. Throw in professional tuning and you have a nice, classic piano for cheap.
We have a Casio privia px150. It doesn't have a screen or anything (which I imagine is pretty neat) but it is full sized and has weighted keys with headphones capable. Works great we have had it for several years. If you are looking for something easy entry it is a good option. Having the headphones is great vs.traditional as you can play and no one has to hear it
I checked the market intensely two years ago for these and narrowed it down to the Clavinova too. It seems to be the best at reproducing actual piano sound and not messing up any notes in more complex stuff, according to the expert videos and Forum threads I've seen. The accompanying software also seems great to learn and it can give you piano notes for songs you input too.
Yes, this thing where you can just learn by following the lights which flash, even if you cannot read musical scores, seems like such an amazingly intuitive way to learn. Admittedly, I am a bit selfish here, I am thinking maybe I could learn then as well (I understand that otherwise, it would sound crazy to spend so much if one doesn't know for sure if the child will continue to be interested).
you can get a fine digital piano for $300-$500. theres no need to buy a pro-level piano for a 6 year old beginner. also make sure you get one with weighted keys. and built in speakers so you dont need to buy a separate amplifier. yamaha or roland are both good options. you should be able to find something on craigslist or whatever the german equivalent of that is...krautlist? so you were a violinist for 12 years and a concert master in two orchestras, but you werent into it? was it something your parents pressured you to do? on that note, has your daughter shown an interest in piano? if not, then maybe dont force it on her like it was done to you.
Asian mother. Gentle pressure, I guess. She chose to take piano (and singing) classes as part of "enrichment" in her school. School sent me a video of her playing a bit of piano and clearly enjoying herself very much. She has been bugging me that she needs something to practice at home. Would never force it on her.
This is pretty much proven from various research articles. Basically it enhances neuronal connections in the brain, and the younger someone learns the easier it will be to retain/learn it (similar to learning a 2nd language at a young age use it/lose it etc etc). I know you mentioned not enjoying it as much etc when your mom made you play, but it probably helped with your own cognitive ability, especially being able to read music/memorize how to play the instrument etc.. I recommend all parents get their kids to learn even the basics of reading music. With that said, I think it's great your daughter wants to learn on her own though, I wish I could say the same.. fortunately I was able to convince my kids to try for 1-2 years and I think it definitely paid off with them learning at least the basics and how to read music, they seemed to pick up math/critical thinking easier imo. Growing up I went to a small school so I played sports and in band (and wasn't forced to drop one which was nice). I have about 10 years experience playing the saxophone from that time. I play every few years or so but it's been well over 20 since I last played seriously. But even now since it was such a young age when I learned I still can read music/pick up the sax again pretty quickly vs not learning it, so I think it was worth it. Unfortunately I don't have answers to your bigger question on what to buy, but I think it'll payoff. I personally though would go cheap to start since resell isn't super easy/start with used until you know it's what she wants. The nice thing about used is it really won't depreciate much more and if she changes her mind can easily resell it/donate it.
Great post @CCity Zero, thank you. I tried to buy it online but it wouldn't accept a foreign billing address. Since I am in NYC and they actually have a store here, I went in there and just did the transaction in person. I guess I am a bit of an impulse buyer. It's expensive but after watching the Youtube videos and actually seeing it in person, I'm quite sure I won't regret it. (And I hope my wife doesn't realize how expensive it was ).
Awesome man! I hope you and your daughter enjoy it, it looked amazing from the video you shared! What I also enjoyed when my kids were learning is I could help them from time to time, it can be a fun bonding opportunity too. With your experience in music you can probably help her when she needs it/encourage her etc. from your own experience. Even if you're rusty it's still all there!
took piano lessons when i was younger, not about dat lyfe. mom and dad bought 2 pianos, and 1 was like this old 100 yo piano. what a waste. but if she likes it and you can afford it, why not buy the real thing?
I never even thought about it, but my wife said we should only buy something where our daughter could practice with headphones...that's how I even got into researching this stuff - that obviously only works with a digital piano. So basically, I blame my wife for all the spending .
i haven’t thought about the years of pain i probably caused mom and dad with my practices. i also play the violin, so practicing that and the piano for 1 hour a day (in theory… realistically it was like 20 mins) must have sucked for them. my neighbor bought his son one of those electric drum sets. i want one, but don’t think mom and dad will agree
