What is a Piano? A piano represents modern day alchemy. A meticulous assembly of some 12,000 parts of wood, steel, cast iron, brass and felt can result in pure gold for the player. The piano first emerged some 300 years ago. Since then, composers have written libraries of music and literature on the instrument that have withstood the test of time. Artists have devoted lifetimes to pursuing mastery of the keyboard and millions of people have benefited from the educational, therapeutic, or entertainment offerings. Personally, the magic that takes place when fine motor skills in my fingers are translated into the beautiful rhetoric of piano music is nothing short of spiritual. I am beckoned, compelled to experience the temporal beauty of its song. For hundreds of years we have coveted the digital clarity of Bach, the harmonic romance of Schumann, the drama of Beethoven and more recently the articulate challenges of jazz and contemporary music. The piano is the perfect interface, patient and prepared. This is a piano. This is why I play. PURCHASING A KEYBOARD INSTEAD OF AN ACOUSTIC PIANO For years, electronics manufacturers have been pursuing the elusive touch and sound of the acoustic piano with varying degrees of success. The better models do provide reasonable simulations, and carry the advantages of a somewhat lower price tag, no need for tuning,more mobility and variety of sounds. On the down side, they have a much lower resale value and a shorter life expectancy, plus, they need electricity and are difficult and expensive to service. Lower models may not have all 88 (or even full-size) keys and a four inch paper speaker is not capable of the sonic projections of 2000 square inches of seasoned spruce soundboard. The most important consideration is that, simply put, you cannot learn to play the piano from a keyboard. Imitation wood is not wood no matter how beautiful or functional it may be. If you wanted your child to learn to run a computer, you would not very likely buy him/her a word processor. A piano player sits at an instrument seeking an interface to take the magic/talent in his mind and fingers and transform it into a musical sensation for his ears. That vehicle is the piano. And when it is right, it is absolutely spiritual. Back One Page Contact us at: