REVIEW - Yamaha YDP161 & CLP320 Digital Pianos - Nice but basic

Updated REVIEW - July 1, 2012
Yamaha makes two lines of home furniture cabinet digital pianos. One series is called the Clavinova CLP & CVP and the other is called the Arius series YDP (stands for Yamaha Digital Piano). Yamaha America allows only regular local piano stores to carry the Clavinova series and the YDP series is usually available at the full line music stores such as Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and many on-line internet stores. Sometimes a local piano store will carry both piano lines, but not often. The Clavinova prices are never advertised on the internet in the US because you have to find & purchase them in a local store, but the Arius YDP piano prices are advertised locally and on the internet and the YDP's are always advertised everywhere at generally the same discount price.

The YDP series pianos are internet priced for under $2000 while the Clavinova series are usually sold for over $2000 and up to $10,000 or more. The CLP320 (which is now discontinued) and the newer YDP161 (above left pic) which is internet priced at $1499 are nice basic digital pianos but somewhat overpriced in my opinion at this point because of what the competition offers for the same price or less. TheYDP161 does have one additional track of recording (2-tracks) over the Clavinova CLP320 but the sound systems are the same on both (same 40-watt power & speaker size which is good) as are the number and types of sounds (10), the polyphony (128-note which is sufficient), sampling technology (good piano tone), features, as well as the actual keyboard touch (GH graded hammer) which is a nice keyboard action and better (according to Yamaha) than the GHS action in some of the other Yamaha models. 

The CLP320 and YDP161 also share the same piano tone called Pure CF sampling. This piano sound is taken from Yamaha's acoustic CF series piano. This difference is supposed to make the piano tone sound better than previous models. But as with all pianos, you have to know what to listen for and be experienced in piano tone to notice the difference.

Although the YDP161 and Clavinova CLP320 have the same cabinet design (with some minor differences), the 161 comes in just one color as opposed to the CLP320 which comes in a few different colors. That may be an important option depending on the furniture and design colors in your home although since the CLP320 is discontinued now, it is a mute point. As far as these pianos go, it's the touch, piano tone, and pedal system that make them a good choice over some of the competitors. The other features and sounds (10 instrument sounds on the YDP161) on both pianos are very basic and offer nothing special (in my opinion). And I don't care much for the panel layout at this price point because there are very few control access buttons but the YDP181 for $1699 does have a much better panel layout and would be a better choice for ease of use and also has very nice upgraded features. But if you need to keep the price down, then the YDP161 will be fine. However, neither piano has a USB/MIDI output to computer (only a regular MIDI output) which should be a standard item on these pianos especially at this price. I suspect there may be new Arius models next year which should take care of that issue among other things. The music education software for computers these days is very exciting and and Apple iPad is one of the best ways to utilize it connected to a digital piano so having a high speed core MIDI USB connection is important in my opinion.

Also, you should consider the Casio AP620 Celviano digital piano (pictured left) for an internet price of $1399. The AP620 piano tone & touch are (in my opinion) exceptional in this price range with Casio's 3-sensor dynamic response system producing a greater piano dynamic range and expression. it also has easier to use control panel functions with an LCD display screen. The Casio AP620 also has dedicated buttons, 250 instrument tones (as opposed to 10 on the Yamaha CLP161), 360 educational drum rhythms and full background accompaniment music (none on the Yamaha 161, CLP320 or on the new CLP430), an SD memory card slot with 4 banks of separate memory for storage and playback of General MIDI songs and lessons, ivory touch keys, front cabinet stabilization legs, and more. Hundreds of people throughout the US own the Casio AP620 piano and like it very much.

If you don't know about the Casio AP620, then you should check it out before you purchase a digital piano in this price range. I have written a blog review on the Casio AP620, so take a look when you have time.

http://azpianonews.blogspot.com/2010/01/all-new-casio-celviano-ap620-piano-is.html

Although the Yamaha YDP161 is a good digital piano choice, if you want to be in a lower price range, then I also recommend the Casio Celviano AP420 (left pic) with an internet price of just $1099. The AP420 is the direct competitor to the Yamaha YDP161 and has the ivory touch keys, USB to computer connection, 4-hand duet play function, an SD card memory storage for recording and playing songs, and a sturdier cabinet with height adjustable bench, all of which the Yamaha YDP161 does not have. The AP420 piano key touch and dynamics are identical to the Casio AP620 and better than the Yamaha, and the AP420 is $400 less than the Yamaha, so it really is a very good value and quite popular. I have played the Casio AP420 many times and am very impressed with it for its low price.
  

For more info on digital pianos and how to get one for LESS than any advertised US price on the internet, please contact me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call direct at 602-571-1864 

Digital KEYBOARD vs Digital PIANO - What's the Difference? REVIEW

UPDATE - Sept 1, 2012 - People ask me all the time, "what's the difference between a keyboard and a digital piano?" It's actually a simple answer but also can still be a bit confusing. Here's what you need to know:

Regular Grand Piano

A regular acoustic piano has 88 rectangular black & white keys that are "weighted" (feel heavier to push) and move up & down in a fluid motion when played. A regular acoustic piano also produces a piano tone when piano "hammers" inside the piano strike the strings which then creates vibrations which are amplified by the wooden soundboard in the piano. And finally, a regular piano has 3 pedals which are accessed by the player's foot (the right one is the most important) and activate functions generally designed to make the music sound smoother with sustain lingering sound and/or softer volume. That's the simple explanation of an acoustic piano. Although all regular acoustic piano brands & types differ slightly in their touch & tone, they usually have similar characteristics in the way they operate and behave.

Kawai CE220 Digital Piano

A DIGITAL PIANO, in the strictest sense, tries to duplicate how an acoustic piano operates as well as how it feels and sounds. They can be lighter weight and portable, or come in grand and upright looking cabinets that resemble the look of an acoustic piano. And most of the basic digital pianos not only have the regular piano tones, but also have anywhere from 6-400 additional instrument tones as well. So the normal definition of a digital piano is an 88-key instrument (portable or stationary) that duplicates the key weight, key-touch, sound, pedaling, & function of an acoustic piano.

A KEYBOARD, on the other hand, is missing one or more of those features. It may sound like an acoustic piano, but not feel like one at all. Or it may feel like an acoustic piano, but not sound like one at all. Or it may feel & sound and operate like a digital piano but not have 88 black & white keys (maybe just 49, 61, or 76). I have also played keyboards that appear to be a digital piano but the keys weren't weighted (just light & quick spring movement) and the sound was more like an organ or synthesizer keyboard. So that wouldn't qualify in the traditional way. Owning an instrument with 88 keys is really what you should have if at all possible, especially if you have piano students in the house.

Keyboard

Generally speaking, most mainstream digital keyboards these days try to duplicate the sound of a regular piano (more or less), but they normally have either 61 or 76 light weight modified piano keys that do not move or react like piano keys. In other words, it's like typing on a virtual keyboard (such as an iPod) as opposed to a regular keyboard attached to your computer. It just doesn't feel right and piano teachers generally do not like them because their touch response cannot duplicate piano music very well (I would agree). However, they do have lots of other sounds and features that can be fun to use. I will say that when it comes to beginning piano students (especially young ones) who have never played before, spending around $200 or so on a keyboard to start off with is certainly less costly than spending a lot more money on a good digital piano, so that's a big consideration. However, playing a non-weighted spring action keyboard, when the goal is to learn to play the piano, can create problems especially for the younger player. They can develop bad technique and playing habits on lightweight keys if allowed to play them for too long of a time (months or years), so if you are going to be using a keyboard for practice, don't do it for very long, especially if the student is taking piano lessons. Get into a good weighted touch digital piano as soon as possible, especially if you (the student) are progressing in your playing ability.

Sophisticated, technologically advanced keyboards that focus primarily on accompaniment chord styles & rhythms are called "arranger keyboards." They are used by people who want to sound like a "one man band" or by musicians for playing "gigs" without the need for other players being there. They normally come in either the 61 or 76 key versions (although mostly 61-key in the US), and arranger keyboards work best with "unweighted" or only slightly weighted keys because of the need to use other instruments sounds and music styles with drum patterns while playing the keyboard. All the major keyboard manufacturers make "arranger keyboards" and not only are they popular in the US, they are especially popular in Europe. Actually, pro arranger keyboards are my favorite type of "keyboard" and I have played literally hundreds of them over the years for home and professional use. Typically, the cost of these keyboards range from approx $1000 to $5000 depending on what you like and what you need.

Roland Fantom Synthesizer

Synthesizers (aka: synths or workstations) are digital "keyboards" and can have 37, 49, 61, 76, or 88 keys (synth keys are lightweight keys with spring action and are not the same as a piano weighted key) and are used primarily used to play contemporary music as well as modifying the tones that are already in that keyboard. They are used by musicians who like to adjust and change many functions on the keyboards as well as do multitrack recording and real time sound looping and performance. There are also keyboards called samplers and controllers that have specialized uses for certain types of pro applications.

Korg Kronos Stage Piano-Synth

Typically synthesizers do not have built-in speakers because they are primarily used on stage or in places where you connect to an external sound system. There are some 88-keydigital pianos that are also synthesizers and sound & feel  more like a piano (although some do not), and they do SO much more than a regular digital piano that they are generally not referred to as a digital piano, but a "piano synthesizer" or "workstation." Like I said, these definitions can be a bit confusing and overlapping.

So a Digital Piano tries to duplicate what a regular piano does and some do it very well! The home portable & cabinet digital pianos that also have lots of extra functions & features incl drums, chord styles, recording, etc., are still be called "digital pianos" but they can also be called "ensemble digital pianos" because they have fun accompaniment features and do so many more things to enhance the piano playing experience. 

Yamaha Tyros arranger keyboard

Most of the major keyboard/digital piano manufacturers these days make keyboards & synthesizers and some of the popular higher priced ones are the Yamaha S-950, Yamaha Tyros 4,  Korg Kronos, and the Roland Fantom series. On the lower end of the keyboard price range are very nice technologically advanced models from Casio such as the WK7500 and XW-G1. You can also get beginner keyboards for under $100 from Yamaha & Casio which are good for young children or even adults just to have fun and/or learn some basics.

As for digital pianos, some of my favorites are the Roland FP7F (approx $2000 discount internet price), Roland HP505 (approx $3000 discount price), Yamaha CLP440 (approx $3000 discount price), Casio PX750 ($799 internet discount price), andPX780 ($999 internet discount price), and Kawai CE220 ($1899 internet discount price), among others. Go here to check out the new Casio PX780: Casio PX780 review

Casio PX750 Digital Piano

I play, own, and teach on digital pianos, digital keyboards, synthesizers, and have been around them all my life. I like them all for what they do and they allow me to musically express myself in different ways. So if it were up to me, I would have at least one of each of my favorites...and I do (even more than that! My advice is, if you want to play the piano, are going to take piano lessons, or just want to have fun but play correctly, then get a good digital piano (portable or cabinet version) as opposed to a keyboard. There really is a noticeable difference and music comes out much better on a quality piano key weighted touch digital piano. After you have played a digital piano for a while, then it can also be very enjoyable in getting & playing a keyboard or synthesizer in addition to the piano because the keyboard or keyboard synth will enhance your playing experience even more in different ways. But the primary thing to do is get a good, solid digital piano. Many of the new digital pianos now have a high speed USB output to computer or iPad for some exciting learning and practice programs and Apps. These things are especially exciting for kids & adults alike and motivate people to practice more (and better) and help overall music understanding. There are a lot of good piano choices in various price ranges so if you want help in deciding what would be best for you and/or your family, please contact me and I will be happy to give you some personal helpful advice:)

If you want more info or advice on which model might be best for you or how to get one of these instruments for LESS than store or internet discount prices, please contact me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call direct at 602-571-1864 (if you live in the US).

Arizona Piano Teachers, Piano Tuners, Piano Lessons, & Piano Movers - Find them here!

UPDATE: July 10, 2011 - How do you find a GOOD local Piano Teacher for beginner through advanced lessons, Piano Tuner and expert technician, or Piano Mover in Arizona or out of state? The answer is...ask me:) I have been a musician, piano consultant, and piano, keyboard, guitar, and organ teacher in the area for over 35 years and know many good people and companies who are very good at what they do. I would be happy to direct you to someone who does a great job for the service you need for a reasonable price!

It's difficult to know if the person you're hiring to do the job is as good as they say. Talk is cheap but actions tell the real story. I would be happy to point you in the right direction so you can make a good decision. Just contact me for a FREE Referral if you live in the Greater Phoenix area (incl Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, and other surrounding cities.

By the way, there are a couple of professional national organizations that usually have local groups in each state called the Music Teachers Association and the Piano Technicians Guild. Normally the members in these groups are very good at what they do and have to be at a certain standard of ability before they can join or become certified. However, just like with all people, that doesn't necessarily mean they will do the job your looking for.

For more info including purchasing new acoustic & digital pianos for LESS, please email me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call direct at 602-571-1864

REVIEW - Korg SP170 Digital Piano - Disappointed

UPDATED REVIEW - September 1, 2011 - Korg is a smaller, independent music products manufacturer that has made a very big name for themselves with professional musicians through the years. I have played Korg keyboards and digital pianos for a many years and Korg has made some of the most popular synthesizers in the world such as the Triton, M-series, and so on. They know how to produce very cool sounds and features that professionals really like. But when it comes to their digital pianos, generally speaking, Korg has not kept up with the other popular Japanese brands including Yamaha, Kawai, Casio, and Roland.

Korg is offering a basic low priced ($499 US discount internet price) 88-key portable digital piano called the SP170. The piano is a bit unusual because it has no control panel buttons at all and the master volume knob is on the back of the piano (a strange place for that and I don't like it). Although the front of the piano looks very clean and simple and some people may like that, the other functions operate by looking in the owners manual and pressing specific pianos keys themselves at the same time, which is very tricky to get used to. I personally prefer buttons or a display screen to access other functions more easily and more intuitively. If you are paying for these features you ought to be able to access them easily and in my opinion it was a big mistake not to do that here. UPDATE: Please see link below on this blog for my review of the new updated Korg SP170S with some improvements.

The major question of this SP170 instrument or any digital piano is, "does it feel and sound like an acoustic piano?" My answer to that question would be...yes and no and this is where I was disappointed in the piano. The piano tone sounds a bit "thin" in the middle octaves although the lower and upper octaves are very good as well as the overall volume, but the touch and feel is not so good. The "feel" of the keyboard (at least to me) when pressing down on the keys is somewhat "spongy," and was especially apparent when I was playing softer songs or moving more quickly across the keys with a lighter touch. That is not normal when a person trys to play normally with proper technique and the other low priced digital pianos in this price range (ie: Yamaha & Casio) were much better at that and did not have that feel. Also, the key travel on this model doesn't seem as if it goes down as far as other pianos in this price range although that could just be my impression. There are some people who may be satisfied with the way this piano plays, but I was not with regard to normal playing of lighter, softer or quicker finger movement and trying to get accurate piano response with normal finger pressure.

The older Korg SP250 (currently $695 discount price) portable digital piano which I have played extensively and came out about 6 or 7 years ago, has a key touch and feel that is much better than the SP170 in my opinion (very solid smooth feel with good key travel and sensitivity response), although it is still only 60 note polyphonic maximum. It also does not have a USB computer output & and lacks a few other features. But it does have a very good stereo piano tone reproduction although it's dynamic range is very limited because of its older technology and lack of updated dynamic sensors in the key action like many of the newer digital pianos have. The new Yamaha P95 and Casio PX130/330 as examples, have better piano dynamic range with newer technology. For the extra $200 (if you can find one) the SP250 is definitely worth the extra money over the Korg SP170 in my opinion and it even comes with its own portable stand as opposed to the optional stand on the SP170. Korg also has the slightly newer Korg LP350 ($999 - pic below left) compact home piano (pictured below left) which has the same specs of the SP250 but it's housed in an upgraded furniture cabinet for $300 more than the SP250.

In my opinion, it really doesn't matter what else this new Korg SP170 piano has to offer in the way of extra sounds, polyphony, or other features if the piano tone and/or feel is inadequate. Speaking of note polyphony (memory), the SP170 has 120 note maximum and 60 note stereo polyphony which is excellent in this price range. With the nice increased polyphony on the SP170, it's too bad it has so many other deficiencies as I have previously explained. Also, as far as I can tell, there is no optional 3-pedal system available for the SP170 that can be physically attached to the piano stand like you can do with some of the Yamaha and Casio digital pianos. This would be helpful so the instrument could used more like a real piano. But I suppose that wouldn't be a big deal if this piano had much better note sensitivity when playing normally. By the way, the headphone jacks are on the back of the piano as opposed to the front or side which is a bit annoying to me because the jacks are more difficult to find when plugging in the headphones (although that's a small complaint).

UPDATE - October 1, 2011: Korg just came out with their new SP170S, a new and improved version of the SP170 (at least in some ways). Go to link below for that review:

Korg SP170S Piano Review

For the $499 that you would spend on the SP170, I would also recommend looking at the new Casio PX130 Privia piano (left picture), or the Yamaha P95 which is a very nice piano and has an intuitive panel layout as well. The Casio is a better piano in many ways and I like the touch better than the Korg SP170. The sound of the PX130 and P95 is more realistic overall in my opinion and easier to control and the pianos have the 3-pedal option. And if you want a digital piano that is significantly better than these models for only about a couple hundred dollars more or so, then take a look at the Casio PX330. It's  worth the difference and I recommend this piano with optional stand and pedals to be a best buy of any portable digital piano in the lower price range under $700. I've written about this PX330 in detail on my blog so check it out when you have time.

By the way, when it comes to piano touch, even though that is always a subjective topic (some people have different opinions), I try to tell it like it is and the SP170/170S has a problem with normal touch sensitivity when playing normally with a softer or lighter finger pressure. The piano should play and respond evenly and easily without need for any adjustment or editing (even if that was available).

If you want more info on pianos & this keyboard, as well as lower prices than internet discounts, please email me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call direct at 602-571-1864

REVIEW - Kawai CE200 Digital Piano - Overall very nice!

Updated REVIEW - January 25, 2012 - This model is now discontinued and replaced by the new CE220. Please go to the following review link to read about this new piano. CE220 Review

Kawai is famous for making great acoustic pianos, especially their Grands. Lots of individuals, musicians, piano teachers, churches, schools, and other venues own them. So I expected their new lower priced CE200 ($1699 discounted internet price) digital home piano would be equally as good in the digital world. After playing this piano and putting it through it's paces, I do know one thing for sure, and that is the Kawai CE200 is a solid, well built instrument and able to reproduce a very nice acoustic piano sound with lots of sustain and resonance in an attractive cabinet. There are many different kinds of acoustic pianos in the world with various kinds of piano sounds. Some are brighter, some are sharper, some are full & resonate, some are more muted and mellow, and some piano tones vary with degrees of downward key pressure. This piano can do all of that and more with many extra useful features.

The CE200 has 20 excellent instrument tones incl acoustic & electric pianos, symphonic strings, church pipe organs, guitars, and lots more. It also has a digital metronome and 30 useful drum rhythms for music education to learn better timing & rhythm (great for in-home practice) and has a user friendly control panel (very nice) with buttons across the top which allow a person to change the sounds from acoustic piano to digital piano, to strings, to guitars, and so on, very easily. There is a LED display that shows the number of the sound you are on in the appropriate sound bank and it also displays other functions as well. I also like the fact that that this piano has many extra features so that you can "grow into it" instead of growing out of it such as a USB connection to computer, 4-handed piano play so two people can play the same thing on the piano at the same time by splitting the piano into a duet mode and creating two separate 44 note piano keyboards. It has recording features, layering and splitting of tones, and other cool educational and creative things that make the piano fun. It's an instrument you can keep for a long time with so many ways to make music. And Kawai is a very prestigious brand so resale value on this instrument will probably be higher than most.

When it comes to touch and response, it seems that everyone who plays piano has an opinion, and they're not usually the same. Personally I think the Kawai CE200 has a very fine piano key action (AWA Pro II - above left pic) with a medium weighted feel which is very nice for many types of piano playing styles. The interior of the keys are actually made out of real wood which comes from the Kawai acoustic upright pianos, and this is an upgraded feature over other digital pianos because it gives the piano player a more natural, organic playing experience. You won't find wood keys in a furniture cabinet digital piano until you get to the more expensive models and brands (well over $3500). So it really is amazing to me that Kawai can offer this kind of a key action for under $2000. Also, the keybed that's underneath the keys is quite solid and the movement of the action is smooth and quiet going up & down no matter how aggressively you play, unlike many "off-brand pianos" that I have played which are clunky and noisy. Even some of the nice new Roland pianos (a very good brand) in higher price ranges that I have played are not near as quiet with regard to key action as this Kawai CE200.

However, at the end of the day, as long as the key touch feels and responds good to you (assuming you know what a good key action touch feels like), then that's what really counts. The Kawai CE 200 is very nice and I highly recommend it. As far as a replacement for an upright acoustic piano goes, in the under $2000 price range for a new furniture cabinet model digital piano, I believe this is the best instrument out there if you want something sturdy and attractive with real wooden keys and fully progressive weighted piano touch without an excessive amount of frills. And in a head to head comparison with Yamaha's best digital piano under $2000, which is the YDP181 ($1799 - above left pic), the Kawai CE200 in my opinion is the clear winner in almost every way and costs $100 less money. And the CE200 is only $200 more (internet price) than the Yamaha YDP161 which is a much more basic digital piano. To get a Yamaha digital piano that comes close to this one, you have to go up to the new Clavinova CLP430 which is generally being sold for over $2000 in most Yamaha piano stores and you still won't get the wood keys or many of the other Kawai features. The Kawai CE200 is a real winner in this price range and if you haven't seen it or are not familiar with Kawai pianos, please take a look at the link below.

If you go to the following link you will see the specs for the CE200 piano on the Kawai piano web site:
http://www.kawaius.com/main_links/digital/PRO/ce_200-specs.html

If  you go to the following link you will see a nice video demo on the CE200:

http://www.kawaius.com/main_links/digital/PRO/ce200_demovid.html

Go here for a my review on the Yamaha YDP161 & YDP181 digital pianos:
Yamaha YDP161 & YDP181 piano review

Kawai obviously makes some great pianos but in a lower price range you should also consider the new Casio AP620 Celviano digital piano (pictured below left). Although tone & touch are subjective, I believe the new Casio AP620 is one of the best new digital pianos for families right now in the lower price ranges, and all for a discount price of less than $1399. The AP620 stereo acoustic type piano tone and touch is surprisingly very nice for it's low price, the functions are easy to use with a nice LCD display, it has 250 voices or tones, 128-note polyphony, 360 educational accompaniment backgrounds, an SD memory card slot with 4 banks of separate memory for storage of songs and lessons using General MIDI song files, satin ivory feel keys (makes for a nicer key feel), front cabinet stabilization legs, and much more. And you can even connect it directly to an Apple iPad with Casio's built-in CoreMIDI software for instant plug and play using the latest intuitive music software for exciting educational and composition tools.

If you don't know about the Casio AP620, then you should check it when you get time. I have written a couple of articles about the Casio AP620 on this blog along with videos and other detailed info. 

 If you want more info on these and other pianos and LOWER PRICES than internet discounts, please email me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call direct at 602-571-1864.

Jalayna & Arianna Praskins - Successful piano teachers and musicians who have a love for sharing music with others

On this blog article are pictures of my daughters who are piano teachers. I am very proud of them as they have a deep love of music and like to share that with their students. My older daughter Jalayna (posing next to the grand piano) loves all types of music as well as enjoys playing on both acoustic and digital pianos. She has taught piano professionally for many of years  since she was 17 and likes to teach her 3-yr old daughter how to play. Jalayna started piano lessons on a regular basis when she was just 5 years old and her practice has paid off.

My youngest daughter Arianna (sitting at the piano in a casual impromptu moment) loves music and has been playing piano professionally for quite a few years since she was 15 for weddings, choir concerts, private parties, etc. Arianna has taught group piano and private lessons since she was 17 and currently teaches piano from her home and has students of all ages. She also plays a grand and digital piano in a music group at her church on a regular basis. Arianna has both a portable digital piano and an acoustic grand piano at home she started taking piano lessons when she was just 5 years old.

My middle daughter Karyna does not teach or play music these days although she taught beginner through advanced flute for many years. Karyna started lessons when she was just 5 years old and grew up studying piano, violin, and then flute. Flute was her favorite instrument and she plays it very well. My son Erik likes to play his guitar when he has time as well as drums.  I know by experience that a family who grows up playing and/or singing good music together is more likely to have successful lives because of it.Many professional studies have shown that kids who play music or are involved in the Arts in some way are more likely to be generally successful person in life.

I hope that anyone thinking about getting into music, taking lessons, and giving it "a shot" will not hesitate because the personal satisfaction and rewards are worth it. Do it today and if you need advice on getting a good piano for a very low price, I can help. Just contact me at tim@azpianowholesale.com

REVIEW - PIANO LESSONS For KIDS - Important Info To Know!

UPDATED - Feb 12, 2013 - PIANO LESSONS for KIDS! I believe piano lessons should be a requirement for all kids. Please read this very carefully if you're a parent and considering piano lessons for your children.

Did you know that kids like music? Yes, it's true...but you  knew that already didn't you?:) Young children (even infants and toddlers) like to "move" to music, listen to music, smile when they hear the music, and "sing" to the music whether it's on a home stereo, iPod, TV show, musical toy, or whatever. It's just natural for most kids and it's part of our makeup as human beings.  Parents should want to have their children be more involved in music as they grow up and hopefully have an opportunity learn to play a musical instrument. These kids (pictured on the left) are examples of happy, excited local students that I have the pleasure of working with.

But sometimes certain parents and music teachers make it difficult for a child to get into music. As a parent, piano & guitar teacher, and musician, I've seen this all my life. Parents will say things like "my kids are too young," or "their not ready," or "they need to prove to me that they really want it," or I don't want to spend the money and take the chance that my kids might "fail" or not like it (lessons). Some music teachers will say "they're too young" or "I've been teaching them for awhile and their not interested in practicing," or "they don't seem to enjoy their lessons so maybe they should quit." It IS true that certain children don't like the process of music lessons and practicing, that is understandable. However, that doesn't diminish the fact that they probably still like music. Fortunately for me, my parents encouraged me when I was young by getting me into both guitar & piano lessons. 

Discouraging your child from taking music lessons (before they've actually started) is a bad idea. This is because children become afraid they might fail due to their parents low expectations for them and that their parents don't want to spend the money (invest in) on an instrument with this kind of uncertainty. But that uncertainty usually comes from the parents and NOT from the kids based on my experience. If a parent realized how playing music (especially piano) is such a good thing for a child in so many ways, they would rarely hesitate and would try to support their children every step of the way.

For years it has been known that playing music can have a dramatic effect on raising grades and test scores for children in school, improving general study habits, increasing personal confidence and well being, and allowing for higher quality social contact with noticeable positive changes in maturity and personal responsibility. In other words, playing music (especially on a keyboard instrument of some kind) makes for a better, more well rounded child.

The musical goal should not be to play at a "certain skill level in a certain amount of time" or to play exclusively a particular type of music such as classical, jazz, or rock. The goal of the parent and the teacher should always be "what can I do to make piano lessons the best possible musical experience for my child." Some teachers have a very strict "agenda" when it comes to teaching lessons, and if the students don't fit into that, the child is blamed many times when things don't go well. From personal experience I do know that some kids just don't want to take lessons of any kind no matter what. Many kids want the instant, easy way out because they're used to the fast paced life of instant satisfaction with their cell phones, iPods, computers, Wii games, and all the rest. But those things don't always make for a better child. 

I am on the board of the largest non-profit music education program in Arizona called "The Phoenix Conservatory of Music." This group runs special "after-school" music education classes for "at-risk and lower income families" in schools and rec centers around the greater Phoenix area and beyond. PCM as they're called, has a high quality teaching staff that gives instruction on a multitude of different instruments including voice and dance for over 3,000 children per week! These programs are funded by local, state, and national grants and other donations so that PCM can continue to help improve the lives of many children through playing and/or performing music. It's a noble endeavor and one that I am proud to be associated with. But I can tell you with authority that the lives of these kids have been impacted in tremendous positive ways because of their involvement in music lessons and in some cases the changes are next to miraculous! Without the stimulation & fun of the lesson program and playing music, many of these children lives would start deteriorating.  If you want to learn more about PCM, you can go to www.pcmrocks.com. PCM also offers piano & other instrument lessons to the community at their large professional facility in the MetroCenter mall in Phoenix, AZ. Give them a call to find out more.

As for individual piano lessons, here's what you need to do for your children (if you're not already); if you get any sense at all that any of your kids like music and enjoy listening, singing to, or moving to the sound of music, then get them in piano lessons ASAP. Starting at the age of 5 is NOT too early. In fact, there is piano lesson curriculum out there (some of which I use for my lessons) which is written with young children in mind starting at the age of 3-4 years old. Be sure that you choose a piano teacher NOT because they have the lowest lesson price (although price & affordability is important), but because they know how to motivate and relate to kids and want to do what it takes to move them forward in a positive way. I hate to say this, but there ARE bad and/or lazy piano teachers out there who will hurt your kids musical future and musical enjoyment rather than help them, so be careful of who you choose for a piano teacher. Just don't let your child tell YOU he or she would rather NOT take lessons because they don't want to practice. The fact is...they WILL have to practice at some point and that's just the way it is. BUT they'll probably appreciate the fact (when they start playing better) that you kept them going and didn't allow them to quit so easily.

As adults, we know you can't do anything well or enjoy doing it unless you practice and work at it. Whether it's your job, your cooking, your driving, sports, your relationships with your spouse, kids, or whoever, everything takes a bit of work and discipline. So don't let that get in the way of your kids (or your) success in playing the piano. And remember, sometimes getting the "right type of piano" makes all the difference. And that's why I highly recommend that most families with beginner students get a good digital piano like a Casio PX780 Privia ($999 internet price) to speed up the learning curve while making music more fun, all for a low price. I've reviewed this piano in a blog article, so check it out (link below) when you can and you'll learn why this piano and others like it are so good for music education and piano playing. They play and sound like a big upright piano with very cool educational features including direct connect to iPad for use with exciting interactive piano learning apps for both children & adults.

Casio PX780 piano review

Or if you want to "take the plunge" right away and purchase a nice acoustic baby grand for yourself and/or your children, there's certainly nothing wrong with that and in fact, it is exciting to own and play one even if you are just a beginner:) And if your kids have been playing piano for awhile and are starting to do very well, a grand piano or more advanced digital piano is a great way to develop better and more complex piano playing skills.

For more info on pianos, piano lessons, or how to purchase a new piano for LESS than internet prices, contact me at tim@azpianowholesale.com or call direct at 602-571-1864. 

LEARN HOW TO GET THE LOWEST PRICES ON NEW ACOUSTIC & DIGITAL PIANOS incl Roland RG1, RG3, RM700, KR7, DP990, LX10, HP203, HP205, HP207, HPi6, HPi7, RP201 - Yamaha Clavinova CLP320, CLP330, CLP340, CLP370, CLP380, CLPS306, CLPS308, CLP265GP, CLP295GP, CVP501, CVP503, CVP505, CVP509, CVP409GP, Kawai CL25, CN22, CN32, CN42, CA63, CA93, CE200, CP119, CP139, CP179, CP209, Kurzweil Mark Pro ONEi, Mark Pro TWOiS, X-Pro UP, X-Pro MG, Mark 112 i, Essex pianos EGP155, EGP161, EGP173, EGP183, EUP111, EUP116, EUP123, Henry F Miller HMGO58, HMGO63, HMGO64, HMGO67, HMGO74, Fischer FG142, FV108, Hallet-Davis baby grand pianos, Young Chang PG pianos, YP pianos, Samick Pianos, and more!

There are a few ways to buy a good new piano for less money than you might think at a piano dealer showroom! It does depend on a number of factors incl the actual piano, the age of the piano, the particular dealer, what state and city you live in, the time of year, whether or not you have a trade-in, and a few other factors. After being in the retail portion of the piano business at a variety of piano dealers for over 30 years, I know how it can be done and what the consumer must do to get a better price. There are a few "secrets" to know that could help get you what you want for less, however, I am not allowed to discuss them on this blog.

When it comes to various brands and types of pianos such as the ones I have listed in the blog heading, I do not personally sell them or work for anyone who does. I just have a deep understanding of the piano retail business and how the consumer (in these difficult economic times) might be able to save some money on their purchase. New home acoustic & digital pianos prices are shown "on-line," but it is possible to get them for even less depending on how you do it and what dealer you are working with. If you contact me, I may be able to help. I do it for my local piano students, musician friends, and others.

For more info, please contact me at tim@azpianowholesale.com

Piano Playing - Acoustic or Digital - It's how it makes you feel that counts! Just ask William Joseph

I have received a number of comments & questions from people around the world who are looking to purchase or already own various piano brands and types of pianos. People want to know if they are making the right decision in buying a certain brand or type of piano and they ask for my opinion.

Generally, most people play the piano because they want to and not because they have to. Yes there are some musicians who do it for a living (and young people who are piano students because there parents make them) and therefore they have to. But playing piano has always been a very personal experience in which one's deep personal feelings are satisfied by the experience they receive when playing their piano. So ultimately, owning a piano is a very personal choice based on a person's musical tastes and goals.

If you know how to play piano and want to sound as much like Beethoven or Mozart as possible in concert, then you might want to buy a top of the line acoustic grand piano like a Bosendorfer, Steinway, Sauter, Grotrian, Fazioli, Estonia, or other fine piano. But remember, in the days of those classical musicians long ago, pianos were made differently because manufacturers didn't have the same designs, materials, and manufacturing processes as we have today, so unless you play one of "those pianos," you won't hear the same music that composers like Beethoven or Mozart heard. And Beethoven didn't hear a lot of the music he wrote because he eventually went deaf while still writing his famous scores!

I am not here to talk about the history of the piano. I don't know enough to do that. However I can say that music is a personal expression of feelings within a person. It is an art and the canvas is the piano and the result is in the eye or "ear" or the beholder so to speak. In days gone by, owning a beautiful acoustic piano, especially a grand piano, was considered to be a sign of success, a sign of prestige, and an entrance into a higher level of society. The piano was also one of the few ways a person could have indoor entertainment that was good for the whole family, friends, and neighbors.

But these days in our fast paced electronic world, most of the standard reasons for owning a higher priced top quality traditional acoustic piano are going away because of economic concerns and changes in lifestyle. Nevertheless, no matter what kind of piano a person buys or owns, it's all about how it makes you feel when playing or listening. If that means owning a $50,000 hand-built grand piano because of the way it makes you feel hearing it and seeing it (and you can afford it), then buy it. If it means that you feel wonderful playing a lower priced digital piano like a Casio AP620 Celviano or Yamaha Clavinova because of what those instruments offer, then buy one. In the end it's all about personal choice.

I know from my experience as a player, composer, arranger, and teacher, you don't have to spend a lot of money on a high priced instrument to be musically satisfied. Just like many things that one can own, there is a certain "snob factor" (as I call it) that permeates society which says "unless you play piano in a certain way or on a certain type of instrument, the music cannot be ultimately satisfying." I disagree. It is because of the availability of technologically advanced keyboard instruments and a change in teaching materials and progressive attitudes of many piano teachers, that more people today are having a personally satisfying musical experience as opposed to having little or no experience.

When it comes to musicians, they all have an opinion and many are "over-opinionated." However, I believe everyone should have the opportunity to play a piano or keyboard instrument no matter what they get, as long as it works, makes a half way decent sound and the player can experience a good feeling. My "hat is off" to those who have taken traditional piano lessons for years, have studied hard and gone on to higher music education in some way. But that is no sign of success. It's what you do with your music and how it makes YOU feel that counts. If you're doing it because you might make money one day from it or you're trying to please someone else, good luck. Do it because you want to...but PLEASE keep your day job to pay the bills:).


William Joseph

By the way, did you know that many of the great pianists & musicians out there are music teachers of one instrument or another? I have a good friend by the name of William Joseph (we have known each other for years and worked together) who was recently discovered by the famous record producer and music artist manager David Foster (manager of Celine, Josh Groban, Michael Buble to name a few). William is now one of the most talented and sought after young new contemporary concert pianists out there today (he even writes most of his music and has song books available through the huge music publisher Hal Leonard) and is currently touring all over the U.S. and the world.

William took years of piano lessons here in the Phoenix area and studied hard with an accomplished European piano instructor. And when that was all done, William became a local piano teacher and played solo piano gigs on the side here in the greater Phoenix area to make money to support his family, which is typical for many accomplished music students & musicians, and that's usually the end of the musical road (so to speak). And then William was "discovered" in a most unlikely way by David Foster...and the rest is history. William is an "anomaly" when it comes to actually making it as paid star performer with a bright future ahead because few people ever do. But William plays piano because of the way it makes HIM feel, and now also because of the way it makes others feel. You can learn more about William through his web site at... www.william-joseph.com. Also, see this amazing video of Joseph in Concert!

By the way, when William isn't touring in concert or in the "studio," he is still teaching piano lessons in his hometown of Phoenix to his loyal students because he loves it.

But as for most hard working piano students and local gigging musicians, as I said before, PLEASE keep your day job to pay your bills:)

For more piano info or to find out how to purchase one for LESS, please contact me at music@azpianowholesale.com or my web site at www.azpianowholesale.com