Do You Need a Piano?
Many people ask me if they must have a piano in order to take private lessons.  Indeed, a piano is the very best instrument to take lessons on because the keys are sensitive to one's touch, sounding loud, soft, or in-between, depending on how quickly the keys are depressed.  Likewise, one can get a variety of textures from pressing keys lightly, quickly, heavily, using pedal for effect, and so forth.  Playing the piano is a form of art requiring, I believe, the original instrument to be most effective.

However, a piano is a big investment, and perhaps unnecessary for students just looking to "try piano lessons out."  My recommendation for these students is to purchase a weighted keyboard (the keys sound loud or soft depending on your touch, not on the volume button) and try lessons for a year.  If there is still interest, buying a piano should be a consideration at that point.

What to Look for
First, determine where the piano will go in your home. That will determine the size, style, and finish and in some cases the price of the piano you will eventually buy. Once you have made the new vs. used decision, large vs. small, grand vs. vertical, you can shop around. You're the only one with all the facts.

You will want to sit down and play several different pianos to get an idea of what “feels” best to you, as well as what kind of sound (tone) most pleases you. Keys should move easily, and when you press on them they should have a medium weight – beware of keys that depress very easily, as in an electric keyboard, as they won’t give you enough resistance to build strong fingers! Keys should not “stick.” Play the low notes – is there a nice, full, rich bass sound? Play the high notes – do they sound pleasant or tinny? Play in the medium register. Do you like what you hear? Check the pedals to make sure the left pedal dampens or softens the sound, and the right pedal sustains notes.

For more information about pianos, look at http://bluebookofpianos.com.

Where to Find Pianos
Don't rule out family, friends, members of your local church, or craigslist when looking for a piano.  A used piano can be just as good as a new piano.  If you decide to buy a used piano, it is a good idea to look at it yourself and also have a piano tuner look at it to make sure there is no damage.  You may also purchase a piano new from these stores:

Sherman Clay: 1000 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue (425) 274-0633

Washburn Piano: 10635 NE 8th Suite 102, Bellevue (425) 462-1888
(next to Barnes & Noble)

Washburn Piano: 2921 Alderwood Mall Blvd, Lynnwood (425) 776-1955

Helmer’s Music: 10575 NE 12th, Bellevue (425) 453-9010

Chris Piano (425) 641-5464 (Remanufactured & refurbished pianos)

Piano Tuners

Chris Piano (425) 641-5464

Jim Faris (206) 363-4286

Or call any Mills Music near you and ask for a recommendation of a piano tuner.  (You can also find piano teachers this way, if Everett is too far for you to come!)