Learn to play the piano
The piano is great for developing harmonic awareness and coordination. Many people start playing the piano before learning another instrument.
Why learn?
The piano is very versatile. You can play solo, accompany any instrument, or form your own group. It has the largest repertoire of virtually any instrument and its music is some of the most passionate - you’ve basically got an entire orchestra at your fingertips.
Getting a Taste
Rachmaninov
Piano Concerto No.2
Helene Grimaud/Philharmonia Orchestra
Teldec 8573-84376-2
Beethoven
Piano Sonata No.8 ‘Pathetique’
Alfred Brendel
Philips 438 730-2
Buying advice
Don't buy an old upright piano just because it’s cheap. If you're going to learn and enjoy playing the piano, then you need to spend as much as you can possibly afford. A piano has a realistic playing life of around 40 years and if you can't stretch to the £1,000 recommended starting price, then rent for around £35 a month.
Webwatch
For advice, pictures and a virtual piano museum go to the Piano Technicians Guild website.
To find a piano tuner, teacher or even piano removal service visit the UK Piano Page. You can also visit the icanplayit website to access online tutorials to improve your playing or teach even a beginner about the rudiments of playing the keyboards from an experienced professional musician. The nowplayit site also shows you how to play selected contemporary tunes with online tutorials.
