Is it worth buying a Piano for my 7 year old

[TFU] Thegoon84

[TFU] Thegoon84

[TFU] Thegoon84

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Hello,

I'm a huge fan of pianos (even tho I've never learnt).

I’m thinking of getting my 7 year old a Keyboard for Christmas. I’ve recently built a large entertainment room in the house…. But I don’t want the kids to just sit there watch TV 24/7. I’d like for it to be remotely interactive.

Sadly at present we cant afford to pay for piano lessons as she’s got loads of other activities going on aswel as a tutor for help with her maths.

Anyways, I have no experience of playing the piano so fancy learning. I’ve noticed there are a few youtube videos on beginners guides.

My question is, is it worth buying the piano, will the youtube tutorials is enough to help her (and me learn)… I just fancy doing something creative with her… Like half hour a night together. I'd like for her to learn and read music notes, any suggestion?

Any suggestions on pianos, don’t want to spend a fortune just something entry that’s easy to move about and mount.
 
Totally agree with VincentHanna...surely a keyboard is the way to go. At least that way if she doesn't take to it then you won't have a nightmare getting rid of the thing. Plus of course the space issues.

Edit - we posted at the same time.

Just get something cheap? It's not like she's going to be a virtuoso immediately and if she needs better you can always upgrade later.
 
VincentHanna said:
Wouldn't a keyboard be a better starting point in terms of cost?
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Piano's probably cheaper, to be honest. They're regularly given away or sold cheap.

We had one we picked up from a friend for free, as he was moving (we basically did him a favour). We have plenty of space, but it didn't get used so we got rid for £50 (via ebay).
 
my kids grandad (mummys side) who's a drummer bought our 2yr old a full drum kit. haha he has great pleasure in peeing the neighbours off bashing the drums. I love them too haha so moral of the story is get them in to it early.
 
You don't have to rely on YT, there are plenty of tried and tested method books to get you started. I would avoid YT personally as you want to be looking at sheet music rather than just copying what someone else is doing.

Do you have a budget? You can get a decent digital piano for £500.
 
I’d say it depends on how enthusiastic the kid is and also how much input you will have as a parent especially as lessons can cost a lot.

My youngest lad is 7 and he wanted a guitar seen as they have a club at school let’s just say he wasn’t committed and it’s now minus some strings, however he has taken to singing so that’s a plus
 
My kids wanted one and I bought them a keyboard which was recommended on here (Piaggero NV-80). Unfortunately they lost interest after a while. I keep meaning to sell the thing lol. But in hindsight I'd recommend a tutor otherwise they may not keep up their interest.
 
My kids have both had lessons through primary school, and the elder now has a teacher who comes to our house.

Look into whether there's anything available through school, they'll be cheaper than a regular teacher.

You can learn from books easily enough. Get to a decent music shop and tell them what you're after.
 
if you search around (and/or ask via school) you might well find either a retired lady (not meaning to be sexist but they typically were retired women) who does lessons or some music student looking to supplement their loan - they might well be cheaper than some other tutors

you might be able to get some recommendations from other parents too - it isn't exactly uncommon to send a kid that age to piano or other music lessons

lastly the people saying keyboards are cheaper are wrong in most cases at least in the case of getting a second hand upright piano - people are practically giving them away on e-bay/gumtree etc.. the main issue/expense is just hiring a van to transport the thing
 
Depends how good condition an old piano is in. It only takes one duff key in the wrong place to make the whole thing nigh unplayable. Some older pianos are a pain to keep in tune as well.

So yes, there are bargains to be had, but you need to make sure you know what you're looking for.
 
I had piano lessons (twice a week) from the age of 6 to 19. Consequently I can play pretty well.

I started off with a small digital keyboard with only a few octaves available on it and I used to practice on that at home, with my main lesson at my tutor's house on a piano.

When I got to about 9 or 10 and I was still heavily involved and interested in it, my parents bought me a piano (it was also great for them as a piece of furniture), and when I got to 15 they invested in a grand piano.

I loved learning the piano, and despite being a bit rusty, like riding a bike its something you do not forget.

Give me a keyboard and i can still bang out a bit of Scott Joplin when given the chance.

In respect of needing lessons for as long as I did? No ,not really.

Once you can read music the rest is repetition and practice. Once you know your Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge.....and FACE the rest is relatively easy.
 
My Daughter has just turned 10 and we started her when she was 7/8. Thankfully she took to it a lot better than horse riding. We bought her a piano almost immediately. Not that expensive really as we bought a Casio Celviano job and as said above it is a great piece to have in the living room.

I would strongly advise a tutor though. Giving them books and expecting them to learn they will just get bored. Daughter loves going to her instructor as it is a break from the norm.
 
Get a basic keyboard and stand for £100 then upgrade when she’s older. Let’s be honest she’s 7 so you don’t need to over-do it.

Spending £500 is laughable at this stage.
 
EVH said:
Get a basic keyboard and stand for £100 then upgrade when she’s older. Let’s be honest she’s 7 so you don’t need to over-do it.

Spending £500 is laughable at this stage.
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Totally agree. Don't spend a fortune until it's needed. She may hate it and not want to continue.
 
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