Louise Turnbull Online Piano Lessons

What Piano Should I Get? Acoustic vs. Electric

When choosing a piano, the decision between an acoustic piano and an electric piano depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Acoustic Piano vs. Electric Piano: Which Is Best for You?

Electric Pianos: If you're looking for a piano that allows you to practice at any time without disturbing others, an electric piano is a great option. Electric pianos with headphones let you play late at night without waking the neighbours!

Acoustic Pianos: While acoustic pianos provide a rich, traditional sound, be cautious when picking one up, especially if it's free or low-cost. Always consult a local piano tuner to evaluate the condition of any used or free piano before making a purchase. They can also recommend good pianos for sale, helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Buying an Electric Piano or Keyboard

When buying an electric piano or digital keyboard, here are a few key things to look for:

88 Keys: Make sure the keyboard has all 88 keys for a complete range of notes.

Weighted Keys: Choose a model with weighted keys to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, which allows you to play with dynamics—soft and loud.

Sound Quality Over Gimmicks: Invest in a piano with high-quality sound. While many digital pianos come with fun sounds (like barking dogs or drums), you’ll rarely use them in lessons or performances. A realistic piano sound is crucial for serious practice.

Should You Choose a Keyboard or Electric Piano?

Consider whether portability or stability is more important for your needs:

Portable Keyboards: Great for easy transport and smaller spaces.

Electric Pianos: Larger and more stable, they often provide a more authentic feel, which can enhance your playing experience.

If you can, try out a few models in person to see which feels right. If not, be sure to read reviews from reliable sources before purchasing to ensure the keyboard or electric piano is well-regarded.

Second-Hand Pianos and Keyboards

You can often find a high-quality second-hand piano at a great price. Look for used instruments in good condition, and always have a professional technician check the piano before purchasing to ensure it’s in good working order.

Why Virtual Piano Lessons Are Great:

If you’re new to online learning, don’t worry! With hundreds of hours of successful online piano teaching experience, I’ve built a thriving practice that works for students of all ages and skill levels.

No More Commuting
Say goodbye to the hassle of traveling weekly for piano lessons! Virtual lessons free up hours spent in the car, making learning more convenient and accessible—especially for those who are housebound or have busy schedules.

Personalized Support for Your Setup
One of the key advantages of online lessons is that I can see your piano setup. This allows me to quickly identify and troubleshoot any potential issues with your instrument or playing environment, ensuring your progress stays on track.

Enhanced Learning with Virtual Lessons
Online piano lessons have proven to boost students’ ear training and overall musicianship. Without relying on me to mark up their music, students gain more confidence and independence in their learning. It also means lessons can continue uninterrupted during times of illness or when you're away from home.

Learning Flexibility
Online piano lessons remove the barrier of location. Whether you're living at two different addresses, heading off to university, or even caring for family members away from home, virtual lessons ensure that you maintain the consistency of weekly lessons. I’ve even continued teaching while students are traveling with their keyboards!

Leveraging Technology for Better Learning
Virtual lessons open up new opportunities to enhance your musical education. With tools like screen sharing, interactive games, and music notation software, I can guide you through composition projects and help you master new concepts in fun and engaging ways.