Why Purchase A Piano Over A Keyboard? (Part 2 of 2) - Mozart’s Monthly Memo - Volume 46

December 19, 2024

Get ready for 2025 - Join online piano lessons with a friend or family member and both get $25 off their first month. Bring 2 friends and get $25 off for two months!

This Memo includes:

  • Feature Article - Why Purchase a Piano Over a Keyboard?

  • Student Hall of Fame

  • Practice Tip

  • Parents Ask Pam - Our daughter is 11 years old. Which online program would be a better fit, Crescendo Kids or regular Private Lessons?



Feature Article - Why Purchase a Piano Over a Keyboard? (Part 2 of 2)

By Pamela Cornell, Director

This is an updated version of a previous article.

Last month, I shared tips on what to look for when purchasing a keyboard. However, if you have the option, I would ALWAYS recommend a piano over a keyboard.

#1 Reason: Sound Quality
A piano simply sounds better! Keyboards produce their sound by recording someone playing a concert grand piano.

  • High-end digital pianos may use several recordings for each key to simulate different tones.

  • Cheaper keyboards rely on fewer recordings, offering less dynamic sound.

On an acoustic piano, each key has over 35 points of adjustment, allowing a skilled pianist to create a variety of tones and expressions. For example:

  • Playing staccato (short, crisp notes) on a keyboard is limited by pre-programmed reverb. True staccato cannot be fully replicated.

  • On a piano, there are many subtle variations in staccato, depending on how the key is played.

Students who learn solely on a keyboard face disadvantages in developing proper technique and sound quality.

Additional Advantages of a Piano

  • Longevity: Pianos can last for generations, while keyboards will wear out in a few years.

  • Value: Pianos retain their value, whereas keyboards depreciate quickly.

  • Motivation: A piano’s superior sound can increase a learner’s enjoyment and commitment.

  • Challenge: Pianos are more difficult to master, offering ongoing opportunities for growth and keeping students engaged over time.

Tips for Buying a Piano

  1. Check the Serial Number

    • The serial number is usually found inside the piano near the top corner.

    • Why it matters: A local piano store once sold Yamaha pianos at unusually low prices. After playing them, it was clear they sounded out of tune. The salesperson assured me they’d be tuned before delivery—but they already had been! These pianos turned out to be factory rejects that could never hold proper tuning. The serial numbers revealed their history.

  2. Inspect the Hammers and Dampers

    The felt on the hammers and dampers should be soft. Hard or worn-out felt can indicate:

    • Water damage (in hard dampers)

    • Heavy use (in hammers with deep ridges)

For example, college practice pianos often have worn hammers due to constant use. However, a well-maintained piano, even with some wear, can still perform beautifully.

3. Check Tuning Stability

Play octaves to assess tuning. A poorly maintained piano may not stay in tune. Be cautious of:

    • Pianos stored in areas with extreme temperature changes.

    • Pianos left untuned for long periods—they may struggle to hold tuning.

    • Recently re-strung pianos, which often need multiple tunings over a few years to stabilize.

  1. Test the Sound and Feel

    Pianos vary greatly in tone and touch, even among the same brand. Consider:

    • Bright vs. mellow sound.

    • Lighter vs. heavier key action.

    Choose what feels and sounds best to you.

  2. Get a Professional Opinion

    If buying used, have a trusted piano tuner inspect the piano before purchase. Think of this like having a mechanic check a car—you’ll want to know about any potential issues.

If you’re ready to make a purchase or want further guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help you find the best instrument for your child’s musical journey.





Student Hall Of Fame

Our students are making great progress! These students have accomplished new goals this last month.

Welcome New Students! We are glad to have you join us! Aarush S, Agam D, Almog D, Elodie C, Leon T, Naomi G, Rex H. & Anna K.

Played the piano every day for an entire year - Isabella N. (She was so dedicated that she practiced on her silent keyboard for 3 days during the power outage so she wouldn’t lose her streak!)

5X5 - play the piano for 5 minutes, 5 days in a week, for 5 weeks in a row - Amira S, Arianne G, Isabella N, Jacob S, Jordan P, Lieto Z, Noah P, Ryder W. & Samuel S. (* indicates first time meeting this challenge!)

Advanced to the next Music Level - Lucas V. & XinChao W.

Listening - Listened to classical music for an hour each week for four weeks in a row. - Arianne G & XinChao W.

50X - Played their song 50 times in the first week - XinChao W.

Completed their lesson book - Isabella N, Jordan P, Kaylee L, Noah P & Saanvi S,

Completed an individual challenge from their teacher - Aaradhya M.



Practice Tip

During this season of holidays, take advantage and play Christmas music. Re-learn previous pieces and start new pieces. Most importantly, have fun!



Upcoming MOM Events

Want to see all upcoming events? Check out our calendar. It includes when the next Crescendo Kids class begins, school closure dates, piano parties, and recital dates.


FREE Online Piano Party! Students share their own music as well as participate in musical games, creating music and learning some music history. Each party is a little different with new lessons and a special guest instrument. Come, meet our piano teachers, play some music, and have fun! All ages and musical levels are welcome. Parties are available to non-students, former students as well as current students. Click the link to sign up. Piano Party Sign Up

Sunday, January 5, 2025, 11:00 - 11:45, ages 3 - 12 years


Free Online Piano Lesson - Want to know how your child would do with online piano lessons? Have questions about our online piano class program? Want a tour of our practicing app? Click the link to schedule your free piano demo with Miss Pam. https://moveovermozart.opus1.io/w/freelesson

Crescendo Kids CLASSES - Is your class full? A lot of changes happen in the week before and on the first week of classes. Put your child’s name on the wait list to take advantage of last minute openings.

North Kirkland Community Center - Tuesdays or Thursdays - visit secure.rec1.com/WA/city-of-kirkland/catalog

Winter: Registration is now
Tuesdays, January 14 - April 1 (no class Feb. 18)
Thursdays, January 16 - April 3 (no class Feb. 13)

Spring: Registration will be announced
Tuesdays, April 8 - June 17 (no class Apr. 12)
Thursdays, April 10 - June 12 (no class Apr. 17 & Jun 19)

Spartan Recreation Center in Shoreline - Mondays - visit shorelinewa.gov/registernow

Winter: Registration begins December 17 for Shoreline residents, December 19, for Lake Forest Park residents, and December 20 for everyone.
Mondays, January 13 - March 31 (no class Jan. 20 & Feb. 17)

Spring: Registration begins December 17 for Shoreline residents, December 19, for Lake Forest Park residents, and December 20 for everyone.
Mondays, April 7 - June 16 (no class Apr. 21 & May 26)

30 - Minute Private Online Piano Lessons - Our online teachers are amazing private instructors. Continue your child’s musical education, or your own, with Move Over Mozart. Click here for more information. Private Lessons


Crescendo Kids Online can begin at any time. Our piano classes are fun and easy to do! Perfect for beginning students ages 3 1/2 to 12 years old. Students are put into one of four music levels, depending on their age and musical ability. You may schedule as many mini-lessons each week as needed. Click the link to schedule your demo and get started.
Crescendo Kids Online Sign Up

Pre-Reading - Ages 3 - 5 years, or students not yet reading, 
We use a color-coded method for the students to match their five fingers to five keys on the piano.  New songs using only those 5 notes are given each week.  

Primary - Ages 5 -7 years or older and brand new to music, 
This group is for the very basics of piano playing.  Students learn to play simple rhythms, correct hand position, and the names of the white keys on the piano.  

Beginning Elementary - Ages 7-12 years or younger and reading notes, 
This is for students just starting to read notes on the staff.  Students are taught how the staff relates to the piano and how to translate the notes to making music.  Also, having the students memorize a few key notes on the staff will help greatly with their ability to read music.

Advanced Elementary - Ages 7 - 12 years with previous piano lessons
This group already reads notes on the staff and can immediately identify many of the notes by name.  They will learn more advanced technique and music theory beyond the initial basics of learning to play.  

Parents Ask Pam

Have a question for Miss Pam? You can email, text message, or message on Facebook your questions. She will respond immediately to you, and your question might be featured in future newsletters.

Q:  Our daughter is 11 years old. Which online program would be a better fit, Crescendo Kids or regular Private Lessons?

A:  Children aged 9 to 12 years old can choose between either program. I typically recommend starting with Crescendo Kids to help them get accustomed to online lessons and establish a habit of daily practice. After a month or two, if it feels like a good fit, they can transition to private lessons.

Crescendo Kids is a beginner-friendly program designed for younger children. It follows a structured curriculum focused on teaching basic music skills, building practice habits, and easing into piano lessons.

In contrast, private lessons offer a more personalized curriculum tailored to your child’s interests and needs. These lessons can include additional music styles such as jazz, pop, classical, or learning to read a lead sheet. Older students often prefer private lessons because they progress faster and enjoy a wider variety of music. However, private lessons require a greater time commitment for practice—2–3 hours per week, compared to 30–60 minutes per week for Crescendo Kids.

To determine which program is best for your child, I suggest scheduling a free lesson. This will allow me to assess your child’s readiness and help you make an informed decision.

https://moveovermozart.opus1.io/w/freelesson

Your Comments And Questions

We want to hear from you!  What questions do you have? What do you like best about this memo? How has our online lessons benefitted your child? Please leave your questions and comments below or email Pam directly at misspam@moveovermozart.net

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Considering a Keyboard? A Guide for Parents of Young Pianists (Part 1 of 2) - Mozart’s Monthly Memo - Volume 45