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It's possible to rent pianos. You don't need to purchase right away.

If you seriously think that'll work, please go find yourself a super strict piano teacher who scolds and berates her students ruthlessly. Better yet, go study piano in some foreign country where teachers can go beyond yelling.

That "Watching" technique is not working for me, but I assumed that was solely because I am neither talented nor musical. Plus, I do not pay attention well.

mbellephan,

In addition to MinnieMay's advice about rentals, it is a great time to be shopping for used pianos. With the current trend for folks to divest themselves of "toys" and redundant things, there are bargains galore on nice instruments that, for one reason or the other, are no longer played.

Ed

Along with the bargains there are more crap instruments that are not worth spending a dollar on. In this case the OP got in touch with Jerry Groot, so she is in very good hands.

I don't remember anyone saying: "Be sure to have a tech check out something you are thinking of buying."

That should be the first consideration when even THINKING about buying a piano - new or used.

How right you are my two girls never told me that their piano teacher (a woman) was rapping their hands with a ruler; consequently they gave up ASAP.

Yikes - how barbaric!

Barbaric by today's standards. Yet common in the 1970's. My older sister had a piano teacher who would rap her hands with a ruler...and she'd come home crying. That was back when kids could get paddled on the behind in school too. This was before 'corporal punishment' got so much attention.

Attitudes change.

The big question is this: Why did they not tell you?

Just once I'd like to see one of these piano b*****s get hit back by another woman, and HARD.

Unfortunately, most kids got bullied at school (or other places) would not tell.

There are "teachers" harass children sexually, we catch some of the busters every now and then, but almost each time, we found out there were more then one victim and the act was going on for a disturbing long period of time. I wonder how many of them never get caught. And you see the victims from many different cultures.

I don't think parents can expect their child come to you and tell you about the bad experiences. I always watch very closely to my children's mode change. When they are feeling low, I try to relax them hope that they will open up and tell me things. And you can't just ask abruptly, you have to make the atmosphere and ask at the right moment.

Why did they not tell? It is very big questions, and I would like to know the answer too.

Unfortunately, we don't piano rentals here but I did look into it.

Did you consider digital?

I am not talking about the filmsy keyboards, but digital pianos. Casio Priva 130 or Yamaha P95 can be found around $500 in US/Canada, they can be good learning instruments for beginners.
Around $1000 you would have many options, like furniture style Casio Celviano AP-220 or Yamaha Yamaha Arius.

If buying used, digital is safer than acoustic, at least you don't need to worry about it is out of tune, just check the keys.

Teachers please chime in.

I have thought about a digital but I feel I'd have to buy a piano down the road so may as well get it now.

That explains why they don't want adult students!

We have bought a piano. Hoping to have it in home in the next week or two. Still having lessons every other week until the end of the year (co-sharing with another parent) and then will start lessons every week in January. This schedule has worked out great for us so far.

Thanks for all of your input! Really appreciate it.

Fantastic, let us know how it goes!

Will do...piano is supposed to arrive on Wednesday. We're keeping it a surprise so can't wait to see the expression on my son's face.

Congratulations! I hope you son develops a deep love for music!