Hello,
I am an adult beginner and just wondering if anyone will give me some advice. I had a few piano lessons as a child, although strangely enjoyed the theory more and got a GCE, but my playing was pretty appalling! Now in my 40's I'm keen to start again. I have been working through grade 1 and 2 keyboard pieces at a music shop group lesson. I, somewhat sadly, have recently inherited some money and now would like to buy a piano and do things properly.
I have been trying to research buying a piano and am pretty terrified of the complications in buying second hand! I have a 4 year old child who I hope will also play one day, but obviously too early to tell at the moment. But whatever I buy will need to serve us both. I have a budget of around 2500 - and currently think that I will buy a Kemble Cambridge, partly because I understand they are good quality, and sound good, and also they seem quite understated as a piece of furniture which seems appropriate for a beginner. That might sound a little odd but some I have been shown look pretty smart and shiny and my playing won't be!
Is this a sensible way to spend that sort of budget or should I get something else?
Also, I now need to look for a piano teacher. Does anyone have any recommendations for any in the Leics / Northants area? I have acquired a few lists, but I don't know anyone else who has lessons so have no recommendations with which to start my hunt.
Thanks to anyone who has read this far
Some advice for a newcomer
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Gill the Piano
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Yes, but if you buy a new and shiny one, your playing might BECOME shiny... 
The Cambridge is fine, but shop around for prices. As it's near the bottom end of the range, dealers probably won't be able to discount it much, but it's worth asking. ALWAYS buy a piano you've played, never an off-the-web 'bargain' - it's far better to like the tone of what you buy, and two pianos which roll off the assembly line side-by-side can have completely different tones.
Teachers; do you belong to a church? If so, ask the organist - they're usually well up on local musical affairs. The local music shop will know who's who and which teachers like teaching which age-group. Finally, the music teacher at the kid's school (if there is one - if not, the poor *** who got cornered because she knew where middle c was) may know of someone local. Don't go with the Yellow Pages approach unless you have to, but if you do remember that loads of letters and qualifications in themselves don't necessarily make a good teacher, although they do make a good teacher better!
The Cambridge is fine, but shop around for prices. As it's near the bottom end of the range, dealers probably won't be able to discount it much, but it's worth asking. ALWAYS buy a piano you've played, never an off-the-web 'bargain' - it's far better to like the tone of what you buy, and two pianos which roll off the assembly line side-by-side can have completely different tones.
Teachers; do you belong to a church? If so, ask the organist - they're usually well up on local musical affairs. The local music shop will know who's who and which teachers like teaching which age-group. Finally, the music teacher at the kid's school (if there is one - if not, the poor *** who got cornered because she knew where middle c was) may know of someone local. Don't go with the Yellow Pages approach unless you have to, but if you do remember that loads of letters and qualifications in themselves don't necessarily make a good teacher, although they do make a good teacher better!
Hi Gill the Piano,
Thanks for your advice and support.
I have now visited a few dealers and now bought a lovely secondhand Kemble, several models up from my original planned Cambridge, which even I can tell sounds much better. And it looks so beautiful, but within my budget!
Also got some good leads for piano teachers so on the phone to them tomorrow. I'm so excited!
Thanks again
Thanks for your advice and support.
I have now visited a few dealers and now bought a lovely secondhand Kemble, several models up from my original planned Cambridge, which even I can tell sounds much better. And it looks so beautiful, but within my budget!
Also got some good leads for piano teachers so on the phone to them tomorrow. I'm so excited!
Thanks again