The Do's & Don’ts of Caring for the Family Piano
If your child is enrolled in piano lessons and there’s a piano for them to practice on at home, instill in all family members the importance of properly caring for the instrument. With simple maintenance and protection, you can preserve it for many years and ensure your child always has a piano to enjoy as they progress in their practice. Learn how to care for the family piano below.
Do:
Keep the keys covered.
After your child has finished practicing for their next piano lesson, remind them to cover the keys. Many keyboards come with a built-in fallboard; if yours doesn’t, purchase a cover online. Protect the entire instrument against dust and other airborne contaminants by draping a drop cloth over it after each use.
Hire a tuning professional.
Pianos require regular maintenance, including tuning, which adjusts the tension of the strings for optimal pitch and sound quality. Worn or warped components may also be adjusted. Don’t attempt to complete these tasks by yourself; they should be conducted by a trusted piano tuner with the utmost level of expertise.
Don’t:
Keep it in a humid environment.
Both the internal and external components of the piano are vulnerable to damage caused by humid conditions and high temperatures. Fluctuating moisture levels can cause the wood and metal to expand and contract, which can ultimately lead to failed joints or cracked soundboards. Keep the instrument in a dry environment away from humid basements, HVAC vents, fireplaces, and heaters.
Allow food or drink near the piano.
Practicing for piano lessons is not a time for snacks or drinks. Ensure your children know to keep foods and beverages far from the instrument, as crumbs and liquids could cause permanent internal damage. Even if they don’t get anywhere near the keys, spills could compromise the piano’s wood finish.
If you own a piano and want to enroll your child in piano lessons, turn to European Piano School in Anchorage, AK. Led by professionally trained pianist Iryna Dunaeva, this studio provides the learning resources beginners need to develop skills and confidence at the keys. To accommodate your unique scheduling needs, the school offers year-round enrollment and flexible lesson times. Learn more about enrollment online or call (907) 360-2915 to sign up.