Key Considerations: The Pros And Cons Of Buying A Piano

Many of us love the idea of owning a piano. But is it a practical decision? While passionate musicians are likely to see it as a worthy investment, there are a few downsides that need to be weighed up. This post delves more into the pros and cons to help you decide whether or not to buy a piano.

The pros:

Pianos encourage practice

It’s hard to learn an instrument if you can’t practise playing it at home. Owning a piano allows you to self-teach yourself or practise in your own time so that you’re not having to rely on lessons elsewhere or someone else’s piano. As great starter instruments, pianos can also make it easier to learn other instruments. 

They’re great for family bonding

Pianos can help encourage family bonding – you can learn your favourite songs together or enjoy family sing-alongs in the evening. This could help get you all away from screens and encourage social interaction.

They’re beautiful home features

While you shouldn’t just buy a piano as an ornament, there’s no denying that they do make beautiful statement pieces. This is particularly the case with acoustic pianos, which can bring character to older homes.

Playing piano has many health benefits

Playing piano can help relieve stress, improve dexterity and exercise the mind – potentially improving logic skills and warding off cognitive decline. This post delves more into some of the health benefits of playing piano. 

The cons:

Good quality pianos aren’t cheap

You can buy used pianos and digital pianos for under £1000. But if you want a high quality acoustic upright piano, you’ll need to spend more than this (grand pianos can meanwhile cost tens of thousands). Fortunately, you can buy pianos on finance or rent pianos, but the costs still add up in the long run.

They take up a lot of space

Even if you’re not buying a grand piano, you’re going to need a lot of space. Upright pianos typically take up a floor space of at least 5 by 2.5 feet, which may make them unsuitable for small homes that are already full of stuff. You also need to consider how you will get the piano in and out of your home. A specialist removals company is often the best solution to reduce the risk of damage. 

Neighbours may not appreciate them

If you share a wall with a neighbour, you should consider the noise a piano will create (especially if you have young kids, who may just want to hammer away). Electric pianos can be a solution to this, as you can use them with headphones so that they are silent. But if your heart is set on an acoustic piano, there’s no way to turn down the volume aside from playing very gently.

You need to be committed to playing it

You may be eager to start playing the piano now, but will you still be playing it in two years time? Because pianos are so big and expensive, you need to be committed to playing them, otherwise they’re a waste of money and space.

Should you buy a piano?

A piano could be worth buying if you have the money and the space, and are committed to playing it. If you’ve always wanted to learn the piano or can already play, it could be necessary for following your passion. And there could be social and health benefits to owning a piano too. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.