A good quality piano is a must for anyone who plays, but new ones can be costly. The good news is that there are plenty of older pianos on the market that can be as well-maintained as one right off the show floor. The key to finding a quality older piano is knowing what to look for and what to avoid, says Iryna Dunaeva, a professionally trained pianist who has worked as a piano tutor for 44 years. Dunaeva’s studio, European Piano School in Anchorage, AK, has helped countless aspiring pianists learn to play beautiful music for years. According to her, finding the right piano just takes a little research.

Here’s why older pianos can be a wonderful investment: •

• Age Doesn’t Matter: You might assume that the older the piano is, the more problems it will have. This is not necessarily the case. Pianos can be kept in pristine condition for decades with proper maintenance, regular tuneups, and limited wear. Conversely, pianos that are only a few years old that have been neglected can require extensive repairs and maintenance to get them ready to play.
• Research Is Important: The best way to tell if a piano is in good condition is to have an expert examine it. Piano dealers are trained to know what to look for in older instruments and will usually fix them before reselling them. However, if you’re purchasing from a private seller, you should bring along a piano expert or technician to determine if you’re getting a good deal.  
• Your Piano Tutor Can Help: Most teachers will gladly accompany you to look at the piano of your choice. They will play it and determine if it’s worth bringing in a piano expert to examine it further. A piano technician fee may apply.
• •Cheaply Manufactured Products Should Be Avoided: The piano market is flooded with Asian-manufactured products that are cheaply made. Avoid these discounted items in favor of reputable European- and North American-made pianos, as they provide better performance and longevity than their counterparts.

The first step on your path to playing beautiful music is finding the right piano. The next step is learning how to play it. Call professional piano tutor Iryna Dunaeva at European Piano School at (907) 360-2915 or visit her online to learn more about her music classes and private piano lessons.