Digital Pianos vs. Acoustic Pianos:

Cordogan's clearly and actively sells both categories and our staff will take the time to educate you on the pros and cons of both acoustic and digital pianos and specific models therein. The method by which Cordogan's uses to help determine which is right for you begins with an important consultation about what you are hoping to accomplish with the instrument you seek. You will then be enlightened as to the features of acoustic, digital and even "hybrid" pianos to further fine tune (no pun intended) those needs. More often than not, we will raise important issues that you may have never thought of, which can drastically change what you thought you might have wanted or secure your confidence in the original product you sought.

A MESSAGE TO PARENTS:

In many cultures, music education is almost a birthright — a compulsory component of a child's education which parents enforce alongside the "three R's". In American culture, sadly this is not often the case. Learning to play an instrument in the United States is often considered a recreational activity, to which parents wish to expose their children; however, they may not place it any higher on the priority totem pole than say, soccer or gymnastics. Which parent are you? The answer may largely play a part in what type of piano you should consider for your child(ren).

Have you ever, as an adult, said that you wish your parents would have offered you lessons or wish your parents would have made you stick with it? If so, then please don't ever let your children say that about you! Your children are growing up in the Microsoft Generation — the world where almost every activity offers results more instant than learning to play a musical instrument.

TV, computers, video games, sports, MTV, pop culture are all part of today's life in most young people. Some of these activities can be argued are important in some capacity, yet all vie for the same daily time slots that could have been spent practicing an instrument which could have culturally enriched a child's life. Compounding this dilemma are school music program budgets which are vanishing and musical instrument/lesson costs which keep increasing.

With all of these factors, the parent's role in their child's musical aptitude is ever on the rise. These social changes should be examined to determine how they might affect your effort to musically educate your child in today’s world. Given the importance of your child’s musical education and the pontential costs involved, Cordogan’s will help you to evaluate your needs.

That said, learning to play the piano on a good digital piano is the equivalent of snowboarding instead of skiing. Both snowboarding and skiing can get you down the hill, but snowboarding is more popular among younger people these days. If you buy 'em ski's, they may not take to it or be as excited about it.  In general, kids relate to digital pianos better, especially those children who spend a great deal of time on the computer, as digital pianos are actually distant relatives to the computer and are even capable of being connected to a comptuer for enhanced learning. Families who wish to limit their children's exposure to and participation in the world of pop culture may be better suited with an acoustic piano.

Learning how to play piano on an ACOUSTIC piano is like learning how to paint with someone standing over your shoulder.  EVERYONE within earshot hears every note, and alas, every mistake -- whether they want to hear it or not.  No painter would enjoy having someone standing over them watching THE WHOLE TIME, especially when they're just learning how to hold and use a brush.  The headphone jack allows digital piano students the privacy that painters and other aspiring artists have.

Certainly there are times when a parent might want to HEAR their child practicing, and for those times you can always unplug the headphones, but privacy during the creative process can produce magical results.

This is all great, you say.  But does it play like a PIANO?

Piano actions (or "touches" or "feels") are different like computer keyboards are all different.  Some are better than others and some are slower— and some are just different, but given a little time you can get used to a new (or different) one and type away.  A good digital piano action can feel better than the actions of many acoustic pianos and will offer no greater adaptation to an acoustic piano than going from one acoustic piano to another.

If you intend to be dedicated to your child’s lessons—the practicing, the encouragement, the diligence—a Cordogan's salesperson can lead you toward instruments which will compliment such an environment. If your intention is to offer your children lessons with the hope that they maintain their own motivation and stick with it, then Cordogan's will offer you instrument options with features that will cater to this situation.

Music education has varying levels of importance in different cultures as well as in different homes on the same street. We want to let you know that no matter how you choose to treat music education in your family, Cordogan's sales staff is trained to provide the palette of information to help you intelligently choose the proper instrument.

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