Recently, a friend recommended this little gem to me; it's author, Ben Klinger, is actually an acquaintance, and I do see him from time to time. I had no idea he had published this little book.

So why am I telling you about it? It's so frustrating trying to teach students with inadequate instruments. This little book, actually, booklet would be a more apt description, takes the exact opposite approach from the Piano Book, and rather than talking technical issues, looks at the piano from a musical and emotional standpoint, and it's role in satisfying human needs and those of an interactive community. My sense is that parents who read through this will be more apt to actually invest the time and money necessary to provide their student with a good instrument.

Ben spends a good deal of time talking about how to get the salesman to work for you in the selection process, moving them away from their self-interest only to a mutually beneficial relationship. That I like.

Anyway, after my friend mentioned the book to me, curiosity got the better of me and I ordered it from Amazon. Having read it, I now intend to purchase several more to lend to parents. You might wish to read it and see if you concur. And, BTW, Ben nowhere pushes one brand over another. In fact, brands are not even mentioned.

~ John van der Brook
Piano Educator