Whenever I interview a new potential student I ask the student or parents what they have at home to practice on. Since I emphasize musicianship from the very earliest lessons I know that a student's success is going to be deeply affected by the pleasure he or she gets from the sounds being made and the responsiveness of the instrument. Ben has just provided me with a wonderful gift in this little book that I can hand to both parents and adult students to encourage their taking the time to find just the right fit and to understand what a good investment the right piano is.

I also appreciate the material on trading up. As a teacher I have had many students go ahead and get started with less than adequate instruments because of money, space or innocence. The questions this book asks provide the perfect opening for considering whether such an instrument is a factor when interest falters or students have trouble getting in enough practice time. I love it when a student does get it and ardor is reignited on a better piano. First time around or second time around "Why We Play" is going to be a great help.

~ Anita Manuel, Piano Teacher