• I highly recommend renting a violin from Johnson String Instrument. They are based in Boston/Newton, MA; but a very popular choice for NYC area student rentals, with affordable and fast shipping. The instruments are great quality and the monthly rental rate starts at $25/month.

    I will measure your student to determine the appropriate size. You can learn more about sizing here.

    DO NOT purchase a violin on Amazon. For the most part, these are (as we say in the biz), a “VSO” or Violin Shaped Object.

  • While starting out on a smaller keyboard (i.e. 64 or 49 keys) works great for students, eventually it will be necessary to upgrade to an 88-key piano with fully weighted keys and a pedal.

    I typically recommend electric pianos to NYC area students, as they take up less space, need less maintenance (i.e tuning, humidity regulation), and do not require specialized piano movers to schlep around your home like an acoustic piano does (i.e. an upright piano). Please note that the information below refers specifically to electric pianos.

    An 88-key piano with fully weighted keys, plus a piano bench, plus a stand can be an upfront financial commitment. For a new piano, expect to spend between $500-$1,000. For used pianos, good options run in the $250-$500 range.

    BRANDS:

    • Some trusted brands are Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Kawai, and Alesis.

    • Donner is a popular, more affordable brand. Though, the quality of the keys and overall longevity gets mixed reviews. For these reasons, I recommend only purchasing a Donner piano if there is a good return policy and/or warranty attached.

    NEW OR USED?

    A new piano usually comes with a longer warranty, will have no blemishes or flaws, and typically comes with everything you need (the music stand attachment, power cable, a pedal). You will also need to purchase a stand and piano bench. There are some good options for an all-in-one set like this from Yamaha.

    A used piano is usually more affordable, and may have some dings or scratches. There are lots of great used options, especially for an older model of a high quality piano.

    I recommend purchasing a used piano from a retailer that offers a return policy and/or warranty with purchase; like -Reverb.com, used at Guitar Center, or used at Sweetwater. If you find interesting options through places like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace; I’m happy to check out the link and suggest questions to ask the seller.

    EXAMPLES:

    Certainly not an exhaustive list, but here are examples of electric pianos with 88 fully weighted or graded hammer keys.