There are many reasons for starting with the piano before moving to another instrument or taking voice lessons.

• A simple digital keyboard costing less that $100 can be purchased, or a more sophisticated digital or acoustical piano can be rented for less than $60 a month to get started. An acoustic piano will be needed later.

• Learning to play the piano provides the basis for learning other instruments because both treble and bass clefs are used.

• Many notes can be played on the piano simultaneously offering an opportunity to learn harmony (chords) as well as melody and rhythm.

• The piano is an easy instrument to play. Playing requires only pressing keys.

• Unlike most other instruments, the piano does not require tuning each time it is played (assuming the piano is tuned annually).

If there comes a time when playing another instrument is more interesting, having the strong foundation from playing the piano will make learning the new instrument much easier.