Piano Bench Falling Apart and Does my Child Really Need a Metronome by Georgia Zoe Schohl
Q. I have an old piano which is okay for me to use now. My children also take lessons and use this piano. The thing is, we still use the bench that originally came with the piano. It is falling apart, very weak and the bench legs are wobbly. I am very afraid that it will collapse someday with one of my children sitting on it. My question is where can I get a new piano bench and how much do they cost?
Ramona, Miami
A. Benches often do not last as long as the original piano. People often have to replace a bench several times during the life of the piano. If it is a bench designated for a spinet or upright piano there is a good chance that you will have to get it replaced. These benches are not the strongest and will soon weaken with regular use---especially with active children using it when they sit down to practice piano.
But there is an alternative. You can call a piano restoration specialist in your area as you can get the bench reinforced and strengthened in the inside corners of the bench. It could cost as much as an inexpensive new bench, but a cheap new bench may not last as long as your original bench that came with your piano. You can order a bench from a music store or go to used furniture or antique stores to see if there are any piano benches there. Sometimes these stores have a piano bench that is for sale as an "end table" with a lamp on it, but it is really a piano bench!
If your bench is falling apart, I would call some piano restoration specialists in your area and get an estimate for the cost. If you decide to get your bench reinforced, the bench will be much stronger and last you a few years longer than if you bought a new cheaper bench. A reinforced bench can take a lot of weight and movement by children. It's the best way to go.
Q. I would like to know why my daughter's piano teacher wants her to get a metronome. She's been taking lessons for less than a year. Besides, I don't know what to look for in buying one, or what kind of metronome to buy. I remember those old wood metronomes from my childhood and now they have the quartz battery operated ones. Where can I get one for a beginning piano student?
L.A., San Antonio, TX
A. It sounds like you're not really sure about buying one. A piano student who uses a metronome will play better and 'in time' much better than a student who does not use one during practice. Metronomes can be divided into two basic categories, mechanical and digital. When you examine these two basic types you will see that are many types of style and function.
Without going in too much detail, for your daughter's needs and for your price range it would be best to buy a Dial Digital metronome, either online or at your local music store. These are usually under $25.00 and are very durable and designed for daily use during practice time.
These metronomes are compact looking with a large dial on the front of the metronome. You can change the speed (tempo) easily by moving the dial and adjust the sound by adjusting it according the way you like it. The clicking sound from the metronome sounds like the old fashioned metronome with a pulsing red light if you like, and you can plug in headphones to hear the clicking beats better. The 9 volt battery is easily replaceable. I recommend this type of metronome as it is portable and easy to use and understand for a child.
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