Merriam Music

Merriam Music Merriam Music Merriam School of Music was founded in 1988. We have grown to serve 3500 weekly music students, with 120 teachers, in three campuses.

Merriam School of Music is recognized by several major universities such as Western University, Wilfrid Laurier, and University of Ottawa as being leaders in the field of music education, and have remained focused on creating lifelong music lovers and participants through engagement and innovation. Merriam School of Music stands out because of three distinct areas: unparalleled facilities, a long-term and well trained teacher corps, and our emphasis on real-life musical engagement. Students at Merriam School of Music get to experience relevant, real musical moments from the second they arrive, and there are over 30 performance opportunities per year for an average student. This ability to provide these real-life experiences keeps music at the forefront of our students' lives, and is the primary reason we can boast a 91% retention rate.

🎹 Are Steinway Pianos the Best? 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FriuI8Zo73o🇺🇸 Browse Merriam Pianos ▸ https://us.merri...
09/26/2026

🎹 Are Steinway Pianos the Best? 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FriuI8Zo73o

🇺🇸 Browse Merriam Pianos ▸ https://us.merriammusic.com/
🇨🇦 Browse Merriam Pianos ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/pianos/

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00:00 - Introduction: The 97% Dominance
01:31 - The History & Invention of the Model D
02:47 - Why Halls Choose Steinway: Maintenance vs. Quality
03:44 - The Early Marketing Strategy & Steinway Hall
05:06 - "Instrument of the Immortals" & Luxury Branding
06:40 - The Steinway Artist Program & Piano Banks
07:48 - All-Steinway Schools & Education Pipelines
09:18 - Dealer Networks & Ultra-Premium Market Share
10:37 - Superior Product vs. Superior Business Strategy
12:00 - The Chopin Competition: A True Comparison
13:07 - What Would It Take to Break the Dominance?
14:56 - Changing Dynamics in the Resale Market
16:16 - Final Thoughts: Being the Best vs. Being the Standard

Have you ever wondered why almost every major concert hall, symphony, and conservatory seems to feature a Steinway piano?

According to Steinway’s own SEC filings, roughly 97% of pianists performing with orchestras worldwide in 2018–2019 chose a Steinway. But is that dominance purely a result of musical superiority, or is there a massive 150-year-old system at play behind the scenes?

In this video, Stu Harrison delves into the deep history, business strategies, and industry dynamics that established Steinway not just as a great piano, but as the default industry standard.

We explore:
The origins of Steinway & Sons and early innovations like the Model D.
Historical marketing genius, from product placement at Steinway Hall to iconic ad campaigns like "The Instrument of the Immortals."
How the Steinway Artist Program and global concert piano banks shape artists' choices.

The impact of "All-Steinway School" designations in higher education.
What it would actually take for competing piano makers (like Yamaha, Bosendorfer, Bechstein, or Fazioli) to challenge this market stronghold.
Shifts in the modern resale market and how today's piano buyers view brand prestige versus musical value.

Whether you're a performing pianist, music enthusiast, or piano student, join us for an in-depth look at the business and history behind the most recognizable brand on the stage.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your thoughts!

🇺🇸 Browse Merriam Pianos ▸ https://us.merriammusic.com/🇨🇦 Browse M...

🎹 Can You Learn Perfect Pitch? 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65AocxWZ6Q🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://w...
09/19/2026

🎹 Can You Learn Perfect Pitch? 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65AocxWZ6Q

🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-pianos/digital-pianos/
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Can You Learn Perfect Pitch?
What if perfect pitch isn’t something you’re simply born with—but something your brain can learn?
In this video, Stu Harrison explores whether perfect pitch, or absolute pitch, can actually be developed—and whether learning piano can help.
Perfect pitch is the ability to hear a note and immediately identify it without a reference. Some musicians can hear a C, F-sharp, or B-flat and name it instantly, while others can play for years without developing this ability.
So what determines it? Is it genetic? Does age matter? Can adults develop it? And can piano practice train your brain to recognize individual pitches?

What Is Perfect Pitch?
Imagine hearing a single piano note and immediately knowing exactly what it is, without comparing it to another note.
That’s absolute pitch.
But having a good musical ear isn't necessarily the same thing. This raises the bigger question: can absolute pitch actually be learned?

Can You Learn Perfect Pitch?
The answer isn't simple.
Some claims suggest anyone can develop perfect pitch with enough practice, while others suggest it is largely innate.
Research points to factors including early musical exposure, training, auditory development, and individual differences. But exactly how much deliberate training can produce true absolute pitch remains unclear.
So rather than promising a magic exercise, it's more useful to look at how pitch recognition can actually develop.

What Does the Piano Have to Do With It?
The piano provides a natural environment for pitch training because every key corresponds to a specific note.
With repetition, you can connect what you hear with what you see, play, and call the note.
Play a C often enough, and it can become more than a key. It becomes a familiar sound, location, and name.
The more these connections are reinforced, the more familiar individual pitches can become.
But does that eventually become perfect pitch? That's the interesting part.

Perfect Pitch vs. Relative Pitch
Relative pitch may actually be more important for many musicians.
Instead of identifying a note by itself, relative pitch lets you recognize relationships between notes—for example, hearing that one note is a perfect fifth above another.
This is useful for playing by ear, transposing, recognizing chords and melodies, improvising, and learning music.
And unlike perfect pitch, relative pitch is something you can deliberately practice.

Can Adults Improve?
If you're an adult who has played piano for years, have you missed your opportunity?
Not necessarily.
While we should be cautious about claiming adults can simply practice their way into fully developed absolute pitch, pitch recognition isn't fixed.
Your ear can become more sensitive. Your pitch memory can improve. You can become faster at identifying notes, and your connection between sound and the keyboard can grow stronger.
Whether that qualifies as “perfect pitch” is another question.

What You Can Try at the Piano
Try playing a single note and listening carefully before looking at the keyboard.
Can you remember the sound?
Can you sing it back?
Can you identify it later?
Can you tell it apart from a note one semitone away?
Exercises like these can strengthen the connection between the sound you hear and the note you're playing.
That may be more valuable than simply chasing the label of perfect pitch.

The Bigger Picture
The most interesting thing about perfect pitch may not be whether you can acquire a musical superpower, but what it teaches us about how we learn music.
The more connections you build, the more deeply you understand what you're hearing.
So, can you learn perfect pitch?
The answer may depend on exactly what we mean by “perfect pitch”—and that's what makes the question fascinating.

Join the Conversation
Do you think you have perfect pitch?
Have certain piano notes become instantly recognizable after years of playing?
If you've tried training your ear to identify individual notes, what happened?
Share your experience in the comments. I'd love to hear what other pianists have discovered.

Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell
For more honest piano advice, educational videos, buying guides, and insights from inside the piano world.
My name is Stu Harrison. This is Merriam Pianos on YouTube—and we'll see you again soon.

Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ https://instagram.com/merriammusic/
● Facebook ▸ https://www.facebook.com/MerriamMusic
● Twitter ▸ https://twitter.com/merriammusicinc

🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/produ...

🎹 Why Yamaha and Kawai Took Over the Piano World 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_SHAIzdw0A🛒 Get the Kawai Piano ...
09/12/2026

🎹 Why Yamaha and Kawai Took Over the Piano World 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_SHAIzdw0A

🛒 Get the Kawai Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-piano-brands/kawai/
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Why Yamaha and Kawai Took Over the Piano World
How did two Japanese companies become some of the most influential names in the entire piano industry?
Yamaha and Kawai weren't always the obvious choices they are today. Their rise to the top is a fascinating story involving craftsmanship, technology, manufacturing, music education, and a radically changing global piano market.

In this video, Stu Harrison explores how Yamaha and Kawai went from Japanese piano manufacturers to global industry leaders—and why their instruments became so deeply embedded in conservatories, schools, concert halls, recording studios, churches, and homes around the world.
But this isn't simply a story about making a good piano.
It's about figuring out how to make a great piano consistently, efficiently, and at a scale that few traditional piano makers could match.

What You'll Learn in This Video:
How Yamaha and Kawai emerged from Japan's growing musical-instrument industry
Why Japan became such an important center of piano manufacturing
How Japanese manufacturing changed the economics of the piano industry
Why consistency and precision became such powerful advantages
How technology transformed the way modern pianos are designed and built
Why Yamaha and Kawai became so popular with teachers, institutions, and professionals
How music education helped fuel their global expansion
Why Yamaha became dominant in both acoustic and digital pianos
How Kawai developed its own distinctive approach and identity
Why the modern piano market looks so different from the European tradition that came before it

So How Did Yamaha and Kawai Get So Big?
The answer isn't simply that they built better pianos.
For generations, the European piano industry was dominated by legendary makers with centuries of history behind them. Then Japanese manufacturers began combining traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques.
That changed everything.
Yamaha and Kawai became exceptionally good at creating repeatable precision at scale—producing instruments that could be consistent, reliable, durable, and accessible to a much larger number of players.
And as piano education expanded, so did the demand for those instruments.
More students created more teachers. More teachers created more schools and institutions. And more institutions created even greater demand for dependable pianos.
Eventually, Yamaha and Kawai weren't simply competing with the traditional European makers.
They were helping reshape the entire piano industry.

Yamaha vs. Kawai
Although Yamaha and Kawai are often grouped together, they aren't simply two versions of the same company.
They developed different approaches to piano design, materials, actions, manufacturing, and voicing—and those differences can still be heard and felt in their instruments today.
So the interesting question isn't necessarily:

"Is Yamaha better than Kawai?"
It's: "Why did these two companies become so dominant in the first place?"
Understanding that history can make today's Yamaha and Kawai pianos much more interesting—and can even help you make a more informed decision when you're shopping for an instrument.

The Bigger Picture
The rise of Yamaha and Kawai is ultimately a story about what happens when craftsmanship meets technology, scale, and global demand.
It's a story about Japan's transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse, the expansion of music education, and the democratization of piano ownership.
And it's a story about why the modern piano world looks the way it does today.
Because the piano may have centuries of history behind it—but the way we build, sell, and experience pianos has changed dramatically.
And Yamaha and Kawai are two of the biggest reasons why.

Join the Conversation
What do you think is the biggest reason Yamaha and Kawai became so successful?
Their manufacturing consistency? Their sound? Their value? Their innovation?
And if you've owned both Yamaha and Kawai pianos, which do you prefer—and why?
Drop your experience in the comments. We'd love to hear it.

Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell
For more honest piano advice, educational videos, buying guides, piano history, and insights from inside the piano world.
My name is Stu Harrison. This is Merriam Pianos on YouTube—and we'll see you again soon.

Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ https://instagram.com/merriammusic/
● Facebook ▸ https://www.facebook.com/MerriamMusic
● Twitter ▸ https://twitter.com/merriammusicinc

🛒 Get the Kawai Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product...

🎹 What Learning Piano Actually Does to Your Brain 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDbOArJgws8🛒 Get the Digital Pia...
09/05/2026

🎹 What Learning Piano Actually Does to Your Brain 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDbOArJgws8

🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-pianos/digital-pianos/
🛒 Shop More Pianos HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-pianos/
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What Learning Piano Actually Does to Your Brain
What if learning piano wasn’t just about learning an instrument—but actually changing the way your brain works?
In this video, Stu Harrison explores what really happens inside your brain when you learn to play piano. From coordination and memory to attention, listening, pattern recognition, and the remarkable process of building new neural connections, we’re taking a closer look at why piano can be such a powerful form of mental training.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:
How learning piano engages multiple areas of the brain at the same time
Why playing with two hands is such a demanding form of coordination
How piano training develops listening, timing, and auditory processing
Why reading music and recognizing patterns can strengthen cognitive skills
What happens to memory as you learn pieces, chords, scales, and musical patterns
How repetition and practice help your brain build and refine neural pathways
Why learning piano requires an unusual combination of focus, movement, listening, and decision-making
Whether the benefits of learning piano change as you get older

What’s Actually Happening in Your Brain When You Play Piano?
Your Brain Is Multitasking
Playing piano isn’t just pressing the right keys. Your brain is simultaneously reading, listening, predicting, remembering, controlling movement, monitoring timing, and making musical decisions.

Your Hands Are Learning to Work Independently
Getting each hand to do something different is one of the fascinating challenges of piano. Over time, repeated practice helps your brain become more efficient at coordinating these complex movements.

You’re Training Your Memory
Learning a piece requires more than memorizing which notes come next. You’re building multiple layers of memory—visual, auditory, motor, and musical—all working together.

You’re Constantly Listening and Adjusting
Good piano playing requires continuous feedback. Your brain hears what you played, compares it with what you intended, and makes adjustments. That feedback loop is a huge part of becoming a better musician.

Does Piano Make You Smarter?
This is where things get interesting.
There’s a lot of hype surrounding claims that musical training can dramatically increase intelligence or make you better at everything. The reality is more nuanced.
Learning piano is undeniably a complex cognitive activity—and there is substantial research into the relationship between musical training, brain development, memory, attention, motor control, and other cognitive abilities.
But the goal isn’t to turn piano into a brain-training gimmick.
The real benefit may be even more interesting: you’re developing a brain that gets better at learning something difficult.

Why This Matters for Beginners
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting piano is thinking they’re simply learning where to put their fingers.
You’re actually building a new system of connections between what you see, what you hear, what you understand, and what your body does.
That’s why progress can feel slow at first—and then suddenly accelerate.
The more you practice correctly, the more familiar those patterns become. What once required enormous concentration can eventually feel almost automatic.
And that transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of learning an instrument.

The Bigger Picture
Piano is one of the rare activities that asks your brain to combine movement, hearing, vision, memory, timing, attention, prediction, emotion, and creativity in real time.
And unlike a puzzle or isolated brain-training exercise, you get to turn all of that mental work into something musical.
You’re not just training your brain.
You’re learning how to communicate through sound.

Join the Conversation
Have you noticed changes in your concentration, memory, coordination, or confidence since you started learning piano?
Or are you just getting started and wondering what the journey will do for you?
Drop your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.

Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell
For more honest piano advice, educational videos, buying guides, and insights from inside the piano world.
My name is Stu Harrison. This is Merriam Pianos on YouTube—and we’ll see you again soon.

Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ https://instagram.com/merriammusic/
● Facebook ▸ https://www.facebook.com/MerriamMusic
● Twitter ▸ https://twitter.com/merriammusicinc

🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/produ...

🎹 Roland FP-40 Review: Is This Roland’s Best New Digital Piano? 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPWMGsCiut4🛒 Get t...
09/02/2026

🎹 Roland FP-40 Review: Is This Roland’s Best New Digital Piano? 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPWMGsCiut4

🛒 Get the Roland Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-piano-brands/roland/
🛒 Get the Roland FP-40 HERE ▸ merriammusic.com/product/roland-fp40/
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Roland FP-40 Review | Everything You Need to Know About Roland’s New Digital Piano

Welcome to Merriam Pianos on YouTube! In today’s video, we’re taking an in-depth look at the Roland FP-40, Roland’s newest addition to its popular FP-series of digital pianos. We’ll explore what makes the FP-40 different, how it performs, what kind of player it’s designed for, and whether it’s worth considering if you’re shopping for a new digital piano.
From its piano sounds and keyboard action to its features, connectivity, design, and overall playing experience, we’ll put the FP-40 through its paces. Be sure to stick around until the end for our sound demonstrations and final thoughts!

Overview of the Roland FP-40
The Roland FP-40 is designed to offer a combination of authentic piano feel, versatile sounds, modern features, and portability in a compact digital piano format.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first serious digital piano, an experienced pianist wanting a versatile home instrument, or a musician who needs something portable, the FP-40 aims to strike a balance between performance and practicality.

Here’s what we’ll be exploring:
Piano Performance: How the FP-40’s piano sounds and keyboard action come together to create an engaging playing experience.
Sound Variety: A selection of sounds beyond acoustic piano, giving the instrument added versatility.
Playing Experience: How the action responds to different playing styles, dynamics, and techniques.
Modern Connectivity: Features designed to integrate the FP-40 into contemporary home, studio, and practice setups.
Portable Design: A form factor that makes the FP-40 easier to move and accommodate in different spaces.

Key Features and Benefits
Piano Sounds
At the heart of any digital piano is the piano sound, and the FP-40 puts a strong emphasis on delivering a convincing and expressive piano experience.
In this video, we’ll listen closely to the FP-40’s acoustic piano tones, exploring everything from softer, intimate playing to more powerful dynamic passages.

Keyboard Action
We’ll also spend plenty of time discussing the FP-40’s keyboard action.
How does it feel under the fingers? How does it respond to dynamics? And how does it compare to other digital pianos in this category?
These are important questions for anyone looking for an instrument that can support proper technique and remain enjoyable as your playing develops.

Versatile Sound Library
While piano is the main attraction, the FP-40 also offers additional sounds that can expand its usefulness beyond traditional piano practice.
This makes it possible to explore electric pianos, organs, strings, pads, and other sounds depending on your playing and musical needs.

Connectivity and Features
Modern digital pianos are increasingly becoming more than just piano replacements, and the FP-40 reflects that trend with features designed for practice, performance, and connectivity.

Who Is the Roland FP-40 For?
The FP-40 is particularly interesting for players who want a serious digital piano experience without moving into a large console-style instrument.
Beginners looking for an instrument they can grow into.
Intermediate and advanced pianists who want a compact practice piano.
Musicians looking for additional sounds and modern features.
Anyone who needs a digital piano that can work in a variety of spaces.

Sound Demonstrations
Throughout the video, we’ll let the FP-40 speak for itself with a variety of sound demonstrations. We’ll explore its piano tones, dynamics, tonal character, and other sounds so you can get a better sense of what the instrument actually sounds and feels like in practice.

Final Thoughts
The Roland FP-40 is an exciting new option in Roland’s digital piano lineup, combining piano-focused performance with the versatility and convenience modern players expect from a digital instrument.
But does it deliver where it matters most? How does it feel to play? How convincing are the piano sounds? And where does it fit within Roland’s broader lineup?
Thanks so much for watching! If you enjoyed this review, please consider liking the video, subscribing to Merriam Pianos, and leaving a comment below. Let us know what you think of the Roland FP-40 and what you’d like us to review next.
See you in the next video — take care!

Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ https://instagram.com/merriammusic/
● Facebook ▸ https://www.facebook.com/MerriamMusic
● Twitter ▸ https://twitter.com/merriammusicinc

🛒 Get the Roland Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.co...

🎹 Something Big Is Coming Tuesday 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAp4FrhMUWM🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https:...
08/29/2026

🎹 Something Big Is Coming Tuesday 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAp4FrhMUWM

🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-pianos/digital-pianos/
🛒 Get the Grand Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product-category/all-pianos/acoustic/
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Something BIG is coming… 👀
Get ready for a major announcement on September 1, 2026. Here’s a quick teaser of what’s to come. Stay tuned! 

Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ https://instagram.com/merriammusic/
● Facebook ▸ https://www.facebook.com/MerriamMusic
● Twitter ▸ https://twitter.com/merriammusicinc

🛒 Get the Digital Piano HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/produ...

🎹 Top 5 Pianos For Back To School 🎹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAV5MH2xS0I🛒 Get the Roland FP-10 HERE ▸ https:/...
08/22/2026

🎹 Top 5 Pianos For Back To School 🎹
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAV5MH2xS0I

🛒 Get the Roland FP-10 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product/roland-fp10-digital-piano/
🛒 Get the Kawai CX202 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product/kawai-cx102/
🛒 Get the Kawai CA501 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product/kawai-ca501-digital-piano/
🛒 Get the Kawai K-300 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product/kawai-k300/
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Top 5 Pianos for Back to School

Back to school season is here—and for many families, that means it’s time to find the right piano for lessons, practice, and musical growth.
But what makes a piano a great choice for a student?
In this video, Stu Harrison breaks down five very different options for back-to-school piano buyers, from affordable digital pianos to premium acoustic instruments and the often-overlooked world of used Japanese pianos.
Whether you’re buying a piano for a beginner, upgrading an existing student setup, or looking for an instrument that can grow with your child, this list will help you understand what each option brings to the table—and who it’s best suited for.

What You’ll Learn in This Video
• Why the Roland FP-10 is such a compelling entry-level digital piano
• What makes the Kawai CX202 an excellent choice for students ready for a traditional acoustic piano
• Why the Kawai CA501 offers such an impressive combination of digital technology, touch, and musical expression
• Why the Kawai K-300 remains one of the most popular professional-quality upright pianos for serious students
• Why a used Japanese piano can offer tremendous value for families willing to shop carefully

The 5 Pianos Featured
1. Roland FP-10
The Roland FP-10 is one of the most accessible ways to get a quality piano-playing experience at home. Its compact size, realistic keyboard action, and relatively affordable price make it particularly appealing for beginners and families who aren't ready to commit to a full-size acoustic piano.
2. Kawai CX202
The Kawai CX202 brings the traditional acoustic piano experience into the picture. For students who are developing seriously and want to learn on a real acoustic instrument, this compact upright offers a compelling combination of touch, tone, and long-term musical potential.
3. Kawai CA501
The Kawai CA501 represents another side of modern piano buying: a premium digital piano designed for players who want sophisticated sound and an expressive playing experience without the maintenance and space requirements of an acoustic instrument.
4. Kawai K-300
The Kawai K-300 is a serious step up for students who are committed to their playing. With its larger upright design and professional-level performance capabilities, it can be an instrument that supports a student well beyond the early years of lessons.
5. Used Japanese Piano
And finally, don't overlook the used Japanese piano.
A well-selected used piano from a respected Japanese manufacturer can sometimes provide an extraordinary amount of piano for the money.

Which Piano Is Right for Your Student?
There isn't one perfect back-to-school piano for every family.
A beginner with limited space may have completely different needs from an advanced student preparing for competitions or conservatory. Budget, living situation, practice habits, musical ambitions, and even the age of the student can all change the equation.
The goal isn't simply to buy the most expensive piano you can afford.
It's to find the instrument that makes practicing more enjoyable, supports musical development, and fits your family's circumstances.

Why the Right Piano Matters
A good student piano can have a surprisingly large impact on musical development.
The right instrument encourages practice. It provides the player with meaningful feedback. And as a student progresses, a quality piano can continue to reveal new levels of technique, expression, and musicality.
That's why back-to-school season is a great time to think beyond simply finding a piano—and instead focus on finding the right piano for the student.

Join the Conversation
What piano did you learn on?
And if you were buying a piano for a student today, which of these five would you choose?
Share your experience in the comments—we'd love to hear what you think.

Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell for more piano reviews, buying guides, comparisons, and honest advice from inside the piano world.
My name is Stu Harrison.
This is Merriam Pianos on YouTube—and we'll see you again soon.

Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ https://instagram.com/merriammusic/
● Facebook ▸ https://www.facebook.com/MerriamMusic
● Twitter ▸ https://twitter.com/merriammusicinc

🛒 Get the Roland FP-10 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/produc...

🎹 Upright Pianos That Outperform Their Price In 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MYOEmG2pBw🛒 Get the Kawai K-15 ...
08/15/2026

🎹 Upright Pianos That Outperform Their Price In 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MYOEmG2pBw

🛒 Get the Kawai K-15 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product/kawai-k-15/
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Upright Pianos That Outperform Their Price In 2026

Shopping for an upright piano in 2026?
In this video, Stu Harrison takes a closer look at five upright pianos that deliver an impressive combination of playing experience, craftsmanship, sound, design, and overall value.

What You'll Learn In This Video
• Why these five upright pianos offer exceptional value in 2026
• What makes an acoustic upright piano truly "outperform" its price
• How action, tone, scale design, cabinet construction, and craftsmanship affect overall value
• Which features and characteristics actually matter when choosing an acoustic piano
• The strengths and trade-offs of each featured instrument
• Why a more expensive upright piano isn't always the right choice for every pianist

What Makes An Upright Piano Great Value?
The best-value upright pianos aren't necessarily the least expensive instruments available.
True value comes from how well a piano combines the things that matter most to a pianist: touch, tone, dynamic range, responsiveness, scale design, construction quality, materials, cabinet design, and long-term durability.
A piano that costs more isn't automatically a better investment. Likewise, a less expensive piano isn't necessarily the better value.

Five Different Approaches To Value
One of the most interesting things about these five instruments is that they don't all approach value in the same way.
- The Kawai K-15 offers an accessible entry point into the world of acoustic pianos, with a compact upright design that makes it an appealing choice for pianists and families looking for quality without an enormous investment.
- The Kawai K-500 takes things further, offering a larger upright design and a more substantial playing experience for pianists who want greater tonal depth, power, and refinement.
- The Schimmel W. 123 / Hoffmann T 128 represent another approach, bringing European piano design and craftsmanship into the conversation for buyers looking for an upright with character and sophistication.
- The C. Bechstein A 6 offers a distinctly premium interpretation of the upright piano, with an emphasis on musicality, refinement, and the kind of playing experience that can make a serious pianist rethink what an upright piano is capable of.
- And the Kawai MS 130 brings substantial scale and presence to the upright category, making it an intriguing option for players who want an instrument capable of delivering a powerful and rewarding acoustic piano experience.

What Should You Look For When Buying An Upright Piano?
When evaluating acoustic pianos, it's easy to get distracted by specifications, dimensions, brand names, and price tags.

Who Is This Video For?
This guide is ideal if you are:
• Shopping for an upright piano in 2026
• Comparing Kawai, Schimmel, Hoffmann, and C. Bechstein pianos
• Looking for the best acoustic piano value for your budget
• Upgrading from an entry-level piano
• Looking for a quality piano for your home
• Considering a serious upright for advanced playing
• Trying to decide whether spending more is worthwhile
• Looking for an instrument that will serve you well for years to come
• Trying to understand what separates an affordable upright from a truly exceptional one
• Trying to avoid buyer's remorse

Join The Conversation
Which of these five upright pianos do you think offers the best value in 2026?
Have you played the Kawai K-15, Kawai K-500, Schimmel W. 123, Hoffmann T 128, C. Bechstein A 6, or Kawai MS 130?
And is there another upright piano you think deserves to be on our list?
Leave your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this video, please

Like, Subscribe, and hit the Bell for more honest piano reviews, acoustic and digital piano buying guides, educational content, and insights from inside the piano industry.
My name is Stu Harrison. This is Merriam Pianos—and we'll see you in the next video.

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