Mark Well The Name

SCHOENHUT

I fell in love with Schoenhut's My First Piano the moment I laid eyes on them. It is the perfect height for a sitting Ewan at 8 months old. It has 25 keys (blacks and whites inclusive), in perfect tune, of similar key width as a real piano and the perfect "starter kit" to transit our little ones to a real piano eventually. Whoever knows me, knows I love products that come with a long history and of course reputable. So it's no surprise I went gaga over Schoenhut which is a 140 year old brand from America.

Ewan's friend, Ella, was the proud owner of a white My First Piano. We took the opportunity to dress the duo up and conducted a photo shoot at home. It definitely was a fun morning!

Schoenhut's White 25 Keys My First Piano

Ella all dressed up, ready for the photoshoot

Width of the Keys on My First Piano relative to 8 Month Old fingers

Ella at 7 months & Ewan at 8 months

Length and Size of My First Piano relative to Ewan (8 months old)

It's a Wrap! Out comes the Teether and a Cheeky Smile!

I jumped on the wagon and made Lovebug Kids the official retailer of Schoenhut in January 2013. It is a hit and we have brought much joy to more than a dozen children in Singapore. 

As every skeptical parent would be, we gathered many doubts and resistance. Here are your questions formulated into a FAQ sheet.

You Questions.
Our Voice.
Your Call.

Customer: But I have a real piano at home

A real piano is too tall for a young child. It is dangerous for them to sit alone. This toy piano is of the perfect height for a young child, so that can hop on by themselves and play on it any they want. It also encourages them to sit and play at the right posture

A real piano’s keys are too stiff for a young child. The schoenhut piano’s keys are lighter in touch and perfect for young fingers.

With Lovebug Kids, we are throwing in a colour learning system that teaches you and your kid how to play the piano using a colour system. It comes with an accompaniment book so that you can play in duet with your child. Your child on the toy piano, and you on the real piano.

Customer: I will just buy a real piano

The schoenhut piano is a good first instrument for your child. Use it to assess your child’s interest beyond spending on a real piano which would cost at least 10x more.

[if the child is very young] A real piano is too tall for a young child. It is dangerous for them to sit alone. This toy piano is of the perfect height for a young child, so that he/she can hop on by themselves and play on it at any time they want. It also encourages them to sit and play at the right posture. A real piano’s keys are too stiff for a young child. The schoenhut piano’s keys are lighter in touch and perfect for young fingers.

Customer: I prefer to buy/ already have an electronic keyboard

The touch of the electronic keyboard is very different from a real piano. Because Schoenhut uses a hammer system like a real piano, it feels more like one. On the electronic keyboard, you adjust volume using a volume control dial. On the Schoenhut, the child learns to control loud and soft using his fingers. This helps a young child learn cause and effect, an older child learns fine motor skills and a sensitivity of touch using the Schoenhut piano. The vibrations from a Schoenhut piano also provide tactile learning for a young child. 

Customer: Is there a warranty? What if it spoils? How long will it last?

We do not have a warranty but if the product is defective upon delivery, we will exchange it for you. Schoenhut pianos are made from solid wood and steel metal rods, it is very sturdy. In fact, it can withstand the weight of a 100kg man. There are actually antique Schoenhuts passed down generations that are still in existence today. 

Customer: What age group is this for?

As long as your child can sit unsupported (from 7/8 months onwards), he/she can start tinkering on the piano. Your child can play on this until he/she is ready for a real piano. In fact, many adult professional musicians perform in concerts using this piano, so there is no age limit!

Customer: What is the difference between the 2 Octave (25 key) models and 3 Octave (37 Key) models?

The 3 octave models will allow for 2-hand playing. 2 octaves will be quite restrictive for 2 hands. 2 octaves would still be sufficient for simple tunes and nursery rhymes.

Customer: It is not of perfect tune

It is largely in tune but it does have more overtones compared to a real piano. However, it is much more in tune compared to many other toy pianos/instruments out there in the market. It is tuned close to a real piano, and can be played along with a real piano without discernible issues in tuning. 

Dr. Lee Pei Ming (Assistant Professor at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at NUS, Doctorate Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance, Principal of Staccato! Music School) endorses the Schoenhut Toy Piano as excellent in developing pitching skills in young children, and uses the Schoenhut pianos for her children music programmes.

Customer: Are there other similar products available in the market?

While there are similar products by other companies, the toy pianos they produce are only of 1 octave. They do not produce the larger models which Schoenhut carries. Schoenhut also distinguishes itself as the ORIGINAL toy piano with a 140 year history! It is also the brand endorsed by renowned professional musicians world-wide. Antique Schoenhuts are seen as collectibles.

Taking this opportunity in this blog entry, I'd like to introduce you three more exciting pianos added to our collection. My Piano Pals (Teddy, Puppy & Pony) are now available at S$308 whilst stocks last. We are offering a 15% discount until 31 May 2013 available at S$260. Email us to place your order!