PIANOS FOR PEOPLE
FAQs
I have a piano I would like to donate. What are my next steps?
Thank you for your interest in donating a piano to Pianos for People! To donate a piano, please review our acceptance criteria, and if you think your piano would fulfill our donation requirements, fill out our online application here.
After submitting your application, please allow 3-5 business days to hear from Amy regarding the status of your application.
If the application is approved, we will contact you to set up an appointment with our piano technician and moving crew. Upon a successful inspection, with no significant structural issues found with the piano, we will move the piano on the day of the inspection.
This process may take up to 1-2 months to complete, and therefore we are unable to arrange for rapid pick-ups, but please contact Amy if you think you may have an exceptional circumstance.
Amy’s contact details: (314) 285-5852, amy@pianosforpeople.org
Does Pianos for People accept organs or other instruments?
No, Pianos for People only accepts pianos and electronic keyboards.
Does Pianos for People accept electronic keyboards?
Yes, many of our recipients live in houses without access to an elevator, and would benefit from some sort of practice instrument, even if it’s not an acoustic piano.
Please contact Amy to arrange a drop-off of your keyboard at our location at 3138 Cherokee Street, St. Louis MO 63118.
Amy’s contact details: (314) 285-5852, amy@pianosforpeople.org
My piano does not meet your criteria for acceptance, do you have any recommendations?
While we cannot offer formal advice, we suggest asking your piano technician if they might use the piano for parts or restoration. Also, you may find a local piano teacher who has an early student who may benefit from having a piano. You can also check with your local church musician to see if they know of anyone who needs a piano.
I would like a piano. What are my next steps?
We’re glad you found Pianos for People! Please apply for a piano here. You will need to provide verification of need, which may be your most recent pay stub, proof of federal assistance, or a description of your circumstances.
Can I drop off a piano at your location?
No. Please review our acceptance criteria and use our application process by filling out your online application here.
Please contact Amy with any special circumstances at (314) 285-5852, or amy@pianosforpeople.org
After I donate a piano, do I receive a tax receipt?
Yes, while we don’t offer formal appraisals, our tax receipts allow you to claim up to $5,000 as a tax deduction. Any piano donation over $5,000 requires an independent appraisal by a qualified technician.
Do you take grand pianos?
Yes, we accept grand pianos if they meet our criteria for acceptance.
How do I find out the age of my piano?
In order to determine the age of your piano, you will need to find the original receipt (if it was purchased new), or find its serial number. After finding its serial number, you can include it in the piano’s application, and we can date it for you, or you can look it up using this website: http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/serial1.htm
Why don’t you accept all pianos?
Whilst we would love to accept all pianos, through experience we have developed a carefully considered process to ensure that the pianos we accept are suitable for our program. Sometimes, this means having to turn down pianos that are too old or require too much investment to do this in a sustainable way.
Do you accept sheet music and other music donations?
We do accept sheet music donations on a limited basis. Please call us at (314) 285-5852 to speak with Kayia or Amy about your potential donation.
How do I apply for piano lessons?
You may apply for lessons on our website by clicking the “FREE LESSONS” tab and filling out the online application.
Are the piano lessons free?
Yes, based on your ability to show need, i.e. proof of income, receiving government assistance, on disability or SSI or other extenuating circumstances. The only thing we ask you to pay for is the piano book you’ll be learning from which is $15.00 for all students. Our goal is to provide free lessons to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it.
If my income is too high for the free tuition, can my child still attend the piano school?
We don’t want to turn anyone away, but please understand, our goal first and foremost is to provide opportunity to those from low-income families. We assess families on a case-by-case basis and take into consideration extenuating circumstances.
What is the youngest age a child can begin piano lessons at your school?
We offer a music appreciation class starting ages 4-5 which prepares kids to enter into the beginner group piano classes starting at age 6.
Do you offer piano lessons to adults?
Yes, we do offer adult beginner group piano classes. Presently we only offer them at the South St. Louis City location, but we hope to add a class at the Ferguson, MO location in September 2019.
Do you have to know how to play or have had piano lessons before to take lessons at the piano school?
No. You do not need any prior experience on the piano; we have a wonderfully talented and highly qualified teaching staff eager to help you learn how to play the piano.
What if I’ve already had some piano lessons for a year or more, do I have to take the beginner group class or can I take a private lesson?
You will need to audition to qualify for a private lesson spot. The majority of our students are beginners and need to learn the basics in the group classes, but we are more than happy to place qualified students in private lesson slot if one is available.
What if I don’t have a piano?
If you don’t have a piano and would like one, please fill out the online application by clicking on the tab “APPLY FOR A PIANO”. You are also welcome to schedule a practice time at the Piano School.
How many locations do you have that offer piano lessons?
We have two locations, the flagship location at 3138 Cherokee, St. Louis, MO 63118 and the Ferguson-North County location at 333 N. Florissant Rd., Ferguson, MO 63135 (inside the First Baptist Church of Ferguson at door #10 in back of the church).