Bringing an instrument to college

<p>So, I currently play piano. I am now starting to get very interested in learning guitar. With college rapidly approaching, I am left wondering "How will I ever incorporate piano in my life at college?" What do you all think? Should I keep playing piano and somehow find a way to get my digital piano (which would be the biggest burden ever) over to college, or should I sell my digital piano, buy an acoustic guitar and learn at college. I feel like guitar would be so much more convenient too when it comes to playing at college. I can always play outdoors as opposed to a digital piano. Also...if I'm not a music major, what would/might my roommate think of me playing an instrument in our room? Thanks for your input.</p>

<p>A lot of dorms or places on college campuses have pianos/keyboards for “public” use if necessary. I’m not sure what the situation at your college is, you might want to check. If you really want to get into acoustic guitar over piano, then go for it.</p>

<p>

Well, as your future roommate, I can definitely say that…
Oh, wait…</p>

<p>^ I’m not at college yet.</p>

<p>^Yes, you said as much previously.</p>

<p>There is a lounge with a piano in it right next to my dorm. We had one in the lobby of my building last year, too. I also know some kids with keyboards they can plug headphones into, they just lay them across the bed to play and stick them in the closet or under the bed when they’re not in use. A guitar would be cool, but I don’t really know what to tell you in terms of which you should bring. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Personally I prefer the piano and would rather have a keyboard. Last year I brought my electric guitar and some headphones-- which was substantially quieter than playing an acoustic and less likely to annoy, though some think it’s better to learn on an acoustic. </p>

<p>Your biggest enemy no matter what you pick will be damage and theft.</p>

<p>If you do end up playing a piano in a dorm lounge, for the love of god play a happy song once in a while. I hear the piano in our lounge quite clearly whenever it is played (at all hours of the night) and it is a constant funeral march with these kids, it’s like they don’t know anything happy.</p>

<p>^ You make some good points. Maybe I can go outside and play acoustic. I just like the natural, calm sound of an acoustic guitar. Lol, I know what you mean on the piano sad songs. Maybe I can buy an acoustic, and also use a piano in a music room? Thanks</p>

<p>Many campuses have music centers that provide students the opportunity to practice without charge. I attend a university that has a very satisfying selection of performance-quality grand pianos each individually placed into music practice rooms. There are also upright pianos available in many dormitories but since they are often donated in substandard condition, you might be quite disappointed with their quality.</p>

<p>I have my guitar in my room and my roommate has no problem with it, though I usually play when he’s gone since I’m kinda shy about performing in front of someone else. There is a piano in the lobby of one of the dorms here, and there are various pianos outside on campus that students can use. It’s a really cool project that you can read more about here: [SJSU</a> News](<a href=“http://www.sjsu.edu/news/news_detail.jsp?id=3451]SJSU”>http://www.sjsu.edu/news/news_detail.jsp?id=3451)</p>

<p>So what do you guys suggest that I do? Bring my digital piano or buy an acoustic and bring that instead?</p>

<p>Don’t bring a digital piano. There won’t be any room in your dorm.</p>

<p>Yes, I would suggest that you bring the guitar but there’s no need to transport the piano in addition.</p>

<p>What you really need to do is buy an 8’11" Steinway Grand and put it right smack in the middle of your dorm room.</p>