2021 STAAR English 2 - Informational: Those Old Piano Blues

He lists the benefits of owning a piano by referencing a magazine article about musical instruments.

He supports people learning to play the piano with stories from students who enjoy the instrument.

He argues against getting rid of old pianos by explaining how important they once were.

He discusses trends in piano ownership by describing his experience trying to get rid of an old piano.

How the popularity of the piano has shifted like notes in a song

How piano dealers use musical language when they speak

How piano tones affect the price of the instruments

How piano music will persist despite its decrease in popularity

The song had gone from major to minor, but we pressed on. (paragraph 4)

Then the song shifted to the saddest of blues. (paragraph 4)

But like many a blues song, this piano riff ends with hope. (paragraph 6)

And to be sure, many older pianos have reached their coda. (paragraph 7)

To explain why traditional pianos have greatly declined in value

To describe the differences between old pianos and new ones

To prove that pianos made in the last century are irreplaceable

To inform people about new American trends with musical instruments

Definition 1

Definition 2

Definition 3

Definition 4

To explain why letting go of pianos is acceptable at times

To state the reasons why pianos are still important

To detail the life cycle of pianos

To describe pianos in a historical context

peak (paragraph 1)

substantial (paragraph 3)

roughly (paragraph 4)

treacherous (paragraph 5)

Many families in America once owned acoustic pianos, but there are now fewer families who want them. In fact, if you have an old piano, it can be very hard to sell it or find someone who wants it. That’s why there are companies now offering to pick up old pianos. It is sad these instruments were once prized but have little value today, unless someone is willing to restore them to their original working condition.

Although acoustic pianos were once a popular item in American life, many are now being disposed of or recycled for parts. Changes in American entertainment, as well as the space and upkeep required to own an acoustic piano, have led people to pursue other interests or purchase less expensive digital pianos. However, the number of Americans learning to play the piano has not changed, which shows that the instrument is still appreciated.

Many families in America still own pianos but many of them are now digital pianos. People who own old acoustic pianos still feel sentimental about them and believe they are worth a lot of money. However, the people who make money from pianos are the ones that know how to remove or recycle them.

Today, Americans are learning to play piano as adults, and they often go to piano studios in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Piano playing was popular in the 20th century and still is. Pianos used to be an important part of family entertainment, but other instruments have taken their place. Today, old acoustic pianos are stored in warehouses because they take up too much room in houses.