Thousands of college bound students move off to school and can’t pack their piano. What happens to all that time you put in practicing the piano?

There are a couple ways to do it but I recommend renting a digital piano.

Most piano teachers may not like me saying that but…We live in a modern world where it's hard to tell the difference between a small digital piano and a grand piano.

You can rent a regular piano but there are a few things you’ll have to consider. You can’t plug headphones into an acoustic piano and practice late at night or as loud as you want anytime you want.

Also, regular pianos have a thing against stairs and small landings. I know, I’ve moved plenty of acoustic piano up to the third floor. Then I say to myself, “Please don’t call us when you move”!”

Regular pianos have to be tuned as well. Tunings are expensive and are sometimes included with a piano rental contract but that cost has to be made up somewhere.

As far as size goes, the width is about the same but the height and depth on a digital are smaller.

If you are worried about the feel of a digital compared to a regular piano, try out some new digital pianos. The majority of higher quality digital pianos now have the hammer-action technology. This means there is a simulated resistance in the key when pressed about half way down. This resembles the movement in an acoustic piano action when the parts are moving inside.

If you still don't like the new technology that makes the digital pianos feel like a grand piano you'll probably want a real grand piano instead of an upright piano. You will want a regulated grand piano. I guess you’ll need a big apartment on the bottom floor unless you have a large window and a crane and don’t mind using your grand piano as a breakfast table.

How should you go about renting a digital piano? Digital piano rentals are a pretty new concept but most piano dealers are catching on. Find a local piano dealer and ask about renting a digital piano. You'll want to ask for a hammer-action weighted keys. I think you’ll be happy, and hooking up your laptop to record some songs is a sweet bonus.