Updated at: 07-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Is there anyone you know who could pick up a piano that you’d like to donate? Several religious groups’ openness to receiving money in this way is good news for everyone who wants to donate.

Maybe you’ve had the wonderful notion of donating your piano because you’re afraid it will be ignored for the remainder of its life. Those who have made that noble and astute choice deserve our respect.

You should take care of your piano, despite the fact that many others have abandoned theirs. And you can’t accomplish that by only exhibiting it at home. Given that others may still find it useful, giving it away is a fantastic idea. In this piece, we’ll discuss where and how you can get your piano picked up after a donation. Stop worrying; it’s going to be simple. If you want to benefit from this essay, you should read it thoroughly.

Steps To Pick Up A Piano For A Donation

There are some actions you’ll need to take in order to donate your piano, but they’re not difficult at all. Verify that the piano is acceptable before bringing it in.

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Step #1. Ensure the state of your piano

That’s why it’s crucial that you inspect its state right now. Most organizations that accept donations will not go to the trouble of processing this on your behalf; instead, the donor is responsible for taking care of it. There is no requirement for an in-depth familiarity with the piano’s inner workings or structural components. Some of the elements, most particularly the piano itself, need to be checked as thoroughly as possible.

If you’ve been playing the piano for a while, you probably have an idea of which component is acting strangely and why. It’s important to first examine the piano’s exterior for any obvious signs of damage. The next step is to check the functionality of every key. How would you verify that? Simple. Please use each button individually. You should also make sure that every key has a nice, clean sound. What this means is that the pitch is accurate. Simply install a tuner app on your phone to verify.

After that, check that the designated pedals are there and working properly. Don’t lie to the people you’re giving to if the functions aren’t great and you have no idea how to improve them. Listed below is the steps to take when donating a piano.

Step #2. Indicate the style and model of the piano

You must specify the make and model of the piano in your donation application. Some of the many piano makes and models are covered here, but for the others, a quick Google search will yield plenty of results. An upright piano is characterized by a vertical configuration of the strings and a slim, vertical case. But the grand piano is big and flat, and its interior is strung horizontally. You can learn your piano’s model by inspecting its case. Take note of the brand name and other details about the piano that you’ll find there.

Step #3. Specify where you want to donate the piano

Donating a piano, for example, requires some planning because pianos are large and cumbersome. Perhaps you feel compelled to make a speedy donation. You should get in touch with a charity like Goodwill because it can take some time to track down people who would be grateful recipients of your donation. Keep it local by actively seeking out locals if you intend to do so. The musically-inclined are a good resource because they likely know people who can help you out.

Who Are The Potential Pickers For Piano Donation

Who may come take away a free piano? We’ll talk about a few of them here. A school is one of many deserving recipients of a donated piano. All of them are discoverable through a search of the area around you or further afield. To find folks in your region who are interested in purchasing a piano, another great resource are the local music businesses. Churches come next. A better or more piano may be necessary in such areas because of the high frequency of its use.

Naturally, leisure centers are also covered. If they have a lot of room, they might be open to it. There are also organizations like the Beethoven Foundation that work to retrieve pianos from financially disadvantaged owners. They can handle tuning and relocating, but it will take them a little longer.

How To Donate A Piano

In order to make an informed decision about giving the piano away, you should first collect and verify as much information as possible about it. If the piano has a major flaw, most businesses and establishments won’t bother to get it.

#1 Check the condition.

Check the piano’s condition and create a list of any problems you find. To accomplish this, you need not be a virtuoso pianist.

Take a look at the piano from the following angles:

  • Check for obvious signs of fracture or damage.
  • Make sure you have both the white and black keys.
  • Test all the keys to make sure they work.
  • Remember to record which keys are having trouble turning
  • Check the pitch of each key you play (with the aid of a tuner app and a note chart, if necessary)*.
  • Check to see that all pedals are in place (either 2 or 3)
    • Sustain or ring at the right foot pedal
    • Using the left foot pedal reduces the volume and warms up the sound.
    • Holds notes and reduces volume; sometimes known as a practice pedal.
  • Inspect the keys to see if any of them are broken, cracked, or chipped.

Even if the notes aren’t quite right, as long as the keys are reading correctly, it should be fine. It’s possible that something is faulty or that the tuning process will be too time-consuming to fix in some locations if the keys are reading completely different notes.

Don’t stress (because tuning a piano might take a while). The vibrations of the moving truck will throw it out of tune.

When you make contact, be sure to mention this.

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#2 Make note of the model and style.

Most establishments will also require some background information about the piano. A concert grand piano is overkill for a secondary school music room.

An upright piano is just a piano that is tall and thin, with vertical strings inside. There are other, more specific styles, but this one will suffice.

The strings on a grand piano are horizontal and the piano’s back is flat and large. It could be a piano, possibly a baby grand.

There will be a brand and other identifying information on the piano, typically on the front of the body but also on the inside. Take notes and research this online.

Donation centers and record stores that accept outside donations will typically require this info before making a trip to retrieve your items.

#3 Think About Your Needs For The Piano

Is it urgent that you get rid of the piano? Attempts to make contact with others could be more time-consuming in this setting. We recommend Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, both of which are listed below.

Is there a specific person in your area you’d want to have it delivered to? You need to put in some effort and make some phone calls to the local establishments. The best places to find them are through recommendations from local music stores and professors.

Do you have the means to transport the piano, or would you rather pay to have it relocated? Even upright pianos weigh a considerable amount.

Believe me, I know how difficult it is to transport a piano; I’ve done it all around this great big old world of ours. The best option is to hire professional piano movers or a moving company to do the job for you.

It may be challenging for a local music teacher or group to relocate the piano without assistance if you seek out to multiple organizations.

The music shops themselves could be well equipped to deal with this. Institutions are capable of doing this easily (though they have higher standards for conditions).

Imagine playing the piano whatever you like, provided you have the resources to do so. Go ahead and select this alternative from the choices we provide.

Where To Donate A Piano

In this part, we’ll go over the many options for donating your piano and the benefits and drawbacks of each. Find out here where you can give away your piano.

Local school

Since I’m a music educator, this is the route I’ll always advocate for first. Students should have access to live piano performances whenever possible; but, due to their higher cost, few educational institutions actually own pianos.

Communicate with local educational institutions (a simple phone call or email will do).

Pros:

  • To support a worthy cause
  • Be put to good use

Cons:

  • The piano may require assistance in moving.
  • It could be a while before it leaves your residence.

Local music stores

In order to find out where to donate a piano, you can get in touch with your neighborhood music store. However, they may be able to point you in the direction of local individuals and groups who are receiving donations even if they themselves are unable to do so.

Removal of your piano may take some time, but the local music shop will likely be willing to lend a hand.

Pros:

  • professionals who are skilled in working with pianos and are a great help
  • Better at recognizing and responding to community needs

Cons:

  • Time spent getting ready to leave the house is likely to be lengthy.
  • Some record stores are more helpful than others.

Senior Centers

In my experience, connecting donated pianos with senior centers is one of the most fulfilling acts of charity. You might be surprised by how many elderly people can play the piano with proficiency.

The ability to play the piano or any instrument is one of those skills that remains with you throughout your life.

The prospect of getting back out on the field always seems to light up kids’ eyes.

As a public relations move, you should ask whether the local music store will assist with transportation and tuning. They almost certainly will, and you might even get a press release or an item in the paper about the donation.

Pros:

  • Exciting new use for the piano
  • We anticipate much use of the piano.

Cons:

  • Probably, you’ll have to pay for your own means of transport and tuning.

Recreation Centers

Pianos are a welcome addition to community facilities that provide recreational activities. Even if it’s not played seriously very often, there will always be kids who pick at it for amusement.

Just who knows? Some young people’s interest in and enthusiasm for music might be sparked by it.

Pros:

  • Not leaving the area
  • Some of it will be played

Cons:

  • You’ll probably have to pay for your own transportation.
  • Not be taken seriously enough

Churches

Donating a piano to a church, like those to Senior Centers, is an excellent way to ensure that it will be played frequently. The majority of churches already have pianos in use, but even if your church doesn’t, there’s probably a spare room somewhere that would be perfect for a piano.

Pros:

  • Instances where a piano is played
  • Not leaving the area

Cons:

  • Transportation might fall on your shoulders.

The Beethoven Foundation

The Beethoven Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to bring to underserved areas. Because of their in-house transportation services, they can deliver pianos anywhere they are needed.

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You shouldn’t expect a business to take on a broken piano just because it’s cheap. It could take some time for them to pick it up until they identify a suitable local location for it.

Pros:

  • A less fortunate institution will be receiving the piano.
  • They are responsible for logistics and fine-tuning.
  • You’ll be sent a tax receipt for your generosity.

Cons:

  • Could be a while
  • Not necessarily restricted to the immediate area
  • To the best of your ability, always choose pianos in good condition.

Pianos For Education

Pianos For Education is another third-party charity that accepts donations. This time around, we’re concentrating on getting donated pianos into classrooms.

If you’re looking to donate but haven’t been able to find a local organization, consider this one. In the very least, this will ensure admission to a special education program.

Please take note that when it comes to donated pianos, Pianos for Education collaborates with Habitat for Humanity.

Pros:

  • Helps get pianos into classrooms
  • handles their own pickup and tuning
  • Accepts more instruments via related program

Cons:

  • Irrelevant to the community at large
  • Requires extensive piano instruction before agreeing to play
  • Awaits Time

Commonly Asked Questions

Does Goodwill accept piano donations?

In a way, and in another way, no. It all comes down to how good of a person you are.

You should call beforehand to make sure they can receive such a hefty item.

You should know that despite their good intentions, Goodwill nevertheless adds a markup to the price of donated items. Think about making a personal connection if you really care that the piano goes to a nice family who can use it.

Does Habitat for Humanity take pianos?

If you want to donate a piano, Habitat for Humanity will take it. But they still rely on other groups like Pianos For Education to help them with things like tuning and transporting pianos safely.

Consider hiring a service that specializes in pianos instead.

Are old pianos worth anything?

Most vintage pianos will not be worth very much if anything at all. They might fetch a respectable sum if they were in good condition (thinks hundreds not thousands).

The likelihood of coming into possession of a valuable antique piano is low. If you’re still curious, you can do an online search using the make and model information you have about your piano.

In addition, you may dial up your neighborhood record store and inquire there.

What if it’s too old or broken?

In the event that your piano is too old and damaged to be repaired, you may be at a loss as to its future use. You can take it to the local landfill (just give them a call first, and they might even arrange for pickup), but I really hope it doesn’t end up there since I can’t stand the thought of even a broken piano being thrown away.

The following are some options you can attempt before replacing the piano’s body:

  • Turning it into a garden ornament
  • Eliminating the keys and replacing them with an electric keyboard.
  • Dismantling the piano and turning the pieces into art supplies.

Why donate your piano to us?

To help further our charitable goal of expanding access to piano instruction.

Who donates pianos to us?

Individuals who have realized the benefits of learning to play the piano and are actively pursuing those opportunities. Some people have been playing the piano for years but can’t keep one because they’ve had to downsize or relocate. People are also settling the estates of parents who can no longer play but who nonetheless want their piano to be used for the cultural development of others.

Who refers piano donations to us?

We are able to provide the specific transportation, technical, tuning, and other services necessary for pianos to other non-profit organizations including Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, veteran groups, universities, and schools.

Where do we accept piano donations from?

Each and every one of the 50 states that make up the United States of America.

Acceptable types of pianos include acoustic pianos, digital pianos, and electronic pianos used for playing and/or recording. All gifts are vetted to ensure they satisfy certain requirements to assure the quality of the pianos we loan. Those that don’t can’t be accepted, sadly.

Do we accept musical instruments other than pianos?

Not at this time, but CLICK HERE if you’d like to make a donation of a wind or string instrument.

Here’s where you may send in your piano contribution. Please fill out the Donate Piano form found on the Make a Donation portion of our website and provide as much detail as possible regarding the working condition of the piano you wish to donate. Check your junk mail if you don’t see our auto-reply acknowledging your submission. Within seven (7) business days of receiving your submission, one of our volunteers will assess your offer to donate, ask for clarification, or let you know that your piano does not meet our criteria and will not be accepted.

Visual aids are quite useful. Please provide at least three of the following close-up images of your piano for consideration.

Indicated by: 1. The M/Number (usually molded into the cast plate at the top or sometimes in black ink on the cast plate)

The serial number (either printed in black ink on the cast plate or stamped into the wooden base through a hole in the cast plate).

Third, the bench is placed in front of the piano, creating a frontal perspective of the instrument.

(On an Upright Piano, you’ll need to lift the lid, whereas on a Grand Piano, you’ll need to slide forward and take off the music desk assembly.)

You can attach files to your donation via the Donate Piano form’s upload buttons.

Pickup Piano. When your gift is approved, we’ll inform our national pickup vendor, who will then coordinate a time for a pickup directly with you. Your piano will be collected on the next pickup route that comes through your region, which is determined as contributions are received. This can be done quickly at times, and slowly at others. Thank you for being so accommodating as we worked to arrange for the acceptance and subsequent pickup of your kind donation. If you donate your piano, it will be used to help spread the joy of playing the piano.

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Donation Receipt for a Piano. A formal IRS donation letter, complete with all the information you need to claim a donation on your tax return, will be emailed to you within 30 days of our receiving your donation.

Determining the tax-deductible value of your contribution. The market value of a contribution that is not cash might be deducted from your taxes if you itemize. Donations under $5,000 do not need to be validated, but any deduction claimed for a non-cash donation of $5000 or more must be accompanied by an expert appraisal. Valuation by market price is forbidden for any 501(c)(3) charity under IRS rules. If you require the services of an appraiser, we may be able to provide you with a referral.

Please send us your completed IRS Form 8283 for Non-Charitable Contributions, which includes the appraiser declaration and donee acknowledgement, if you need to file it. After that, we’ll confirm the donation by signing Form 8283 and sending it back to you. See THIS LINK for information on the IRS’s charitable contribution rules.

Making sure your contribution qualifies as tax deductible. Click HERE, then choose “Are eligible to receive Tax Deductible Donations,” input our EIN Number 46-1995748, then click search to see if the IRS agrees that PianosForEducation.org qualifies as a 501(c)3 public charity nonprofit organization. You can also use the search bar by entering PianosForEducation in the Name field.

Final Words

By the time you reach the end of this piece, I hope you’ll know where to take your donated piano. You see, it’s not a lot of labor at all; all you need to do is some investigating. To those who have read this far, I say thank you. I value your attention to detail and time spent. Find out more about what a donation drive is and how to construct a clothing donation box by reading the related reading material provided.