In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: If you're dedicated to learning how to play the piano you need a piano or keyboard of your own that you can play at home. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to maintain a consistent daily practice schedule. Acoustic pianos vary widely in style, size, and cost. A new piano suitable for a beginner typically will cost between $2,000 and $5,000 US. If that kind of expense is not in your budget, you might try looking for a used piano. An electronic keyboard is an acceptable substitute and may be your only option if you live in a dorm room or small apartment where an acoustic piano just won't fit. Look for one with a full-sized keyboard. They'll usually be around $150 US. They also typically have a headphone jack so you can play without disturbing roommates or neighbors. Buying a used piano is a lot like buying a used car. Without an inspection, you can't be sure if you're getting a bargain or not. Some used pianos may have extensive damage that will end up costing you more to repair than if you went ahead and bought a new instrument. If you find a used piano that you're interested in, simply let the owner know that you want a professional to inspect the piano before you buy it. If they refuse to allow you to do this, don't buy the piano. They may be trying to hide a serious problem from you. Some music stores sell used pianos that have already been inspected by store staff. However, it's still a good idea to have an independent technician look over it before you buy it. With an adjustable bench, you will always be able to sit and play the piano with proper posture at the correct height. Using another chair as a substitute likely won't allow you to sit at the piano correctly. Stools are also available if you prefer a stool to a bench. Stools are more commonly used with electronic keyboards. If you bought an electronic keyboard instead of an acoustic piano, you might consider buying a stand for it so you can play it at the same height as you would an acoustic piano. Stands are also adjustable and typically can be folded up and stored out of the way when you're not playing, if space is at a premium. A piano should be tuned any time it is moved to a new location. If you purchased a new piano, this initial tuning may be included in your purchase price. If a tuning isn't included in your purchase, expect to pay around $100 US. Look for a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) in your area who has experience tuning pianos that are similar to yours in age and style. The Piano Technicians Guild has a global locator search available online that you can use to find an RPT in your area. Go to http://www.ptg.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/Directory/RPT/Person.html and enter your postal code to get started. You can also search for technicians that have experience in particular services, which may be helpful if you've bought a used piano that is damaged in some way and needs repair. A metronome makes a ticking sound to keep you playing music at the same speed. You can find them online or at music stores. There are also smartphone apps you can download and use as a metronome. Many electronic keyboards come with a built-in metronome. Set the bench in the center of the keyboard, at enough of a distance so you can sit on the edge of it. Raise or lower the bench until your elbows are roughly level with the keyboard when you place your fingers on the keys. Make sure your bench is close enough that you can place your fingers on the keys with your elbows bent. If you need to extend your arms to reach the keys, the bench is too far away from the piano. You should be able to sit with both of your feet flat on the floor and also reach the pedals when necessary (although you likely won't use the pedals when you're just starting out). If you can't reach the pedals without straining your legs, scoot the bench forward until you can. If your piano bench won't adjust high enough for you to sit with proper posture, use a pillow or cushion to sit up higher. When you play the piano, cup your hands as though you're holding an egg and press the keys with the tips of your fingers not the pads. Playing with flat fingers is an easy habit to get into, but it will make it difficult to play faster and more complicated music later on. Holding a small stress ball as you play can help guide your finger placement when you're just getting started. Make a habit of checking your finger placement regularly and adjusting as necessary until it becomes natural.
Summary: Choose a piano or keyboard. Get a used piano inspected before you buy it. Invest in an adjustable bench if your piano doesn't come with one. Have your acoustic piano tuned after you get it home. Buy a metronome so you can maintain consistent tempo. Adjust your bench so you can sit with correct posture. Practice correct finger placement on the keys.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Following a shower, your shower's walls are covered in water, soap, and dirt particles. When left on the walls, soap scum is formed and mildew and molds grow. To prevent the build up of these items, squeegee your shower walls and door after each use. Run over the walls and corners with a clean, dry towel to soak up any remaining water. Leave the shower door ajar to allow the area to dry. Maintaining this daily routine will make it easier to clean your travertine shower. To eliminate soap scum, switch from bar soap to liquid soap. While wiping down your shower walls after each use will dramatically decrease the presence of soap scum, mildew, and mold, trace amounts of these items will cover your shower walls. Clean your shower every one to two weeks. Spray the walls and shower door with a gentle cleaner. Allow the product to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Buff the travertine stone, glass, and metal fixtures with a clean microfiber cloth. Eradicate mineral build-up with a stone scrub, an abrasive cleaner that should be used with caution on polished surfaces. Spray the treated area with a gentle cleaner and blot with a microfiber cloth. Constant exposure to water can damage travertine tiles, ruin grout, and encourage the production of soap scum, mildew, and mold. To maintain a clean, structurally sound shower, conduct a deep clean and an assessment every six months. Treat your walls with a soap film remover to remove soap scum build up. Allow the product to sit for a few minutes before polishing it off with a microfiber rag. Target mildew and mold in your shower with a mild mildew remover. After allowing product to sit for a few minutes, remove the residue with a clean microfiber rag. Examine your grout and search for cracks and holes. If you discover any missing grout, repair it immediatelycracks and holes in the grout may lead to extensive water damage. Allow the repaired grout to cure for 7 to 10 days. Observe the tiles for discoloration. If you spot a dark tile that was once light, this is a sign of water absorption. Apply a sealer to your shower.
Summary:
Squeegee and wipe down your shower after every use. Clean your shower every one to two weeks. Deep clean and assess the integrity of your travertine twice a year.