Piano's should be tuned every 12 months. If a piano is moved it will need tuning once it has been moved and adapted to its new environment. It is recommended that it is best to wait about two weeks after the piano has been moved, before it is tuned.

There are many factors that cause a piano to go out of tune. The main reason a piano will go out of tune over time, is atmospheric changes. That is, changes to humidity and changes in temperature. Pianos are made with an iron frame, a wooden soundboard and steel strings, all which will expand and contract at a different degree with atmospheric changes. Pianos will also require tuning after being moved to a new location.

Ideally, a piano should be positioned against a wall that is away from windows and doors that can let in cooler or hotter air and moisture than the environment where the piano is positioned. It is not wise to put a piano near a heating or cooling vent , open fire or in direct sunlight. All these factors can have an effect on the piano's ability to stay in tune, as pianos are affected by atmospheric changes.

The cost of tuning a piano can vary and will be dependent upon the piano condition and location of the piano. The "average" cost of a piano tune is $200 for an upright piano, but if there is additional maintenance work required on the piano, there may be an added cost. This will be discussed prior to the piano tune.

A person's brain can determine when something sounds correct or when it is "off key". The in-tune piano creates harmonics that the brain identifies as correct and provides the listener with a feeling of joy and warmth. For the piano player, there is a feeling of joy and warmth when the piano sound (harmonics) is correct and is in tune. This then leads to the piano being played more. For parents encouraging their children to practice the piano, a piano that is in-tune is essential.