How Often Should You Tune a Piano? (Especially in Texas)

How Often Should You Tune a Piano

If you're wondering how often your piano really needs to be tuned, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions I get—and the answer depends on more than just how often you play.

Whether you're in the Dallas area or anywhere across North Central Texas, our climate plays a huge role in how well your piano holds its pitch. Between the seasonal humidity swings and indoor temperature fluctuations, your piano is under constant stress—even if it just sits quietly in the corner.

Here's a breakdown of how often you should tune, and why.

Standard Recommendation:

Twice a Year Most manufacturers and piano technicians (including myself) recommend tuning your piano every six months. This schedule helps your piano:

• Maintain stable pitch

• Prevent string tension problems

• Minimize wear on tuning pins and the pinblock

Even if you don't play often, your piano is made of wood and metal—two materials that constantly respond to temperature and humidity changes.

New Pianos Need More Attention

Just purchased a new instrument? Most new pianos need 3 to 4 tunings in the first year. As the strings stretch and the parts settle, frequent tuning helps stabilize the pitch and extend the piano's lifespan.

Texas Weather Is a Major Factor

In Texas, we often deal with rapid weather swings—especially between spring and summer, or when a sudden cold front hits. These shifts cause the wood components of your piano (like the soundboard and bridges) to expand and contract, which in turn affects the tension on the strings.

Translation:

Your piano can go sharp in humid months and flat in drier ones.

To combat this, some of my clients schedule seasonal tunings—one in early spring and one in the fall—to stay ahead of the curve.

Heavy Use? Tune More Often

If your piano is played daily—for teaching, practice, or worship—it may need tuning every 3–4 months. Performance environments or churches often schedule regular maintenance to ensure the instrument stays in top condition.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Letting a piano go out of tune for long periods can cause pitch drift, which sometimes requires a pitch raise—a more involved and intensive adjustment.

Plus, neglecting regular tunings can lead to long-term wear, affect tone quality, and shorten your piano’s overall life.

Final Thought

Whether you play daily or just want your piano to sound right when guests are over, tuning at least twice a year is a smart move—especially here in North Central Texas.

Need help getting back on schedule? At Moonlight Piano Tuning, we’re happy to help assess your piano’s current pitch and recommend the right plan for you.

Book Your Next Tuning Today

We proudly serve Dallas and the surrounding areas, offering expert service for home pianos, churches, teachers, and performers. Schedule your appointment here.