A surge in Asian migration to Australia is boosting piano purchases, according to some in the industry.
Ara Vartoukian of Theme and Variations Piano Services in Sydney told SBS News that piano imports fell nationally since the 1980s but have returned to their previous heights of about 8000 a year.
It comes as the most recent census data recorded a spike in Asian migrants.
"I think over the last five to 10 years particularly the newer Asian community has really stepped up to the mark and been buying a lot more pianos than previously," Mr Vartoukian said.
Parsons Music in Sydney's Chatswood. Source: SBS News
China's number one music retailer decided to open a store in Sydney suburb Chatswood last year, a suburb where 34 per cent of people have Chinese ancestry and 22 per cent speak Mandarin.
Parsons Music manager Albert Yang said the demographic represents 70 per cent of sales.
Mr Yang said he finds Asian families put more emphasis on owning musical instruments like pianos.
The Australian Music Association says people of Asian background have always been strong buyers of classical instruments.
Wai Taylor talks to SBS News. Source: SBS News
Playing the piano is a family tradition for 9-year-old Safari Taylor. But her Malaysian heritage is just part of the reason she plays.
Safari's Mother Wai Taylor said the skill is "great" for her development and coordination.
"It's good to start with piano - that's what my mum always said, because you're learning two hands, two clefs ... and after that you can go on and play other instruments."
