Finding the Best Piano for Starting Piano Lessons
For Piano Students
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Many parents and students just beginning their piano lesson journeys ask me about choosing the correct piano or keyboard for their first lessons.
There are several options depending on your goals for learning music, and I’ll explain why and when I recommend each in this article.
I will also clear up some of the terminologies along the way to help you make a more informed decision for choosing your first piano or keyboard.
But before we get started, here is one golden rule to remember.
Your instrument is just as much an investment as your piano lessons are. The better the instrument, the higher quality practice you will have and the higher quality progress you will experience during your piano lessons.
Before we get to the first option I would recommend, I need to explain the difference between some terms used for keyboards.
Unweighted Keyboards VS Weighted Keyboards
The first term is unweighted keys. Unweighted, meaning that the keys are light to the touch and easily depressed.
Here is a picture to help you tell the difference.
You can tell the difference because non-weighted keys usually will have space under the keys and weighted keys will be a solid block down into the keyboard. Unweighted keys will also feel like light plastic to the touch.
Although unweighted keyboards are the cheapest option, I do not recommend them as a practice instrument because they will not allow students to develop the technique needed to be successful in their lessons, recitals, or other performances. It’s cheap, but you will not be making the most of your investment in piano lessons if you choose to practice on an unweighted keyboard.
The second and third terms are weighted keys and touch-sensitive.
I do recommend weighted keyboards, which we’ll talk about in a second, but keep in mind the term Touch Sensitive is not the same thing.
Touch Sensitive means if you press a key softly, it will play a quiet note, and if you press a key hard, it will play loud. It is a step up from a toy keyboard but is not the same as weighted keys. This feature is seen in unweighted keyboards with the light plastic keys shown on the right of the picture above.
Knowing these differences now brings me to what I do recommend if you are not ready to commit to a piano yet:
Best Options for Weighted Keyboards and Digital Pianos
Make sure to purchase a keyboard with weighted keys - preferably the full-sized 88 keys.
The best options are digital pianos because they have the most similar feel to acoustic pianos when playing them. They will come with what’s called a “hammer-action,” which is what mimics the feel of an acoustic piano without actually having hammers inside the piano.
A weighted keyboard will only have semi-weighted keys and will not feel like an acoustic piano, but it will give you a better starting point for lessons than the non-weighted keys I mentioned above.
Some of the pros if you decide to go this route:
They both can be played with headphones for silent practice
They will connect to computers and iPads via midi cable
They won't need tuning
They are much smaller and save space
They are much easier to move
They often come with a library of different types of pianos and other instruments by switching modes
You can experiment with various instruments for improvisation and composition practice
The downsides are:
They can be more expensive than a second-hand piano when purchased brand new. But I have seen several great deals on neighborhood listing sites like Facebook Marketplace.
They aren’t the most authentic feel to an acoustic piano available.
You’ll get less authentic sound and dynamic range.
Recommended Models
The Yamaha DGX 670 is a very reliable option and you can get a pack like this which includes the stand and pedals. I have the older version of this model - the DGX 660 - in my studio and love it.
The Casio PX series is also very popular with piano teachers and students. Again, make sure you get a full stand set with pedals like this one.
Best Options for Hybrid Pianos
Hybrid pianos are the next step up from digital pianos.
They combine the most authentic feel of an acoustic piano while producing sound digitally and saving space in your home.
What gives these hybrids the most authentic feel for playing is the hammers inside the piano and the wooden keys they are made with, like acoustic pianos, but they are electric. These hammers and wooden keys are what you feel when playing on a real piano, and what a player responds to in order to affect the sound.
Some of the pros if you decide to go this route:
They can be used with headphones for silent practice
they will connect to computers and iPads via midi cable
They won't need tuning
They can imitate different types of pianos by switching modes
They have even better action and a similar feel to an acoustic piano
The downsides are:
They are expensive for most beginner budgets. But they are a great option for students looking to upgrade their instrument or looking for the best long-term solution to grow into.
You can't experiment using different instruments when improvising or composing like you can with other digital forms.
Recommended Models
I have an acoustic, a digital piano, and a midi for recording, so although I’ve played on a few, I haven’t played on one regularly enough to recommend one specific brand in this arena.
But you can check out these other articles for more information if you choose to go this route.
What is a Hybrid Piano? 7 Things You Should Know.
Why Hybrid Pianos Solve The Digital Vs. Acoustic Debate For Most Buyers
Best Options for Finding Your First Upright Acoustic Piano
Upright Acoustic Pianos are standard, traditional pianos. They are the best quality and long-term reliable option.
Although every piano has a slightly different feel and action, it will also create less shock when playing for an exam or concert because the keys will feel the most similar to what you would play elsewhere.
You also get the best authentic sound and dynamic ability with this option.
Some of the pros if you decide to go this route:
You get the best quality feel and technique for your lessons, performances, and exams
You can find the best second-hand deals on an acoustic over other options
You get the best authentic sound and dynamic ability
The downsides are:
They require upkeep tuning every 1-2 years.
They are difficult to move. If you are planning on moving soon, be sure to think about moving costs because they do require a mover.
You can't experiment using different instruments when improvising or composing like you can with other digital forms.
Recommended Models
When looking for an acoustic piano, I don't recommend a specific brand over another. It really depends on personal preference and budget. Some prefer a brighter sound, while others prefer the feel of another.
Instead of recommending a specific brand, I recommend going to a store and playing several pianos. A good sales rep will be very knowledgeable to guide you based on the pianos you gravitate toward and your price range.
Recommended Stores and Piano Rentals
Many stores offer piano rentals and options to purchase.
If you live in Houston, Houston Piano Company is one place that has a ton of options to test out digital pianos, uprights, and grand pianos. You can rent or purchase from them.
If you’re in the Austin area, check out Strait Music Company, Music Masters Piano Showroom, or Capital Music Center.
If you’re in another area, a quick google search can help you find a store in your area that rents and sells.
Price
You can pick up a second-hand piano starting around $350 - $400 and upwards in auctions and on listing sites. Used or New pianos in a store usually start at about $2000 and up, but a well-maintained second-hand piano should be sufficient for most beginners.
Best Options for MIDI Pianos for Recording
I do not recommend going with a midi unless you are actually recording/writing, and are planning to invest in a good set of monitors as well. If you’re just wanting to play and enjoy music, one of the other options listed above will meet all your needs.
But if you’re interested in learning better piano playing skills for recording and midi purposes, I highly recommend the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2. I use it myself in my studio for online lessons and for composing and recording.
This model is a full-size 88-key piano, has the action of a grand piano, and has many integrative features for recording and working with your DAW system. It is easy to set up and install, and they have great customer service if you have any issues.
Some of its features include:
lighting system over the keys to show which notes work for various midi instruments and scales
The ability to easily toggle between different selected instruments on the keyboard rather than using the computer
easy access to record, solo, and mute
mixing options
Watch this YouTube demo to check out all its features.
They also have smaller, more affordable versions of this model.
The smaller versions are not full-size pianos, which will hinder practicing longer scales, arpeggios, and hand crossovers, but you do have the option to switch between octaves with the push of a button. They can be great for saving space and other recording purposes if the piano is not your main instrument.
However, I still prefer and recommend the full size for playing and recording. If you really can’t, I recommend going no smaller than the S61 if you’re wanting to broaden your piano-playing skills. Any smaller than that will just not do you justice in your lessons.
Overlooked Extra Gear
Piano Bench
When buying your first piano or keyboard, don’t forget about the bench!
Many people think they can use a dining room chair or office chair. While that might be temporarily ok for an adult, it’s not ideal for a child (and it’s still not ideal for an adult).
If you’re buying a piano or keyboard from a store, ask them if they will throw in an adjustable bench.
If you need to source one yourself, I recommend one of these as a budget-friendly option. For smaller children, an adjustable bench is best. Adults will be just fine with a nonadjustable bench.
Keyboard Stands
If you decide to go the keyboard or midi route, be sure you purchase the appropriate stand to hold your gear.
For digital pianos, especially for a child, I recommend you get one with a furniture stand and pedal unit. Meaning it’s shaped like an upright acoustic piano with pedals underneath and a solid base where everything is screwed in and held firmly together. (Although still much narrower than an acoustic piano if space is a concern.)
The digital pianos recommended above come as a set that includes this type of stand.
Here are the links again to save you from scrolling:
Yamaha DGX 670 with stand and pedals.
Casio PX Series with stand and pedal
MIDI Stands
For MIDI keyboards, you’ll have to plan to plug them into your computer or laptop. Be sure you find a desk setup that allows you to play comfortably at the appropriate height. And make sure you purchase long enough chords to reach your computer or laptop if it needs to be off to the side.
If you’ve been in music a long time and know you want something to grow into, I recommend a desk from AZ Studios because they are custom-built for your DAW gear, are great quality, and come with a two-year warranty.
I went with this desk setup from AZ studios, and it’s a dream to use and switch between editing, playing, and teaching.
If you want a more budget-friendly startup desk, look into something like this for your DAW use. Note this desk only fits a Native Instrument S61 keyboard size.
Whatever brand you choose to go with, just make sure it either comes with a keyboard tray (a regular desk will sit too high to play with proper technique) or is an adjustable desk.
