Buying a keyboard

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While 61 keys may seem like a space saver, and may sound ideal for a beginner, we recommend starting with a full set of 88 keys. Learning to play, and later transitioning to a larger keyboard can be difficult and confusing. Playing the piano is both a visual and muscular activity, and a beginning student who starts on a smaller keyboard may struggle transitioning to a larger, full sized keyboard as they progress. 

Acoustic pianos have many moving parts that interact with one another to produce sound, which provides for a weighted feel. A good digital piano will be designed to give a similar feel to the keys. Look for the term "weighted" or "semi weighted" in the product description when researching potential options for your home. Over time, playing a non-weighted piano can actually hinder progress, and encourage poor playing technique. This will likely produce issues as the player advances, particularly when they transition to an acoustic piano, or similarly a digital option with weighted keys. 

Alesis, Casio, Korg, Roland, or Yamaha.

Even if a student is not learning to use a pedal right away, they will very soon! If the keyboard does not already come with a sustain pedal, make sure your instrument does have a pedal input, typically found on the back of the keyboard. When you are purchasing the pedal itself, the best option is to look for a UNIVERSAL input. However, if your instrument has a NON-TRADITIONAL pedal input, you will need to purchase the exact pedal from the manufacturer of your keyboard. Brand name pedals can often times cost 4 to 5 times more than a universal sustain pedal. 

Most models will include both a music stand and a keyboard stand, as well as a bench, however; some may not. Please know that these items are required, so be prepared to purchase separately if your keyboard does not include these materials. See below for the equipment our studio recommends!