Buying a keyboard

Now that you have officially registered for private lessons, it's time to make sure that you have the most well-equipped keyboard to ensure that you get the most out of your time with your instructor! Luckily, purchasing a proper keyboard doesn't have to break the bank! With that being said, its easy to believe that you can buy an inexpensive option without it effecting your ability to properly learn. Below you will see all of the information you need to find the keyboard that's right for you, along with where you can purchase one of these for your home today!

Looking to purchase a keyboard for your private voice lesson? Click Here!

Wondering if an acoustic piano may be the better option for you? Click Here!

Download This Info here!

What to look for

88 vs. 61 keys:

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.

Weighted Keys:

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.

Notable Brands:

Alesis, Casio, Korg, Roland, or Yamaha.

Pedals:

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.

Music/Keyboard Stands and Benches:

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!

KEYBOARDS WE RECOMMEND FOR VOICE LESSONS

Having a keyboard for your private voice lesson is essential to the productivity of your time with your instructor. In addition to our recommendations on page 2, below are a few more options we recommend for you! Similarly to our piano students, we highly recommend looking into instruments with weighted or semi-weighted keys, sustain pedal inputs, included music/keyboard stands and a bench. While we still recommend a full, 88 key keyboard, 76 or 61 keys will suffice for a voice lesson.

Alesis Harmony 61 MKII

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon Sweetwater

Casio Casiotone CT S200

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon Sweetwater

Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 61

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon Sweetwater

Roland GO: 61 Key Piano

WHERE TO BUY:

Amazon Sweetwater

Electric Keyboards VS Acoustic Pianos

If you already have an electric keyboard in you're home, and you’re happy with your current instrument, it is indeed a great option that could serve you well for years to come! However, when considering an upgrade or change to an acoustic piano, it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully and with proper guidance! If you’re interested in transitioning to an acoustic piano, keep in mind that acoustic instruments, while offering a different feel than electronic models, require careful selection and maintenance!

One of the best ways to find a good acoustic piano is to explore secondhand options, but be mindful of the risks involved. When purchasing a used instrument, make sure the piano has been properly maintained, tuned regularly (at least once per year), and stored in a climate-controlled environment. Look for stores that offer certified pre-owned pianos, such as Grand Piano Haus in Skokie, Heavenly Pianos in Mt. Prospect, and American Music World in Elmhurst. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the piano’s most recent tuning occurred within the last six months, as this gives you confidence in its condition before moving it into your home. Remember, moving a piano requires professional movers, and this can be a costly service (around $500+). After moving, the piano should be allowed to rest for a month before its first tuning in your home. Regular maintenance is essential for an acoustic piano, including annual tunings (or ideally, twice a year) to handle the fluctuations of Chicago's weather.

Ensure the piano is placed in a room with stable temperature and humidity levels, away from direct sunlight, doors, or windows. Finally, do thorough research on the brand, model, and serial number to ensure you're purchasing a quality instrument that meets your needs. Local stores and expert technicians can offer valuable advice and services to help maintain your piano long-term.

Visit our Piano Care & Moving page to learn more about the movers and technicians our studio currently recommends!

Buying a keyboard

What to look for

88 vs. 61 keys:

Weighted Keys:

Notable Brands:

Pedals:

Music/Keyboard Stands and Benches:

KEYBOARDS WE RECOMMEND FOR PIANO LESSONS

Alesis Concert 88- Key Digital Piano

Alesis Recital Pro Weighted Keyboard

Yamaha P-45 Weighted Action Piano

KEYBOARDS WE RECOMMEND FOR VOICE LESSONS

Alesis Harmony 61 MKII

Casio Casiotone CT S200

Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 61

Roland GO: 61 Key Piano

Additional equipment

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Bench

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Stand

Electric Keyboards VS Acoustic Pianos

Buying a keyboard

What to look for

88 vs. 61 keys:

Weighted Keys:

Notable Brands:

Pedals:

Music/Keyboard Stands and Benches:

KEYBOARDS WE RECOMMEND FOR PIANO LESSONS

Alesis Concert 88- Key Digital Piano

Alesis Recital Pro Weighted Keyboard

Yamaha P-45 Weighted Action Piano

KEYBOARDS WE RECOMMEND FOR VOICE LESSONS

Alesis Harmony 61 MKII

Casio Casiotone CT S200

Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 61

Roland GO: 61 Key Piano

Additional equipment

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Bench

Keyboard Stand

Keyboard Stand

Electric Keyboards VS Acoustic Pianos

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