Choosing An Instrument

When selecting an instrument for home practice, there are several options available. This guide outlines the pros, cons, and price ranges of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Watch this YouTube video for an overview of different types of instruments: What Are The Different Types Of Pianos?

Acoustic Pianos

A standard, traditional piano. 

Pros:

  • Best quality

  • Long-term reliable option

  • Authentic sound and feel

 

Cons:

  • Higher initial cost

  • Requires regular tuning and maintenance (approx. $200 - $350 per year)

  • Difficult to move – (piano moving costs are around $200 - $400)

Price:

When considering a second-hand piano, it can be worth checking auction sites like Marketplace, eBay, and Gumtree. However, I strongly advise having a piano tuner inspect the instrument before purchase, as repairs can be costly. This precaution can help ensure you're getting a quality instrument at a fair price. 

Second-hand pianos can be purchased at many music stores, usually starting at around $3,500. I recommend this option, as these pianos often come with a warranty. New acoustic pianos typically start at about $5,000.

Digital Pianos

Digital pianos replicate the sound and feel of acoustic pianos through electronic means. They use sampled sounds and weighted keys to mimic the touch and response of traditional pianos.  Weighted keys are designed to feel like a piano and require as much pressure to press the key down, simulating the hammer action in a traditional piano.

Pros:

  • Versatile features including volume control, headphone jacks and built-in metronomes

  • No need for tuning

  • Integration with digital devices for recording and educational purposes

  • Variety of sound options including additional instrument voices and effects

  • Reasonably realistic piano sound

  • Weighted keys mimic the feel of an acoustic piano

 

Cons:

  • Does not have the full texture and rich sound of an acoustic piano

 

Price:

Starting from around $600 upwards

 

Recommended Brands:

  • Yamaha (I have a Yamaha P-125 in my home)

  • Casio

  • Kawai

  • Roland

I recommend choosing a digital piano with a furniture stand and pedal unit. This setup provides the physical arrangement of a piano with pedals underneath and a solid base, but is still a more compact option than an acoustic piano.

Electronic Keyboards

Electronic keyboards are smaller, with fewer keys than an acoustic or digital piano, and feature light, easily depressed keys. While they are an affordable and portable option, they are not ideal for students beginning piano lessons.

For those who choose to start lessons with an electronic keyboard, the minimum requirement is a keyboard with 61 full-sized keys. Students will need to upgrade to an acoustic piano or full-sized digital piano within 6-12 months.

Pros:

  • Low cost

  • Lightweight & easily portable

 

Cons:

  • Short-term option - students will need to upgrade their instrument as they progress (usually within 6-12 months)

  • Holds back student’s technique development

  • Not satisfying to practise on

  • Inferior sound quality to digital or acoustic pianos

  • Shorter lifespan and durability

 

Price:

Electronic keyboards usually range from $300-$700

Seating And Stands

When purchasing your first piano or keyboard, remember to get an adjustable bench. This ensures that students can sit at the right height - dining room chairs are generally too low (especially for children).

If you’re purchasing a portable digital piano or keyboard, you will also need a stand. Instruments. should not be placed on a table, desk or floor, as this results in incorrect playing height.

The digital piano or keyboard and bench should be adjusted so that the student’s forearm is parallel to the floor.