Greetings, curious musical instrument consumer! You’re probably reading this post because you are indeed wondering how to find the best practice piano, or maybe you are simply clicked on the link out of curiosity! Although none of us claim to know all the answers on this topic, we’d certainly love to help. Based on experiences we’ve had interacting with parents, students, and other teachers, here are some guidelines into making that daunting yet extremely rewarding purchase of a piano for your home.
For Beginning Players
With any musician beginning on an instrument, there exists the age-old question: how long will it take for my student to need a different / better one? However, for young students just starting on piano, sometimes it is not predictable if the piano will remain sustainable throughout their adolescence. If you suspect this may be the case, lean on the more inexpensive side, because you can always sell gear back. Some of the qualifying terms and specifications to look for in a starter piano are: 61 keys, portable keyboard, and piano-style keys. Please make you sure you purchase a piano with built-in speakers, unless you’d like to add your own external speakers.
Our Recommendations
Alesis Melody 61
Yamaha Piaggero
For Intermediate Players
For the purposes of this post, we will define an intermediate player as one with several years experience who is developing toward further advanced study. When you feel that your student is approaching this level, this is a fantastic time to initiate a quality investment. An investment in an instrument is also an investment in the player. Some of the qualifying terms and specifications to look for here are: 88 keys, hammer-action keys, semi-weighted action, and note polyphony.
Our Recommendations
Yamaha P-121
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P121BK--yamaha-p-121-digital-piano-black
Casio Privia PX-350
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PX350--casio-privia-px-350-digital-piano-black
For Advanced Players
These players are extremely serious about their craft, and may even consider further study at the collegiate/professional level. Without the correct keyboard in front of them, they may even be reinforcing poor habits that are difficult to break. Remaining in the category of electric/portable pianos (discussing acoustic pianos would necessitate an entirely separate post), some of the qualifying terms and specifications to look for are: 88 keys, hammer-action keys, ivory or ebony keytops, weighted action, and 256-note polyphony.
Our Recommendations
Yamaha Clavinova
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CLP625R--yamaha-clavinova-clp-625-rosewood
Nord Stage
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Stage3Com--nord-stage-3-compact-stage-keyboard
We completely understand that this could be a daunting task! Always feel free to send an email my way if you have any questions or concerns whatsoever. Myself along with the rest of the piano faculty would be more than happy to help out. Happy shopping!
- Tyler Long, Administrative Assistant/Music Instructor at Vibe Music Academy.
