This is a question we hear from almost every new family starting piano lessons. Do you need a 500-pound acoustic piano in your living room, or is a portable keyboard enough? The answer depends on your goals, your budget, and your space, but here is the BMF breakdown to help you decide.
1. The Acoustic Piano (The Gold Standard)
There is nothing quite like the feel and sound of a real acoustic piano.
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The Pros: It has “weighted action,” meaning the keys have physical weight. This builds finger strength and allows for “dynamics” (playing very soft or very loud).
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The Cons: They are expensive, heavy, and require tuning at least once a year.
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BMF Advice: If you have the space and the budget, a real piano is a wonderful investment, but it is not a requirement for starting lessons.
2. Digital Pianos (The Best of Both Worlds)
A digital piano is designed to mimic an acoustic piano but in a digital format.
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The Pros: They never need tuning, they have headphone jacks (perfect for quiet practice!), and many models have “hammer action” keys that feel remarkably like the real thing.
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What to Look For: If you go this route, make sure it has 88 keys and weighted action.
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Recommended Brands: Yamaha (P-series), Casio (Privia), and Roland.
3. Keyboards (The “Starter” Option)
A keyboard is often lighter, smaller, and has many different “sounds” (drums, synths, organs).
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The Pros: Very affordable and portable.
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The Cons: Most keyboards have “synth-action” keys, which are very light and springy. If a student learns only on a light keyboard, they may find it difficult to play on the weighted pianos in our studio.
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BMF Advice: A keyboard is perfectly fine for the first 6–12 months of lessons. However, we recommend a keyboard with at least 61 keys (76 or 88 is better) and touch-sensitive keys (the harder you hit, the louder it sounds).
The “Must-Have” Accessories
Regardless of which one you choose, you will need two things to ensure your child can practice comfortably:
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A Proper Bench: Do not use a kitchen chair! A height-adjustable bench ensures your child’s elbows are at the correct level.
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A Sustain Pedal: Even for beginners, learning how to use the “loud pedal” is part of the fun of piano.
The Bottom Line: Don’t let the lack of a “real” piano stop you from starting. The most important thing is that the child has a dedicated place to play every day.
