Buying a piano may not be a reasonable option - maybe because of space, or noise, or cost. Whatever the reason, purchasing an electronic keyboard is perfectly adequate to enjoy the benefits of music lessons. It may, in some cases, even provide more creative options.
What To Look For :
The cost of an electronic keyboard varies greatly. For basic student keyboards you can get one for as low as $60 (for a 61 key keyboard) and they go up to about $1,000 (for a weighted keyboard). Used keyboards will obviously be cheaper than store bought ones.
Brands: You can do a search for Keyboards, but beware you will find a very large selection that can be overwhelming to someone not familiar. On-board speakers is probably the most defining feature of a basic starter model keyboard. There are two brands that are known to carry these type of keyboards in a varying degree of complexity.
If you are going to buy a new keyboard here are some links to popular music stores. *Note: Ask their support personnel for help if you are unsure what to get. It can be confusing. Keyboards that are non-weighted and have a lot of sounds and rhythms can sometimes be called "workstations" and weighted-keyboards can sometimes be called "digital pianos".
What To Look For :
- Touch Sensitivity - This is essential. Most basic models should have this unless it is a really low cost keyboard meant to be used like a toy. You can tell if a keyboard has touch sensitivity by (1) pressing lightly on a key to make a soft sound and then (2) try pressing harder and with more force to make a louder sound. If the two sounds have different volume levels (one is louder or softer than the other), then the keyboard has touch sensitivity. This is really important because if you learn on one that doesn't your songs will sound robotic and you won't learn to add that element in your playing since you don't have it as an option.
- On-Board Speakers - Pro Keyboards typically need an amplifier to get the sound working. Unless you want to purchase an amp or only want to play with headphones, then make sure that your keyboard has speakers built into the unit. If you can turn it on and the sound comes out without connecting it to anything else and the sound is actually coming out of the keyboard, then it has on-board speakers.
- 61, 76, or 88 Keys - It is best to purchase a keyboard that has 76 or 88 keys. If you are a very beginner then 61 will do fine, but you will probably eventually want to upgrade.
- Weighted vs Non-Weighted Keys - If you are a beginner it doesn't matter so much. For small children it may actually be better since their fingers aren't as strong. It is always nice to have weighted keys, though, so it feels more like a piano. Especially in classical and ballads I find the weight of the keys to make expression easier. On the flip side, keyboards with weighted keys are more expensive and sometimes don't have as many sounds and rhythms. It's your choice.
- Variety of Sounds - This is a matter of taste. If you want to do a lot of creative work, then this would be a feature to look at.
- Rhythm / Drum Patterns - If you are going to buy a keyboard it is always nice to have some drum patterns. I enjoy playing my songs in time to a drum beat rather than a metronome. And as above, if you plan on exploring creatively this is another feature to check out.
The cost of an electronic keyboard varies greatly. For basic student keyboards you can get one for as low as $60 (for a 61 key keyboard) and they go up to about $1,000 (for a weighted keyboard). Used keyboards will obviously be cheaper than store bought ones.
Brands: You can do a search for Keyboards, but beware you will find a very large selection that can be overwhelming to someone not familiar. On-board speakers is probably the most defining feature of a basic starter model keyboard. There are two brands that are known to carry these type of keyboards in a varying degree of complexity.
- Casio
- Yamaha
If you are going to buy a new keyboard here are some links to popular music stores. *Note: Ask their support personnel for help if you are unsure what to get. It can be confusing. Keyboards that are non-weighted and have a lot of sounds and rhythms can sometimes be called "workstations" and weighted-keyboards can sometimes be called "digital pianos".
- Amazon: Casio Keyboards
- Amazon: Yamaha Keyboards
- Ebay: