The most frequent question students and parents ask Music Teacher LA when scheduling initial piano lessons is if a keyboard will be sufficient to begin learning or if it is better to upgrade to a real piano from the start. So, do you need a piano to start piano lessons?
First of all, it is not necessary to begin music lessons on a real (acoustic) piano. We can begin teaching you or your child on a keyboard. To review and purchase the most popular keyboard among Music Teacher LA students, please visit our Student Library.
Second, In order to practice at home efficiently, each student needs a piano or a digital keyboard with 88 weighted keys. We do have a number of students, however, starting on smaller keyboards.
A Smaller Keyboard
Let’s take a look at a keyboard with at least 60 keys but less than 88 keys. Such a keyboard will be sufficient for the first 3-6 months.
Cons:
- Our teachers might not be able to play an accompaniment along with you or your child working on a smaller keyboard.
- Young students who are learning on a smaller keyboard do not take piano lessons seriously because, alas, their instrument looks and feels like a toy!
- In addition, a smaller keyboard rarely comes with a book rest. Therefore, students’ music books slide down during lessons and practices, further distracting the students and interrupting the learning process.
- Furthermore, a smaller keyboard often does not have weighted keys. Without the weighed keys, the student will not develop the essential finger strength. Lastly, the student will not advance his or her technicality.
A weighted action is important in learning to play piano. It’s preferred to non-weighted or semi-weighted action so that students not only can practice on an instrument that closely resembles an acoustic piano, but will develop the necessary technicality and finger strength.
Assistance in Purchasing a Piano
If you need assistance in purchasing an instrument, call Music Teacher LA and we will connect you with the right piano wholesaler in Los Angeles, based on your budget, instrument brand, and size requirements.
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