Electric Keyboard
The least expensive option (other than to have a keyboard or piano given* to you!) is to purchase a keyboard (61 keys) and a stand so it can be adjusted to the proper height. There are many electric keyboard brands complete with a host of “bells and whistles”. While the selection of sounds and rhythms are fun features to have, they are not necessary. However, what is a nice feature, is a built-in metronome, and weighted keys.* (Weighted keys bring the touch of an electric keyboard closer to the feel and response of a piano, allowing for louder and softer sounds by how hard or gentle the key is pushed down.) Other than a metronome and weighted keys, the other bells and whistles are fun to “play” with, but not necessary for the learning process. I believe keyboards with 61 keys, all come with a standard width key, but be sure to double check that the electric keyboard has STANDARD WIDTH KEYS. Toy keyboards have smaller keys, making it difficult to then play on a piano with full size keys.
Many of the stands for an electric keyboards are somewhat adjustable. Just like typing on a computer, the player’s forearms need to be parallel to the floor, to avoid tension and fatigue in the neck and shoulders. If you wish to play the piano like a rock star, you may stand up!
Some keyboards have keys that light up when pressed down. I find this annoying and distracting, but you may find it helpful if there is a screen showing the relationship of the key being played to the position of the note on the music staff.
Pros to purchasing an electric keyboard:
- Reasonable investment for beginning lessons
- Portable
- Maybe battery operated
- No upkeep required
- Head phone jack (you won’t disturb others while you practice)
- Easier to press the keys down than an acoustic piano
- May have added sounds and rhythms to experiment/interact with for fun
- Overall volume control (won’t disturb others in the next room)
- May have a jack for a computer
Cons to purchasing an electric keyboard:
- Does not sound like a real piano.
- Pressing the keys down not the same feel as playing on an acoustic piano.
- May not be possible to change the volume by how hard the key is pressed down (weighted key).
- Need to purchase a sustain pedal (damper pedal).
- May need to purchase a stand and bench.
- Will need to upgrade to either an acoustic piano or digital piano eventually.
*Before making the effort and expense to move that free piano, have it checked out by a qualified piano technician. Just like a used car, it may look/sound great before you take possession, and a disaster once you get it home.