Choosing a piano or keyboard for your child can be an exciting yet daunting undertaking. A well-chosen instrument can inspire a lifelong love of music and facilitate your child’s learning process. There are several different things to consider when choosing the right instrument for your child, whether it is a traditional acoustic piano or a digital keyboard (which we will refer to as simply keyboard for the purpose of brevity). An acoustic piano produces sound with felt-covered hammers hitting steel-wire strings. A digital piano doesn’t use hammers; instead, it features electronic speakers to playback high quality recordings taken from the very best acoustic pianos.

Somewhere in between the two types fall electric pianos or keyboards, but for the purpose of this article we will consider anything that does not use actual strings in creating the sound as a digital piano.

Understanding Your Child’s Needs

Before diving into the specifics of pianos and keyboards, consider your child’s age, interest level, and commitment. Young beginners might benefit from a keyboard due to its affordability and portability, while older children or those with a serious interest might lean towards a traditional piano.

Acoustic Pianos vs. Digital Keyboards

1. Acoustic Pianos:

Pros of an Acoustic Piano:

• “Authentic” Feel: Acoustic pianos offer a genuine touch and tone, which can be beneficial for developing proper technique.

• Sound Quality: The sound produced by acoustic pianos is rich and resonant, providing a depth of tone that digital pianos strive to emulate.

Cons of an Acoustic Piano:

• Cost: Acoustic pianos are generally more expensive, with high-quality models starting around $3,000.

• Maintenance: They require regular tuning and can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

2. Digital Pianos:

Pros of Digital Keyboards:

• Affordability: Digital keyboards are often less expensive than acoustic pianos. Entry-level models can start at under $200.

• Versatility: Many digital keyboards offer a variety of sounds, rhythms, and features like recording capabilities. They are also portable and usually have volume control or headphone options. For this reason, many children’s piano classes and group piano classes utilize digital keyboards so that multiple students can explore with the keyboard at the same time without distracting others.

Cons of Digital Keyboards

• Touch Sensitivity:  While many digital keyboards mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, they may not offer the same level of touch sensitivity or action.

• Sound Quality:  Although modern digital pianos have impressive sound samples, they may not fully replicate the acoustic piano’s tonal richness.

Key Features to Consider when Buying a Piano or Keyboard

• Weighted Keys – For children who are serious about learning piano, a digital keyboard with weighted keys can simulate the feel of an acoustic piano, which is essential for developing proper finger strength and technique. Look for models with hammer action keys.

• Number of Keys – Keyboards come in various sizes. A full-sized piano has 88 keys, but a 61-key or 76-key keyboard can suffice for beginners. As your child progresses, a full-sized piano might be more appropriate.

• Sound Quality and Polyphony – High polyphony (the number of notes that can be played simultaneously) is important for playing complex pieces. Aim for a keyboard with at least 64-note polyphony. The quality of the sound samples is also crucial; read reviews to ensure the instrument produces high-quality tones.

• Touch Sensitivity – Touch sensitivity refers to how the keyboard responds to the force with which keys are pressed. This feature helps replicate the dynamics of playing an acoustic piano.

• Additional Features – Consider features like built-in metronomes, recording capabilities, and connectivity options (USB, MIDI) for advanced learning and practice.

Budget Considerations

Establish a budget before shopping. Entry-level keyboards can cost from $100 to $300, while mid-range models with advanced features are priced between $300 and $800. High-end digital pianos and acoustic pianos can go well beyond this range. Balancing your budget with the features important for your child’s learning, commitment, and growth is key.

Choosing the right piano or keyboard for your child involves balancing their needs, your budget, and the features that will best support their musical journey. Your early childhood music teacher can help make recommendations. Making the right decisions at the right time will help to foster a love for music in your child that will last a lifetime.