One of the questions I get asked most often by parents starting piano lessons is: “What kind of piano should we buy for our child?”
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Should you buy an acoustic piano or a digital piano? What does “weighted keys” mean? And is an inexpensive keyboard good enough for a beginner? As a piano teacher, I understand that a piano is a significant investment. My recommendations depend on your budget, available space, and your child's goals. If you have the space and budget, an acoustic piano is generally my first choice. However, I understand that this isn't practical for every family, and there are excellent digital pianos available today.
Here's what I recommend parents consider before making a purchase.
1. Acoustic Piano: My First Choice
An acoustic piano produces sound when hammers strike strings inside the instrument. This creates a natural response and resonance that are difficult to reproduce completely in a digital piano. Students also learn to control their sound through touch, developing the ability to play softly, loudly, and expressively. If you're considering an acoustic piano, I generally recommend starting with Yamaha or Kawai. Both are established manufacturers with a wide range of instruments. Personally, I particularly like pianos made in Japan, so check the country of manufacture for the specific model you're considering.
Upright or grand piano?
For most families, I recommend an upright piano. A grand piano is wonderful, but it costs more and takes up considerably more space. A good upright can provide an excellent playing experience without requiring a dedicated music room.
Does piano height matter?
Yes! This is something many parents don't realize. Generally, taller upright pianos can accommodate longer strings and may have larger soundboards, contributing to a fuller, richer sound, particularly in the bass. This is one reason taller uprights often cost more than smaller models. However, height isn't the only factor. Construction, condition, design and maintenance all affect sound quality. If your budget allows, I would consider a good, taller upright. Whenever possible, visit a showroom and play different sizes so you can hear and feel the difference for yourself.
2. What if an Acoustic Piano isn't Practical?
Many families live in condos or homes without enough space for an acoustic piano. Others aren't ready to make such a large financial commitment when their child is just beginning. In these situations, a good digital piano is an excellent alternative. The brands I generally recommend exploring are Yamaha, Kawai, Roland and Korg. The quality varies by model, so I encourage parents to compare the actual instruments rather than choosing based on the brand alone. If you're looking at premium digital pianos, Yamaha's Clavinova range is one of my favourites. These instruments are designed to offer a realistic piano-playing experience, with sophisticated keyboard actions and piano sounds. They are more expensive than many entry-level digital pianos, but they're worth considering if your budget allows. The most important thing is to choose an instrument that supports your child's learning, rather than paying for features they may never use.
3. What Are Weighted Keys and Hammer Action?
This is one of the most important things I explain to parents. If your child is learning piano seriously, I strongly recommend a keyboard with 88 weighted keys and hammer action. On an acoustic piano, pressing a key operates a mechanical action that moves a hammer to strike a string. The keys have a certain resistance, and the pianist learns to control the sound through the way they play. Weighted keys on a digital piano are designed to recreate that resistance. Hammer action refers to the mechanism that helps imitate the feel of an acoustic piano. Some digital pianos also have graded hammer action, meaning the keys are generally heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, similar to an acoustic piano. By contrast, inexpensive electronic keyboards often have light, springy keys. These can be fine for experimenting with music, but they don't provide the same playing experience. Students need to develop finger control, coordination and the ability to produce different dynamics. Learning exclusively on very light keys may make the transition to an acoustic piano more difficult. If your goal is for your child to learn piano, rather than simply experiment with musical sounds, weighted keys should be high on your shopping list.
4. Does My Child Need All 88 Keys?
Ideally, yes. A full-size piano has 88 keys, allowing students to play the full range required by standard piano repertoire. However, if your child is just starting and you want to keep costs down, a 61-key keyboard can be a temporary option. Just be aware that as your child progresses, they will need a wider range of notes and will benefit from a proper weighted keyboard. Depending on their progress and repertoire, you may need to upgrade within a year or two. If your budget allows, I would skip the temporary keyboard and purchase an 88-key weighted digital piano from the beginning. It is generally the better long-term investment.
5. Why Do I Prefer a Digital Piano With Built-In Pedals?
Some digital pianos are portable keyboards that sit on a separate stand, while others have a cabinet, legs and an integrated pedal assembly. When possible, I prefer the latter. It provides a more familiar setup that resembles an acoustic piano and can make the transition between instruments feel more natural. I also recommend looking for a proper three-pedal unit if your child is pursuing piano seriously. The pedals allow students to develop techniques used in more advanced repertoire, particularly sustain-pedal control. Some inexpensive keyboards come with a small, separate pedal that plugs in with a cord. These can be useful for beginners, but the feel and response may be quite different from a proper piano pedal system.
6. How Far Can a Student Progress on a Digital Piano?
A good digital piano can support a student for many years. In my experience, a quality model with 88 weighted keys, hammer action and a suitable pedal system can take a student well into the intermediate levels—often around RCM Level 5 or 6, and sometimes beyond. I've also seen students reach RCM Level 8 while practising on digital pianos. As students become more advanced, the tonal depth, response and expressive possibilities of a good acoustic piano can become more noticeable. If your child becomes increasingly serious about piano, I would encourage you to reconsider an acoustic instrument when your budget and circumstances allow. However, don't feel that a digital piano prevents your child from developing strong musical skills. A good instrument, consistent practice and effective teaching can take a student a long way.
7. Where Should You Shop for a Piano?
I usually recommend starting with Tom Lee Music or Long & McQuade. Tom Lee Music is worth exploring for acoustic and digital pianos, while Long & McQuade is another useful place to try digital models. Inventory varies by location, so check what's available before visiting. The biggest advantage of a music store is that you and your child can actually test-drive the instruments. Compare how the keys feel, how the piano sounds, and how easily you can play softly and loudly. You don't need to be an advanced pianist to notice that one instrument feels more comfortable than another.
Don't overlook Facebook Marketplace
I also recommend checking Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes families moving or downsizing sell perfectly usable pianos at very attractive prices. A second-hand piano can be a fantastic deal, but don't buy one based on its appearance or brand name alone.
Before purchasing a used acoustic piano, ask the seller these questions:
Do all the keys and pedals work? Test the entire keyboard and check for sticking keys, unusual sounds or pedals that don't respond properly.
When was it last tuned? Acoustic pianos generally need tuning at least once a year. If it hasn't been tuned for several years, it may need additional work or multiple tuning appointments, increasing the cost.
Where has it been stored? A piano kept in a stable indoor environment is generally a more reassuring prospect than one stored in a damp basement, cold garage or unheated shed. Temperature and humidity changes can affect its wooden and mechanical components.
Has it been maintained? Ask about previous repairs, tuning history and any known issues.
How much will delivery cost? Acoustic pianos are heavy and should generally be moved by professional piano movers. Remember to budget for moving and any tuning needed after delivery.
A piano doesn't need to have been in a fancy living room to be a good purchase. What matters is that it has been cared for and kept in a reasonably stable environment, away from excessive moisture, temperature fluctuations and direct heat sources. Whenever possible, have a qualified piano technician/tuner inspect a used acoustic piano before you commit to buying it. A seemingly inexpensive piano can become costly if it needs substantial repairs.
My Final Recommendations
Here's how I would approach the decision:
If you have the space and budget: Consider a good acoustic upright, particularly a Yamaha or Kawai. Compare different heights and conditions, and consider properly inspected used instruments.
If you need a digital piano: Look at Yamaha, Kawai, Roland and Korg. Prioritize 88 weighted keys, hammer action and a suitable pedal system. Yamaha Clavinovas are worth exploring in the premium range.
If your child is just starting and your budget is limited: A 61-key keyboard can be a temporary starting point, but be prepared to upgrade as your child progresses.
You don't need to buy the most expensive instrument available. You need one that supports your child's learning now and allows room for growth. An acoustic piano is generally my preference, but I understand that budget and space are real considerations for many families. A good digital piano can absolutely support meaningful musical progress. The instrument matters, but what your child does with it matters even more. A good piano supports a student's progress, and a good teacher helps them make the most of it.
