When a student is just beginning, it is not necessary to make a large investment in a new instrument—unless you know you would like the look of a nice piano in your home no matter what. Otherwise, all you need to look for right now is a keyboard with a few basic features until you decide you might like an upgrade sometime in the future. You can also rent a piano to begin lessons, or wait until we have had a few lessons under our belt before purchasing your own instrument. 

Piano Vs. Keyboards:
If you are interested in a nicer investment (a quality piece-of-furniture piano) We can advise you on what to look for in that case. But keep in mind that it will require professional movers and a tuner and that pianos do require ongoing upkeep. I am not discouraging the purchase of a piano, but you should know the pros and cons: A piano is nice to have when guests are over, the sound will likely be much better than a keyboard, and it will feel far more majestic to play. But it takes some work to purchase and maintain, and a keyboard will serve the same function with virtually no upkeep and at a much lower price. We like to be realistic, and keyboards are a way to keep learning the piano accessible to everyone. Also, keyboards now come with so many incredible functions! Leading Note Studios has a technology buff, and we are happy to show you all kinds of cool things you can do with your keyboard to escalate your playing, recording, etc. There are apps that let you plug your phone or iPad right into the keyboard. Students love these, and practice time increases so much. We can give you some pointers when you are ready to “plugin!”

PIANO TUNERS AND REPAIRS:
The following are ones that we have personally used at Leading Note Studios for our own pianos!
Connor 619-755-1641 - pricing starts $175
Lee Sankey 619-990-1112 - pricing $175
Jack Gerald 619-300-6257 - pricing starts $150
Randy Jarvis 619-464-9000

KEYBOARD INFO:
A quality keyboard will be quite heavy, but not too heavy for one adult to move and load in a car. We have keyboards that easily slide into the backseat of a car, so getting it home (or to and from gigs!) shouldn't be a problem. 

ESSENTIAL FEATURES FOR A KEYBOARD:
1. Full-size keys.  The keyboard or piano does not need to have the entire 88 keys if the size is a consideration, but the keys it does have a need to be full-size (like those of an acoustic piano). Ask for or look for the words 'full-sized keys' on the list of features.

2. Weighted keys.  This is the most important feature because motor memory plays such an important role in learning piano. Weighted keys mean that the keys will be touch-sensitive like a real piano, an important consideration when switching back and forth from keyboard to piano, and when learning to play without looking at your hands. This also means that the volume will increase the harder you hit each key, allowing for dynamics in the music. This enables the keyboard to be played as it was intended, as a percussion instrument. Ask or look for the words 'weighted keys'. Some keyboards have touch-sensitive keys that are NOT weighted. I do not recommend these, but we can make it work.

3. Accessories.  You absolutely must have a stand for the keyboard and a bench. The absolute best option is a keyboard with a built-in "cabinet"-style stand. Sometimes you put these together yourself, but it is SO WORTH IT. This makes one of the biggest differences in the feel of the keyboard. The bench can be adjustable, or we can use a footstool to help the feet reach the floor (to maintain posture).  Eventually, we will also need a pedal, but the imperatives are the keyboard, stand, and bench. If buying a keyboard, you may also want to consider headphones so that you will have more flexibility about when/where you can practice. 

WHERE TO SHOP:
Always look online, even on Craigslist, Offer Up, eBay, etc. Sometimes you can find someone giving their piano away "to a good home" when they don't have space for it anymore, or selling their used keyboard when little Jimmy decided to play electric guitar instead. I scan these sites from time to time and can notify you if I see something good (just tell me what you're looking for.) If you buy a used piano, you need to have a tuner check it out; some pianos are damaged beyond reasonable repair.

I have heard that Costco has nice weighted keyboards at a good price. Guitar Center or any music store will have a good selection of quality keyboards, and usually a knowledgeable staff. Piano stores will have nice brand-new and used instruments, and will likely have partnerships with movers and tuners so everything can be taken care of in one place. Feel free to try out the instruments in the store, and ask a lot of questions. I've gotten great deals on keyboards during sales at these brick-and-mortar stores.

Also, you can rent a piano for a very reasonable price, and delivery and tuning are usually included in the rental fee.

MORE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS (WHAT I LIKE):
A great starter keyboard with all the features is Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano. This is a bare-bones model, but it feels just like a real piano.

This one's cheaper but its keys are only semi-weighted. Alesis Full-Size Semi-Weighted Keyboard

A step up is a Casio PX-870 or a Yamaha Digital P45

Costco Christmas 2022 Piano for $539.99

For just a keyboard that we use in our recording studio and easy to travel with is this Yamaha Digital P125. With this one, you will have to purchase a stand and bench.

Whatever you buy, make sure to get the stand with it so it holds steady. You will also want the pedal with it eventually, but don't worry about that right away. 

I hope this helps!

Camille