Here’s some information to consider when buying a piano keyboard vs. piano for a beginner student, but it is by no means exhaustively researched or comprehensive. It will provide some basics to consider and is for the parents searching for a keyboard good for a beginner piano student. There are two main categories to consider with this type of instrument and not the acoustical (wood) piano: 

1. Electric
2. Digital 

Also consider: 

1. budget 
2. space/proximity to tv, etc.
3. sound level/headphones
4. new/used/upgradable
5. portability

In my opinion, the most important things to consider when choosing a keyboard good for a beginner are the number, size, and weight of the keys.

1. ELECTRIC

In many ways, an electric keyboard or electric piano (free-standing) fits the needs of size, weight, budget, and sound control. My choice would include the following: 

Has at least 76 keys of standard size. 
Has weighted keys that feel like those of an acoustic (wood) piano.
Has at least one headphone jack for student use.

NOTE:   Two jacks are even better if the teacher desires to use headphones so as to not disturb others. A headphone for student practicing not only keeps the music from interfering with the rest of the family, tv, homework, internet work, etc. but also focuses the student on the music being played and not on other sounds that would be distracting. With an electric, the student also has the advantage of being able to adjust the output sound volume, and that makes the choice of a keyboard good for a beginner.

CONS: May not have sufficiently weighted keys of standard size – do your research before you buy.
Keyboard may require a stand (or table), separate music rest, and bench. 

PROS: Electric pianos look more like acoustic pianos instead of just a keyboard.
Portable within the home; keyboards are the ultimate in portability.
Sound control volume and headphones.

Here are some brands and models to consider: 

LAGRIMA LAG-560 Full Size Weighted Key Digital Piano $365

I like the full-size weighted keys, and it does have all 88. It also has pedal, headphone, and Bluetooth – wow!

For details on Amazon view here

Donner DEP-20 Beginner Portable Electric Keyboard  $373.99 

• Full-Weighted 88 key keyboard. Constructed by 88 full-sized hammer action keys with adjustable touch response.
• 238 Tones & 128 Polyphony. Piano keyboard loaded with 238 types of tone like Ukulele, drum, bass, etc.
• Sustain pedal and power supply.

For details on Amazon view here

Hamzer 88-Key Electronic Keyboard $189.99

• Touch sensitive keys: This premium 88-key digital piano includes semi-weighted, Touch sensitive keys, adjustable by 3 grades of sensitivity, to meet any playing style.
• Do more: The keyboard is packed with advanced playing features like split keyboard, touch control, lesson mode, transpose, dual timbres  and more. Take your playing to the next level, with the included sustain pedal, detachable sheet music holder, and USB port for MP3 audio playback.
• Record & playback: Belt out a song by plugging into an external amplifier (not included) or discreetly practice on headphones, along with the option to record and playback for improved performance. Keyboard is equipped with sustain pedal jack, audio input, audio output, headphone jack, USB, USB-MIDI port.
• Flawless, authentic range of sound: Built-in speakers offer tremendous sound, complete with 140 timbres, percussions, and 16 demonstration songs.
• Easy to use: Ready-to-use right out of the box. Just use the included US-standard 110 -120 volt power adapter to plug in and play.

2. DIGITAL

Donner DDP-300 Digital Piano $633.99

• 88-key GHS weighted keyboard digital piano, precisely matching the finger strength changes, is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end.
• Double keyboard setting lets you separate the keyboard into two same sections in pitch & tone.
• 10 Pre-set authentic timbres (Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Rock Organ, Strings, Bass, etc), 128 polyphony, advanced sound sampling. Has metal 3-pedal system ( Soft / Sustain / Sostenuto Pedal).
• The high-quality speakers, three-dimensional surround sound, heavy bass, and warm tone The mahogany veneer and streamlined design is exquisite and simple. The wooden cabinet has a sliding key cover to effectively protect the keyboard
• Has Bluetooth MIDI function, wirelessly connecting compatible external equipment or software
• USB/Headphone/Audio Output

For details at Amazon view here

One more thing – Use a bench.

Just about as important when investigating buying a piano keyboard vs. piano is choosing the seat! In my experience with students (and myself), it’s much better to have a bench because it is totally horizontal. The line of the keyboard and the seat need to be parallel. I do not recommend using chairs as they are more difficult to position correctly. 

For example, consider how odd it would feel if the student was using a traditional folding chair where the seat slopes up. It creates a tension in the body to maintain a parallel position relative to the keyboard, which is not only uncomfortable but a major distraction. The student loses attention quickly having to fight gravity when slipping on a sloping chair!

So, there are many things to consider when buying a piano keyboard vs. piano good for a beginner, and it pays to do some research before you begin looking.

What Would the First Lesson for a Young Student Look Like?

What Would the First Lesson for a 6 to Teen Look Like (video)?

View sample pages of all the books for students
ages 6 to teen:

View sample pages of all the books for students
4 to 5 years old:

View sample pages of all the books for older
teens and adults:

View the books on Amazon:

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

About the Author, Composer, Illustrator,
Educator, and Eternal Optimist

Leslie Young is the author/composer/illustrator of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning students.

Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the pattern of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.

She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It’s an easy and effective way to learn piano.”