Essentials for beginners:
- For the first few weeks, any keyboard at all that has full-sized piano keys (just the key width, not the full keyboard) will do. Almost all keyboards that are NOT specifically marketed for children have full-sized keys, even if it's not in the description. Check the reviews though if it's not from a music shop. Small keys are harder to play and will slow down learning.
- Beyond the first few weeks, the most important feature is touch sensitive keys. This means the note gets louder or quieter, depending on how hard the pianist presses the key. This is part of what makes a piano a piano! It will enable pupils to learn to play expressively and they need to start experimenting with as early as possible.
- The second most important feature is a pedal (just one is fine) or a socket for a pedal that you can buy separately. Beginners enjoy the epic sound they can make with it but within a couple of years it will be an essential feature of playing some pieces. Again, it's part of what makes a piano a piano.
- A mains adapter is essential beyond the first couple of weeks. Keyboards use a lot of power so batteries run out quickly and unexpectedly, disrupting practice routine.
- A music stand on the back of the keyboard is really helpful and saves a lot of faffing before and during practice.
- Finally, the entire household will enjoy a keyboard that sounds like a nice piano! Some cheap ones do sound like a cheap toy so look out for that being mentioned in reviews.
Nice to have:
- All of my pupils enjoy playing on a full-sized keyboard (88 keys). It encourages creative, expressive playing and enables pupils to extend their technical exercises, encouraging more repeats but beginners will be able to practice with something as small as 61 keys. They will need a full-sized or almost full-sized keyboard within a couple of years.
- A feature that's not essential but many children use a lot, is a record and playback option. They use it to create their own pieces. They also enjoy using the different 'voices' and drum accompaniments.
- An adjustable height stool and keyboard stand are useful, good posture is important for good playing but you may be fine with the right chair/cushions/table combination.
- Weighted keys are sometimes offered. This is when the instrument becomes an electric piano, rather than just a keyboard. They're essential for more advanced pupils but not for the first two years at least and they often add a lot to the price. Beware of instruments that offer weighted keys but not touch sensitive keys! For beginners, touch sensitive keys are essential, weighted keys are optional.
Normans in Burton are currently recommending an Axus 61 Note Slimline Portable Keyboard for £139.99 as their entry level beginner instrument that ticks all the above 'essential' boxes. I wouldn't expect to find something suitable, brand new, for much less than this. Parents have said Norman's customer service is excellent and they do home delivery. They also sell pedals (Stagg, £11.99) and adjustable height piano stools and keyboard stands.
A cheaper option is to buy a quality second hand
instrument
. Stick to Yamaha or Casio if choosing second hand. We use a Yamaha at school. I think it might be bomb proof.