Buying a Keyboard

A keyboard is a great first instrument!

For most kids, I would recommend the Yamaha PSR-E383. It is the successor to the model we use in class. There are definitely cheaper options, just know that they will be less like a musical instrument and more like a toy. For example, they may not have touch-sensitive keys, meaning each key always plays the same volume, no matter how hard or gently it is pressed.

If your child takes piano lessons for more than a year or two, they will need to start practicing on "weighted" keys, ones that mimic the resistance felt when playing real piano keys. This article has great recommendations for this type of keyboard. Entry models of this kind generally have fewer fun features like built-in voices, drum beats, and songs, but you can always spend more for more features. You can explore Yamaha's full keyboard lineup here.