Piano Essentials FAQ: What You Need for Lessons

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Written by Ryan West

Finding the right instrument for a beginning player is not as difficult a task as it may seem. Though it’s true that West Music offers a number of options from portable keyboards in the 100 dollar range to Steinway grand pianos in the 200,000 dollar range, it is equally true that each of our professional piano consultants is uniquely trained to help you find the right instrument – and the right plan – for you.

…but, if you’re like me, you probably want to know a little bit more about pianos in general before you begin speaking to a professional. Thus, here is a brief F.A.Q. to help get you started:

Q. Can I start lessons on a keyboard?

A. The simple answer is yes. During the first couple of months of lessons, you can begin learning basic notes and the layout of the keyboard. You can even use it with computer software to learn music symbols, musical organization, and timing. However, while you can begin on a keyboard, you will not want to take lessons on it for longer than about three to four months. After that time, you should consider trading up for a piano or digital piano.

Q. What kind of keyboard is best?

A. The two main producers of portable keyboards are Casio and Yamaha. Based on years of experience with both, I would highly recommend the Yamaha brand. Yamaha has a better piano sound, exciting “Yamaha Education Suite” features, and a better service record.

Q. What should my keyboard have on it?

A. Portable keyboards come in three basic sizes: 61 Note, 76 Note, and 88 Note. If you want the most realistic playing experience, you should find an 88-Note keyboard (pianos have 88 keys) with full-sized piano keys, a weighted key action, and a sustain pedal. 76 Note keyboards and smaller are ideal for travel fun or computer hookups. Most portable keyboards will come with at least 100 different instrument sounds and some drum rhythm options. These can be fun for the kids but will most likely not play a big role in their first year of lessons.

Q. How can I tell if my instrument has “full-sized” keys?

A. The quickest way to tell if your keyboard, piano, or digital piano has “full-sized” keys is to do the “Dollar Bill Test.” Simply remove a dollar bill from your wallet and lay it down on one of the white keys (lengthwise – parallel to the key). The key should run from one end of the dollar bill (the end pressed against the felt at the hilt of the key) to the end of the ink on the other end of the dollar bill.

Q. What does “weighted key” mean?

A. A weighted key action is designed to provide more resistance than the standard “organ touch” portable keyboards. Keyboards with weighted keys more closely simulate the gravity hammer action of a grand piano and, thus, are better to learn on.

Q. What is a sustain pedal?

A. Sometimes called the “damper pedal,” the sustain pedal is the first pedal on the right of a piano or digital piano (and, sometimes, the only pedal on a keyboard). When depressed, it lifts the dampers off the strings so they continue to ring (this is simulated to provide the same effect in electronic instruments). Typically, students begin using this pedal in lessons within the first year of study.

Q. What about a digital piano?

A. A digital piano (sometimes referred to as a “Clavinova”) is an excellent choice for beginning lessons. Most digital pianos feature 88 full-sized “weighted key” actions, with authentic piano sounds and a sustain pedal. Some even include recording options, additional instruments, and onboard learning software. Digital pianos are popular because they allow students to record themselves, hook to their computers, play using headphones, or create their own music. …and, since they never need tuning, they are great for apartments, houses with little or no climate control, and school labs.

Q. How much do digital pianos cost?

A. Digital pianos range in price from about $600 to $30,000. Most first-time buyers will select a digital piano in the $1300 - $2500 range. Then, as the player becomes more involved with the digital features, many will take advantage of West Music’s 1 year FULL TRADE option on keyboards and digital pianos – allowing the instrument to grow with the students.

Q. Which is better, a digital piano or a used piano?

A. That depends on the quality of a used piano and on the interests of the player. Good quality used pianos that are properly tuned and adjusted are superb first-time instruments. They hold their value for trade-up and they provide a furniture aesthetic for the home. Digital pianos offer more variety, headphones, and a reduced maintenance fee (since they don’t require tuning). Thus, if a player prefers the sound and touch of an acoustic piano, a good used piano will be ideal. If he or she wants to play with different instruments, record, or listen through headphones, a digital might be the best option. As with any instrument, the most important thing here is to find the right tool to keep the player interested. The choice is often highly individual… and, nation-wide, the digital piano / upright piano ratio is about 50/50.

Q. How much do new pianos cost?

A. Pianos range in price as vastly as do cars or kitchen appliances. There are a number of poor quality new pianos today that are very inexpensive. However, on average, a good quality “starter piano” should cost around $1900. Then, based on size, color, sound, and style preferences, your new piano could range between $1900 and $90,000. (A huge majority of first-time buyers select an upright piano between the $2000 and $5000 range. Most first-time grand piano buyers select an instrument in the $10,000 - $20,000 range.) Again, it is important before making an investment in a new instrument that the player work closely with a professional piano consultant to determine what his or her needs and preferences are. It is important to select the best instrument that will keep the player interested and fulfilled.

Q. Do you guys rent pianos?

A. West Music does offer a piano rental program. We rent one of our upright starter pianos for up to a year. The fee per month is around $40 and the first six months of your rental fees go into a fund that you can use towards a new or used piano or digital piano from West Music.

Q. How can I learn more about pianos?

A. If you would like more information on how to select the perfect instrument for you or your family, church, or school, you may obtain this info from any of the following sources:

The Piano Buyer’s Guide – This unbiased, 34 page booklet will teach you all the basics – from the differences between a grand piano and an upright – to the parts of a piano you should check before you buy! The booklet is available free of charge at each of our West Music piano showrooms. If you would like us to send you one, we’d be happy to do so. Just contact the location nearest you and we’ll make sure you get all the information you need. Click here to see all of our locations!
The Pianos & Keyboards Department Section – This section of our website includes information on the brands we carry, the service technicians we use, and detailed biographies on each of our professional piano consultants. You’ll be able to read a variety of blog entries designed to help you make your selection!
West Music’s Professional Piano Consultants – Highly trained on dozens of different brands, shapes, sizes, colors, and price points, the West Music Piano Staff is uniquely-positioned to help you find the piano of your dreams. Your visit with any of these incredible people will be full of good information, warm recommendations, and friendly support as we guide you through your selection process. There is nothing like talking to an expert – especially when that expert loves music as much as we do. Talk to us! You’ll make a good buying decision and a life-long friend.

Well, that information should get you started. As always, we at West Music are here to make sure your selection process is as fun and as efficient as it can be. Please feel free to stop in any of our stores and enjoy the warm, comfortable atmosphere… and the beautiful selection of fine instruments we have to offer. …and let me be the first to welcome you to our West Music Family.

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