7 Responses for "How many keys should a keyboard have if you are starting to take piano lessons?"

1. Ian E October 7th, 2009 at 8:09 am 1

   If you have room, and if you can afford it, a real piano is vastly preferable to the best electronic substitute. (They have a ‘life’ of about 120 years, and a second-hand piano under that age is often a really inexpensive way into keyboard delight. Electronic pianos are rare if they function well for over15 years!)

   A piano has, I think, 88 notes. Any less, and you could quickly become frustrated when you begin to play.
   References :

2. Whispersong October 7th, 2009 at 8:25 am 2

   As the previous answerer mentioned, a real piano is preferable to an electronic one. You can get them at a reduced price on Ebay or other auction sites (make sure you check it out in person before you buy). If this is still not an option, a 76 or 61 key electric keyboard are probably okay for the first couple of years of learning the piano, but soon after that you need to use all 88 keys.
   By then you’ll really need to be using a real piano as using techniques such as pedalling and finger weight which you cannot learn on an electronic keyboard become vital.
   If you are taking up piano and aren’t sure if you’re going to carry on with it, I would recommend a 61 or 76 key keyboard. After that, if you are still enjoying the piano and plan to further your piano playing career definitely invest in a good upright or even grand (if you have money to burn) piano.

   Hope this helps.
   References :
   Experience

3. Rebekah S October 7th, 2009 at 9:05 am 3

   Your first two answerers are right on about the need for a real piano.

   If you must buy a keyboard, go for at least 61 keys, but even more important is that you need to buy a keyboard that responds dynamically. Easy way to test: the sound when you press a key really hard should be A LOT louder than when you press the key very softly. Most inexpensive keyboards do not respond dynamically to the player’s touch.

   There are ways to get around owning a piano, though. See if you can practice on one in your school’s band or orchestra room (or practice rooms, if there are some) during study hall or before or after school. If a neighbor has a piano that’s not getting much use, see if they’ll let you practice on it for a nominal free or maybe for free.

   Nursing homes often have pianos that just sit. See if you can practice on that in exchange for playing for the residents once a month (it doesn’t have to be fancy- older people will enjoy it.)
   References :
   Pianist/clarinetist

4. i. jones October 7th, 2009 at 9:40 am 4

   1. organ manuals are typically 61 keys … if that’s where you’re going, however you’ll probably want two manuals and a pedal board.
   2. to learn piano, I’d opt for a minimum of 76 keys, but better at 88 and always look for a weighed action.
   3. best to buy a piano if you can and if space permits.
   References :

5. Yuuki M October 7th, 2009 at 9:51 am 5

   88. This is the standard for piano
   References :

6. Becki A October 7th, 2009 at 10:25 am 6

   A lot of people think that standard acoustic, 88 key pianos are the best. I’m a music teacher and I’ve played piano for 30 years, and I personally have a DIGITAL piano in both my home and my classroom/office.

   Like an acoustic piano, a digital piano has 88 full sized, weighted keys, is touch sensitive and has standard pedals, but it has the added benefits of being easy to move, it never has to be tuned, earphones can be used in apartments or other quiet settings, and it can be interfaced with a computer.

   A new digital piano will cost you $800-2500 or so. If your budget will not allow that and you MUST get a "keyboard", make sure that it has full sized keys, is touch sensitive, and has a sustain pedal. That won’t work forever, but at least it will get you started!

   Good luck!
   References :

7. Top Info on How to Play the Piano from Oct. | How To Play The Piano November 1st, 2009 at 5:42 am 7

   [...] How many keys should a keyboard have if you are starting to take piano lessons? Posted on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 in Keyboard Lessons - Comments: (6) I am considering taking piano lessons but i don’t know how many keys the keyboard i need to buy will need. There are like 61, 76, and 88 ones with prices going up from more keys. So, how many keys do i need?Your first two answerers are right on about the need for a real piano. If you must buy a keyboard, go for at least 61 keys, but even more important is that you need to buy a keyboard that responds dynamically. Easy way to test: the sound when you press a key really hard should be A LOT louder than when you press the key very softly. Most inexpensive keyboards do not respond dynamically to the player’s touch.There are ways to get around owning a piano, though. See if you can practice on one in your school’s band or orchestra room (or practice rooms, if there are some) during study hall or before or after school. [...]