Young Composer Program
Instruments
Keyboard or Piano: What Should a Beginner Buy?
Quick answer: A beginner can start on a keyboard with full-size, touch-sensitive keys. If you are serious about piano or plan to take graded exams, move to a digital piano with 88 weighted keys within the first year or so, because higher-grade pieces need the full range and the feel of piano keys. An acoustic piano is a lovely option but not essential to start.
Keyboard, digital piano and acoustic piano: the difference
- Keyboard: usually 61 light, unweighted keys, built-in sounds and rhythms, light and affordable. Good for first lessons, songs and exploring.
- Digital piano: 88 weighted keys that feel like a piano, a realistic piano sound, headphones for quiet practice, and no tuning needed.
- Acoustic piano: the real instrument, with the richest touch and tone, but it is large, needs regular tuning and is affected by humidity.
What to look for when buying
- Full-size keys. Mini keys make it hard to learn correct hand position.
- Touch sensitivity. The sound should get louder the harder you press; without it you cannot learn dynamics.
- Number of keys. 61 keys is fine for the first months; piano repertoire soon needs all 88.
- Weighted or hammer-action keys on a digital piano, so your fingers build the strength piano playing needs.
- A sustain pedal and a stable stand at the right height.
When to upgrade
If a child is enjoying lessons and practising regularly after the first few months, it is a good time to plan the move to a digital piano. Higher-grade exam pieces use the whole keyboard and need control of weighted keys, so a light keyboard starts to hold a student back by the intermediate grades. Ask your teacher before you buy; they can tell you what your child actually needs.
Keyboard or piano lessons?
At Prism, piano and keyboard students learn the same foundations: reading music, both hands, chords and technique. You can learn songs and accompaniment, classical repertoire, or both, and take ISoM graded exams, with ABRSM, Trinity College London and LCME also available. Still deciding on an instrument altogether? Read guitar or keyboard: which to learn first.
Try the instrument before you buy one at a free demo at our schools in Gurgaon, South Delhi and Faridabad, and see how long it takes to learn piano.
Frequently asked questions
Can I learn piano on a 61-key keyboard?
Yes, for the first months. As pieces get harder you will need the full 88 keys and weighted touch of a digital or acoustic piano.
Is a digital piano good enough for piano exams?
Yes. A good digital piano with 88 weighted, touch-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal is a sound choice for practising exam pieces at home.
Do I need my own instrument to start lessons?
No. You can start lessons at the school and buy an instrument once you know you enjoy it.
