The size and expense of a real piano does deter many families these days. But the good news is that digital pianos are affordable and are a great option for beginner pianists. I have had my electric piano for nearly 15 years and it is still in good condition. It cost me under £500: I use it regularly and it can be moved around relatively easily. It requires virtually no maintenance, just occasional cleaning. The array of digital effects and extra features have been really fun to experiment with over the years too!
This will allow you to produce dynamics (gradations of loud and soft) will give a decent imitation of a real piano. You will need to make sure that your instrument has the full-size keyboard (with all 88 keys) and a sustain pedal. In my experience a digital piano will be adequate for piano lessons up to about grade five. Both of my children learnt piano on an electric instrument, with some occasional extra experiences on a real piano before their piano exams. (The action of the keys is stiffer on a real piano and can be a shock to a student in an exam situation if they haven’t tried it beforehand.)
I also have a ‘real’ upright piano now and can enjoy the gorgeous tone-colours and extra touch-sensitivity of this instrument. For anyone playing piano at grade five level and above this is very important. However, it does need regular tuning! For me, having the piano tuned 2-3 times per year is an absolute necessity – I don’t think it is good for any student (or professional) to have to make do with an out-of-tune instrument. That would in fact do harm to your musical aural training and development. It is also vital to have enough space for the piano in your home: keep it in front of an inside wall so the temperature and humidity will be more constant and the pitch may be more consistent.
