A good beginner keyboard is an ideal instrument for students embarking on their musical education. Light enough to be transported, the best keyboard models teach students skills they transfer to full-size pianos. In addition to the keyboard itself, you will need something to sit on as he or she plays and a stand to hold sheet music. The keyboard brand you choose depends on multiple factors. The cheapest keyboard brands those found in big-box retailers often have smaller keys than their higher-quality counterparts.
Fortunately for your wallet, some of the best keyboard brands are quite affordable. Yamaha, Roland, and Kurzweil all offer inexpensive boards with different key ranges, built-in speakers, and a wide variety of sound options. For the more advanced or motivated student, consider Korg or Williams boards. The full-size weighted keys of a Williams keyboard make a good choice for adults and any student planning on learning traditional piano in the future.
Keyboards for beginning piano students differ from keyboards for students planning on rocking out or composing electronic music. While the best keyboard for beginner adults may be a smaller keyboard for beginners, children as young as 10 may be more motivated if their keyboards help them play and create popular music. There are literally thousands of different types of keyboards.
So what are the best ones for beginners? A workstation keyboard is one of the more expensive keyboards and essentially includes its own computer for composition and advanced program options. These are the keyboards used by many hip-hop and pop artists to program beats and other parts of the composition to play automatically. Workstation keyboards often include weighted keys, making them a good choice for the advanced beginner keyboard student. For the fledgling composer, however, a controller and laptop provide the same tools for a lower price.
Arranger keyboards are designed to provide auto-accompaniment. Simply select a few options, and the keyboard then lays down a backing track that matches the style, rhythm, and tempo of the piece being played. This helps students get a feel for playing with other musicians while allowing them to play solo compositions. A popular music keyboard for beginners, a synthesizer is an electronic keyboard capable of generating a wide range of sounds, from musical instruments to sound effects.
