Which Piano to Choose When Starting to Learn: A Practical Guide for Beginners and Parents

Choosing the right piano when starting to learn is an important decision that can significantly affect a student’s early development and long-term relationship with the instrument. While it may seem daunting at first—with options ranging from digital keyboards to grand pianos—understanding a simple progression can make all the difference, especially for children just beginning their musical journey.

1. The First Stage: Digital Keyboards and Entry-Level Digital Pianos

In the very beginning, especially during the pre-grade stages of learning, it’s perfectly acceptable to start with a digital instrument. However, not all digital instruments are equal. Many beginner keyboards come with unweighted or semi-weighted keys, which may seem easier to play but don’t build the necessary finger strength, hand position, or independence required for piano playing in the long run.

If a digital instrument is the only option, a digital piano with fully weighted keys is essential. Weighted keys simulate the resistance and touch of a real piano, helping to develop the crucial foundational technique that will support more advanced playing later on.

2. Why Weighted Keys Matter

For young learners, especially, developing strong technique from the start is key. Weighted keys teach the fingers to control dynamics, shape phrasing, and build finger independence. Without this, bad habits can form that are difficult to unlearn later. Weighted digital pianos also help mimic the feel of a real acoustic instrument more closely than lightweight keyboards.

3. Moving Forward: The Importance of an Acoustic Piano

While a digital piano is suitable for the first one to two years, there comes a point when an acoustic piano becomes essential. Digital instruments produce sampled sounds—pre-recorded notes triggered when keys are pressed. This means that the sound is not truly being created by the performer, but replicated.

An acoustic piano—whether upright or grand—offers something digital instruments can’t: a direct, physical relationship between the player and the sound. The tone is shaped in real time by the touch, weight, and nuance of the pianist. This develops not just technique, but musical sensitivity and artistry.

4. Upright vs Grand Piano: Budget and Progression

When making the transition to an acoustic piano, many families worry about budget. The good news is that a smaller upright piano is absolutely acceptable. What matters most is that it’s acoustic. There are many excellent lower-range uprights that offer quality sound and touch.

Two particularly trusted brands in this category are Yamaha and Kawai. These are ideal choices at an intermediate level—not just because of the sound, but because of the wooden action, which helps train the fingers and creates a more immediate connection with the tone being produced.

Over time, as the student grows and their skills mature, upgrades can be considered, ideally moving toward a grand piano. The grand piano is the instrument in which technique is truly refined. Because the hammers strike the strings from below (working against gravity), it offers a more sensitive and responsive touch. This allows for the highest degree of sound control and expression.

5. The Steinway Standard: The Grand Piano at Its Peak

At the top of the pyramid sits the Steinway & Sons grand piano, which remains my personal favorite. Steinway has produced a remarkable range of instruments for over a century, and their grand pianos are particularly extraordinary—not just in craftsmanship, but in their ability to express the full depth and nuance of a pianist’s musical intent.

Steinway grand pianos come in several sizes, each tailored for different needs and spaces:

• Model S – 5’1” (Baby Grand – ideal for small rooms)

• Model M – 5’7” (Medium Grand – popular in homes)

• Model O – 5’10½” (Living Room Grand – full, rich sound in a compact size)

• Model A – 6’2” (Parlor Grand – suitable for professional use)

• Model B – 6’10½” (Music Room Grand – often used in teaching studios and concert settings)

• Model D – 8’11¾” (Concert Grand – the gold standard on international stages)

Each model is handcrafted and individually voiced, offering a direct pathway to sound creation. What makes Steinway so exceptional is how it enables the pianist to truly mould the tone to their intention—something no digital or even many acoustic instruments can replicate at the same level.

That said, there are many excellent grand piano makers beyond Steinway that can support a pianist’s journey beautifully. But when we talk about the pinnacle of piano playing, Steinway remains a gold standard for sound, sensitivity, and performance.

6. A Suggested Trajectory

Here’s a recommended progression that takes both budget and development into account:

• Years 1–2: Start with a digital piano with fully weighted keys (avoid lightweight keyboards if possible).

• After Year 2: Transition to an acoustic upright piano—a Yamaha or Kawai is ideal at this stage.

• Long-term goal: Move to a grand piano as technique and artistry deepen. If budget allows and serious study continues, consider a Steinway grand, which offers unmatched potential for expression and development.

Final Thoughts

Every child’s musical journey is different, and of course, budget plays a role. But the principle remains: supporting musical development with the right instrument at the right time is key. Starting strong with weighted keys, and progressing to an acoustic piano when ready, ensures a young pianist grows not only in skill, but in artistry and joy.

Let the instrument grow with the musician—and let the sound they create always reflect their evolving voice.