My daughter is taking piano lessons what keyboard should i buy since i cant affo!

My daughter is taking piano lessons what keyboard should i buy since i cant afford to buy her a piano?

I am a career music teacher, ( since 1971) married to a piano teacher, mother and mother-in-law of 2 more music teachers. All of us are pianists, and 2 of us also are NY state music competitions judges. Just in this house is a Steinway grand, 4 good keyboards, and another on the way, that I bought just this week, so my research is current.

We just bought an M-Audio 88sx. keyboard - paid under $400. It has 88 notes ( even if you do not USE all of them at this point, it is valuable to have the entire keyboard visually in front of you). It has *semi-weighted* action - not exactly the same feel as a real piano, but darn close. We did not get another keyboard with synth (spring) action, because we own those already (because of other features we needed professionally, for our chamber music business); and we did not get *fully weighted* action, because of the additional weight; the M-Audio is 17 pounds, and we do travel for weddings, etc. We wanted to get a lighter keyboard than the Roland we now use.

You can play this keyboard with headphones, or through a small external amp - or even your stereo system. You can also connect it to your computer, and use many exciting music learning programs that way. If you wish the entire unit to be self-contained (having its own speakers) then there are many other possibilities open to you. HOWEVER - most will be synth action, and few will have 88 notes. Stick with a reputable brand - Yamaha, Korg, Roland, even some Casio keyboards - and do your research. Start at www.musiciansfriend.com. This company is a branch of a larger one that also services schools throughout the US. You can Google, and find many other places - Sweetwater, Sam Ash, etc. - but the sheer number of keyboards out there is daunting. So - three things should focus you: 88 notes - semi-weighted action; where are the speakers (internal, or do you need a small amp). The better quality keyboards, with 88 notes, will NOT have an internal amp. If you reach the point of having to compromise - then you may consider a 76 notes keyboard. Do NOT NOT NOT go shorter for a student taking piano lessons - do not get a 61 note, or absolutely not a 49 note keyboard.

I extend to you my gratitude as a music teacher, that you are supporting your daughter's musical interests and studies. So - how about YOU learning alongside her?? Whether thru lessons ( or piggy-back off her - have HER to teach YOU, which will solidify HER learning!) or by you using software (you can USB or MIDI connect your keyboard to the computer) you can BOTH have a lot of fun, and learn a great deal.

Write back in a few years when you want to know which Steinway model to buy for her!!!