Learn piano in Brighton with Ashley, your local piano teacher. Discover the best weighted keyboards, tips for second-hand pianos, and why built-in speakers and a headphone socket are essential for beginners.
🎹 The Best Keyboard to Start Learning Piano
One of the most common questions I get from new students in my Brighton piano lessons is:
“What’s the best keyboard to start learning piano?”
It’s a great question — and choosing the right keyboard (or piano!) from the beginning makes a huge difference to how quickly you learn and how much you enjoy playing.
🎵 Why Your First Keyboard Matters
If you’re learning piano for the first time, your keyboard is your “practice partner” at home. It’s where you’ll develop your technique, rhythm, and confidence — so it’s worth getting an instrument that feels good to play.
You don’t need a grand piano, but you do need something that feels like a real one.
âś… Weighted Keys Are Essential
In general, I always recommend a weighted keyboard — it’s one of the most important features for beginners.
Weighted keys give resistance when you press them, just like an acoustic piano. This helps you develop proper technique, hand strength, and musical control from the start.
Without weighted keys, it’s easy to develop bad habits like flat fingers or uneven playing, which can slow your progress.
🔊 Built-In Speakers & Headphone Socket — A Must!
When buying a weighted keyboard, it’s essential to make sure it has:
- Built-in speakers — so you can play without needing extra gear.
- A headphone socket — so you can practise quietly at any time of day or night.
These features make consistent practice much easier, whether you want full sound or quiet practice after the kids are asleep.
🎹 The Benefits of a Weighted Keyboard
- Better technique – Builds finger strength and control.
- Improved expression – Lets you play softly or loudly, like a real piano.
- Smooth transition to acoustic pianos – Makes moving to an upright or grand piano easier.
- More rewarding sound and touch – Keeps you motivated to practise regularly.
The Best Budget Weighted Keyboard
If you’re looking for a reliable starter instrument, I recommend:
Alesis Recital Pro – around £299 in the UK
- 88 weighted, hammer-action keys
- Built-in speakers and headphone output
- Touch sensitivity
- Split and layer modes for learning and fun
Yamaha P-45 – around £400–£450
- More authentic piano feel and tone
- 88 weighted keys with full hammer action
Both options are excellent for beginners, giving you a proper piano feel without breaking the bank.
🎧 Touch Sensitivity vs Weighted Keys
Some keyboards are “touch sensitive,” meaning the sound changes depending on how hard you press. This is good, but it isn’t the same as weighted keys, which physically mimic the feel of an acoustic piano.
Weighted keys are essential for building real technique and hand strength.
What About Real Pianos?
Pianos are endlessly fascinating — they come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. Some second-hand pianos are wonderful, but others can be more trouble than they’re worth.
If you’re thinking about buying a used piano online, here’s my advice:
- Ask the seller for a video playing every single key from top to bottom.
- Send that video to your teacher — I’m happy to check for students.
- Visit and play the piano in person whenever possible to check keys, pedals, and tone.
Some older uprights look beautiful but may have sticky keys, uneven sound, or require expensive repairs — so it’s worth checking carefully.
🏠Helping Students Choose the Right Instrument
When students join my piano lessons in Brighton, I help them pick the right setup for their goals — whether that’s a weighted keyboard for home practice or a carefully chosen second-hand piano.
Having an instrument that feels and sounds inspiring makes a huge difference in learning speed and motivation.
🎶 In Summary
If you’re serious about learning piano, start with a weighted keyboard that has built-in speakers and a headphone socket.
It gives you the right feel, helps you develop real technique, and allows you to practise anytime — day or night. Combine that with guidance from a teacher, and you’ll build strong, lasting piano skills from the very start.
đź“Ť Ready to Start Piano Lessons in Brighton?
If you’re based in Brighton, Hove, or East Sussex and want to start learning piano, I’d love to help.
I teach kids and adults step by step, combining reading, rhythm, and technique with creative, engaging lessons tailored to each student.
🎹 Start your piano journey today — get in touch via ashleypiano.net to book your first lesson or find out more.