A practical question — and one worth answering clearly before you start planning.

You Don't Need Anything on Day One

Your child's first lessons take place on the piano at the teaching studio. You don't need an instrument at home to book a first lesson or to try things out.

That said, once lessons are properly underway, home practice becomes essential. The lesson is where your child learns. Practice at home is where the learning consolidates. Without it, progress stalls — not because of the teacher or the child, but simply because skills need repetition to stick.

Does It Need to Be a Real Piano?

No — and this is where many parents worry more than they need to.

A good beginner keyboard is a perfectly adequate starting instrument, provided it has the right features. The most important of these is weighted keys — keys that have resistance, like a real piano, rather than the light, springy feel of a cheap children's keyboard. Weighted keys mean your child builds correct finger technique from the start, rather than developing habits that have to be corrected later.

Beyond that, look for:

• At least 61 keys (ideally 76 or 88)
• Touch sensitivity — the keyboard responds to how hard or softly the key is pressed

Keyboards with these features are available from Yamaha, Roland, and Casio at sensible prices. Before buying anything, ask your teacher for a recommendation — it's a short conversation that can save you from spending money on the wrong thing.

What About a Second-Hand Acoustic Piano?

Sometimes available very cheaply — occasionally free — through Facebook Marketplace or local listings. The hidden costs are moving (which requires specialist piano movers) and tuning. An acoustic piano that hasn't been tuned in years may need several tunings before it holds pitch properly.

If you're considering this route, check with your teacher first. They may know of good options, or be able to advise on what to avoid.

The Simple Version

Don't let the instrument question delay getting started. Begin lessons, see how your child takes to it, and then make a considered decision about what to buy at home. Your teacher will help you choose the right thing at the right time.

For everything else you need to know about starting piano, read our guide: What to Expect in Your Child's First Year of Piano Lessons.

Or contact Handside Music — we're in Welwyn Garden City, about 20 minutes from Harpenden.

We also teach families in Welwyn Garden City — our Welwyn Garden City guide. And for St Albans families: our St Albans guide.

Handside Music provides piano and singing lessons in Welwyn Garden City, serving families from Harpenden, St Albans, Hatfield, Stevenage, and surrounding areas.