Beginner waltz player
You want to practise melodies and chords in a regular triple metre. A bar in 3/4 has three beats, as explained by musictheory.net. So check that the metronome or accompaniment on your chosen model suits your lesson materials.
Who is this instrument for?
Piano student learning waltzes
You may need a wider key range and a piano-style touch for lessons or more advanced piano parts. An 88-key keyboard may be suitable, if there’s enough room in the music room.
User of a shared practice room
You want to be able to practise quietly or put the instrument away after use. Check the headphone socket, dimensions and weight, and find out which power supply and accessories come with that version.
What should you look for when choosing?
Portable keyboard with 61 keys
A good fit if: you mainly want to practise a waltz melody and simple left-hand chords, and need to be able to move the instrument.
The trade-off: it’s more compact than a full piano keyboard, but has a narrower key range and doesn’t necessarily have weighted hammer action.
Digital piano with 88 weighted keys
A good fit if: you want to work on your piano technique or practise pieces with a wider range.
The trade-off: the larger keyboard takes up more room and is harder to move; a pedal may need to be bought separately.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Triple metre and accompaniment | Check the manual to see whether the metronome offers a suitable accent or time signature setting; if needed, look for an appropriate waltz style. | I want to practise the three beats, melody and chords properly; around 31% of consumers prioritise keeping time and accompaniment. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket and whether connecting headphones mutes the speakers; also check the rules for using the practice room. | If other people use the room, I want to be able to practise with headphones; around 25% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Touch and key range | Compare the range of your sheet music with the number of keys, and don’t confuse touch sensitivity with weighted hammer action. | I want to practise piano technique or a piece with a wider range; around 25% of consumers prioritise piano-style touch and key range. |
| Moving the instrument and accessories | Measure the available space and check the weight, power supply, and whether a pedal, music rest or headphones are included. | If I need to move or put the instrument away after use, its size and included accessories matter; around 19% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
-
Confusing touch-sensitive keys with weighted piano keys
Touch sensitivity and a weighted keyboard with hammer action are different features. They suit different learning goals.
Ask yourself whether you mainly want to practise dynamics on a compact keyboard, or also work on piano technique on a hammer-action keyboard.
-
Assuming a large number of rhythms guarantees the waltz setting you want
The number of accompaniment styles alone doesn’t tell you whether the time signature, accents or waltz style you want are available.
Check the style list and metronome settings for the exact version against your lesson materials.
-
Assuming a pedal input means a pedal is included
Alesis lists a pedal input for the Recital 61, but no sustain pedal is included. Check what comes with the version you’re looking at.
If you want to use a pedal during lessons, check in advance which compatible pedal you’ll need.
A compatible sustain pedal for the Recital 61 may need to be bought separately.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is an example of a portable keyboard with 61 touch-sensitive keys and learning features.
- Yamaha lists 260 accompaniment styles and power from six AA batteries for the PSR-E383.
- Check that the exact version has the waltz style and metronome setting you want; the number of styles doesn’t guarantee this.
Casio
The CT-S300 is an example of a portable keyboard with touch-sensitive keys.
- Casio lists dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and a weight of 3.3 kg for this model.
- The Dance Music feature alone doesn’t confirm that the model has the waltz accompaniment or metronome setting you want.
Roland
The FP-30X is an example of an 88-key digital piano for anyone who wants to work on piano technique as well as waltz repertoire.
- Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard and two headphone outputs for the FP-30X.
- Check that the piano will fit in your available space and which pedal options come with that version.
Alesis
The Recital 61 is a 61-key alternative with semi-weighted keys and a lesson mode for two players.
- Alesis says that connecting headphones mutes the internal speakers.
- The sustain pedal isn’t included; semi-weighted keys aren’t the same as the hammer action of an 88-key piano.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are 61-key keyboards and keyboard sets for practice and learning. Check that the metronome, rhythms and headphone socket on the exact version suit your waltz lessons and the rules of your music room.
Image unavailable
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Worth considering if you’re looking for a metronome and headphone socket for rhythm practice.
The product description lists 300 rhythms, 300 sounds and weighted keys. Check that the metronome settings and keyboard suit your learning goals.
Image unavailable
Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Could be a good fit if you’re looking for a keyboard with a metronome and an output for headphone practice.
The product information lists 300 rhythms, 500 sounds, a metronome and a three-step learning system. Check whether the metronome offers an accent or 3/4 setting.
Image unavailable
Digital keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
Worth considering if you also need a stool and stands for your practice space.
The product title lists 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; the description mentions a three-level learning function and a headphone socket. Check which items are included with the exact version.
Image unavailable
Digital keyboard set, 61 keys, with stand and stool
Could be a good option if you’re looking for a keyboard set with a seat and a learning function.
The product description lists a three-stage learning function, built-in speakers, and 500 sounds and rhythms. Check whether this version has the waltz accompaniment and headphone socket you want.
Frequently asked questions
Does a keyboard need automatic waltz accompaniment?
No. You can also use a suitably set metronome to practise the three beats of a piece in 3/4. If you want accompaniment, check the styles and time signature settings available on the exact model.
Can a teacher listen along with me through headphones?
That depends on the model and the number of headphone outputs. Roland lists two outputs for the FP-30X and Alesis one for the Recital 61. Also check that the connections are compatible with the headphones you use.
Which accessories should I check before my first lesson?
Check whether the exact version includes a power supply, music rest, compatible sustain pedal and, if needed, headphones. Alesis says that a sustain pedal isn’t included with the Recital 61.
What are my rights if I’m unhappy with a keyboard bought online or it breaks too soon?
For online consumer purchases, you generally have a 14-day cancellation period from delivery, with some exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer also explains that, under the terms of the legal guarantee, a seller must resolve issues if a product doesn’t do what you can reasonably expect when used normally. This could mean repairing or replacing it.
Is CE marking an independent approval of a keyboard?
No. According to the European Commission, CE marking is required when the relevant EU rules say so; it doesn’t mean that an EU body has independently approved every product in advance. Check the applicable requirements and documentation for the exact version and the power supply included.