Learning a melody by yourself
You want to start learning a tune without a computer and are looking for a straightforward keyboard with useful practice aids.
Who is this type of keyboard suitable for?
Practising in a shared room
You have limited space to set up your keyboard or want to practise while other people are at home. Size, storage and a suitable headphone socket are all worth considering.
Playing a wider range or focusing on piano practice
You also want to play accompaniment, a part with a wider range, or focus more on piano later on. Compare the range you need and the type of key action.
What should you look for?
Start with the notes you want to play and the space you have. Then decide whether independent practice aids, accompaniment or a wider range matters most to you.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Learning by yourself | Compare the lesson functions and controls; check separately whether your song is included in the song list. | If I want to learn a melody without a computer, I look for practice aids that suit my song. Around 33% of consumers prioritise learning by themselves. |
| Space and quiet practice | Measure the space for the keyboard, music stand and seat; check the headphone socket and power connection on the exact model. | In a shared spare room, I want to be able to set up and practise without disturbing others. Around 27% of consumers prioritise space and quiet practice. |
| Accompaniment | Check which accompaniment styles the model offers and whether you find the controls easy to use while practising. | If I want to add rhythm or chords to my melody, I look for built-in accompaniment. Around 20% of consumers choose accompaniment as their main consideration. |
| Key range and playing goals | Compare the lowest and highest notes in your piece with the number of keys; touch-sensitive keys aren’t necessarily weighted. | If my piece requires more keys or I want to focus on piano practice, I compare the range and key action. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this playing goal. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming your festive tune is included in the built-in lessons
Lesson functions may be designed for built-in songs and don’t, by themselves, mean that a song of your choice is available.
Check the song list for the exact model or practise using your own sheet music.
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Measuring only the width of the keyboard
You’ll also need space for a music stand and a seat. Korg says the stand for the Liano is sold separately.
Measure the full practice area and check what’s included with the specific version.
The stand for the Korg Liano is sold separately.
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Assuming touch-sensitive keys are the same as weighted piano keys
Korg describes the Liano as having a touch-sensitive LS keyboard; this specification doesn’t confirm a weighted hammer action.
If piano technique is your main goal, check the keyboard specification and, if possible, try the key action for yourself.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a 61-key model for practising; the EZ-310 has light-up keys, while the PSR-EW320 offers 76 keys.
- Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys, lesson functions and accompaniment styles for the PSR-E383.
- Lesson functions don’t guarantee that your festive song is built in; check the song list for the version you’re considering.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a compact model to consider if you have limited space to set up your keyboard.
- Casio specifies a width of 930 mm, a weight of 3,3 kg and touch response for the CT-S300.
- Check the connections, power supply and included accessories for the specific offer.
Roland
The E-X10 is a beginner keyboard to compare if you also want to use automatic accompaniment.
- Roland lists built-in speakers, lessons, accompaniment and a microphone input for the E-X10.
- These model specifications aren’t an independent assessment of sound quality or of the brand as a whole.
Korg
The Liano is an 88-key alternative if playing range matters more to you than a compact setup.
- Korg specifies a headphone socket, 88 touch-sensitive keys and a width of 1.282 mm.
- The LS keyboard shouldn’t automatically be considered a weighted hammer-action keyboard; also allow enough room for the setup.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are suited to practising independently on a 61-key keyboard, with features including a piano-focused key action or functions for learning and accompaniment.
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MLS-931 digital keyboard, black, 61 keys
A good fit if you want to focus on piano practice and need a headphone socket.
The product name lists 61 keys, weighted keys, a headphone socket and USB-MIDI. Check whether the relevant EU requirements apply to this version and, where required, that it carries the CE marking.
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Electronic keyboard, black, 61 keys
An option to compare if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard and want to use MIDI or recording functions.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, a metronome, speakers and a music stand. Check whether the relevant EU requirements apply to this version and, where required, that it carries the CE marking.
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61-key keyboard set with stand and stool
A good fit if you want to compare a practice setup with a seat and a built-in learning mode.
The product name lists 61 keys, a stand, a stool and a three-level learning mode. Check whether the relevant EU requirements apply to this version and, where required, that it carries the CE marking.
Frequently asked questions
Does my festive tune need to be available as a built-in song?
No, you can also practise from your own sheet music or by ear. If you want to use the built-in song lessons or light-up keys for that particular song, check the song list and how the feature works on the exact model first.
How do you set up a keyboard in a spare room?
Compare the stated dimensions of the instrument with the available space, and allow extra room for a music stand and a seat. Check the headphone socket and power connection on the model. In its EZ-310 manual, Yamaha advises against using the product or headphones at a high or uncomfortable volume for extended periods.
Which accessories and returns terms should you check?
For each version, check whether a power supply, music stand, keyboard stand and headphones are included. Korg lists an adapter and music stand for the Liano; the keyboard stand is sold separately. According to the Dutch government, online purchases from a business in the Netherlands often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to legal exceptions.
What should you look for in the CE marking?
Electronic equipment covered by the applicable EU rules on electromagnetic compatibility must meet those requirements and carry the CE marking where required. Your Europe, the European Union’s information portal, explains that CE marking is only mandatory for products covered by applicable harmonised EU rules that require it. So check the specific version and the information provided with it; a CE logo on its own isn’t an independent test of a particular offer.