Pianist accompanying musical theatre singers
If you play two-handed parts, assess the key action and range before letting extra sounds influence your choice.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Rehearsal pianist without a permanent sound system
If you need to make the piano audible to performers and singers, compare built-in speakers with the studio’s connections and equipment.
Musical director working with changing arrangements
If you switch key or sound setup for different singers or scenes, look at transposition, saved sounds and controls.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with the key action and range, then decide how the piano will be heard in the room. Next, see whether the features for changing keys, sounds and transport suit your rehearsals.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Key action and playing range | Try the keyboard and check the number of keys and the type of key action. For example, Yamaha specifies different keyboard actions for the CP88 and CP73. | For two-handed accompaniment, I want the range to suit the parts and the key action to feel comfortable to play. Around 36% of consumers prioritise piano-style action and range. |
| Audibility in the room | Check whether the exact version has built-in speakers, which outputs are available and what sound equipment the studio already has. Test the setup with the performers and singers. | If there isn’t a permanent sound system ready to use, I want to know how everyone will hear the accompaniment. Around 29% of consumers give audibility and a quick setup top priority. |
| Changing keys and sounds | Try transposition and recalling saved sounds. For a licensed production, check separately which sheet music and arrangements you’re allowed to use. | If singers’ keys or arrangements change, I want to switch quickly between the settings I need. Around 21% of consumers prioritise changing keys and sounds. |
| Transport | Compare the weight, dimensions, key range and equipment you’ll need to take with you. Yamaha specifies different weights and keyboards for the CP73 and CP88. | If I regularly travel between rehearsal venues, I want to be able to transport the instrument without compromising on a range that suits the parts. Around 14% of consumers prioritise portability. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming every stage piano has built-in speakers
Speakers and connections vary between models and versions. Yamaha lists speakers for the CK88; for Korg, built-in amplification is a feature of the SV-2S and isn’t automatically included with the SV-2.
Before buying, work out how the pianist and singers will hear the piano in your rehearsal space, and check the exact version.
Without suitable built-in speakers, you may also need to bring and set up an external monitor or PA system, along with suitable cables.
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Choosing a shorter keyboard based only on its lower weight
The Yamaha CP73 and CP88 differ not only in weight, but also in key range and keyboard action.
Play representative two-handed parts across both ranges before deciding how to balance portability with playing space.
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Thinking that transposition also changes the sheet music
Changing the key on the instrument doesn’t automatically change the written parts for all the musicians. Music Theatre International offers separately transposed orchestral and piano parts for productions.
Agree the rehearsal key and the parts you need with the musical director and, where relevant, the rights holder.
You may need to arrange the correct, separately adapted parts for the production; what’s available depends on the rights holder and the production.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The CP73 and CP88 show how key range, keyboard action and portability can differ between models; Yamaha says the CK88 has built-in speakers.
- Yamaha publishes specifications for these models, including the number of keys, weight and audio connections.
- The CP73, CP88 and CK88 have different types of keyboard action. So don’t judge how they feel based on the brand alone.
Roland
The RD-88 EX is an 88-key model worth comparing if you’re looking for weighted action, built-in speakers and multiple sound zones.
- Roland lists a PHA-4 hammer-action keyboard, stereo speakers and three zones for the RD-88 EX.
- Roland’s descriptions of its sound and portability are manufacturer claims, not independent tests in a rehearsal studio.
Korg
The SV-2 and SV-2S range is worth comparing if you want to use electric piano and other sounds alongside piano sounds.
- Korg specifies versions with 73 or 88 keys and options for layering sounds.
- Built-in amplification is a feature of the SV-2S. Don’t assume that the SV-2 offers the same listening setup.
Nord
The Stage 4 88 is worth considering if you combine piano accompaniment with separate organ and synth sounds and splits.
- Nord specifies separate sound sections and controls for these features.
- If your repertoire uses almost exclusively piano sounds, whether you need the extra features comes down to personal preference.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options are digital keyboards with 61 keys and built-in speakers. Compare the limited key range with the parts you’ll be accompanying; before buying, also check that the exact version meets the applicable EU requirements and bears a CE mark.
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Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black
Could suit you if you want to get started without a separate sound system; check whether 61 keys give you enough range for the parts you’ll be accompanying.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.
Before buying, check that the exact version meets the applicable EU requirements and bears a CE mark.
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Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit rehearsals where you want to use built-in speakers, a metronome and a music stand; check that the key range suits the parts.
The product name lists MIDI controller functionality, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Before buying, check that the exact version meets the applicable EU requirements and bears a CE mark.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rehearse with singers using any stage piano without extra equipment?
No, it depends on the exact version and the sound setup in the room. Check whether the model has built-in speakers or connect its audio outputs to suitable equipment. Yamaha lists speakers for the CK88 and audio outputs for the CP88 and CP73; test what works in your rehearsal space.
Is transposing on the instrument enough if a musical theatre song needs to be in a different key?
A transpose function can help you try out a singing key, but it won’t automatically change the written parts. Music Theatre International offers separately transposed orchestral and piano parts for productions; check which parts you’re allowed to use for your production.
How should I look after a stage piano during rehearsals?
Follow the manual for the exact model when it comes to power, connections and care. Store cables and the pedal so they won’t be damaged when you move or set up the piano, and check which accessories are included with the version before buying.
How long is the statutory guarantee for a consumer purchase in the Netherlands?
There is no fixed time limit for the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands. The ACM explains that the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use. This answer concerns a consumer purchase, and doesn’t necessarily apply to a business purchase.
Which product safety requirement is relevant when buying an electric stage piano in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, electrical appliances placed on the market in the EU must bear a CE mark. Check the exact version being offered: Yamaha, for example, publishes an EU Declaration of Conformity that explicitly names the CK88. That declaration alone says nothing about another model or version.