Start with the exam board, your grade and your pieces: choose a keyboard with enough range, the right touch and the pedal functions your exam requires. Then measure the entire playing area, including the stand, stool and pedal. A stage piano makes most sense if you’ll also use its extra sounds and stage controls; for piano practice, a portable digital piano may be enough.
You want to practise your technique and pieces on a keyboard with the right range, touch and pedal response. Discuss your grade and repertoire with your teacher, as EPTA Netherlands recommends; requirements vary between exam boards.
You need room for the full keyboard and a practical seating and pedal setup. If you want to move the instrument after practising, measure the space taken up by the stand and stool too.
You’re preparing piano pieces, but also want stage sounds or hands-on controls, as well as the option to practise at home with headphones. Compare the keyboard and connection options for the exact model.
First check the requirements for your exam and repertoire. Then measure the complete setup, and only after that compare the features and accessories of pianos and stage pianos.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch and range | Check your exam board’s requirements, your chosen pieces, the keyboard range and whether a weighted, touch-sensitive keyboard is required. | I want to be able to play my exam pieces without compromising on range or touch. For around 36% of consumers, choosing a keyboard suitable for their exam is the top priority. |
| Complete playing area | Measure the width and depth with the stand, stool and pedal in their intended positions; compare measurements that include the same components. | If I have limited floor space, I want to know whether the whole setup will fit, not just the piano itself. Around 29% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable space for their instrument. |
| Quiet practice | Check whether the exact model has a headphone socket and whether it’s compatible with your headphones. | If you want to practise at home without sound coming from the speakers, take the headphone socket into account. Quiet practice is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Pedal and setup | Compare the pedal requirements of your pieces with what’s included in the box, and check which stand or pedal unit is compatible. | I want to know in advance whether the included pedal will be enough or whether my repertoire calls for a suitable upgrade. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the pedal and complete setup. |
The piano’s dimensions don’t tell you how much room you and the stand and stool will need. Manufacturers may also give measurements that include different components.
Measure the complete playing area and compare dimensions that include the same components.
A socket alone doesn’t tell you which pedal functions are available or which unit is compatible with the model. What you need depends on the pieces you’ll play.
Before choosing, check your repertoire’s pedal requirements, what’s included in the box and whether any upgrades are compatible.
Korg states that half-pedalling on the B2 requires a PU-2, sold separately. Factor in this extra accessory if your repertoire calls for the function.
A smaller range may not be suitable for your chosen pieces. The term ‘stage keyboard’ alone doesn’t tell you whether an instrument meets your exam requirements.
Check the range and touch against the rules of your exam board and your repertoire. Trinity has specific requirements for electronic keyboards used for Digital Grades.
Compare the P-145, a portable digital piano for piano practice, with the CK88, a stage keyboard with a different set of features.
The FP-30X is a portable piano worth comparing for practising piano technique at home.
The CDP-S110BK is a portable option to compare if the depth of the piano itself is important.
The ES120 is a portable, piano-focused option to compare for its keyboard and connections.
The B2 is a digital piano to compare for a fixed or portable practice setup.
The Joybuy options below are 61-key keyboards. Before choosing a model, check that the range and touch are suitable for your exam pieces.
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The product is listed with a weighted keyboard and headphone socket. Check whether 61 keys provide enough range for your exam pieces.
The product name also mentions speakers and USB-MIDI.
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This 61-key option may be suitable for exam preparation only if its range and touch meet the requirements of your pieces and exam board.
Before buying, check the exact keyboard features and connections of the model.
No. Requirements depend on the exam board and repertoire. For Digital Grades, Trinity allows a digital piano at all grades, provided it meets requirements including range, a touch-sensitive weighted keyboard and, where needed, a sustain pedal. This rule doesn’t automatically apply to other exam boards. EPTA Netherlands recommends discussing your grade and pieces with your teacher.
According to Trinity, a touch-sensitive electronic keyboard can be used for Digital Grades up to and including Grade 3, as long as it can handle the chosen pieces technically and musically. Different requirements apply to higher grades, so check the rules for your exam.
Measure the space with the stand, stool, pedal and music stand in their intended positions. Casio lists a cabinet depth of 232 mm for the CDP-S110BK, but this doesn’t include the space needed for the player and stool.
ABRSM states that the 2027–2028 piano syllabus will be used for exams from 1 January 2027. Check the rules for your exam type; the 2025–2026 repertoire list doesn’t automatically apply to exams in 2027.
