Playing the piano or keyboard …

Benefits to beginners:

• The perfect ‘foundation’ instrument on which to learn theory of music, reading, harmony & composition.
• Suitable for a very wide age range, from very young children upwards.
• Less physically demanding than many other instruments.
• Each note on a piano is already tuned, so ‘musical ears’ are not essential at the outset.
• Perfect for solo playing, so you won’t be constantly looking for a band or other musicians.
• Being one of the most popular instruments, there are lots of private teachers available aswell as a wealth of teaching books, CDs & DVDs.

But:

• If you want a good upright piano it will cost at least £1,000, although piano-style keyboards (eg the Yamaha NP30) are available from under £300.
• Although keyboards are generally easily transportable, pianos are not!