Best Keyboard Pianos That Teach You How To Play

Written by: Leslie Carmichael
Updated:

If you are looking to play piano or keyboard, a keyboard or digital piano that teaches you how to play is an excellent option for beginners. If you don’t have the time or a schedule that accommodates traditional piano lessons, these types of keyboards can really help you on your way to learning and playing songs that you love. But how do you find the best one for you? 

In this article, we’ll talk about the best keyboard pianos that teach you how to play. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each one and give you some guidelines that we used to choose the best of the best. And of course, we’ll tell you about our favorite keyboard pianos that teach you how to play. 

Related: Best Stickers and Labels For Piano Keys

Best Keyboard Pianos that Teach You How to Play Reviewed

The ONE Smart Piano - Best Digital Piano for Beginners

The ONE Smart Piano, Weighted 88-Key Digital Piano, Grand Graded Hammer-Action Keys Upright Piano-Matte Black

Amazon 

Features 

  • 88 Weighted, hammer-action keys 
  • Stereo Sound
  • Three piano pedals 
  • Furniture-style, wooden body 
  • Guided LED lights to demonstrate how to play your favorite songs 
  • 4000+ sheet music, 100+ videos, and games in the free apps 
  • iOS and Android apps are available
  • MIDI output and recording 

Summary 

With The ONE Smart piano, you can learn your first song in just minutes by following the light-up keys. Just start with the introductory course to learn your first song or select game mode and get scored on your ability to follow along as the LED lights work alongside the included apps. The LEDs will tell you which note to play, and the app will wait until you find the right one to move on to the following note. After that, songs get progressively more challenging as you learn. 

Use the free mobile apps for iOS and Android to access games, sheet music, and video lessons. You can use the MIDI connectivity to access other apps, as well. 

This electric piano features hammer action keys and an elegant look. You’ll find headphone jacks and built-in speakers, as well.

Pros 

  • Acoustic piano-like feel
  • Guided LED lights to teach you music 
  • Great sound 
  • Easy connectivity 

Cons 

  • This digital piano is the most expensive on the list 

Casio LK-S250 – Best Keyboard for Creating Your Own Music

Casio LK-S250 61-Key Premium Lighted Keyboard Pack with Headphones, Stand, Power Supply, 6-Foot USB Cable and eMedia Instructional Software (CAS LKS250 EPA)

Amazon 

Features

  • 61 full-size with touch-responsiveness and LED lights 
  • Includes 400 different sounds and 77 rhythms 
  • You can create and mix tracks with dance mode
  • USB-MIDI is included, along with an AC adapter, optional battery power, Connects to Chordana Play iOS/Android app for lessons, and more

Summary

The Casio LK-S250 is a compact keyboard that lets you make music on the go. The light-up keys make it easy to learn new songs, and the voice-guided step-up lesson system helps you learn quickly and easily. There are plenty of sounds and rhythms to enjoy, as well as drum loops and tracks to play with. There is a line in for your favorite mic so you can sing along and a USB line out to connect with your tablet or smartphone. You can power up this keyboard with batteries or the included power adapter. 

Pros 

  • The light-up keys make it easy to learn new songs quickly
  • The keyboard is lightweight and portable so you can take your music with you 
  • Enjoy singing along to your own playing with the mic line in

Cons 

  • This keyboard has 61 keys 
  • These keys are synth action but touch-sensitive

Hamzer 61-Key Electronic Keyboard – Best Teaching Keyboard for Low Budgets

Hamzer 61-Key Electronic Keyboard Portable Digital Music Piano with Lighted Keys, H Stand, Stool, Headphones Microphone, & Sticker Set

Amazon 

Features 

  • This is a low priced keyboard 
  • It features 255 sounds and 255 rhythms 
  • There are 24 demo songs included in the package 
  • Also includes stereo outputs and headphone jack 
  • The intermediate-level keyboard includes lighted keys for versatile learning 
  • Includes key labels for beginners to learn the notes on the keyboard 
  • Includes audio input for microphone output, and headphone jack 
  • This keyboard runs on battery power or a power adapter 
  • Uses a built-in recorder 
  • The overall package is both lightweight and portable 

Summary

The Hamzer 61 key electronic keyboard is an inexpensive option for those looking for a teaching keyboard. It includes plenty of sounds and rhythms to explore and enjoy, with stereo outputs, headphone jacks, and audio input so you can sing along. Create your own songs with the ability to record and playback to listen to your progress. The integrated learning features will get you playing songs and chords as you follow the notes and play the matching lights on the keyboard. 

Pros 

  • Inexpensive 
  • Easy to use 
  • Includes audio in and record functions 
  • The keyboard is lightweight and portable 

Cons 

  • This keyboard only has 61 keys 
  • Synth-action feel keys are not weighted but make the keyboard lighter overall

JIKADA 61 Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano – Best Keyboard Bundle

JIKADA 61 Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano w/Lighted Full Size Keys,LCD,Headphones,X-Stand,Stool,Music Rest,Microphone,Note Stickers,Built-In Speakers,3 Teaching Modes,Ideal for Beginner Adult

Amazon 

Features

  • This is a 61 key keyboard 
  • It includes an LCD display to make changing sounds easier 
  • Also includes an audio input/output/microphone jack 
  • There are two built-in stereo speakers 
  • Features 255 sounds and 255 rhythms 
  • The keyboard also includes 50 demo songs 
  • Three teaching modes for all ages and stages, from beginner to advanced 
  • Includes note stickers, headphones, keyboard stand, stool, microphone, power adapter, and music rest 
  • Has an onboard record and playback function so you can listen or play along
  • Uses a USB MIDI connection to connect with music apps 

Summary 

The JIKADA keyboard is a typical 61 key keyboard that includes an LCD display and three teaching modes for beginners through more advanced pianists. It includes plenty of sounds and demos to choose from, and includes stand, stool, microphone, and of course, the power adapter. 

You can sue the onboard record and playback function to listen to your own music. USB-MIDI helps you connect yoru keyboard to the teaching apps so you can follow along with the LED-lit keys. 

Pros 

  • Inexpensive 
  • Has 3 teaching modes 
  • Includes LCD display to make learning easier 

Cons 

  • Only has 61 keys 
  • Features are not as advance as the others on this list

The ONE Music Group 88 Key Keyboard – Best All-Around Learning Keyboard

The ONE Smart Stage Keyboard, Portable Digital Piano with Weighted Hammer Action Keys, 88 (TON1B)

Amazon 

Features 

  • 88 Full-sized hammer action keys with adjustable touch response 
  • Light-up keys show you what to play when 
  • Built-in speakers 
  • 128 note polyphony
  • Connects to computer, tablet, or smartphone via USB-MIDI output 
  • Includes record mode 

Summary 

The ONE Music Group 88 Key Keyboard gives you a great playing experience and helps you learn songs quickly and easily. The light-up keys show you what notes to play so you can learn your favorite songs. The 88 full-sized hammer action keys have an adjustable response so that you can tailor them to your playing style and ability. Use the USB-MIDI output to connect to your tablet or smartphone for integrated apps and games. 

Pros 

  • It helps you learn songs quickly by following along with the lighted keys
  • Includes fun games to test your abilities 
  • 88 full-size, weighted hammer action keys give you a nice acoustic-piano feel 

Cons 

  • Not as portable as smaller keyboards 
  • Not as inexpensive as smaller keyboards 

Criteria for Choosing 5 Best Keyboard Pianos That Teaches You How to Play 

Number of Keys

A typical acoustic piano has 88 keys. If you are looking to learn classical music, you’ll probably want to invest in a keyboard that has all 88. If you are just beginning or just want to dabble in music to see if you like it, a smaller keyboard, such as one that has 61 keys, will work just fine until you advance. 

The fewer keys a keyboard has, the smaller, lighter, and more portable it is. Also, a keyboard that has fewer keys is more likely to be able to run off of battery power if that is important to you. This list includes keyboards that have 88 and 61 keys. 

Key Action

Key action refers to how the keys feel when you play them, or more specifically, how they work. For example, if you consider how an acoustic piano works, you’ll find that the keys have a feeling of resistance when you push down and that resistance is what springs them back into place due to the action of the hammers on the inside of the piano. That’s why it's called hammer action. 

If you want a keyboard or digital piano that feels like an acoustic piano, you’ll want to look for one that has a hammer action feel. This gives you the most realistic feeling while you play. The ONE Music keyboard and digital pianos on this list have a hammer action feel, which means they have more resistance when you play them. 

The other keyboards, on the other hand, have a synth-action feel. Synth-action is easier to play than hammer action – as in, it doesn’t take as much effort to push down the key. The key will have a little bit of resistance, and typically a spring inside the key will make it return to its resting position. These keyboards also are velocity-sensitive – meaning that the faster you push down the key, the louder it sounds. 

Generally, keyboards that have hammer action are more expensive and weigh more than keyboards that have synth-action. Hammer action can help students develop hand strength, musical expression, and nuance. However, keyboards that use synth-action keys can also develop dexterity and musical expression. 

However, suppose your pianist will be going back and forth between the keyboard and acoustic piano. In that case, you might want to purchase a keyboard that has hammer action to make these transitions easier. 

The ONE Music Keyboard and Digital piano are the only ones on this list that have hammer action to make them feel more like an acoustic piano. The other keyboards have synth-action, which makes them easier to play and lighter and less expensive. 

Speakers and Line Out 

A good keyboard will also have good sound quality. So imagine you are playing a beautiful song, but the speakers are bad – it won’t be a gratifying experience no matter how good the pianist is. The keyboards on this list have built-in speakers that will give you a good quality of sound,e specially the keyboards that have stero-speakers. However, the more expensive instruments will have higher quality built-in speakers and even a line out, so you can add additional speakers if you choose. 

You can use the headphone jack or, better yet, a line out to add additional speakers or amplifiers. This will give you an even better musical experience. 

What Can You Learn from Your Keyboard

These are keyboards intended to teach you how to play the piano. So what can you learn from them? First, of course, you’ll want a keyboard that teaches you how to play songs, how to play chords, and when to play the notes. It should help you gain skills and learn theory. While this isn’t a substitute for a teacher that can help you with technique and hand position, it will go a long way towards learning music and how to play keyboard and piano. 

The keyboards in this list connect to free apps that have sheet music. When you use the sheet music in the accompanying app, the corresponding notes on the keyboard will light up, showing you which ones to play. In time, you’ll be able to make the association on your own, and you won’t need the lights on the keyboard. 

Some of the keyboards have step-up lessons, so you can start with a beginner lesson and then advance as you are ready. Some also have piano games to test your accuracy and ability, so you know that you’re getting better! 

Ease of Use 

Keyboards can be fairly complicated to use. However, most of the keyboards on this list have a simple LED screen that makes it easy to see what you are doing. It will tell you the corresponding number of the sound you are hearing so you can select it quickly and easily. 

If a keyboard is too complicated to set up, you’ll probably get tired of using it. So instead, look for a keyboard that is simple to use and has an intuitive interface. 

You’ll also want apps that are easy to download and connect to your keyboard. These keyboards all come with accompanying apps that are easy to install on your tablet.

Portability 

Keyboards can be very lightweight – often under 25 pounds. Digital pianos, on the other hand, can weigh a little more, up to 25 to 40 pounds (or more). Also, larger keyboards with 88 keys are a little harder to transport than the smaller keyboards that have 61 keys. 

The smaller keyboards also run off of battery power, making them even more portable so you can play them on the go without having to plug in. If portability is important to you, you might want to consider one of the smaller keyboards with just 61 keys. They’ll be easier to carry and weigh less.

Accessories

Some of the keyboards on this list come with a bundle of accessories, such as a stand, stool, microphone, and even headphones. You’ll want to look and see if these are important to you. You’ll also want to make sure your keyboard comes with a sustain pedal. If not, you’ll need to purchase one separately because sustain pedals are a key function in making keyboard or piano music. 

Carry bags or gig bags are not usually included, but you can purchase them separately. Here are a few you might love. 

Connectivity 

In order to use the teaching functions of these keyboards, you’ll need to be able to connect them to a table or smartphone. The apps are free to use, but you’ll need to supply your own tablet. In addition, they typically connect using USB-MIDI, so that you might need an adapter for your smartphone. 

This is a worthwhile investment since connecting to your tablet will give you options for apps, games, and lots of free sheet music.

Intended User

Typically, these keyboards are intended for the beginner pianist who has not yet started lessons. But they also work well for intermediate pianists looking to sharpen their skills by playing keyboard games and having access to lots of different kinds of sheet music. 

Although these are good-quality keyboards, they aren’t really professional models. If you need a professional keyboard, you might want to consider a digital piano like these

Our Pick for the Best Keyboard that Teaches You How to Play 

There’s a clear winner here, and we think you’ll agree! While all of the keyboards on this list are fun, easy to use, and will help you learn to play piano, we think The ONE Music Group 88 Key Keyboard will give you the best all-around learning experience for the best price. 

This isn’t the cheapest keyboard on the list by far, but their learning system is certainly the most advanced. First of all, you’ll get a full, 88-key keyboard with hammer-action keys. So this won’t feel exactly like an acoustic piano, but it will help you develop the hand strength and skill so that you can easily play one. 

Second, the integrated apps with the light-up keyboard make it easy for you to learn how to play your favorite songs quickly and easily. Finally, aside from the hammer action keys, one of the best features of this keyboard is the arcade-style keyboard games to make learning fun. If you balk at practice, this can give you a fun way to improve your skills to make learning go faster. 

Written By:
If anyone knows a thing or two about pianos, it's Leslie. Having played piano for the past 25 years and teaching for the past 15 years, she has vast experience compared to most. She loves to share her honest opinions about the brands and manufacturers in the industry. In her free time, Leslie loves to play with her dogs and go on hikes.

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