Hi all

I am a beginner piano player and am learning on a digital piano at home. I attend an evening class for beginners where I have the opportunity to play an acoustic piano. My ultimate goal is to work through the grades to become an accomplised pianist (I have no plans to be a professional - it will always be a hobby).

My question is this; will learning on a digital piano hinder my progress?

I would imagine the answer is going to be yes, that at some point I am going to have to purchase an acoustic piano. If so, at what grade do you think I should do this? When I have reached Grade one, Grade 2, etc?

I would really appreciate some help in this matter.

Many thanks

Hi,

I felt sorry for you because you didn't have any replies! There isn't a certain stage that you can get to with a digital piano before it's no use anymore, obviously an acoustic piano is better but if that's not possible a digital one will be okay. I know of someone who got to grade 7 on a digital piano (before giving up to go to university) and wasn't held back by it. Digital pianos are quite good now and there's nothing really that you 'can't' do; acoustic ones will always have a slight edge but practiaclly for learning there's not much difference.

Modern (weighted) digital pianos are fantastic - the hammer action is simply incredible.
I play quite a few digital ones, have one at home, and I don't think a good one will hold you back at all.
They are great because you can practice when you like without disturbing anyone (with earphones), and they are always in perfect tune.
I've had my dig-piano for 14 years, and its still as good as new, having been moved many times and even played on stage a few times.
I accept the sound will always be inferior to a good acoustic, but as regards exams, if the action on the piano you practice on is very good, that's what matters. The exam pianos may sound very different, but that won't be a problem.
I've read the College of Music has ordered quite a few Clavinovas for their students to practice on - so they must be ok even at a very high level.
An acoustic piano with as good an action and sound as a digital piano might cost 5-10 times the price. The acoustic option would always be preferable, but if you can't afford it, the digi option is a very good second choice. And second hand they are great value too!
By the way - I'm not talking about the cheap electronic keyboards which I know some students practice on - I think they WOULD hold you back.

Yup indy_exp, you summed it up. Those produced nowadays are almost indistinguishable from acoustics and depend on masses of samples taken from real pianos under varying circumstances even with soundboard echos.

I play a good acoustic at home but am poised to buy a digital - probably a P120 - liking the idea of being able to move it from room to room at will. And practising/ composing at any time day or night.

What puts me off Clavinovas (very sadly because I'd love one) Rolands and the others, is that they have no castors on the base. Moving one from room to room is at least a two-people job. Why don't they simply screw in 4 castors?

My acoustic has them.

Not that I'd use it in every room though the bathroom appeals - brings realism to the Water Musick.

i got to grade 7 on a digital piano!! it was ok, but obviously not exactly ideal!

I use a digital piano for playing in a band and when linked up to the pa system gives a brilliant sound just like a steinway grand and by altering the treble or bass you can make the piano bright or mellow. Also of course it isnt practical to carry an accoustic piano around to gigs!