Read all about Portland Piano Lessons recommendations for Pianos, Keyboards, Benches and Pedals
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PIANOS
There's still no substitute for an upright piano – it remains the best instrument for learning. There are remarkable piano shops in most every city — here are my favorites in Portland, OR. Even if you're not in the market to buy one immediately, I highly recommend touring each of them. It's my favorite way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Classic Pianos
This place is incredible. Three floors of pianos and some are upwards of $200k. They carry more world class piano brands than any other store on the West Coast and their service is incredible — particularly their trade up program.
Michelle's Pianos
This lovely southeast shop is as local as it gets — which is saying something here in Portland. They live in Portland, gig in Portland and display local Portland artists' work in their shop on SE Stark. They sell new and used and do repairs, too.
Steinway & Sons
I was lucky enough to have a Steinway for many years and can attest that they are incredible to play. The soundboard in a Steinway is made in such a way that the resulting sound tends to be louder than any other pianos in their class. The one Portland location is in Lake Oswego.
Guitar Center
I almost didn't add this one as I much prefer the local options. And to be honest, the service here can be really awful. But they offer some terrific digital pianos at excellent prices and have financing options that can't be beat — and sometimes that's the highest priority.
If you're not in Portland, look for well-established local piano dealers. Trade-up programs and service departments are big pluses.
KEYBOARDS
Digital pianos are very different than the old electronic keyboards. They reproduce recordings from top notch pianos rather than electronic representations, and many contain features such as weighted keys and hammer action (both of which I very much recommend). I especially like Yamahas and Casios.
Casio CDPS160
I've loved Casio since I was 6 and played on a bright neon handheld keyboard. These days, Casio garners a great deal of respect in the digital piano world. It's hard to go wrong with this brand and this keyboard is a great deal! You can also bundle it with everything else you'll need: a stand, pedals and a bench.
Casio PX-770
The Casio Privia series is my favorite from Casio. These keyboards feel so much like acoustic pianos and are wonderful training instruments. Whether you go with a black px-770, px-870, a red px-s1100, or mustard px-s7000 — you'll be playing a beautiful piano with a realistic touch and an excellent sound!
Yamaha P-71
Yamahas are the best in the world of digital pianos. They feel better, sound better, last longer. Choose any Yamaha that has 88 weighted keys with hammer action and you'll be good to go!
Yamaha YDP165 Arius Series
You'll need a stand, bench and pedals to go with your keyboard. You may need an adjustable bench if the piano student in your home is on the short side. But if that's not the case, this is an excellent deal on a beautiful, excellent setup!
ADJUSTABLE BENCHES
At our first lesson, I'll check your height at the keys to make sure your elbows are above or in line with the keys. If they're not, I'll ask you to raise yourself up, ideally with an adjustable bench. How and where you sit has a big effect on how you play. I recommend investing in a great bench if you can.
There are lots of great options at different price points. This is one of the most affordable — I used one of these for years. There are also fancier options with storage and various finishes.
PEDAL EXTENDERS
For all folks whose feet don't reach the ground, a pedal extender will be needed toward the end of the first year. Pedal extenders sit on top of your pedals and allow folks under 5' to pedal with good posture. They come in both black and brown so you can match your piano.
A footstool is needed until pedal extenders are required. There are lots of different types to choose from.
PHONE/TABLET STAND
You only need three things for lessons: a piano or keyboard, a phone or tablet with good wifi, and a phone/tablet stand so that I can see both your face and your hands on the keys.
You can get a floor stand, a tabletop stand, a stand that attaches to a standing lamp, or even a stand that attaches to your wall. There are lots of good options out there.
