Choosing the right keyboard:

A five octave, full size key, arranger (portable) electronic keyboard is required for keyboard lessons with Musicworks. These keyboards allow you to select many different voices (different instrument sounds like trumpet, flute etc.) and have an auto accompaniment section, which applies a kind of ‘backing track’. There are many different auto-accompaniment ‘styles’ to choose from (disco, jazz, pop, dance, etc.) and these are controlled by the left hand, which plays chords. The right hand generally plays the melody, using the selected voice (instrument).  When played with both hands together, using the auto accompaniment, the keyboard allows the player to sound like a ‘full band’.

Makes and models to consider are the Yamaha PSR or YPT range or various Technics and Roland arranger keyboard models.  A budget of under £100 will certainly buy you one of the beginner models in the aforementioned Yamaha ranges. We highly recommend Yamaha arranger keyboards as they are the best build and sound quality and have ‘user friendly’ interfaces.

Here are some current Yamaha keyboard models worth considering:

Yamaha F52 (£70-£85)

Yamaha PSR E283 (around £130)

Yamaha PSR E360 (around £190)

Yamaha PSR E383 (around £160)

Yamaha PSR E483 (around £300)

Most keyboards come supplied with a power adapter and music rest but please note that a soft carrying case will be required for transporting your keyboard safely to and from school. Suitable 61 key length soft cases are available for around £20. Amazon  Gear4music