Imagine going home from work, then hearing this from your precious angel. You might be overjoyed, if you are a keyboard player yourself, because hooray, your kid wants to be like you.
Or you could be totally out of your element. What on earth are you going to answer to that?
There's just a lot of keyboard options out there. All of them looks like it could be perfect for your kid, but it's all just overwhelming and you don't even know where to start.
This review article will be a summary of the best music keyboards for money and, of course, your little musician. We will go through 5 beginner keyboards that are great for kids, then we will talk about each keyboard's outstanding features, and then of course, its pros and cons.
It is worth noting that these 5 models are all under $100, so cookie points for being budget-friendly, eh?
Alternate reading:
- If you are a more advanced piano player, check out our 61-key and 76-key keyboard reviews.
- If you think 61 or 76-keys aren't enough for your musical needs, then check out our best 88-key digital pianobuying guide.
- If you're looking for the best piano lessons for your budding musician, you should check out this article comparing the top 3 piano lessons you'll ever find online.
The 5 Best Music Keyboards Perfect For Kids and Children (And Your Wallet!)
Not everyone can afford high-end keyboards, especially if you're not even sure your child is going to enjoy playing it. These keyboards are great for testing the waters, so to speak. And at less than $100, you won't feel too bad if your kid don't want to pursue music, and you end up stowing the keyboard in your basement.
| Rank / Keyboard | Outstanding Features | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 1: Casio SA77 (44 Keys) | * 44 mini-sized keys and 5 percussion pads* 100 sounds and 50 rhythm patterns* Easy-to-read LCD display* Simple tone selection with PIANO, ORGAN tone button* Melody on/off lesson function* Stickers turn any keyboard into an EASY To PLAY instrument instantly* A comprehensive step-by-step course made especially for children beginning the piano | $$ | |
| Top 2: Hamzer 61-Key Keyboard | * 61 piano sized keys* LCD display* 255 Timbres* 255 rhythms* 61 keyboard percussions* 24 demonstration songs* Integrated learning system* Deluxe effects and features* Record and playback options* Very easy to setup with stand and stool | $$ | |
| Top 3: Casio SA46 Keyboard (32 Keys) | * 32 Mini Keys* 50 Play Along Tracks* 8-Note Polyphony* 5 Drum Pads* Headphones Output* Power Supply* Step-by-step course especially designed for kids* Stickers turn any keyboard into an easy yo play keyboard | $$ | |
| Top 4: RockJam 54-Key Portable Keyboard | * 54 full size-keys* 100 keyboard sound effects* 100 rhythms* Traditional piano feel* Record and playback functionality* Interactive LCD screen* 30 free songs on Piano Maestro iPad app* Heavy Duty double X stand* Mechanism to quickly adjust height | $$ | |
| Top 5: Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica | * 37 keys* Free-reed instrument similar to harmonicas* Clear, full tones* Solid projection* Stable intonation* Primarily used for general music education* Top choice for musicians and educators | $$ |
Read on for our detailed reviews of the top 5 best musical keyboards for first-time piano pupils!
TOP 1. casio SA77 44 Keys 100 Tones Keyboard
First on the list, is the Casio SA77 44 Keys 100 Tones Keyboard. On Amazon, you can choose to bundle this with other items and this is the beginner bundle package we highly recommend:
- Casio Power Supply
- John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course
- ABC Keyboard Stickers
This is the perfect keyboard for your little genius, when it comes to ease of use and also some fun features.
It has 44 mini keys, with 50 rhythms, 8-note polyphony, and 100 new tones, among others. Of course, for practice, it includes 10 Play-Along songs and melody-off function.
Obviously, you don't want to overload your child. What's great about this keyboard is that it's very beginner-friendly.
It has an easy-to-read LCD display which shows the tone, rhythm, song number, metronome, tempo, and note played, which are essentially the only things that your little player needs to know while playing.
It also has simple tone selection, which is a plus if you don't want to dump tutorials on your kid in one go.
This keyboard weighs 3.96 pounds, which is just about the weight of an average-sized pumpkin. This is a plus point for portability since it's not heavy and can be carried elsewhere for performances, or maybe lessons.
Speaking of, this keyboard will of course run on an electric power supply, but this will also work fine on six AA-size batteries. With two 0.8 W speakers, this is enough for kiddie starters.
Additionally, you can attach headphones to this keyboard, so if your kid wants to do some solo time, just plug in some earphones and you are good to go.
As with most Casio keyboards, this does not come with a power supply unit although it can be bundled. When you do get it bundled, make sure you also bundle it with the _John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course_and ABC Keyboard Stickers, for a step-by-step course specifically designed to suit the needs of all kiddie beginner players, and the stickers turn any keyboard into an easy to play instrument instantly.
However, it can also look plastic-y but obviously a keyboard aesthetic should not deter anyone from learning how to play on a very capable beginner keyboard.
TOP 2. Hamzer 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano
Second on the list will be the Hamzer 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano with Stand, Stool, Headphones & Microphone.
This bad boy weighs around 24 pounds and can be a little bit advanced for your child, but of course, that depends upon your preference.
If you think that your son or daughter is ready for a more advanced keyboard experience, then this keyboard is what you are looking for.
Of course, it has built-in speakers which offer impressive sounds. The stereo outputs and a headphone jack can be used if your kid wants to listen to their own music through external speakers or with the included headphones (with this specific bundle).
It is complete with 255 timbres, 255 rhythms, 61 keyboard percussions, and 24 demonstration songs, which is a lot of selection considering that this is targeted for very young players.
But with specs like this, it is safe to say that this is designed for beginner AND intermediate-level use. This multi-function keyboard piano features 61 standard-sized keys, which provides a traditional piano or organ feel for enhanced learning acoustic experience.
This keyboard has advanced sound options and an LCD display for easy settings control. You also have a detachable stand to hold sheet music for convenience in playing if your child would like to use one.
Good thing about this keyboard is that it is portable. Just power with six AA batteries and take this compact, lightweight musical keyboard on the road or to your child's lessons. Alternatively, you can plug the US-standard 110 -120 volt power adapter into the wall for extended play sessions when you feel like your kid's unstoppable.
One thing about this thing though is that the batteries (for portability, remember?) does not come with this package so that will be an extra expense.
I also highly recommend getting the whole bundle since getting it individually might be a little expensive or higher than what your initial budget allows. It is also a bit heavy for a kid to be carrying around.
TOP 3. Casio SA46 Mini Keyboard
Third and midway on the list is the Casio SA46 Keyboard bundle with Casio Power Supply, John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course and ABC Keyboard Stickers (Beginner Bundle). This keyboard might sound familiar, this is because this keyboard is a close relative of the first entry.
First impression: this looks very similar to the Casio SA77. It also has 8-Note polyphony, 50 Play-Along tracks, 5 Drum Pads, and a headphones output.
With this bundle, similar with the first entry, your child will get a step-by-step course specifically designed to suit the needs of all kiddie beginner players, and the stickers turn any keyboard into an EASY To PLAY instrument instantly.
However, this model only has 32 keys, which can be a double-edged sword since it will entirely depend on you (or your kid) if he or she is more suited to a 44-key keyboard or you might want them to start on 32 keys first.
This also weighs around 3 pounds, so this is lighter than the Casio SA77. This keyboard is, however, more than just a toy, though your little genius will have lots of fun playing it right from the start.
The SA-46 mini keyboard comes with a new sound source, includes 100 tones, 50 rhythms and features an easy change-over switch between the piano and organ sound.
The SA-46 features an aesthetic retro design as well that might not be that important, but still nice to have. Easy to use, portable, responsive, pre-programmed music, and touch sensitive keys, what more can you ask for?
Apparently, this model is no different from other Casio models since you may need to spend extra cash for batteries.
Some parents might also feel that the keys are a bit on the smaller size, but really, what to expect on a keyboard targeted for kids? 🙂
TOP 4. RockJam 54-Key Portable Keyboard
Slowly working on its way to the top is the RockJam 54-Key Portable Keyboard with Rockjam Xfinity Heavy Duty Piano Stand (Keyboard and Stand Bundle).
This keyboard is compact and portable (a big plus!), so it can easily be taken on the road. If you want your kid to get started with dramatic performances, you can have him or her use the sustain or vibrato buttons to prolong the sound of each note or add a trembling effect.
You can also plug a microphone (sadly, not included) into the keyboard so that they can sing along with the piano.
The digital keyboard is compact, yet features sturdy keys, providing a "real piano" feel while being able to sustain little kids' fingers that tend to be a bit careless in handling things.
This is a bit of an upgrade, since this keyboard has 54 full size keys, record and playback functionality, 100 keyboard sound effects, and 100 rhythms.
It has an Interactive LCD screen which shows beginners (good for kids, or even teens alike!) the correct keys and chords to play. It has 30 free songs on Piano Maestro iPad app, and a heavy-duty double X stand with quick release mechanism to quickly adjust height (for this specific bundle).
It does not have a synthesizer and it does not have a pedal though, so this might be something you want to consider. Some parents do prefer to have their kids' keyboards with pedal, that will be your choice though.
TOP 5. Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica
Ah, Yamaha. I wondered when this will come up in the list. I have reviewed a few Yamaha keyboards before and I must say I have a soft spot for their brand, but of course today's Yamaha spotlight will be for the Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica.
If you are a parent with a budding musician living in your home, you might want to put this on your list. The Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica is one of the best music keyboards for kids. It is a piano keyboard with its construction being similar to harmonicas and accordions.
Anti-corrosive reeds are used in the Pianica's construction; with its length being less than 21 inches, it is ideal for use in small spaces. The Pianica's weight is 3.6 pounds which makes it easy to transport to performances or music lessons.
Don't let its size and appearance fool you nor hinder your kid from playing this — the Yamaha P37D is a pro-level sounding keyboard. This produces clear, full tones with solid projection and the anti-corrosive reeds' construction provides stable intonation.
It feels pretty sturdy and the keys, while maybe not as smooth as other keyboards within its league, are still pretty decent.
The Yamaha P37D 37-Key Pianica Features a three-octave span and the purchase includes a shock-resistant, double walled, blow-molded case along with a mouthpiece & blowing pipe.
The case itself actually features a really cool built-in storage slot for the mouthpieces – you can tuck both away inside, close up the case, and be on your way with the entire instrument and all peripherals contained within.
So far, Yamaha never fails to come up with impressive keyboards, and this Pianica is one of the most well-constructed, well-presented melodicas we've ever come across.
If you are more on the "hardcore" keyboard type though, or if you are concerned that playing a Pianica is not the same as playing a "real" keyboard, you might want to give this a pass.
The way you are supposed to play this keyboard is much similar to playing a harmonica so you blow air to make it play.
Final Thoughts On The Best Music Keyboards For Kids And Children
As mentioned, there's just a lot of options to choose from when it comes to beginner keyboards. There's just a lot of things to consider!
Price, features, what's in it for you and your kid, pros, cons, etc.
It can get quite intimidating especially if this is your first time, and you will be overwhelmed with available options. Just bear in mind that you might want the best keyboard for your child, but it might not be what is best suited for your kids' skill level.
Make sure you consider these tips, because what's more important than getting the bestest keyboard for them with all the bells and whistles, is that your kid has fun playing the instrument he or she loves.
- If you're looking for a good enough keyboard that costs well under $200, then check out our review of the best 61-key keyboards for beginners under $200.
- If you need more than 61 keys, but less than 88 keys, then you're looking at 76-key keyboards. Check out our review of the top 76-key portable electronic keyboards that cost under $300!