How to choose a digital piano for your child
Boost musical productivity and brain power as the new school year begins with one of these Casio musical instruments
With busy lives and an abundance of extracurricular activities on offer, it can be hard to know what to invest time and money in. But playing a musical instrument has been shown to have huge benefits – from improving cognitive skills and increasing IQ in adults and children, to helping memory and attention, and even reducing the need for certain types of medication. In fact, playing the piano has been found to exercise the heart just as much as a brisk walk.
What digital piano should I buy?
Despite these findings, music education in schools is declining, with a 20 per cent reduction in music GCSEs since 2015 and fewer than half of 13-14 year olds being taught the subject. In primary schools, where music is still a compulsory subject, teachers have nevertheless reported seeing a reduced allocation of time and money.
The good news is that no matter what level you’re at, Casio has a digital piano to help develop musical skills, from beginners through to experienced pianists.
Casio CDP-S100
If you’re wondering about which beginning piano to buy, look no further than the Casio CDP-S100. “The CDP-S100’s fully-weighted key-touch provides a solid foundation that my beginner students can successfully build on,” Lorraine Liyanage, Principal Tutor of SE22 Piano School explains.
Weighing just 10.5kg, this digital piano is compact enough for even the smallest living space and can be powered by AA batteries. Every key is textured to feel more like a real piano, avoiding the ‘plastic’ touch that you often get with starter pianos. Its USB port also allows it to connect to music apps, including Casio’s Chordana Play for Piano, which has built-in songs and works as a music e-reader.
Casio PX-S1000
Looking for something a little more advanced? Try the PX-S1000 – the world’s slimmest digital piano with weighted keys and speakers. Available in red, white and black, it's a great lightweight and portable studio piano with Bluetooth audio streaming and Casio's Active Touch Panel display.
The PX-S1000 also features simulated ebony and ivory textures to make every key feel slightly different, just like an acoustic piano. Ideal to take to gigs to use as a stage piano or for studio use where space is at a premium, it can also be powered by AA batteries.
Casio PX-760
For those with more developed skills, the PX-760 incorporates touch-sensitive and fully-weighted piano keys, a stand, three pedals and speakers – all at a fraction of the size of a traditional acoustic piano. Perfect for families, it includes a USB connection, retractable lid and a headphone connector for silent practice.
It also includes Concert Play, which uses built-in recordings of a symphony orchestra to allow the user to play along and showcase their skills as a soloist.
For more on Casio’s range of instruments, visit music.casio.co.uk