Do I Need to Buy an Instrument Before Starting Lessons?

Short answer: not necessarily. But you will need one soon. Here is a practical guide to when, what, and how to get an instrument without overspending or making the wrong choice.

For the Evaluation Lesson: No

You do not need to own an instrument for your first evaluation lesson. We have instruments available at the studio for students to use during their initial sessions. This is by design — we want you to try before you buy, especially if you are not yet sure which instrument is the right fit.

For Regular Lessons: Yes, You Need One at Home

Once you begin regular weekly lessons, you will need an instrument at home to practice between sessions. Practice is where the real learning happens. A student who has a great lesson but does not practice all week will progress very slowly. Even 15 minutes a day on a decent instrument makes a dramatic difference.

Piano and Keyboard Students

You do not need a grand piano. A digital piano with 88 weighted keys is ideal — brands like Yamaha, Roland, and Casio make excellent options in the $400 to $800 range. For very young beginners, a 61-key touch-sensitive keyboard ($100 to $200) works for the first few months. Your piano instructor can recommend specific models based on your budget. In the meantime, use our free virtual piano tool to get familiar with the keyboard layout.

String Students

Violins, violas, and cellos come in fractional sizes for children. A 5-year-old typically plays a 1/8 or 1/4 size violin; a 10-year-old might play a 3/4; adults play full size. Because children outgrow instruments, renting is usually smarter than buying for the first year or two. Local music shops and online rental programs offer monthly plans starting around $20 to $30 per month including insurance.

Guitar Students

A decent beginner classical guitar costs $100 to $200. For younger children, 1/2 and 3/4 size guitars are available. Steel-string acoustic guitars run $150 to $300 for a solid beginner instrument. Electric guitars require an amplifier too — starter packs with guitar, amp, cable, and picks start around $200.

Our Advice

Do not buy the cheapest instrument you can find — a poorly made instrument is harder to play and sounds discouraging. But also do not overspend on a beginner. Talk to your instructor first. They will steer you toward the right instrument at the right price, and they will prevent you from wasting money on something that looks impressive but plays terribly.