If you are just starting out and are deciding what instrument to bring into your home, my best advice is to buy the best you can afford at the time. I have heard many people say that they believe children can start out on a small cheap keyboard and if they practice then they will invest in a "good" piano. Unfortunately, rarely works out, because no one can make a cheap keyboard sound nice, including the most highly trained musicians. I might compare it to trying to build a house with only a hammer. You simply do not have the right tools and are limited to what you can build.
The choices people usually go to are acoustic pianos (either upright or grand) and electronic pianos.
Here is a video with some suggestions on purchasing a piano:
If an acoustic piano is not an option for you, the next best thing is an electronic piano. This is different from a keyboard in that there are usually 88 keys, and they keys are "weighted" to give the feel of an acoustic piano. An important part of piano playing is learning technique. This involves building fine muscle co-ordination and strength in your hands which can only come from getting used to the weight and feel of the piano keys.
Another important part of the piano is the damper pedal, which is usually is part of an electronic piano, but sometimes must be bought separately and plugged in. The damper pedal sustaines the sound of the piano and you will learn how to use the pedal during lessons.
**Very Important** - - Many electronic pianos do not come with a bench. Buying a bench separately can cost up to $200, so please take this into account when you are pricing your piano.
Here is quick demo of a Roland electronic piano. There are many brand names of electronic pianos. Royal Conservatory of Music endorses the Yamaha Clavichord.
I teach on a Yamaha P22 upright piano, I find something new in this piano everytime I sit down to play. As you hear more piano music and work with your instrument your ears will learn the many different timbres and colors that a piano will produce.
Here is a little Beethoven to help keep us inspired!
Last but not least, here are a few links to help you get started researching the new addition to your family!
http://www.pianomother.com/Digital-Piano-Buying-Guide_b_10.html
http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/instruments/piano/index.html
http://www.pianotech.ca/articles.htm
I am available to inspect your piano before you decide to buy. I can also recommend several local piano technicians to help you out!
