If you're thinking about learning to play the piano, an important question to consider is: what type do I need? Your musical goals, expectations, and the technique will affect the decision, but you'll also need to think about budget and space issues. Regardless of your individual needs, chances are that there's a piano that will fit with your lifestyle.

One of the biggest factors in choosing will be how much space you will have available. You may dream of a huge, shiny grand piano as the centerpiece of your home, but if you barely have enough room to fit all of your shoes in the closet, scale down your vision. You should have a reasonable amount of space so that you can practice in comfort and peace. Even those with large living rooms might find that they'd prefer a piano in a smaller study space in order to be able to concentrate on their playing.

Once you've decided on how much room you can afford to spare, your options are digital keyboards, uprights, and grand pianos. They come in three different sizes-small, medium, and large. For those with minimal space, digital keyboards are compact, lightweight, and easily transportable. They also require less maintenance. Uprights are the second smallest option. They can be heavy, but are fairly simple to move with some assistance and can be pushed against walls. Grand pianos, regardless of size, have a rounded shape, which means they aren't as versatile when placing in a room. And although a stunning addition to any home, they are difficult to move and delicate. They are better suited for professional or devoted musicians.

Sound quality will vary among the different kinds of pianos. Technique will play a part in your decision, but for the amateur or beginner, this will be of little consequence. More skilled players will find some pianos are better suited for their needs. Grand ones have long horizontal strings which are hit from below by the hammer. They can be played faster than the other kinds and are thought to produce the most pleasing tones. Uprights have vertical strings and are hit from the side by the hammer. They sometimes require more tuning and maintenance to ensure the best possible sound quality, but they work well for slower piano techniques. Digital keyboards do not have the same resonance that traditionally stringed pianos have, but they are great for an introduction to piano techniques.

For many people, their budget will ultimately dictate their choice. When choosing a piano, remember to include regular maintenance and tuning fees in the price. They need regular care to remain in good working condition. If you're thinking of buying a high-endinstrument, remember that it is a long-term investment. A quality instrument will appreciate in value over time.

If you're on a more limited budget, you can either rent or choose a more economical option. Digital keyboards can range greatly in price, but are often the least expensive choice. Upright pianos fall in the middle price range between digital keyboards and grand pianos.

If you're still unsure about which type of piano to choose, piano rental or purchasing an inexpensive keyboard to begin with can help you decide what's right for you. If you're more experienced, try a few different kinds of pianos either at a store or try a friend's. Putting your piano technique to the test will help you feel out which is best for your needs.