About Your Instrument The quality of your instrument will directly affect the development of the ear and thus the  musicality of the student. Any instrument for piano study must have a full keyboard, at least  two pedals, and receive a minimum of two tunings per year. Used pianos in good condition are  fine for beginners, but an upgrade may be necessary later for proper technical development of  the student. Your teacher can give you suggestions when this time arrives, and she can recommend a piano tuner