Ryman Academy Of Music 54 Key Keyboard Review

Reviewed by J Wright

The Academy Of Music keyboard is a 54 key instrument designed for children aged approximately 5 and upwards and with a price point to suit. Currently you can buy this particular model for £24.99 so if you’re not entirely certain your budding musician will continue with this measures a chosen instrument it won’t break the bank to find out. As a toy instrument meant for musical exploration and general fun it gives more than most children would need for entertainment alone.

I liked that there’s a teaching function on this keyboard, giving the option to develop touch play learning which is bound to make children feel accomplished in no time at all. The tunes which can be played are identical to the ones I had a child, Oh Susannah is one I recognised immediately.

This keyboard is extremely lightweight and whilst it is relatively long in length most children wouldn’t struggle to move it around. It measures 255mm x 85 mm x 760 mm. There’s no stand but it rests easily and steadily on most flat surfaces.

This 54 key will give a great introductory keyboard for little musicians and with ten demo buttons besides it opens up the possibility for learning opportunities.

There’s also one hundred tones and one hundred rhythms along with a further five percussion settings to create lots of fabulous sounds. There’s also the record function allowing the player to preserve their music.

I read that the Academy Of Music instruments are designed with smaller hands in mind, reducing the effort and frustration children might feel when mastering an instrument. This might give them the confidence to take the next step having enjoyed a beginner instrument.

Much like other portable keyboards, the Academy of Music Electric Keyboard can run on 6 AA batteries or the supplied power lead. So it can be used in a greater variety of areas and genuinely is portable. A small and very lightweight microphone is included which means your little musician could potentially singalong with the music.

There is a slight sound which means you always know if the keyboard is on. I didn’t find it intrusive. And neither does my son who is the aspiring musician, in fact, whilst it probably isn’t an intended design feature it lets me know to turn it off when it has been left.

It’s worth noting that the volume upon turning it on is pretty loud. We have already begun to turn it down before the keys are touched. That seems to be the default setting.

As a gift you’re going to get the desired results, an adequately varied keyboard, a range of additional features, a child friendly weight and a power lead so it doesn’t eat batteries all day long.

You can buy the Academy Of Music keyboard at https://www.ryman.co.uk/academy-of-music-electric-keyboard-54-key with offers on currently including free delivery over £50.00, the option of next day delivery as well as reduced prices on instruments including this model. It may help to know it arrived in a large grey opaque bag, so it won’t spoil the surprise if it’s destined to be a surprise this Christmas.

Rating: 4/5