Keyboard Recommendations

Keyboard Controllers

As a student of contemporary music at Berklee, your work here will make use of a variety of music technology applications on your laptop computer. In many of your classes, you’ll use your computer as a tool to learn about music. To do so successfully, you’ll need to use a keyboard controller to get your musical ideas into the computer. While many of you may already have a keyboard, every student at Berklee, regardless of your intended major, will need access to a keyboard controller to be successful not only at Berklee, but in your future career.

There are many different keyboard controllers available. If you do not currently have a keyboard that you can bring to Berklee, you will need to purchase one. There are several important points to consider.

Keyboard controllers come in different sizes, based on the number of keys. You’ll want to choose a keyboard based on how you anticipate using it and the major(s) or course of study in which you are interested.

If you have questions about any of this, please feel free to discuss your needs with your teachers. Berklee’s Technology Service Desk is also available to answer any questions you may have. You can reach them at 617-747-2238 or at 2238@berklee.edu.

While Berklee does not endorse any particular brand or model of keyboard, below are three manufacturers that offer models incorporating the suggested considerations and a comparison chart that you might consider. The cost of these can vary, so check local and online retailers for current pricing.

 

Make and Model

Keys

Controls

Drumpads

AKAI MPK Mini

25

8

8

AKAI MPK 25

25

12

12

AKAI MPK 49

49

16

12

AKAI MPK 61

61

16

16

M-Audio Oxygen 25 MK3

25

8

0

M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK3

49

16

0

M-Audio Oxygen 61

61

16

0

Alesis QX25

25

8

4

Alesis QX49

49

16

4

Alesis QX61

61

16

4