If you want to progress at a satisfying rate, you’ll need to practice regularly. An hour a day will give you good results as long as it’s consistent. Most people will find this challenging due to other commitments, however even if you can carve out a few minutes of learning every day you will improve. It’s very important to practice correctly and with a plan. If you spend an hour going over mistakes, you’ll learn to play mistakes!
Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak a new language. You may be able to say a few words, enough to greet someone and order food in a restaurant. As the years go by you pick up more words and with experience you can talk with others more fluently. If you want to get good quickly, you need to surrounded yourself with the new language. This is how I like to think of learning music. You will pick up new phrases to add to your musical vocabulary by spending time with an instrument and by listening to music, reading books about music and by having someone teach you. With regular guidance and practice you can speed up the process of learning, especially if you study theory. If you can make playing an instrument as much a part of your life as speaking, you will get good quickly. Jimi Hendrix carried his guitar around with him wherever he went!
If you are serious about learning to play you should consider finding a good teacher. Having someone who can keep you on track weekly will help you progress much faster as they will keep your bad habits in check and keep you heading in the right direction. It is important to find the right teacher for you – make sure to meet to decide if you get on with them, and find someone who will motivate and inspire you.
Depending on your preferences and circumstances, either could be suitable as they both have pros and cons. Digital pianos can be a little quieter when using headphones which may suit your accommodation and they often have more than one sound possible, e.g. organ. They also do not require tuning. On the other hand acoustic pianos of wood, felt and string feel like living beings each with their own individual personality. The sound resonates and emanates through the entire instrument and the touch is mechanical and can only be mimicked by digital keyboards. I would always recommend choosing an acoustic piano if you have the option as the experience is unmatched.
Any keyboard at all can be used to practice, if you don’t currently have one I am happy to advise and help you find and choose a suitable option.