Guides
Which Instrument to Learn with PDAC? Piano, Guitar, Drums or Guzheng for Adults
Using the PDAC subsidy for music? How piano, guitar, drums and guzheng compare by goal, practice time and home setup — so you reach 70% attendance.
Published 24 October 2026 · 1 min read · KARON Education
In one sentence: With PDAC, the key is choosing an instrument you'll attend at least 70% of lessons for. Guitar for singing along to pop songs, drums for stress relief, piano for solid reading skills, guzheng for Chinese music. All four are PDAC-approved at KARON.
Comparing the four
- Piano: the most complete foundation in reading and harmony; a digital piano works at home.
- Acoustic guitar: the fastest route to playing and singing, usually 8–12 lessons to a simple pop song.
- Electric guitar: rock and pop solos with pro amps in class; practise on headphones at home.
- Drums: rhythm, coordination and great stress relief; a practice pad at home, Roland e-drums in class.
- Guzheng: intuitive pentatonic layout, beginner-friendly, with CCOM grade exams.
Choosing by lifestyle
- Only 15 minutes a day: guitar or guzheng — pick it up and play.
- Need to keep quiet at home: digital piano and electric guitar both work with headphones.
- Want an exam goal: piano (ABRSM), guzheng (CCOM), guitar and drums (Rockschool).
Campuses and times
- Piano, acoustic and electric guitar: Rua da Barca, Fai Chi Kei, Rua do Campo
- Drums and guzheng: Rua da Barca, Rua do Campo
All campuses open seven days a week, until 9 pm on weekdays. PDAC places are limited, so book a trial first.
For enrolment and attendance rules, see one-person courses explained.
