The piano is a classical instrument that is not only beautiful to listen to but is also relatively easy to learn. The problem is that not many people have room for a traditional piano. Keyboards offer those looking to learn or play an easy, portable, and affordable piano option that they can have, no matter where they are.
Using a keyboard to learn the piano basics is a great way to get started. They tend to be more affordable than acoustic pianos, and they can be more adaptable to living space needs. Although keyboards and pianos differ, keyboards can have specific characteristics that simplify the learning process.
An acoustic piano is indeed timeless, but as society changes, not everyone can have a piano who wants to learn to play it. Let’s talk about how you can learn piano from an electric keyboard and how different keyboards and pianos are.
Is a Keyboard Good For Learning The Piano?
The short answer is, of course. While you are learning, a keyboard is an easy way to be able to practice wherever you live, and it is a much more affordable way of obtaining a standard piano. While an acoustic piano and an electric keyboard have their differences, you still play the keys in the same manner.
If it is your goal to play the piano, then you must get the right keyboard. You want to make sure that you find one that has a weighted keyboard for a more authentic feeling to an acoustic piano but also one that has plenty of range and fits into your space and budget. You should also take your style of music into account. You may actually be better off sticking to playing on a keyboard.
Some keyboards come with features that help you learn how to play. You can follow along to signs on the keyboard, or use complementary digital resources. There are a lot of great resources online that can help you learn the piano as well. Youtube is a popular place to get visual instruction if you are just a beginner.
There are also several apps you can either download or connect with online that can help you learn. Having a MIDI connection on your digital piano or keyboard allows online learning apps to track your progress and give you real-time feedback. These are excellent resources if you are unable to attend lessons in your area or need something to work around a busy schedule.
How Do a Piano and a Keyboard Differ?
The most significant difference between a keyboard and a piano is the sound. Since keyboards are electrical, they produce their sounds either by an electronic tone generator or, in the case of digital pianos, are samples recorded from a classical acoustic piano (or whatever instrument they are trying to recreate).
While your keyboard may come with an option to sound as close to a real piano as possible, they usually come with a whole range of other built-in sounds. These can range from string instruments like violins to horns like trumpets, as well as beat generators and percussion. These additional sounds have made keyboards popular with those interested in music production.
The keys on a standard piano are weighted and respond directly to the player’s touch, and this helps them to create the sound. These weighted keys are perfect for building up muscles in your fingers, and they are comfortable for most players. Some keyboards feature fully-weighted keys that are supposed to mimic the feel of a real piano, which is a massive benefit for those who want to play on a piano eventually but may be limited to a keyboard.
A typical acoustic piano also comes with 88 keys, which equates to 7 octaves. Digital pianos will usually have the same amount, although keyboards tend to come with less, where 49 (4 octaves), 61 (5 octaves), and 76 (6 octaves) are typical ranges.
The price difference between a keyboard and a piano is outstanding. A decent keyboard will run you anywhere between 200 to 600 dollars, while a suitable piano can cost anywhere in the thousands. Keyboards are more affordable and mobile, and they require little maintenance. On the other hand, acoustic pianos will need a fair amount of upkeep, where keeping them in tune will be a regular factor. They will also require a more permanent setting in your living space and will be more challenging to move around.
What Should You Look For in a Keyboard?
- Weighted Action Keys: As mentioned earlier, a weighted action keyboard represents high quality and mimics the playing feeling found on a traditional piano. This can help you make the switch over to a real piano without losing any of what you have learned.
- A Size That Works For You and Your Space: Pianos can be enormous, which makes them difficult for most people to own. A small or mid-sized keyboard will usually have everything you need to learn to play or to continue to play the piano. Make sure you pick a size that fits into your home and something that you can easily store if you need to.
- Pick a Keyboard With a Great Range: Not all keyboards are created equal. As mentioned above, they usually come in octave ranges, from 4 (49 keys) to 7 (88 keys and full size). Getting a keyboard with a good range means that you are not going to be limited in what you can play. You can play the low and high notes as well as all of the ones in between.
- Quick tip – 61 keys should be the absolute minimum if you’re looking to start learning to play piano on a keyboard.
- Pick a Budget and Stick With It: Keyboard quality usually increases with the price. However, that doesn’t mean you have to break your budget. Set aside an amount that you are comfortable spending and stick to it. You can find decent keyboards for under $300 online. If you want to try before you buy, why not visit a local music store? You never know they may even have discounted versions or ex-display models that you can purchase.
What About Digital Pianos?
Digital pianos are types of midi keyboards that are designed to emulate the sound and feel of an acoustic piano. They come with a host of features that make them ideal for those that want more than a general keyboard but are not ready for an acoustic instrument.
Benefits include:
- Built-in Speakers – Where you can control the volume. This is ideal when you don’t want to disturb your neighbors or housemates when you start playing.
- Fully-weighted or Semi-weighted Keyboards – As mentioned above, fully weighted keys will give a more authentic feel. However, a digital piano or keyboard with semi-weighted keys may suit your needs as you test the waters.
- Portability – Many digital pianos are available in keyboard form and are much lighter and easier to move and store. These could be the perfect keyboards if you are limited by the amount of space you have.
Top-brand digital pianos like Roland or Yamaha can also be very cost-effective, as their beginner ranges are priced around $600-700. If you’re serious about wanting to learn to play, then maybe a digital piano could be the keyboard for you.
5 Tips To Help You Become a Better Piano Player
Don’t Be Afraid To Take Lessons
Learning the piano can be challenging to do on your own. If you can take lessons from someone in your community, not only are you going to understand the instrument better as a result, but you are also more likely to perfect your skills at a quicker rate. Many universities allow their students to teach affordable lessons.
Another advantage you will get from piano instructors is skill, techniques, and the correct posture you will need to avoid slipping into bad habits. They can also guide you on music theory, which will help you become a more accomplished pianist.
Youtube is a great place to watch instructional videos from piano teachers. Alternatively, there are many piano lessons and courses you can find online, and come in a variety of formats:
- Through Apps – One advantage of learning piano on a midi keyboard is that you can connect to the app, and learn directly through their interface. There are many apps that offer this, including Flowkey, Playground Sessions, and Skoove.
- Through Video Lessons – If you’re not that comfortable with a gamified approach to learning, then good old fashion videos could be the answer. Top of the list for me with this method is Pianote, which offers “Tradition with Technology” in its approach to teaching.
- Online Lessons – Of course, in this day and age, you can take live online lessons through Zoom or Skype. You don’t even need to be in the same country as your teacher, which can be great if you travel or work unsocial hours.
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to learning the piano is to make sure you practice. As with any instrument, there are always learning curves that you can overcome with practice. Keyboards are ideal for those looking to learn the piano because they are so easy to afford and use in any size space. You can even plug in some headphones to keep the noise down and not disturb others.
Set Goals That Are Realistic
Learning the piano is a skill that you will not get overnight. Like all things, it will come with hard work and dedication. While some people may learn at a quicker rate, you should work at a pace that suits you. Set small goals that are achievable and realistic so that you do not get discouraged while practicing. Try to learn one song a week, or set a goal to practice for a certain number of hours. If you are taking lessons, either online or in-person, your teacher will be able to guide you with this.
Learn The Keys
Whether you are using a keyboard or an acoustic piano, make sure you take the time to learn the keys and the relationship between them. This, along with some other basic music theory like the bass and treble clefs, will help you when reading sheet music and matching keys to notes. Having a keyboard with weighted keys will give you the same feeling as an acoustic piano, which can help you make the switch between the two instruments.
Start Slowly
The one thing to remember when learning any instrument is that it is not a race. Setting high expectations can put you under pressure, reduce your enjoyment, and discourage you from practicing. Think of it as learning a new sport or hobby; developing your piano skills will need regular and consistent practice sessions. Having a piano teacher can help give you individualized instruction and help you avoid bad techniques.
The piano is a beautiful instrument that can be learned at a pace that works for you. This goes back to setting realistic goals. If you only have a few hours a week to practice, then that will be the speed at which you learn.
Conclusion
While there are differences between a piano and a keyboard, a digital piano can emulate the sound and feel of an acoustic piano, making it a great option for beginners and experienced pianists alike.
Whether you’re looking for a small keyboard or a full-sized piano, there are many digital pianos and keyboards available to choose from, with various features and sounds available. While a fully weighted keyboard may provide a more realistic feel, I wouldn’t recommend getting a non-weighted version unless your goal is to play a synthesizer.
If you’re just starting out, a digital piano or keyboard can be a great way to test the waters and learn some basic skills before investing in an acoustic instrument. And if you’re serious about learning piano, a digital piano can still be a great tool for practicing and improving your skills.
Ultimately, whatever keyboard you choose, it’s important to take the time to find the perfect keyboard for your needs. Consider factors such as portability, space, and the number of keys needed to play the music you want to learn. And if you’re unsure where to start, consider taking lessons with a piano instructor who can help you avoid bad techniques and develop your skills in a structured way.
So, whether you want to start playing for fun or you’re looking to pursue a career as a pianist, a digital piano or keyboard is a great place to start taking your first steps toward playing this beautiful instrument.
