Piano Keyboards
The Instrument Makes a
Difference
Sitting down at a piano keyboard and
playing are two different things. Some people learn how to
read sheet music along with tickling the ivories and some
play by ear. No matter which choice, here are some tips.
When you ask them for advice about
how to learn the piano, most people talk about learning
notes on the keyboard, studying how to read music, taking
theory classes and diligence in practice. They emphasize the
importance of playing music scales, getting lessons,
practicing songs over and over again until you perfect them,
and in general being a disciplined student.
The one thing people forget to mention
sometimes is the importance of your instrument. If you don't
have the proper piano keyboard with which you are
comfortable playing, you will not learn to play well.
Nowadays, there are many different kinds
of piano keyboards. They vary from small, inexpensive mini
keyboards to full-sized grand pianos and everything in
between. Selecting the one you want depends on how much
money you have to spend and what you want to do with your
instrument.
If you just want to goof around and
make special effects, you might as well just go to the
store. You can usually find old Casio units that will get
you neat sound effects and allow you to do some single note
leads and simple chords.
Then again, if you plan on actually
becoming good at the piano, it makes a lot of sense to
invest in full sized instruments. Keyboard keys are the size
they are for a reason. Over hundreds of years of
experimentation, piano builders figured out the perfect size
for most fingers. A keyboard that is too small will be more
difficult to play and will make your hands cramp when you
are playing demanding pieces.
Another concern is the feeling and
flow (called action). Just because a keyboard has full-sized
keys does not mean that it will have an authentic piano
feel. If you have the money, you should invest in one with
weighted keys. These will feel just like a real piano, and
will be much more satisfying to play. Roland used to offer a
really good one but check around for other name brands.
If you get touch sensitive keys –
keys that will respond differently depending on how hard you
push them – that will help you out too. Playing
classical music pretty much demands touch sensitive
keyboards.
Then again, if all you want to play is
electronic music or rock 'n roll, you might want to get a
nice piano synthesizer keyboard. Synthesizers do not
necessarily have touch sensitive keys, but for many types of
music you don't need them.
Before you go out and buy an expensive
instrument, listen to some music. Think about what kinds of
tools are required to play that particular music, and pick
out your piano keyboards accordingly. Also, try out a good
variety before buying.
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