If you are interested in piano lessons, then you may think to start with a keyboard is ideal. These mini, portable instruments are generally much less expensive than standard pianos and rationalizing that the cheaper option is best is fairly common. Yet starting with a keyboard when you want piano lessons can prove detrimental for numerous reasons.

Piano Lessons: 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Begin With a Keyboard

Key Length

Unlike keyboard keys, piano keys continue behind the fallboard, featuring hundreds of moving parts. Thus pianist can control the quality of the sound by using different touch, different technique, the weight of the arm, direction of the fingertip strike. The keyboard/digital piano sound is prerecorded. Even if visible part of their keys is a “full size”, just the same as standard piano keys, there is not much one can do to enrich the quality of sound. Besides, a lot of keyboards have narrower and shorter keys, promoting bad habits in young piano students.

Key Weight

Piano keys are relatively heavy and require a bit of force to create the sound you desire. This happens for the reason, we mentioned above: piano key has a very complicated mechanics and extends beyond the fallboard. Some keyboards feature weighted action, which means they are designed to mimic the weight of piano keys. While weighted action keyboards are arguably better than regular keyboards, they still cannot duplicate the feel of the real piano.

Interest Level

While starting with a less-expensive, a smaller instrument may seem like a good idea, opting for acoustic piano is generally best. Learning to play on a lesser instrument will not necessarily inspire you and help to improve your skills. Working with an actual piano is strongly recommended to further develop your interest and playing prowess.

The major reason parents decide to buy a keyboard in lieu of a piano is the concern that child may not want to continue piano lessons after a year or two. It is true, kids are losing interest in activities, get tired of them or burnt out. But starting them off on an inferior instrument is really only a recipe for failure. Of course, a keyboard is better than nothing, but better quality instrument will not only reinforce the interests of the students, it will help them to develop the love for piano.

The celebrated piano teacher at European Piano School offers the foundation you need to learn this amazing instrument. A professionally trained pianist, she has provided outstanding piano lessons in Anchorage, AK, for 44 years and uses the Russian teaching concepts perfected by many of the world’s most famous players. Call (907) 360-2915 to schedule your first lesson or visit the website for class and enrollment information. Keep up with the school on Facebook for the latest announcements.