How to Buy an Electronic Keyboard

There are many electronic keyboards available. Yamaha and Casio are the most popular. Are they as good as real pianos? What advantages do they offer the beginner?

This article explains the basics of electronic keyboards. It provides information that is useful for parents who's children are interested in learning to play keyboards.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Are electronic keyboards better then acoustic pianos? If your child is serious about learning piano, has talent, and you know he or she will not quit taking lessons, buy an acoustic piano. However, if your child is exploring music, an electronic keyboard provides many advantages.

2. Electronic keyboards have either 66 keys are 88 keys. A piano has 88 keys. If your child is studying classical music, make sure you buy a keyboard with 88 keys.

3. Most electronic keyboards have keys that are not weighted. What are weighted keys? On a traditional piano, the lighter you press they key, the softer the sound; the harder you press the key, the louder the sound. Electronic keyboards, like organs have non-weighted keys. No matter how soft or hard you press the keys, the volume is the same. If your child is studying classical music, make sure they keys are weighted.

4. Yamaha or Casio? I prefer Yamaha because I believe that the rhythms are more realistic. However, this is a personal preference. Both Yamaha and Casio make excellent keyboards.

5. Electronic keyboards provide an excellent gateway into the beauty of music. They introduce your child to many instruments. These include: harpsichord, trumpet, oboes, guitar, koto, clarinet, etc. They introduce your child to many rhythms. These include: swing, rock, ballad, cumbia, Afro-fusion, and so on.

6. Electronic pianos have a headphone connection. Headphones allow your child to practice in privacy. Learning to play piano is like speaking in public. You are nervous until you develop a level of confidence. Let your child use headphones to develop their level of confidence.

7. You don't have to buy the most expensive electronic keyboard. If the keyboard is for your child, buy one that offers some advanced features to allow your child to explore and to keep their interest as they get better. When your child outgrows their keyboard, buying a better keyboard shows a sense of accomplishment for your child. If your child reaches their musical limits for this period in their life, you made a reasonable investment and they might regain interest at a later time.

8. The most important rule - music is fun. Your child does not have to become a musical superstar. As long as they see the keyboard as a friend and not an instrument for work, the electronic keyboard will bring them joy and many hours of fun.