I really want to start learning how to play the piano. I already have a keyboard with 61 keys, i don’t know if i should buy a full sized piano, or even if it will make a difference…HELP!
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When first learning the piano is it okay to use a keyboard instead of an 88 key piano?
Posted on11 April 2010.
11 Responses to “When first learning the piano is it okay to use a keyboard instead of an 88 key piano?”
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Yes, that’s what I did, but once you have decided that you want to continue learning Piano, it’s better to switch to an actual piano. The feel is different, the sound is different, and you can play more songs because there’s more keys. =P Plus you can also start using the pedals. ^_^ Good luck!
It is ok. However, I strongly suggest you get a full size one if you are serious enough. Anyone who will be taking piano seroiusly should be able to have a full sized one.
It does make a difference. I have played loads of short keyboards and they are just not the same as the full size version (and you can’t reach those very low/high notes).
Hope this helps
Learning on a keyboard for the first few months is definitely ok. I started playing piano when I was about 7 or 8 years old, and I started on a TINY keyboard, which fit my small fingers well…I think it only had about 3 octaves or so…then for the next few years I played on an electric organ that was still small (probably around 61 keys, I don’t remember exactly), then when my parents figured that I was going to keep continuing, we found a cheap piano. So although I do not like playing on keyboards now, it is ok to start on a keyboard until you seriously know that you’d like to purchase a piano. I’ve been playing piano now for about 15 years, went to college for piano performance (I have my Masters now), so I’d say that learning on a keyboard is not a handicap at all..I turned out fine and I’m sure you’ll do great!
Depending on the method in which you learn piano, you will not need all 88 keys at first (unless you learn with the Pace Method, but even with that a 61 keyed keyboard would work fine).
Good luck!
If you can’t afford a better keyboard or a real piano -which is totally understandable- what you have will work for now.
However, you should start saving for either a high-quality keyboard or a real instrument -as someone who has a high quality keyboard, I recommend a real acoustic piano- because you *will* want a full keyboard. And beyond that, there are certain aspects of musicality you don’t have access to if you’re using a keyboard.
Playing a keyboard means you’re working within a preprogrammed set of MIDIs. Playing a real piano means you’re actually making a personal sound.
I first started learning piano 10 years ago on a small yamaha keyboard, it’s probably better for you to start learning on a keyboard and then when you get better and more into it (hopefully) you’ll be able to invest in a gorgeous full size piano and continue honing your skills
Hope that helps!
For the first 6 years I only had a 5 octave keyboard and I even managed to play a Chopin Nocturne on it (had to double over on occasion). There is no hurry to buy a piano, though it does make a difference to the sound texture that you learn to emit from the piano. So if you can practice on a piano occasionally it would be good. Digital keys without weights are not really that useful.
Ok here is the problem with a 61 key keyboard -
1 – the keys are most likely not weighted, meaning it feels like you are just pressing down some springy plastic.
2 – 61 key keyboard has an ok amount of keys but it really isn’t smart because it limits what pieces you can play.
1- You should look for a digital piano – asuming you maybe dont have a big budget, look for the Casio PX120 its something around 400 – 600$
It has 88 Weighted keys, and very many have this keyboard, its good for beginners and for people on a low budget.
2 – If you have a slightly bigger budget, I would look at theese
Kawai CA 51
Yamaha CLP 340
Roland HP203
or
Yamaha P150/P140
Kawai CN31 or CN32
Roland RD-700GX
All theese are great Digital pianos so check it out!
but i mean thats just my opinion. however the best thing would always be to go for the real thing … but thats not necessary
But if you cand afford any of that atleast have a look at Casio CDP 100.
ANyway i find it not okay to learn piano on a61 key piano,, better buy a 88 key now than later.
learn to play that first then get the full sized or if u want get a used full size piano cheaper if u know how to play realy really good then get a brand new 1 i say stick whith the 61 keys tell u get better
My girlfriend is a great pianist and she says you don’t need the full 88 keys because you probably won’t be playing those deep bass notes while learning
Use what you have for the time being. If you really love playing and have a true desire to continue then you should graduate to a full size 88 key piano as soon as you can. It’s much more rewarding to play on a full size instrument. If you progress quickly you will outgrow those 61-keys quickly and you *will* need those lower bass notes!
Congrats on your new endeavor!
People of this website: Can we please repeat the question:
When first learning the Piano is it okay to use a keyboard instead of an 88 key piano?
Some people made more sensible comments than others base from this question.
when one is first learning the piano: it is definitely ok to use a keyboard instead of 88 key piano because, like some more sensible people here: you might not even use the higher or the lowest notes at first.
We do not even know if this person will pursue piano studying after his/her first encounter with the piano rehearsals. Rushing to buy piano in the case of failed attempt to play piano is a total waste of money.
But if you bought a keyboard and learned a lot from it and then finally decided to buy digital piano or acoustic piano, then what’s the lost?
It just proved us wrong that people can’t learn piano using a keyboard at first.
It’s not entirely the instrument people, it is the passion to learn, and the determination to pursue that goal. A man can climb the highest mountain using these virtues alone.
So does a student using a keyboard to learn Piano.
My voice teacher is a pianist: I play the guitar. I am interested in playing the piano. she advised me to buy the 100 dollars keyboard. and then see how it goes.
That’s a great SENSIBLE advise.
to michelle: thanks for the wonderful advise too : )