Which instrument should you learn: keyboard or piano?
Millions of people have been drawn to key instruments. Some people listen while others learn.
In terms of learning, the most common quandary that students face is deciding whether to learn the piano or the keyboard.
Both instruments have a wide range of performance possibilities; they can help you express yourself articulately (in musical terms), challenge you with the potential for growth, and, at the same time, calm your restless nerves. Which one is best for you? Can you learn piano on a keyboard?
Let's take a look at the various aspects of each instrument. Then you can choose whether the piano, with its rich history and classical bent, or the keyboard, with its multiple sound systems and ensemble performance options, is the best fit for you.
1. Keys
Both the piano and the keyboard have similar key arrangements. However, there are some subtle differences between these two keyed instruments.
The width of a piano's keys is slightly greater than that of a keyboard. However, getting used to playing slightly wider keys is not difficult.
A piano has a greater number of keys than a keyboard. Pianos typically have 88 keys, whereas keyboards typically have 61, 76, or even fewer keys. There are 88 keys on some electric keyboards. To play piano pieces, you should have at least 76 keys.
piano's keys are weighted. This increases the dynamic range and musicality of pianos, giving them a distinct sound. As a result, playing the piano requires more finger strength. While weighted keys are available on keyboards, if you want a more complex keyboard, a piano may be a better option!
2. Sound 2.A Production
Acoustic instruments include the piano. This means that the sounds you hear are created by hand. How did you make that sound? When you press a key on the piano, a wooden hammer strikes the strings, causing the sound to resonate and produce the beautiful, rich sound that we all associate with the piano. Every key you press on a piano produces a unique sound. Furthermore, unless you use a digital piano, you cannot adjust the volume of the piano's sound.
A keyboard, on the other hand, is electronic, and the sound it produces is recorded. The sound is produced without the use of strings or hammers.
Instead, a synthesiser plays digitised samples of the sound. As a result, the name digital keyboard was coined. With a knob, you can adjust the volume of the keyboard.
2B. Multiple sound systems
While the piano has a wide dynamic range, it only produces one type of sound. You know what it will sound like when you play. Of course, a digital piano has a few additional instruments recorded in it.
However, it cannot compete with the polyphonic capabilities of a keyboard, which can simulate instruments ranging from horn and piano organ to guitar and harp - you essentially have the entire orchestra at your disposal! Furthermore, there are sound and volume controls to manipulate the sounds produced.
You can connect it to a computer and experiment with additional digital controls, as well as use the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) compatibility to play various sounds.
How different are the keyboard and piano in sound?
With their multiple sound systems, keyboards can 'sound' like a piano. So, how do the sounds of a keyboard differ from those of a piano? While they may appear indistinguishable to the untrained ear, a musician or player will be able to tell the difference with ease. When compared to the keyboard, the piano has a richer and more lingering sound, especially when using a pedal. More than anything, when you play the piano, you can 'feel the sound' it produces, which can greatly improve your performance. Of course, there are some excellent high-end keyboards that can fool you into thinking you're playing the piano!
3. Usage of left and right hand
You will learn to use each hand independently and together - to play different keys - through piano lessons. This requires more skill because playing with both hands at the same time can be difficult and requires a lot of practise.
With keyboard lessons, you will primarily use your left hand to play chords, while your right hand will be used to play tunes and melodies. This is typically easier for beginners to accomplish.
However, as you progress and learn to use the full functionality of a keyboard, you will be bombarded with a slew of digital controls.
4. Performance
The pianist is primarily a soloist, though he or she may occasionally perform as part of a duet. If you want to be able to command the stage on your own, this is the instrument for you. The keyboard player is frequently found in bands and orchestras. So, if you enjoy collaborating and playing in groups, this is the instrument for you.
5. Cost
Keyboards are generally less expensive than pianos, which can cost lakhs! Of course, it depends on the type of pianos and keyboards you want. A simple digital piano could be compared to an 88-key weighted keyboard. Your choice will be determined by your purchase purpose as well as your portability requirements.
6. Portability
In general, pianos are not portable. To move one, you'll need a lot of effort and more than just your hands. As a result, you must ensure that your music academy has a piano for you to learn on when you attend classes. A case, on the other hand, allows you to move your digital keyboard relatively easily. This allows you to easily practise with your band or take it on tour with you. This also makes it easier to store it inside somewhere so that it doesn't always take up space in your home.
7. Maintenance and longevity
The high tension of the strings used in a piano causes them to stretch over time, whether or not you play it.
This is why a piano requires tuning on a regular basis to maintain pitch - usually once a year. However, if properly maintained, pianos can last for centuries!
Because keyboards are electronic, there is no need for tuning. This makes the keyboard a less difficult instrument to use. In the event of a repair, you only need to visit a shop.
If you take care of your keyboard, this should be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. High-end keyboards can also last more than a generation. As a result, both of these instruments have a relatively long lifetime.
Can you learn piano on a keyboard?
Many students want to learn the piano but are hesitant to invest in one. It is possible to learn to play the piano using a keyboard. However, you will have to make some adjustments when you switch because the width and weight of the keys are different, and the length of the piano may be an octave or two longer, so you may have to negotiate with the smaller keyboard. You can get around this by purchasing an 88-key keyboard with weighted keys. This is equivalent to purchasing a digital piano! You could also think about renting a piano or keyboard until you know which one you want to learn. So, which instrument appeals to you more: classical piano or polyphonic keyboard? Both have their appeal, and many people who play one instrument can also play the other. As a result, it is a choice that opens up more opportunities for learning.
You've come to the right place if you want to learn the piano or keyboard! BMA's educators are also performers who can assist you with stage performances, exam certifications, and other activities.