Learning the piano is one of the most fulfilling tasks you can set yourself. The problem is that many people don’t have the space (or the budget) to get a piano, as they are both expensive and large! That’s why many opt to learn and play piano on a keyboard instead. The question is, can you learn piano properly on a keyboard?
Yes – You Can Learn Piano on a Keyboard
The good news is that – yes! You can undoubtedly learn piano on a keyboard. Most keyboards are designed to mimic a piano perfectly, with all the keys the same size and, of course, in the same order. This means you will have no trouble learning the piano on a keyboard and then even transferring your skills to a full piano in the future if you wish to. It’s actually a good idea for most to learn easy piano songs on a keyboard to begin with, as this will help you get used to the notes at home. A keyboard doesn’t need to be big or expensive, so it’s a fantastic way of getting started.
Tips for Learning Piano on a Keyboard
You now know you can learn piano on a keyboard. While it’s more than doable, there are some tips to help you learn in a way where your skills will transfer seamlessly to the piano. Here are some of them:
Use Weighted Keys
If you want the keyboard to mimic the piano, choose one with weighted keys. Learning on a keyboard with keys that are too light can make it difficult to transition, as you’ll find you need to put more effort into pushing down when you try playing the same song on a piano. This can feel strange and even impact how you play.
Don’t Get a Small Keyboard
While you likely want to buy a keyboard because it’s more convenient than a piano, that doesn’t mean you should go too small. A keyboard that’s too small won’t be fit for purpose, as it won’t mimic a piano enough. Instead, choose one that has a full set of keys and takes up a bit more space, as you’ll be able to transfer your skills to a piano more easily in the future.
Look at the Number of Keys
One of the starkest differences between a keyboard and a piano is the number of keys – pianos have 88 keys, but keyboards may have fewer. Choose a keyboard with the most keys to get it as close to a piano as possible. For example, ignore the keyboards that only have 25, 31, or 49 keys, instead opting for one that has at least 70.
Test Your Skills on a Piano from Time to Time
Playing the piano, whether on a keyboard or a real piano, is a beautiful experience and can even improve mental health, especially when you can complete a song. To ensure you can play on a real piano, try one out from time to time. Perhaps you have a friend who has a piano at home who will let you practice, or maybe there’s a music store with a grand piano where you can test the keys. Even if you don’t have a piano at home, you are sure to be able to try one out in the world from time to time.
