Considering a Keyboard? A Guide for Parents of Young Pianists (Part 1 of 2) - Mozart’s Monthly Memo - Volume 45
November 3, 2024
Feature Article - Considering a Keyboard? A Guide for Parents of Young Pianists
Student Hall of Fame
Practice Tip
Parents Ask Pam - We have an older daughter who is interested in doing in-home piano lessons (we have a piano). Do you offer this?
Feature Article - Considering a Keyboard? A Guide for Parents of Young Pianists (Part 1 of 2)
By Pamela Cornell, Director
This is an updated version of a previous article.
Lately, I’ve received several questions from parents about purchasing a keyboard or piano. This two-part series is here to help you make the right choice for your young musician. Today, we’ll focus on choosing a keyboard, while next month, we’ll dive into purchasing a traditional piano. Of course, feel free to reach out any time with specific questions!
Many parents recognize the incredible benefits of music education in today’s competitive academic environment, yet purchasing a traditional piano may not always be feasible. Keyboards can be an excellent alternative to a piano, offering a range of benefits that make them ideal for many families.
Why Choose a Keyboard?
Keyboards offer several advantages over traditional pianos:
Affordability: Keyboards are generally more budget-friendly, ranging from $200 to $2000 new, and even less for used models.
Maintenance-Free: Unlike pianos, keyboards don’t require regular tuning, which can cost about $150 every 4-6 months.
Portability: Keyboards are lightweight and easy to move, while pianos are heavy and difficult to transport.
Versatile Sound Options: Keyboards often have a variety of instrument sounds, giving young musicians fun options beyond a single piano tone.
Technology-Friendly: Many keyboards can connect to a computer, making it easy to record music, write compositions, and even amplify sound.
Practice Features: Keyboards often include useful tools like headphone compatibility, built-in metronomes, and recording options—features that can encourage longer, more engaged practice.
For families seeking an affordable, flexible way to introduce music into their child’s life, a keyboard can be an ideal solution. However, it’s important to choose the right one, as some keyboards can hinder, rather than help, a child’s musical development.
Three Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Keyboard
To provide your child with a positive, lasting foundation in music, consider these three essentials when selecting a keyboard.
1. Full-Size Keys
A keyboard with full-size keys is crucial for developing accurate technique. Miniature keyboards, though tempting for their small size, can lead to challenges down the road. Learning piano on a mini keyboard is similar to practicing basketball on a five-foot hoop—it sets up unrealistic expectations and requires re-learning when transitioning to a full-size instrument. Opt for full-size keys from the start to ensure your child’s skills translate smoothly to an acoustic piano.
2. Weighted or Touch-Sensitive Keys
Controlling tone, depth, and volume is a skill every pianist refines over time, and it’s essential for making music truly expressive. A touch-sensitive or weighted keyboard better replicates the feel of an acoustic piano and helps budding pianists develop this essential technique. Although even the best keyboards can’t fully capture the feel of a traditional piano, these features give students a solid start. Just as acoustic pianos differ in tone and touch, so too do keyboards; finding one with the right feel will help your child grow as a musician.
3. 88 Keys for Familiarity with Piano Layout
Acclimating to an 88-key layout is crucial if your child intends to progress in music. Many smaller keyboards lack the full 88 keys found on a piano, which can limit practice and lead to confusion. I know of a music major who, during a college proficiency test, accidentally played her piece an octave too high—simply because she had practiced on a keyboard without all 88 keys! Starting with a full-size keyboard can help prevent these issues and familiarize students with the piano’s layout.
Additional Factors to Consider
There are other elements that may influence your choice based on your lifestyle and budget:
Portability: A more portable keyboard may suit a family on the go or one with limited space.
Features: Midi compatibility, additional instrument sounds, and other features may be important if you’re looking for versatility.
Budget and Durability: Depending on the age and dedication of your child, you may want a higher-quality model or an entry-level option for beginners.
Although keyboards don’t increase in value over time, the skills your child gains from practice will continue to grow—a priceless investment in their musical journey!
At Move Over Mozart, we use Yamaha PSRE-300 series keyboards. These 61-key models are slightly touch-sensitive and extremely portable, offering quality sound at a budget-friendly price. For most of our beginning students, they’re a perfect fit. However, depending on your child’s age and experience level, they may outgrow this model within 6 months to two years. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic keyboards out there to explore.
If you’re ready to make a purchase or want further guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help you find the best instrument for your child’s musical journey.
Student Hall Of Fame
Our students are making great progress! These students have accomplished new goals this last month.
Welcome New Students! We are glad to have you join us! Calvin H, Camila R, Colin V, Nolan S, Penelope R, Phoebe B, Reese T, Simone C, and Zoya R.
Played piano EVERY DAY for an entire year! - Jordan P!
100-Day - Play the piano for 100 days in a row - Arianne G.* (*indicates first time meeting this challenge!)
5X5 - play the piano for 5 minutes, 5 days in a week, for 5 weeks in a row - Ally S, Arianne G, Jordan P, & Samuel S. (* indicates first time meeting this challenge!)
Advanced to the next Music Level - Aadvitha M, Aaradhya M, Cameron C, Logan G & Lucas V.
Completed their piano lesson book - Amira S, Arianne G. & Ira W.
Listening - Listen to an hour of classical music every week for 4 weeks in a row - Louie C.
Completed an individual challenge given by their teacher - Aaradhya M. & Isabella N.
Practice Tip
When starting a new piece, there is a lot to look at: notes, fingering, rhythm, and dynamics are just a few. Ideally, you want to start with everything so you don’t learn something wrong, but it is always good to break it down into smaller sections if possible. To isolate the rhythm, first clap and count the notes. Then tap the rhythm with the correct hand on the table or a closed piano. You could also tap with the correct finger before adding the actual keys to be played.
Upcoming MOM Events
Want to see all upcoming events? Check out our calendar. It includes when the next Crescendo Kids class begins, school closure dates, piano parties, and recital dates.
Holiday Recitals - Watch your emails for dates and time scheduled for your child.
FREE Online Piano Party! Students share their own music as well as participate in musical games, creating music and learning some music history. Each party is a little different with new lessons and a special guest instrument. Come, meet our piano teachers, play some music, and have fun! All ages and musical levels are welcome. Parties are available to non-students, former students as well as current students. Click the link to sign up. Piano Party Sign Up
Sunday, January 5, 2025, 11:00 - 11:45, ages 3 - 12 years
Free Online Piano Lesson - Want to know how your child would do with online piano lessons? Have questions about our online piano class program? Want a tour of our practicing app? Click the link to schedule your free piano demo with Miss Pam. https://moveovermozart.opus1.io/w/freelesson
Crescendo Kids CLASSES -
North Kirkland Community Center - Tuesdays or Thursdays - visit secure.rec1.com/WA/city-of-kirkland/catalog
Fall: Registration is closed
Tuesdays, September 10 - December 10
Thursdays, September 12 - December 12 (no class Oct. 31 & Nov. 28)
Winter: Registration is now
Tuesdays, January 14 - April 1 (no class Feb. 18)
Thursdays, January 16 - April 3 (no class Feb. 13)
Spring: Registration will be announced
Tuesdays, April 8 - June 17 (no class Apr. 12)
Thursdays, April 10 - June 12 (no class Apr. 17 & Jun 19)
Spartan Recreation Center in Shoreline - Mondays - visit shorelinewa.gov/registernow
Fall: Registration is closed
Mondays, September 9 - December 9
Winter: Registration begins December 17 for Shoreline residents, December 19, for Lake Forest Park residents, and December 20 for everyone.
Mondays, January 13 - March 31 (no class Jan. 20 & Feb. 17)
Spring: Registration begins December 17 for Shoreline residents, December 19, for Lake Forest Park residents, and December 20 for everyone.
Mondays, April 7 - June 16 (no class Apr. 21 & May 26)
30 - Minute Private Online Piano Lessons - Our online teachers are amazing private instructors. Continue your child’s musical education, or your own, with Move Over Mozart. Click here for more information. Private Lessons
Crescendo Kids Online can begin at any time. Our piano classes are fun and easy to do! Perfect for beginning students ages 3 1/2 to 12 years old. Students are put into one of four music levels, depending on their age and musical ability. You may schedule as many mini-lessons each week as needed. Click the link to schedule your demo and get started.
Crescendo Kids Online Sign Up
Pre-Reading - Ages 3 - 5 years, or students not yet reading,
We use a color-coded method for the students to match their five fingers to five keys on the piano. New songs using only those 5 notes are given each week.
Primary - Ages 5 -7 years or older and brand new to music,
This group is for the very basics of piano playing. Students learn to play simple rhythms, correct hand position, and the names of the white keys on the piano.
Beginning Elementary - Ages 7-12 years or younger and reading notes,
This is for students just starting to read notes on the staff. Students are taught how the staff relates to the piano and how to translate the notes to making music. Also, having the students memorize a few key notes on the staff will help greatly with their ability to read music.
Advanced Elementary - Ages 7 - 12 years with previous piano lessons
This group already reads notes on the staff and can immediately identify many of the notes by name. They will learn more advanced technique and music theory beyond the initial basics of learning to play.
Parents Ask Pam
Have a question for Miss Pam? You can email, text message, or message on Facebook your questions. She will respond immediately to you, and your question might be featured in future newsletters.
Q: We have an older daughter who is interested in doing in-home piano lessons (we have a piano). Do you offer this?
A: We have two great online programs for those wanting to learn to play the piano. Crescendo Kids is specifically designed for beginning students under age 12. It is a great way to get started with online lessons and get into the habit of daily practice. For older beginners we offer traditional, online, 30-minute lessons. This is ideal for teen-agers, adults or younger students already playing the piano daily. The best way to get started is to schedule your free lesson with Miss Pam. This will help you see how your child would do with online lessons and give you the opportunity to ask any other questions you may have. If it seems like a good fit, we can help you get started. If not, there is no obligation. Click the link to schedule your Free Lesson.
https://moveovermozart.opus1.io/w/freelesson
Your Comments And Questions
We want to hear from you! What questions do you have? What do you like best about this memo? How has our online lessons benefitted your child? Please leave your questions and comments below or email Pam directly at misspam@moveovermozart.net