Use a Keyboard for Beginner Piano Lessons?

September 20, 2021 Leslie Young

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Many parents ask if a keyboard is acceptable to use for beginner piano lessons. My answer would be: Yes – if the keys are the same size as those of a piano then a keyboard can be the initial instrument. The width of each key should be equal to or very close to the 7/8th inch standard piano key width. This will allow for a smooth transition to a piano in the future. Weighted or semi-weighted keys would be preferable, as they would feel most like those of a piano.

I would not recommend a miniature keyboard, as the keyboard transition would not be similar enough. Weighted or semi-weighted keys would be preferable, as they would feel most like those of a piano.

How many keys? A standard is 61 keys, and this is plenty long enough for a student, but fewer keys are also acceptable for beginner piano lessons.

A sustain pedal attachment would be advisable since the pedal usage is introduced in Level 4 of the six-year-old to adult series. The pedal attachment usually comes with the keyboard, as well as the AC adapter cord, but the buyer should determine if it is to be ordered separately. For beginner piano lessons, no pedal is used.

The option of using a headphone with an electric keyboard is great, especially if the keyboard is used in a room close to family entertainment. It also adds privacy if the player doesn’t want an audience.

A bench or chair (totally horizontal and not angled/sloped in any way) is necessary. The line of the keyboard and the seat need to be parallel. I don’t recommend chairs as they are more difficult to position correctly. For example, consider how odd it would feel if the student was using a traditional folding chair where the seat slopes up. It creates a tension in the body to maintain a parallel position relative to the keyboard, which is not only uncomfortable but a major distraction.

What about all those extra instrument sounds that are available on most keyboards? They can be a motivator or a distraction – depending on the player. Overall, I think multiple instrument sound choices are a positive, but a young student will probably require supervision when practicing so it doesn’t become a time to just play around with the sounds.

Consider the budget as well. A previously-owned piano MAY be less expensive than a higher-end keyboard. And don’t forget the esthetics of your decor; do you want to include a traditional piano in your home or is a keyboard in a bedroom just fine. There are multiple reasons that are positive for using a keyboard with beginner piano lessons, but what works in one case may not work for your situation.

Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning student

She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.”

Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.

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