I'm going to take piano lessons, but will it be harder to learn if i only practice on a keyboard?

Question

i wanna learn to play the piano but it's WAY to expensive to actually buy one, so i have to get a keyboard with features similar to an acoustic piano such as weighted keys and such so i can practice at home.... but i'm wondering if there's any point in taking piano lessons when i can just buy a keyboard with lessons in it?? is it better to learn to play the piano and move on to keyboard because i'm pretty sure i'm going to b stuck wit a keyboard after i stop taking lessons? and should i stop taking lessons once i learn all of the basics? beacuse i'm one of those people who get's dedicated to something and will practice with no complaints at all... and also how long will it take to learn the basics and is there anything else that i should know ?

Answer 1

For the first year it is fine to use a keyboard, but you will definitely need piano lessons. Group lessons are inexpensive and my work charges $10 dollars for an hour lesson. There are disadvantages to group lessons, but you will learn the basics and lessons are fun. You can learn a lot with 2 years of study but to be really proficient you'll need at least 7 years of study (private lessons). If you are serious about learning the piano you will need to invest in one after about a year because that is when you start learning proper technique and pedal usage. You can rent a piano or buy a used one for less expense.

Answer 2

It really depends on what your goals are. Before you make your purchase, consider how good you want to get and what you want to be able to play.

If you want to play Beethoven Piano Concertos, invest in the best piano you can buy and take lessons. Lessons on a keyboard can teach you notes and rhythm, but cannot help with your technique. It is always easier to acquire good technique in the first place than to correct bad technique once you have practiced it in. Bad technique can work for a particular situation, but will become limiting as your pieces become more difficult.

If you are going to buy a piano and cost is an important consideration, used can be a good way to go. However, with old pianos, it is worthwhile paying a tuner to check it out before buying. A piano that isn't sound is good firewood or a very expensive project.

For many adults looking to learn to play the piano for recreation, a high quality keyboard is fine. I find that weighted keys are very helpful. For most people, keys that aren't weighted don't give you enough tactile feedback to allow you play accurately without looking at your hands. Another good feature to have are touch sensitive keys (notes are louder or softer depending on how you strike the key). A pedal is also a good feature to have.

If your goals are recreational, group lessons are probably the best compromise for learning the basics. You get some of the advantages of private lessons at a lower cost.

There is nothing really wrong with programs that teach piano. The problem is that most people using them develop technique that limits them beyond a certain point. But if you're doing this mainly for your own recreation, this is a fine way to go.

Answer 3

It's faster to play by sound, but it's better to learn how to actually read music, because it will make it easier long term. And the more you know, the better. it's never to late to do anything, especially learn. If it's close to your heart and you want to do it, then why not? I suggest that you do professional lessons, and the teacher won't think you're stupid because you dont know how to music, they're used to it. They probably teach many people everyday. And just because other people have started piano when they weer younger, doesn't mean you should let that hold ou back. If you don't do it, you may think about it in a years time and still really want to do it, and by then you'll know quite a bit. And, a music teacher is a music teacher for a reson. They must be good, which means they could easily teach you. It's possible for anyone to learn. Some people start learning when they're 60. Give it a go, you'vw got nothing to lose :D

Answer 4

I've been playing piano most of my life. I'd say depending on your ability and willingness to practice you could probably become pretty good in 3 to 5 years. The advantage of private lessons is in the one on one personalized instruction. A program can't help you with tone or finger position. It also can't assess your strengths and weaknesses and help you accordingly. As far as a keyboard goes, if you can get a full-sized one with weighted full-sized keys, or at least one with full-sized keys, you should have a problem transitioning to an actual piano. If you know anyone who owns a piano, you might be able to talk them into letting you practice there sometimes. That way you could practice on your keyboard and the real thing. Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm no pianist, but I've known plenty of guitarists who learned on the most cheapest of instruments having a fretboard and six strings.

I would think that a keyboard, having the 88 keys, would be advantageous for you to start out. The only things missing would be the foot pedals. Pianos aren't cheap and not every pianist can afford one, so go for the keyboard in the interim and learn all you can. When you sit before a real piano everything should click into place.

So, pianists out there--am I right in this advice?

Answer 6

My main issue while taking lessons but only being able to practice on the keyboard was when I needed to use the pedal. My keyboard doesn't have one, and I didn't want to buy one at that time. The sound is different, but you can overcome the timing thing (when to pedal, when to let up) while using a keyboard by having something under your foot and pressing it like a pedal - a small pillow works well for me...or a sewing machine pedal.

For the basic concept of playing, unless you need the extra octaves right away, you should be fine on a keyboard.

Good luck!

Answer 7

You can learn to play basic piano music on any keyboard instrument but to learn the dynamics, sustain and other features of piano, you need to play one.

I am a self-taught pianist and I think lessons are only necessary if you're looking to play exactly like someone. If you want to play classical, you'll learn from a classical piano instructor. If you want to learn jazz, you look for a jazz pianist. However, piano is not so complicated that you can't do it without a teacher. Just listen and imitate and then create.

Answer 8

The main difference between a keyboard other than the fact that there are more octaves, is the feeling of weight and resistance when you strike the keys. Keyboards, unless they are fairly expensive, have a spongy feeling. But I believe that if you are serious in your practice, that should not be a serious problem.

My first guitar was pretty dinky,with a narrow small neck. But learning to play the chords on that cramped neck gave me real focus... and made me really appreciate the first good guitar I ever got.

Answer 9

Keyboards simply can not duplicate the touch of a real piano, you must play and practise on the real thing to the the dymaics and touch right. The damper pedal on a keyboard also is nothing like the real thing. Having lessons helps because your teacher can pick out your bad habits and teach you how to play properly, bad habits are hard to undo once you get used to doing it wrong.

Answer 10

As a beginner, a keyboard will be fine. If you can buy a full 88 key keyboard, that's even better, and you can become really good, if you try.