I only have a keyboard at home (a Yamaha with 33 keys). I really, really want to learn the piano. I already learn the flute and I sing. My parents have agreed to let me have lessons for my 14th birthday which is in December (isn’t that an amazing present?)
I’d be able to have access to a piano for 30mins max per day (school has practice rooms with upright pianos in which I could probably use) or maybe even more, as my grandparents have a piano and would probably be more than happy to let me use it whenever I want. They live a 20 minute walk away.
Most of the practice would be on my little keyboard at home though. Is this ok? I would try and get to a proper piano as much as possible. I know there’s a lot of difference with the key weight and you need pedals, plus there aren’t enough keys on a keyboard. I could probably talk my parents into getting a piano in about 3 years if I practice everyday. But until then, will a keyboard and using other pianos be ok?
Yes it’s an amazing present, the best one my parents ever gave me.
Yes you can but the piano is a totally different experience to the keyboard. With the piano you learn a lot more about touch. Even though many keyboards are touch sensitive they are not as responsive as a piano. Also you don’t get the full effect of stacatto or sustain for instance on a keyboard.
I also find with classical pieces you may need to alter the key up/down an octave or compromise and adjust notes.
Practise on your keyboard as much as you can but make that effort to walk to your grandparents. You’ll come on leaps and bounds and the pleasure you’ll give them listening to you practice is a gift to them, (unless you’re really bad – lol) . My Mum used to ring my auntie up whilst I was practising so she could listen too.
I live away from home now and only have a keyboard although it’s a very nice one. Whenever i go to Mum and Dad’s I’m straight on the piano, (it’s a mini Eavestaff which is a beautiful piano) and I can feel the hairs stand up on the back of my neck which I just don’t get from a keyboard.