01. Introduction to the Piano and Keyboard

Hi there! Are you ready to start learning the piano or keyboard? That’s awesome!

Maybe you’ve seen someone play and wondered how they make such beautiful music. Or perhaps you dream of playing your favorite songs yourself.

Well, starting a new instrument can feel exciting, but also a little scary. Don’t worry, though – this piano tutorial series will help you in every step of the way.

Whether you have a keyboard or a big piano sitting in your living room or a small portable keyboard in your bedroom, this guide will help you get started.

Introduction to the Piano and Keyboard

In this first lesson of “Introduction to the Piano and Keyboard“, we’ll talk about a few important things: the differences between a piano and a keyboard, the parts of the instrument, and how to choose the right one for you.

Don’t feel like you have to know everything right away. Take your time, and remember that learning music is a journey. Let’s begin!

What Is a Piano vs. a Keyboard?

Introduction to the Piano and Keyboard — Acoustic Piano and Electronic Musical Keyboard

If you’re new to music, you might wonder: What’s the difference between a piano and a keyboard?

They look similar, but they have some key differences.

Piano

A piano is a large, traditional instrument.

When you press a key on a piano, a small hammer inside hits a string, and this creates the sound.

Pianos come in two main types:

Upright Piano: This is a tall, vertical piano. It doesn’t take up as much space as the larger kind and is great for homes.
Grand Piano: This is the big, fancy kind you see in concerts. It takes up a lot of space and costs a lot of money!

Pianos are heavy and can’t be moved easily.

They also need to be tuned regularly to keep the sound perfect.

However, many people love the rich, beautiful sound of a real piano.

Keyboard

A keyboard is a modern, digital instrument. It doesn’t have strings inside. Instead, it uses technology to create sound.

Keyboards are much smaller and lighter than pianos. You can carry them around, and they don’t need tuning.

Keyboards have some cool extra features. For example:

They can play different sounds, like a guitar or drums.
Some keyboards have built-in rhythms to help you practice.
You can plug in headphones so you don’t disturb anyone while practicing.

Keyboards are also much cheaper than pianos, which makes them a great choice for beginners.

Piano vs. Keyboard: Which Is Better?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. It depends on you!

If you want a traditional sound and have space in your home, a piano is a wonderful choice.

But if you’re just starting out, or if you need something affordable and easy to move, a keyboard is perfect.

The good news? You can learn the basics of playing on either one.

The skills you gain on a keyboard will also work on a piano, and vice versa.

Parts of the Instrument

Now that you know the difference between a piano and a keyboard, let’s take a closer look at their parts.

Whether you have a piano or a keyboard, the basic layout is the same.

The Keys

The keys are the most important part of both the piano and the keyboard. This is where you’ll play all your music.

Let’s break it down:

White Keys: These are the main keys. They make up most of the keyboard.
Black Keys: These are smaller and come in groups of twos and threes. They help you play higher or lower notes.

The keys are arranged in a pattern that repeats across the instrument.

Once you learn the pattern, it becomes much easier to find your way around the keyboard!

On a Piano

A piano has a few extra parts:

Pedals: Pianos usually have three pedals at the bottom. These change the sound of the piano. For example, the right pedal (called the sustain pedal) makes the notes last longer.
Body: The body of the piano is big and wooden. This is what gives the piano its beautiful, natural sound.

On a Keyboard

Keyboards don’t have as many parts as pianos, but they often have extra features:

Control Panel: This is where you can turn the keyboard on and off, change the volume, and select different sounds.
Power Source: Most keyboards need electricity to work. You can plug them into the wall or use batteries.
Headphone Jack: Many keyboards let you plug in headphones, so you can practice quietly.

Both pianos and keyboards are amazing instruments.

Once you get familiar with the parts, you’ll feel more confident sitting down to play!

How to Choose Your Instrument

If you don’t already have a piano or keyboard, you might be wondering how to choose one.

Don’t worry – Here are a few tips to help you pick the right instrument for you.

1. Think About Your Space

Do you have a lot of room in your home? If so, you can consider getting a piano.
If you don’t have much space, a keyboard is a better choice. It’s small and can fit almost anywhere.

2. Think About Your Budget

Pianos can be expensive, especially brand-new ones. However, you can look for used pianos, which are often cheaper.
Keyboards are usually much more affordable. You can find a good beginner keyboard without spending a lot of money.

3. How Many Keys Do You Need?

A full piano has 88 keys. Some keyboards also have 88 keys, but many beginner keyboards have 61 keys or fewer.
If you’re just starting out, 61 keys keybaords like Casio Casio CT-S200 Casiotone are enough to learn the basics.
If you want to play more advanced music later, consider a keyboard with 88 keys.

4. Weighted Keys vs. Non-Weighted Keys

On a piano, the keys feel heavy because of the internal mechanics. This is called “weighted keys.”
Some keyboards try to copy this feeling by using “weighted keys” or “semi-weighted keys.”
If possible, choose a keyboard with weighted keys. It will feel more like a real piano and help you develop good technique.

5. Features to Look For in a Keyboard

If you’re buying a keyboard, here are some helpful features to look for:

Touch Sensitivity: This means the harder you press the keys, the louder the sound. It’s an important feature for learning dynamics (soft and loud playing).
Built-In Metronome: A metronome helps you keep a steady beat while practicing.
Headphone Jack: This is great if you want to practice without disturbing others.

6. Try Before You Buy

If you can, visit a music store and try out different pianos and keyboards. Feel the keys and listen to the sound. Pick one that feels comfortable and sounds good to you.

7. Start Simple

As a beginner, you don’t need a fancy instrument. Start with something simple and affordable. You can always upgrade later as you improve.

The Piano vs Keyboard – Brief History

The piano, invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy in the early 1700s, quickly became a favorite among musicians for its expressive range and dynamic capabilities.

It evolved from earlier keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord.

Its ability to produce both soft and loud sounds (hence its name “pianoforte”) revolutionized music composition and performance.

The Electronic Musical Keyboard

In contrast, the electronic musical keyboard is a relatively modern marvel.

The first electronic keyboards emerged in the mid-20th century, with significant advancements in the 1980s.

These instruments use digital technology to replicate the sounds of traditional pianos and other instruments, offering a wide range of tones and effects.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a piano and a keyboard is an exciting first step in your musical journey. Both are wonderful instruments, and you can learn so much from either one.

If you already have an instrument, that’s great—just start practicing! If you’re still deciding, take your time and choose the one that fits your space, budget, and goals.

Remember: It doesn’t matter if you’re playing on a grand piano or a small keyboard. What matters is that you’re making music and having fun.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics about the piano and keyboard, their differences, and how to choose between them, you’re ready to start playing!

In our next lesson, we’ll learn how to sit at the piano and place your hands on the keys. Good posture and hand positioning will help you play comfortably and happily. See you in the next lesson!

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Piano Tutorial – 02

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Piano Notes for Songs

Song List

Easy Piano Songs For Beginners

Easy Piano Notes