Many people have expressed the desire to learn to play the piano, or at least have heard about the benefit of learning it. We have compiled the following Q&A to help you decide if the piano is the right instrument for you.
Why is the piano called the “king of all instruments”?
The piano is one of the largest instruments. It has 88 keys, all using a touch-sensitive hammer mechanism to create a wide range of dynamics and expressions. The piano is essentially an orchestra under your fingers.
Why is piano skills the foundation for other instruments?
The piano is the best instrument for any student to start with because the piano lays the basic foundation of music. If you are skilled at the piano, it is significantly easier to learn other instruments. In fact, all music majors in college must pass courses in piano before they can graduate. Piano lessons can lead to a heightened interest in other instruments and musical genres. Not to mention the benefit of hand coordination and a deeper understanding of music theory. We highly recommend that students begin their musical studies with the piano.
What age can a child start piano?
Piano lessons for children can start as young as age of 3. Although the child might not be able to comprehend music theory thoroughly, the training of the ability to control their 10 fingers individually will contribute significantly to their brain development. The sense of pitch will be rooted in their memory. Children who start music early are often found to be more musical and comfortable when music is around.
I am an adult with no music experience, is it too late for piano lessons?
It is never too late to learn to play the piano, and we are more than happy to help you on your journey. We find more and more adults enrolling every day. Whether it is for relaxation, personal enjoyment, or a specific goal in mind, learning piano is a rewarding experience for students of all ages. We employ the best piano teachers in the area to ensure that learning is fun, active, and hassle-free.
I only have a small electric keyboard. Is this okay?
Learning to play on an electric keyboard is perfectly fine for beginning students. Initially, you don’t use all the keys, and children are generally too short to reach the pedals to start. As you progress, you will want to select an acoustic piano or full-size electric keyboard, preferably with “weighted keys” to better emulate the feel of an acoustic piano. Don’t hesitate to take piano lessons because of the cost of the instrument. There are ways to get around it, and you can always find a used piano at a reasonable cost. You can also rent a keyboard from us!
Unlike a traditional acoustic piano, an electronic keyboard is always in tune and are highly portable. Students are more likely to practice if they can do so in any room of the home. If you can’t acquire an acoustic piano, don’t feel bad about being stuck with an electric keyboard. Depending upon the type of music you wish to play, an electric keyboard might be more suited for its versatility.
Does it mean I don’t need to invest in a piano?
The keyboard is the most common due to its lightweight and other fun functions, such as sound library, metronome, and drum beats. It is convenient for people with limited space, or performers who need to carry their own instruments around. With all the new technologies added, some keyboards can be as expensive as a real piano. So what’s the catch? The keyboard doesn’t have the hammer mechanism that is the building blocks of a real piano. As a result, the “touch” that is known to be a crucial part of playing the instrument is missing. Real piano keys can train finger muscles of endurance and proper techniques, while most keyboards are not touch-sensitive, thus hindering the development of skills essential for piano playing at a higher level. Nevertheless, it is totally an economic option to start with a keyboard, but once you are committed to learning the instrument, we recommend that you invest in a real piano such as the upright for home practices.
