What Piano Students CANNOT Practice or Learn on a Portable Keyboard
- The foundation of proper piano technique
- Posture & Seating position and optimal hand/arm alignment
- Musical expression and sensitivity
- Learning how to produce a beautiful tone
- The concept of weight using hands, arms and shoulders
- Arm drops and cushioning with the wrists
- Approach and release of chords
- Legato, staccato and portato touch
- Finger dexterity and evenness of touch
- Finger muscle development and large muscle motions
- Finger, hand and arm strength to develop dexterity, endurance and stamina
- Balance between melody and accompaniment using finger pressure
- Dynamics of sound
- Phrasing and voicing
- Pedaling: una corda (soft), sostenuto (bass sustain), & damper (sustain)
- Effective practice habits
- Performance confidence and competence
A digital piano or a high quality used piano is the ideal alternative to a portable keyboard or the investment of a small fortune in new acoustic piano. We offer rent-to-purchase plans on these pianos with 100% of the first 6 months applying toward the purchase of any piano we sell.
Studies show that children who practice on portable keyboards do not progress and develop as fast as those students who practice on acoustic or high quality digital pianos. Because practice is the foundation to the development of any skill, it is important that we equip our children for success by providing them with a quality instrument for learning. The end depends on the beginning. Playing the piano should be fun and exciting…creative and expressive, giving the player feelings of musical joy and deep satisfaction. It’s difficult to become excited about playing an inadequate instrument. Having a quality piano at home for practice will help your child develop to their full potential and enjoy a much richer musical experience.
“I can think of no better way to make a child quit piano lessons than by having him/her practice on an old and out of tune, poor quality upright piano or portable keyboard.”
– Josh Harper, piano tuner and pianist
