Playing the Piano or the Keyboard: Understanding the Differences and Choices

Congratulations, you've started your journey in the world of music by learning to play the piano or a keyboard. One common question many beginners ask is, 'If you play the piano with a keyboard, are you playing the piano or the keyboard?' This article will explore the nuances of these instruments and shed some light on the terminology, benefits, and choices involved in both.

The Piano and Keyboard: Similarities and Differences

Technically, a keyboard can be considered a form of digital piano. When you play a keyboard, you are essentially playing a digital piano, albeit one that reproduces the sound and feel of real pianos through digital technology. This means that playing the keyboard and playing the piano are fundamentally the same activity, both requiring a good understanding of music theory, tuning, and performance techniques.

Can You Play Both? Absolutely!

Whether you own a piano, a keyboard, or both, you can play the piano or the keyboard. Since a keyboard can simulate the sound and feel of a piano, you can use it to practice and perform compositions. Many pianists use keyboards as a portable and convenient alternative to a traditional piano, especially when recording or producing music.

Considerations and Benefits

Choosing whether to play the piano or the keyboard depends on various factors:

Sound and Feel: While a keyboard can simulate the sound of a piano, it may not replicate the full tonal range and touch sensitivity of a grand piano. If you want a true piano experience with an acoustic instrument, you might prefer to play a real piano.

Portability: Keyboards, especially portable models, offer more mobility than pianos. They are ideal for practicing at home or on the go. If you have limited space or need to take your instrument with you, a keyboard is a great choice.

Music Production: For those who wish to enter the world of music production, MIDI keyboards are powerful tools. They can be used to program drums, basslines, and basic chords. They are also versatile and can be used to map out voicings from other instruments like guitars.

Convenience: If you lack the time or resources to regularly practice on a real piano, a keyboard can still help you make significant progress in your playing. Online piano courses, such as those available at Your Playlist, offer simple, easy, and powerful ways to learn piano at your convenience and at your own pace.

My Personal Experience and Choices

As a musician, my experience tells me that every instrument has its unique strengths. My primary instrument is actually a guitar. I decided not to practice keyboards frequently because I prefer the feeling and sound of my guitar. However, when I engage in music production, I use a MIDI keyboard workstation to program drums and basslines, mapping out basic chords and voicings from my guitar voicings.

Conclusion

Whether you play the piano or the keyboard, it's important to remember that both are valuable instruments in the realm of music. The choice between them should be made based on your individual needs, preferences, and goals. If you're serious about honing your skills and achieving your musical dreams, consider exploring both options and see which one best suits your journey.

For those who want to learn piano without the commitment of daily practice, online courses and tutorials can be a great starting point. With the right tools and resources, you can achieve your goal of playing beautiful music, whether it's on a piano or a keyboard.