I have just begun studying Piano and I want to know if I can improve my playing by using only a synthesizer?
Posted on March 1st, 2010 by admin
I an planning to do so because I don’t have enough money to buy an upright piano. I have also another question about the Middle C, is it always in the middle of the keyboard whether we’re speaking about a synthesizer or a real piano ?
Thank you very much for helping me, I am looking forward to reading your answers.
A decent upright piano is a great investment if you can’t afford a grand. You can also rent upright pianos. If all those options are unrealistic, then you can go ahead and buy an electronic keyboard, BUT:
-Make sure it has weighted keys. In other words, it should have "full" resistant keys rather than just a thin key that goes down really easily. Pressing the key should feel like pressing a regular piano’s key. I think you know what I mean by this; it’s hard to describe in words.
-Make sure it has all 88 keys. The low-end keyboards leave out a couple octaves at the extreme low and high ranges.
-Make sure it has pedals, obviously!
If all those basic requirements are satisfied, then opt for the one with the more realistic piano sound.
P.S. You will most likely NOT find a GOOD electronic keyboard at a Radio Shack or Walmart. Look on the internet or a good music shop in your area.
To answer your other question, middle C is a specific note, 261.63 Hz. It gets the name "middle" from the fact that it is in the middle of the piano. A trumpet, for example, can hit that note(261.63 Hz) but it is not in the "middle" of the trumpet’s range, so to speak. Since that note(261.63 Hz) generally(always) falls in the middle of the piano’s range, it has the name "middle c." So yes, it will be in the middle.
March 1st, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Yes, it will help if you can’t get to a piano. Beats nothing.
Middle C is always in the same place on any keyboard. Some keyboards have fewer octaves than others but, it is usually near the center, more right than center.
Cheers!
edit: Nothing beats learning the touch of a piano, try a conservatory if ones around.
References :
March 1st, 2010 at 8:40 pm
A decent upright piano is a great investment if you can’t afford a grand. You can also rent upright pianos. If all those options are unrealistic, then you can go ahead and buy an electronic keyboard, BUT:
-Make sure it has weighted keys. In other words, it should have "full" resistant keys rather than just a thin key that goes down really easily. Pressing the key should feel like pressing a regular piano’s key. I think you know what I mean by this; it’s hard to describe in words.
-Make sure it has all 88 keys. The low-end keyboards leave out a couple octaves at the extreme low and high ranges.
-Make sure it has pedals, obviously!
If all those basic requirements are satisfied, then opt for the one with the more realistic piano sound.
P.S. You will most likely NOT find a GOOD electronic keyboard at a Radio Shack or Walmart. Look on the internet or a good music shop in your area.
To answer your other question, middle C is a specific note, 261.63 Hz. It gets the name "middle" from the fact that it is in the middle of the piano. A trumpet, for example, can hit that note(261.63 Hz) but it is not in the "middle" of the trumpet’s range, so to speak. Since that note(261.63 Hz) generally(always) falls in the middle of the piano’s range, it has the name "middle c." So yes, it will be in the middle.
References :
March 1st, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Phil is giving some good advice. I will add to look for a keyboard that is touch sensitive meaning if you play the key softly, it will sound quiet, and if you play the key more forceful the sound will be louder.
I personally do not like electronic keyboards, I feel I cannot play serious music on them. If you want to fool around on the keys and do not plan on giving any concerts with the New York Phil. then a keyboard may suite you needs, however if you are serious about learning piano, buy a piano.
References :