Keyboard player wanted

As with many other instruments, when it come to learning the keyboard: the earlier, the better!

With the keyboard, however, there is one special feature to consider—especially when starting as a child, it is worth learning to play the classical piano first and then switching to a keyboard. In this way, important basics are memorized early on and children are not overwhelmed with the technical complexity of a keyboard.

Switching to the keyboard is then also easier, because keystrokes and the like are a little easier. Conversely, playing the heavy keys and pedals of an upright or grand piano is often more tedious for learners who are only accustomed to the keyboard. That being said, there is actually no age that is too young for keyboard instruments.

Nevertheless, the following applies: Until the fine motor skills are fully developed and the child understands that they are learning an instrument, the first steps on the instrument are more of a gimmick.

An age between four and six years is often mentioned as the official 'learning age.' By the way, there is a great advantage when learning the piano: Whether you’re young or old, a pressed piano key produces a clear tone, so it can't really sound wrong or crooked. This isn’t the case with string or wind instruments, which can be a bit tiring for the ears at the beginning ;)

A keyboard is not just a keyboard. There are numerous different variants, from a beginner's keyboard to a stage keyboard to an entertainer's keyboard. There are also special home keyboards for practicing, in addition to synthesizer keyboards, master keyboards with integrated MIDI controllers, and organ keyboards.

Even as a beginner, you should determine your ideal keyboard by trying it out in a specialist store. However, there are of course special criteria: At the beginning you don't need an expensive keyboard.

It should also be easy to use, equipped with the basics (but not too technically complex), and of course sound good.

One popular choice for beginners is the Yamaha PSR-E373. The Yamaha PSR-E463 is also suitable for beginners, but is already a bit more expensive.

Also popular with beginners are keyboards from Casio, such as the Casio CT-S300, which impresses with its reasonable price and top-quality performance.

For children who are just starting to learn the keyboard, illuminated-keyboards are also a great choice. These make coordination easier and let the child learn through play.

There is simply no such thing as a perfect keyboard. What you might consider “perfect” could be a disaster for someone else. Of course there are keyboards where the price-performance ratio is unbeatable as is the case with the Casio CT-S300. Then there are keyboards so popular that they must be good, like the Yamaha YC61, the Roland RD-2000, or the Clavia Nord Stage 3 88. Nevertheless, we advise you: Try them out, play different models, and find YOUR perfect keyboard.

First of all: If you want to learn the piano, we advise you to practice on a piano. Keystrokes, pedals, and sound are distinct from those of a keyboard. Of course, a keyboard or digital piano is much cheaper than a traditional piano.

If you like playing exclusively on a keyboard and want to learn to play the piano at the same time, you should pay attention to some things. Choose a keyboard or digital piano with weighted keys and not too much technology or gimmicks.

Lastly, pay attention to the number of keys. Many keyboards have 49 or 61 keys, but in this particular case you should choose one with 88 keys. If you are interested in learning the piano, you should definitely visit the mukken blog. We’ve got an instrument overview , tips and tricks for beginners, and a post about interesting piano-learning apps.

A good keyboard doesn't have to cost a fortune. Of course, expensive keyboards are usually really good keyboards, but there is a certain range.

We would say you can get a good keyboard starting at about 500 euros. The range upwards knows virtually no limits. Many high-quality keyboards are in the 2,000 euro price-range, but there are always going to be options to spend more than that. Obviously the more features, the more expensive the keyboard. So think carefully about what you need and what would be a gimmick.

In a band, the keyboard is often responsible for harmonies and melodies, but also for effects, sounds, and rhythm. So you can get involved in your band in many different ways.

Whether it's a virtuoso solo, a whole string quartet and soundscapes to accompany the song or synthesizers for that special kick, you can use your keyboard to significantly shape the band’s sound in many unique ways.

In a rock or pop band the keyboard gives the songs fullness above all else. Together with the guitar, the keyboard can make the band's sound interesting and unique and even complement other instruments thanks to the instrument’s array of technical possibilities.

In rock and pop, the keyboard also often supports the vocals and forms a unit that is supported by the foundation that drums and bass provide.

In order to know which keyboard you need for the stage, you should first be clear about what exactly you do on stage and what requirements your keyboard needs to meet.

Are you more of an accompanying performer on stage and “only” need the basics? Or do you need technical gimmicks and sophistication? There are a wide variety of options from pure synthesizers to entire keyboard workstations to special stage keyboards. We recommend that you go to a specialist shop and describe exactly what you would like to be able to do on stage.

It's hard to believe, but the keyboard has its own little history, but it's still not that old. The year 1885 is considered to be the year of birth. At that time, Edward Norton Lorenz manufactured the first functional electromechanical instrument.

Then, in 1897, Thaddeus Cahill presented the dynamophone – the first synthesizer that only produced sinusoidal tones. The instrument was not really further developed and steered in the direction of today's keyboards until a century later, namely around 1980. With the advent of sampling in the 90s, the keyboard then gained a permanent place in the music world.

In the history of music there are some keyboard players who stand out from the crowd with their skills and are considered to be exceptionally talented. These musicians include, for example: