Can you learn piano on an electronic keyboard? (&music teaching for kids generally)

[Betsy Og]

The Yamaha type ones seem quite good, the piano setting is a nice sound.

Can you get the 2 pedals for electronic ones? Also, of course, there arent as many scales (if thats the right word), basically the electronic ones arent as wide - however in my experience the very low and high notes never came into the training I did (Grade 3 I think it was).

Anyone any experience on this point? I could maybe borrow my folks one but I dont even like the size of the real ones, & wouldnt shell out on a real one myself.

Considering starting my young fella (6.5 at mo) on piano in the next year or two, reckon he'll hate it (he's sports mad like I was at that age) so in 2 minds. Can they teach piano without going into the classical exams type structure?? I know that if he gets no kick out of it he'll drop it like a stone, whereas if he was learning the theme tune to some TV programme (match of the day or summat!!) he might actually enjoy it (or is that allowed at all??)

I really want him to learn guitar, maybe even the 2 of us learn together (my knowledge/skill is minimal but interest not too bad), but 1 guy I know said he'd to too young for guitar, start on piano. May also start him on tin whistle (which I could/can play a little bit), but that's nearly a different sphere again.

 

[dub_nerd]

There's a huge range of electronic keyboards and pianos, so there's no short answer. At the very least make sure that the keys themselves are full width, even if there are less of them than an acoustic piano -- anything else is pointless. Yes, you can get two pedals on an electronic instrument although many will only come with a sustain pedal.

If the person is going to do grades, then the exams will be on a piano, which may feel very different from an electronic instrument. That depends on the electronic instrument, although it's fair to say that the more realistic it feels, the more expensive it will be.

For a six year old, I would say start with something cheap and cheerful. There's plenty of time to consider something more upmarket if they show an aptitude and a liking for piano. There's nothing to stop you mixing formal and informal lessons. Get some of the basics formally, so that they learn correct fingering and some basic reading skills. Play by ear too, and watch some of the fun (and free) youtube tutorials.

My own opinion is that it's hard to beat a real piano for keyboard feel and quality of sound, but there are practicalities like space to put it and the proximity of neighbours. Also, they are expensive unless you know how to recognise a bargain (which will almost always be from a private sale, not a dealer), avoid buying an untunable wreck which will bring you nothing but heartache and woodworm, and know how to tune it yourself.