Keyboards and Pianos

Technology has provided us with a wonderful variety of keyboard instruments that we can enjoy. Whether we are listening to the organ in St. Albans’ Abbey or witnessing Elton John playing his digital piano, we can be moved by the grace and complexity of music for the keyboard.

Learning to play the keyboard, whether it is a piano, an organ or a harpsichord, digital or acoustic, is a long term project, but with the development of electronic keyboards, the possibility is open to all.

Starter keyboards are inexpensive. Group tuition can provide beginners with the basic skills and knowledge needed, and the rhythm and auto accompaniment facilities give real support, so practising can be really enjoyable. Electronic keyboards provide the ability for students to improvise easily and begin to compose.

Young players often have high expectations, and with hard work and long term commitment they will be able to develop their keyboard skills and explore the rich heritage of piano music. They may long to be like Evgeny Kissin playing Liszt in the Festival Hall or they may wish to mirror Alicia Keys, playing her own compositions on Top of the Pops. Whichever route they wish to take, the skills they will learn will stay with them into adult life adding enrichment, enjoyment and a means of relaxation and fulfilment in their lives.