All About Keyboards

It was in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha made his first reed organ.  (Click for more info!) When I took Yamaha as a child in the 70s, we actually played on reed organs like this one!

Times have changed!  Once a student is enrolled in the Junior Music Course or Young Musicians Course, they must have a keyboard or a piano to practice on at home.  Portable keyboards are fine for the first year or two of classes, but you will need to upgrade for your child to progress to their full potential.  The portable keyboards we use in class are not available for purchase, but here are some tips for finding the best instrument for your child.

1.  Keys must be full sized with a minimum of 49 keys.
Notice how the keys on the organ above seem small - they are!  If a child practices on a keyboard with smaller keys, they will learn an incorrect hand position.  

2.  Piano/keyboard must play the correct pitches.
This is one benefit to using electronic instruments.  They never need tuning and are set to the correct pitch.  Pianos should ideally be tuned every 6 months-1 year.  In order for your child to confirm and solidify their ear training, the pitch must be A440.  Basically, if they play middle Do (C) along with the CD, it should match!  

3.  The piano or keyboard should be YAMAHA!
This is not a requirement, but a very high recommendation!  We have compared other brands and there's no comparison.  Yamaha produces high quality instruments that are innovative and beautiful - to listen to and look at!  

4.  The instrument must be at a proper height.
Students should be able to sit comfortably at the instrument.  They should not be reaching up to the keys, nor should they be hovering over them.  A sturdy keyboard stand and bench are recommended.  Typically, portable keyboards do not come with a stand or a bench.  

Some higher priced digital pianos come with their own stand.

4.  I have a piano - will that be ok?
Yes - assuming that it is in tune and all the keys work. Sometimes, however, it is very difficult for a small child (ages 4-6) to physically push the piano keys.  This sometimes can create an undesirable finger and hand position.  If you do choose a portable keyboard to start on, you will need to upgrade sometime during the 2nd or 3rd year of curriculum.

Still have questions?  We are having a special Instrument Petting Zoo at our Family Fun Fest on Friday, September 14th from 6-8pm.  Our friends at Alamo Music Center will be there to answer any questions you might have and give you a chance to compare the different types of keyboards available (weighted keys. touch sensitivity, etc.)

If anyone wants to buy me an instrument - this is the one I would like :-)

Opportunity

Tonight I had the pleasure of watching a former classmate deliver the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention.

I thought about what he said about opportunity.  He talked about when he and his twin brother went to Stanford and Harvard - how they were surrounded by the brightest folks in the world - and how he thought about his classmates back at Thomas Jefferson High School.  That we (yes, I went to school with Julian Castro) had the same brains and same dreams as those attending Stanford and Harvard - the difference was opportunity.

Doesn't every child deserve the opportunity to reach their dreams?

I listened and watched and was so proud.

Proud of all of the wonderful people of the west side community around Jefferson HS who have supported the Castro brothers and many others (all those BBQ plate fundraisers!!!)

Proud of the fabulous teachers at my alma mater - who gave all of us a foundation for our success in life.

Proud of Rosie Castro - the single mother who worked so hard to provide for her sons.

And of course proud of both successful sons - Julian and Joaquin.

I know that opportunity does matter - but amazing things still can happen....
                   
                                                           by working together with compassion and love.