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 :-)

Private Lessons Vs. Group

Coming to classes every week for over two years can get tiresome, we know (I took Brynn to class every Saturday at 8:30AM!!!)  So instead of weekly class, we're trying a new JXC Summer Camp and we've got some really fun things planned.  In addition to camp, each student is taking two private lessons over the summer.

I know parents are always wanting their child to get this special one-on-one attention, but over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed a few things.

1.  Group lessons are fun.  My own son seems almost sick to his stomach worried about taking a private lesson.  You should see the look on his face when we just talk about scheduling it.  This has made me realize what a wonderful environment he has had in group lessons all these years.  He never seems worried at all when he has to go to class - he loves it!  That made me realize (even though I already knew it!)...

2. Private lessons can be stressful!  I've seen it in other students as they come in for their lesson.  It is like a they've been switched with their timid, quiet, hesitant identical twin!  Gone seems to be that innate enthusiasm I see every week in class with their friends.  I have never thought of myself being a scary person, but think about it from their perspective.  They have to come in and play for me by themselves - there's nowhere to hide - all the pressure is on them!  What would you rather do - play a song all by yourself for your teacher, or make music with friends?

3.  It depends on the child.  Don't get me wrong - I do value having the time to help one student individually and completely see the benefit in private lessons (in addition to group, not a replacement), but I am more convinced that it varies child to child.  Yamaha Music Foundation has recently designed a new course to give more options to our advanced students.  This fall, we are going to be piloting a new Junior Ensemble Course.  This is specifically designed for the child that really enjoys being in group classes and may not be suited for the rigors of private lessons.  Up until now, the only option for students finishing Junior Extension Course (JXC) Book 4 was the Junior Advanced Course.  This course requires students to attend one hour a week group lessons as well as a 30 minute private lesson.  Now, the students and parents will have a choice of which track to follow.

The value of group lessons is at the core of what the Yamaha Music Education System.  These tiny glimpses into the other side (private lessons only) has helped reinforce this unique characteristic of our courses.