Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
“On the electric keyboard can you play dynamics?” Well, that depends on the type of keyboard that you buy. The term dynamics refers to the volume of your music, ranging from very loud (ff = fortissimo) to very soft (pp = pianissimo). Not all keyboards can play loud and soft through the keys though. Read more to learn what you need to think about when buying an electronic keyboard.
This post uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.
On the Electric Keyboard Can You Play Dynamics: What You Need in a Keyboard
There’ll be several things you need to think about when buying a keyboard. Such as:
- The size of the keys (mini vs regular sized)
- Does it come with a sustain pedal or even a place to plug in a pedal?
- The keyboard’s range (how many keys it has)
- Does it come with internal speakers or not?
- Does it have weighted keys?
- Can the electric keyboard play all the levels of dynamics?
When buying a keyboard, the most important things to have will be:
- regular sized keys
- a pedal
- a range of dynamics
Make Sure the Electric Keyboard You Buy Can Play Dynamics
“On the electric keyboard can you play dynamics?” Yes, if it comes with touch sensitivity it will. Here’s some tips:
- If the keyboard comes in its original box, you may find the words velocity, touch sensitivity, or something similar written on the outside.
- This means the keyboard will be able to play loud and quiet through the keys.
- If you find the keyboard on display in a music store, you can test for touch sensitivity.
- Hit the keys alternately hard and soft to see if it plays loud and quiet. If it does play loud and quiet, then it has touch sensitivity.
While you’re at it, check for a place to plug in a pedal. You’ll look for a ¼” jack in the back. It’ll be labeled in any of these ways:
- Pedal
- Sustain (pedal)
- Damper (pedal)
Why is having touch sensitivity so important?
According to Charles Rosen your tone comes from the volume balance between the keys you play. Therefore, having an electric keyboard that can play dynamics through the keys will be critical for your growth as a pianist.
Concluding Thoughts to “On the Electric Keyboard Can You Play Dynamics?”
“On the electric keyboard can you play dynamics?” If you buy the right keyboard, it will. And if your keyboard has both touch sensitivity and a place to plug in a pedal, you’ll be in pretty decent shape for starting piano lessons.
For more information on how to select a keyboard see:
I recommend you read the first section: What should I look for when buying an electronic keyboard?
Related Content:
- How Does Your Brain Learn to Play the Piano with Two Hands?
- Ways Around the Difficulty of Playing the Piano Due to Short Fingers and Small Hands
- How to Overcome the Fear of Performing in Front of an Audience
- Why It’s So Hard for Someone with a Good Ear to Learn Sheet Music
- Why Do Minor Keys Sound Sad to Me?
- Do I Really Have to Learn Music Theory to Learn How to Play Piano?
- Why Do Pianists Occasionally Play Their Hands at Different Times as They Perform
- What Are the Small “>” Signs Above or Below the Notes?
- After They Can Sight-Read What’s Left for Musicians to Learn?
- Should I Learn to Play the Piano One Hand at a Time or Simultaneously?
- Tips for How to Stay Calm and Cool Before a Concert
- How Can Legato Notes Be Played Staccato?
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page
Glossary
The Top 10 Best Enchanting Chopin Masterpieces
Curious to learn about Chopin’s music? Frederic Chopin (1810 – 1849) was a classical composer who wrote during the Romantic period (1820 - 1910). He’s best known for his hypnotic piano music. Keep reading to learn about and listen to the top 10 best enchanting Chopin masterpieces. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
Is Playing the Piano a Suitable Activity for Autistic People?
Do you want your autistic child to play piano? Or are you an adult with autism who’s wondering if piano would be a good fit? Playing piano brings a lot of benefits beyond just the fun of playing music. Read more to find out the answer to the question, “Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
I’m Confused About What Precisely D.S. al Coda Means
“I’m confused about what precisely D.S. al Coda means.” This marking is part of a class of music notation called “signs of repetition.” Some of the more advanced signs of repetition can be confusing, including this one. Keep reading to find out how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Singing in Tune with Vowels
Want to have better vocal tone? Want to sing in tune? Singing is all about the vowels. Vowels have a central role in singing, because the vowels impact your tone. Also, they impact how you tune when you harmonize. This happens when sound passes through the formants - the resonant folds in the vocal tract. The formants filter your voice’s harmonic overtones, which influences your harmonic intonation. Read more to learn about singing in tune with vowels. Estimated reading time 6 minutes.
Read More