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
How to Write a Song with a Catchy Chorus (Including Lyrics)
Do you want to learn how to make your own songs? Do you need help with your lyrics? There are many different song forms, and not all of them use a chorus. However, the verse/chorus form is one of the most popular. Songwriters and lyric writers both will find this post helpful. Keep reading to learn how to write a song with a catchy chorus. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Discover Early Music Via Beautiful Medieval Gregorian Chants
Do you want to know more about medieval chant? Gregorian chants are essentially medieval church songs that have a mysterious yet serene quality to them. Also, they played a pivotal role in developing modern musical notation. Keep reading to discover early music via beautiful medieval Gregorian chants. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
Shape Note Singing Lesson
Want to be able to sight sing melodies? Shape notes makes reading sheet music easier. The post also talks about breathing and phrase structure, and explores the keys of E, F, Gb, and G for both scales and songs. Read more for your shape note singing lesson. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Is Just Intonation Impractical?
Are you thinking about composing in just intonation? Do you worry that just intonation is impractical? As with any tuning system, just intonation has its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll look at the pros and cons, and when you’ve gone through the post, you can make up your own mind. Read more to help you answer the question, “Is just intonation impractical?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More