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
Why Do Minor Keys Sound Sad to Me?
Have you ever wondered, “Why do minor keys sound sad and major keys sound happy?” Has this phenomenon been hardwired into us, or does culture impact how we perceive scales? In fact, it’s a little bit of both. Read more to learn how this works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Need Advice for Teaching a First Year High School Jazz Pianist?
“What advice do you have for a pianist in jazz band?” Piano in middle school and high school jazz band can be challenging. Jazz is chromatic and modulates often. This means that piano teachers will have to have a plan of attack. Click if you need advice for teaching a first year high school jazz pianist. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Read More
Why Can I Play Piano Hands Together but not Separately?
Do you ever find yourself asking, “Why can I play piano hands together but not separately?” Really, it depends on the type of music you play. Some pieces lend themselves to hands together work, while others will be better suited for learning hands separate. Click to learn the factors that impact how you learn a new piece of music. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music? Part 2
Do you want to move your audience to tears as you perform? Do you need suggestions for how to interpret your songs? Interpretation is when you put your personal stamp on a song. Today’s interpretation tip can help you craft powerful performances. Click to answer the question, “What do people mean by the term interpretation in classical music?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More