Can you learn piano on a keyboard? Absolutely!
Oops, I might get some teachers and students who will disagree with me, but I am going to take a stand and I’ll tell you why.

First, you should know that the piano and the keyboard have the same exact pattern of keys and reading music for both instruments are exactly the same!

Second, you should also know that even though you can learn on a keyboard, there is a recommended minimum requirement that will work the best. You should have a keyboard (any brand or model) that has at least 61 keys, and have the touch sensitivity feature. The touch sensitivity feature is what allows you to play a key and produce a loud or quiet sound, according to how hard or softly you play it. The 61 keys provides enough keys to learn how to play the piano with both hands, and to progress through more advanced music.

Now, let’s take a look at the benefits of learning on a keyboard:

1. I have three favorite benefits. The first one is the ability to use headphones. What this means for me, is that I can practice anytime I choose. Whether it be while everyone is watching TV, sleeping, or studying! No one can hear me! While I am learning a new song, I don’t want anyone to hear my mistakes and so I feel “safe” inside my headphones!

2. My second favorite benefit is the ability to use the different sounds and rhythms that a keyboard has to offer. I can make my music sound entirely different by just changing the keyboard from sounding like a piano, to sounding like a flute, or trumpet, or even a full string section of an orchestra! This benefit gives me a reason to practice even more because as I try different instruments, I am repeating my songs, over and over! Great for teaching kids! When I turn on a rhythm, such as a waltz, it forces me to play the song with correct timing – it’s like having a built in teacher!
3. The third benefit of keyboards is they are portable! You can take them anywhere! Well, maybe not to the bathroom, but almost anywhere else! ~smile~ I take my keyboard with me to events such as birthday parties, and holiday gatherings for sing-a-longs. I have even taken it to the beach and used it around a bonfire. (The beauty of using batteries!) Get the picture?

Well, there it is. My personal thoughts about keyboards, as a user, and as a teacher. ~smile~
With all that said, I must admit, I do love my piano. When no one is around, I love to sit for hours and just play!
Most of the time, however, you will find me hiding in my headphones.. ~smile~

Lisa
For more information about learning to play the piano or keyboard, visit:
http://www.learnpianoonline.com/welcome.html