You want to learn to play the piano. But buying an acoustic piano? That’s quite a step. Especially if you live in The Hague, where living space can be limited and you don’t want to immediately spend a fortune on a large instrument. So you ask yourself: can I actually really learn to play the piano on a keyboard?
In this blog, I will give you an honest, complete picture: what are the differences, the pros and cons, and when is it time to look beyond a keyboard?
Keyboard vs. Piano: What Is the Difference Really?
Let’s start at the beginning. What is the real difference between a keyboard and a piano?
Acoustic piano: 88 weighted keys, plays via hammers and strings, heavy touch, rich sound.
Keyboard: Digital, usually 61 or 76 keys, lighter and often not touch-sensitive, many extra functions.
Digital piano: Digital, but better simulates the feel and sound of a real piano. Often 88 weighted keys and touch-sensitive.
For classical piano playing, music schools usually recommend an instrument with weighted, touch-sensitive keys. But: to start and discover if playing piano really suits you, a keyboard sometimes offers that perfect lowering of the barrier.
Learning Piano on a Keyboard – Is That Really Possible?
The Basics of Piano Playing
The good news: the basic principles of piano playing are the same whether you start on a keyboard or a piano. The layout of the keys is identical, and basic skills like reading notes, learning chords, and melodies work exactly the same.
How Much Does a Keyboard Resemble a Real Piano?
There are differences. A keyboard often feels lighter, and the sound is less rich. Yet most teaching methods can be easily applied to a keyboard. In fact, many teachers recommend just getting started, especially if investing in a piano feels like too big a step.
The Benefits of Starting on a Keyboard
Affordable and Accessible
Keyboards are considerably cheaper than pianos – a nice advantage, especially if you want to try whether making music suits you. They take up little space, are easy to move, and often ready to use immediately.
Learn to Play at Your Own Pace, at Home in The Hague
With a keyboard, you can practice anytime and anywhere, even in the evening or early morning, without disturbing anyone. Many keyboard lessons are flexible and easy to access. And if you live in The Hague? There’s always a music teacher or piano group nearby to guide you.
Handy Features: Headphones, Volume, and More
Most keyboards offer a headphone jack so you can practice without disturbance. Other handy features include volume control, recording functions, and accompaniment rhythms. Especially for beginners, these extras make practicing more fun and easier to maintain.
The Limitations of a Keyboard for Piano Lessons
Key Touch and Sensitivity – What Are You Missing?
An important difference: many keyboards have light, non-weighted keys. This means they respond less to how hard or soft you press. For expressive playing and developing technique, touch sensitivity is crucial. Without it, the transition to a real piano is eventually more difficult.
Number of Keys: Why 88 Keys Are Still Handy
For most beginners, 61 keys are sufficient. But if you want to play classical pieces or advance to an advanced level, you’ll find that 88 keys are desirable. More keys = more possibilities, especially with more complex music.
Dynamics and Expression – How Far Can You Go on a Keyboard?
On a keyboard without touch sensitivity, every key sounds equally loud. This makes it hard to add dynamics and feeling to your playing. For basic skills, this isn’t a problem, but if you want to progress, you’ll encounter limitations at some point.
When Should You Transition to a Piano?
Recognize the Signs that You Are Ready for More
Do you notice your ambition growing? Do you want to learn more complex pieces, or notice that you lack technique and expression? Then it’s time to think about transitioning. Many students switch to a (digital) piano after one or two years – often once they realize they really enjoy it and want more.
Electric Pianos as an Intermediate Solution
A digital piano is often the ideal step. You have the feel of a real piano, 88 weighted keys, but the instrument is more compact and often more affordable than an acoustic piano. For most adults and children, this is a great solution – and with headphones, you can continue practicing without disturbing neighbors or housemates.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Keyboard
What to Pay Attention to When Buying a Keyboard?
- Choose at least 61 keys
- Look for touch-sensitive keys (or better: weighted)
- Watch for a sustain pedal connection
- Accessories: stand, adjustable bench, headphones are handy
- Brands like Yamaha, Roland, Korg, and Casio are reliable and popular with beginners.
Practice Routines and Learning Tools That Work
- Practice daily, even if it’s just 10 minutes
- Alternate chords, melodies, and songs for variety
- Use apps, online lessons, and your keyboard’s built-in lesson functions
- Set goals and reward yourself when you achieve them
Playing Together: From Keyboard to Group Lessons in The Hague
Music is not made alone. In The Hague, group piano lessons are very popular – you learn from each other, stay motivated, and build a musical community. Playing together increases the fun and speeds up your progress.
Which instrument suits you?
Answer a few questions and find out where you should start!
Studio MusicalMente – Your Starting Point in The Hague
How We Approach Keyboard and Piano Lessons
At Studio MusicalMente, we work with small groups and individual guidance. Whether you play keyboard or piano: we build your skills step by step, tailored to your goals and wishes. Both adults and children are welcome – fun is always the priority.
Experience the Difference: Free Trial Lesson for Beginners
Curious about what it's like to start? Book a free trial lesson. You don't need to have any experience yet – we'll let you make music right away and you'll discover how much fun playing the piano is.
Personal Advice for Parents and Adults
Are you unsure about which instrument is suitable, or when you should transition? I am happy to provide personalized advice tailored to your situation. Whether it's for yourself or your child – together, we ensure the best start.
Conclusion: Starting is More Important than Perfect Equipment
You don't have to wait until you have the perfect piano to start playing music. With a good keyboard, you can start well, gain experience, and discover if playing piano really suits you. More important than the perfect instrument is taking the step and just starting to play.
Ready to start? Book a free 15-minute introductory meeting to discuss your goals and find out how I can help you start piano lessons in The Hague.
Who am I?
I'm Luca Ridolfo and I founded Studio MusicalMente in 2018. I have been driven by music since childhood. But I was not a Musical Prodigy. I enjoyed making music and had a drive to learn more about it. My music teachers always supported and encouraged me to keep going.
And indeed, I continued to the point where I completed a music education at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. And even now, I never stop learning.
I strongly believe that everyone can improve their musicality and that it shouldn't be reserved just for children. That's why I decided to open a music school for adults in The Hague.
I believe that learning creative hobbies with experienced role models is one of the best ways to develop new skills and learn more about yourself.