Keyboard Versus Piano Options

[jpiano]

Have other piano teachers had noticed any increase in recent years from people wanting keyboard lessons rather than piano? Sometimes these enquiries stem from slightly confused individuals who when questioned aren't really sure what they want;often they really want piano lessons but have a keyboard rather than a piano at home, which isn't at all the same as someone with a genuine keyboard enquiry. Has anyone else noticed this?

[margrave of brandenburg]

hi jpiano,
i encounter simliar problems but mostly i think due to families already have a keyboard at home or they think is really the same thing as piano and buy keyboards cuz is way cheaper. I have had several enquiries for lessons but most of these parents own a full size keyboard and want their children to take piano lessons. While on one hand i said it is fine to use a keyboard as of now when they begin lessons and that parents aren't sure if kids would like it. But i stress that it is important to use acoustic later on for development and just a completely different touch/instrument. I lose many clients from this. oh well. Then i have a few new students' parents that insist on getting a keyboard they've been eyeing...and i persuade them and researched for them and provided all the information for them to get themselves a piano for rent and convince that it is all worth it. Some go with my advice and I'm really happy they did and went ahead to do rentals. But we can't always win..and sometimes i am just so ready to open my door for my students to come practice on my piano during the week before their next lesson! =(

[diapason]

Tell me about it!!

The "keyboard" has been responsible for many a student dropping "electronic organ" because they don't have to play the pedals anymore (them :) (me :angry:)
It is recognized that the development of the single keyboard has contributed severely to the decline of the organ in the popular music area, and now only a handful of manufacturers are continue to produce organs. Yamaha has chosen to produce only keyboards, and Technics is out of the musical instrument game altogether.
I can understand someone learning on a keyboard and THEN perhaps going on to or even adding piano or organ, but no the other way round. Of course, if we show our displeasure to much, off trots another pupil into the sunset.

Many of my "mature" students have transferred. One week, I'm visiting their home and giving lessons on a (usually) top of the range organ, the next week, they proudly introduce me to a top-of-the range TYROS or KNsomething or other which now stands where the organ stood.
Some have realized the error of there ways and reversed the action within a few months. I refrain from saying "I told you so"

As an occasional examiner for "another board", the request to exam (electronic) organ students has virtually disappeared. Piano and keyboard are definitely in the majority. Pipe organ is a bit iffy at the moment also.

Often confusion IS at the bottom of it when it comes to a first timer. They want keyboard lessons, but are not sure when it comes to the crunch which instrument they really want to start with......"keyboard", piano or organ.