I appreciate this is the AB's website and this question isn't related to their syllabus but I was just wondering whether anyone has put students forward for Trinity's electric keyboard exams? I have a student whom, when I first started teaching them, said they would most probably be getting a piano. However time has gone by now and it's quite obvious that a piano isn't on the cards. I am finding it very frustrating teaching piano to this student as their fingers are just not gaining any strength, agility etc. I have discussed this with my student and explained that I don't really think they can continue with piano and that we should look into a keyboard syllabus - if I think I can teach the syllabus fine, if not I would try to find a good keyboard teacher for them to transfer to.

Does anyone have any experience of this problem?

I reckon this isn't that rare, it's happened to me a few times, although pupils have either lost interest and given up, or managed to get a more appropriate instrument - eventually. But I do sympathise, the wrong keyboard will hold back proper progress if you are trying to teach piano.

I vaguely remember someone mentioning Trinity keyboard syllabus before, so I think there may be one or two who have tried it. Sorry I can't remember who - let's hope they are still around and will post.

Maggie

You could always recommend, if the reason is money for no piano, that they hire a digital piano. I can help advise on that.

The total cost for one could be £500, but with hiring would only be more like 45-60 a month until its paid off.

I dont want to start the whole digital/real piano argument, but the bottom rule is the DP is much heavier and very similar to a real piano than a keyboard! (heavier in terms of graded hammer action weighted keys)

Just my two pence worth

Dan

Many thanks for your replies. I'm a bit surprised that there weren't more as I'm sure this must be a common problem.

Maggiemay, the student in question has said she would like to move to an electric keyboard syllabus. I've now had a look at Grade 1 electric keyboard with Trinity- it really is very different approach to that of the piano. The student is expected to be able to use their keyboard with different voices, volume control etc. All the pieces are treble clef with chords written above, so there is a large part to knowing your chords and their inversions etc. It's a different instrument and as such I think I will probably pass her to another teacher - if I can find one!

Jazzman340 - I don't think finance is the problem here. I think the family just don't want to accommodate a piano in their home. The keyboard is easy to keep in the student's bedroom.

I do keyboard

And some of the matchbox size houses they are building now have no room for furniture.. never mind a piano!

i do keyboard too