Keyboard: Is it fun for kids?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: October 17, 2022

From a young age, children can already make music. One of the first instruments they often learn to play is a keyboard. And that's not JUST!

A keyboard is a musical instrument that is particularly suitable for children because it has a number of functions that other instruments do not have. For example, they can play the keys and play sounds at the same time. Kids can do it that way creativity indulge and discover their musical talent.

In this article I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a keyboard for children and what you should pay attention to if you want to start with it.

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What is a toy keyboard?

The perfect instrument for your little Mozart

A toy keyboard is the perfect musical instrument for children. They can enjoy strumming on it and express their musical creativity. It is an electronic toy with all kinds of buttons. The number of keys may vary. Often there are also other buttons or keys that can be used to make other sounds or to play pre-programmed melodies or songs.

Something for everyone

Many keyboards also contain other musical sounds. Think of drum sounds, for example. There are keyboards to which you can connect a microphone and there are also keyboards with which you can record and play melodies. The possibilities are almost endless!

Choose what suits you

It depends on the preferences and wishes of you and your child, the budget you have and the age of your child. Whether you are looking for a keyboard with many keys or one with many extra options, there is something for everyone.

Let your creativity run wild

With a toy keyboard, children can give free rein to their musical creativity. Whether they want to strum or record their own melodies, it's all possible with a toy keyboard. Let your child discover the musical world!

Why buy a keyboard for your child?

Musical development

A keyboard is a great tool to stimulate your child's musical development. Research has shown that musical rhythms activate the brain and children who learn to make music at a young age perform better later in subjects such as math and physics.

Creativity and self-confidence

Making music with a keyboard is also good for your child's self-confidence. It helps them become more creative, improve their motor skills, improve their sense of rhythm and improve their hearing.

Entry level instrument

A keyboard is also a great entry-level instrument for kids interested in making music. It can create all sorts of different sounds, making it a fun way to explore the world of music.

How many keys do you need to play the keyboard?

If you want to play the keyboard seriously, it's important to know how many keys you need. But how many keys do you need? It depends on your age.

For children 4 years and older

If you are older than 4 years old, you need at least 61 keys. Most music schools even require you to have a keyboard with at least 61 keys. So if you take keyboard or piano lessons, make sure you have a keyboard with at least 61 keys.

For children under 4 years old

If you are younger than 4 years old, the number of tests is less important. In that case, it is better to buy a mini keyboard or toy keyboard.

Buying a children's keyboard: what do you need to know?

If you are looking for a keyboard for your little Mozart, there are a few things to keep in mind. Preferably choose a keyboard from a well-known brand, such as Yamaha, Roland or Casio. Don't immediately go for an advanced model with all kinds of extra functions that your child probably won't even use.

How many keys does the keyboard have?

The minimum number of keys you need for a children's keyboard is 61. Also make sure that the keyboard is user-friendly, so that your child can easily work with it.

Additional functions

Some keyboards have light-up keys and built-in lesson functions, so your child can start playing music right away. This is a useful option if your child is just starting to play the keyboard.

Accessories

In addition to a keyboard, it is useful to also purchase a keyboard stand, a piano stool and headphones. This way your child can sit in a good posture and practice without the whole house listening in.

What is the difference between a toy keyboard and a children's keyboard?

Toy Keyboards

If you're looking for a fun way to introduce your kids to music, a toy keyboard is the perfect option. These keyboards are often colorful, have fun shapes and are packed with extra functions. Think of light effects, animal sounds and more. They're also affordable and often not that big, so they'll easily fit into your home.

Kids Keyboards

If your kids really want to learn how to play on a keyboard, then a kids keyboard is the best option. These keyboards are smaller than normal keyboards, but still have the same number of keys. The buttons are also easier to understand. While a children's keyboard doesn't have to be expensive, it can be well worth the investment when you think about the future.

Should you take lessons on a kid's keyboard?

The benefits of online keyboard lessons

If you have a kid's keyboard, you probably have access to the lesson features as well. But is that enough? No! Because if you really want to learn how to play the keyboard or piano well, then it is better to also take lessons. And that is now possible both online and at a physical music school.

Online keyboard lessons have a number of advantages. This way you can take lessons at any time of the day, you don't have to leave the house and they are cheaper.

The Disadvantages of Online Classes

While online classes have many benefits, there are also a few drawbacks. For example, you need more discipline and your child will not be corrected if something goes wrong.

The benefits of physical lessons at a music school

If you choose lessons at a music school, you also have a number of advantages. This way your child will be corrected if something goes wrong and you have a stick behind the door that your child has to practice. In addition, children also learn to perform in front of an audience, which is organized annually by the music school.

The disadvantages of a music school

The disadvantages of a music school are that you have to leave the house at fixed times and that it is slightly more expensive.

What's best for your child?

Ultimately, the choice of where you let your child take lessons is free. It differs per child, situation and household what is best. But if you really want to learn to play the keyboard or piano well, then it is better to take lessons as well.

Why is it never too early to start your child playing the keyboard?

The benefits for your child's development

Making music is very good for the development of children. Playing an instrument such as a keyboard or piano gives children the opportunity to develop their creativity, sense of rhythm, fine motor skills and hearing development. Children also become smarter by making music, because it is good for their brains.

Satisfaction and pleasure

Making music gives children a lot of satisfaction and pleasure. By learning to play a keyboard or piano, children have a hobby for life.

Making the right choice

If your child wants to play the piano, a keyboard is fine. But if you want to get off to a good start, choose a good beginner keyboard. Remember that a simple toy keyboard is only intended for children up to 4 years old. Therefore, look at the best digital pianos for beginners.

Differences

Keyboard Vs Recorder For Kids

Keyboard and recorder are two instruments that children can learn to play. The difference between these two instruments is that the keyboard is an electronic instrument while the recorder is a wooden instrument. The keyboard has many different sounds and can be adapted to different styles, while the recorder has a more classical sound.

The keyboard is a versatile instrument that can help children develop their musical skills. It has many different sounds and can be adapted to different styles. It is also easy to operate and has many features that make learning easier. On the other hand, the recorder is a more classical instrument that has a more traditional sound. It is a much smaller instrument and has a more intimate sound. It is a good choice for children who want to play more traditional music.

Keyboard Vs Guitar For Kids

Keyboard and guitar are two popular instruments for kids. Both instruments have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing an instrument for your child, it's important to understand the differences between the two.

Keyboards are a good option for kids because they are easy to learn. They also have many different sounds and can be used to play more than one style of music. A disadvantage is that keyboards are often more expensive than guitars.

Guitar is another popular instrument for kids. Guitar is easy to learn and can be used to play a wide variety of styles of music. Guitar is also relatively inexpensive and has a number of advantages over keyboards. A disadvantage is that it takes longer to learn the basic skills.

Conclusion

Which instrument you choose for your child is of course a personal choice, and there are many things to consider, such as price, sounds and sound quality. But the main thing is IF they're going to play it.

A keyboard is therefore perfect! As you now know, it is one of the few instruments that you can easily start with as a toy variant and with the extra sounds and possibilities they can be entertained for hours.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.