Technology
George Litterst, Editor
In this issue's TECHNOLOGY department, George Litterst asked his three writers to address this question: "Do you accept a digital piano as a substitute for an acoustic piano?"
Here are some snippets from writer JANE HASTAY's response to this question:
I would and do accept a digital piano as a substitute for an acoustic piano, both as a teacher and as a player. Just as the piano and harpsichord are different instruments, I consider digital and acoustic pianos to be two different instruments. But the adjustment in technique between playing an acoustic and digital piano is not as drastic as between piano and harpsichord. All instruments require diligent study and practice for one to become truly accomplished at playing them.
Many students come to me who have keyboards at home but not an acoustic piano. Just as often, if they have an acoustic piano, it's in bad shape or not situated in a good location for concentrated practice. I feel it's acceptable for beginning pianists to start out on a portable keyboard. Later on-certainly after the first year-if the child shows enthusiasm, I do think it's imperative for the family to upgrade. At this point, they must consider the many choices offered by acoustic and digital pianos. New? Used? How big? Portability? MIDI capabilities? Action? These are all considerations families have to weigh before making an investment.
I look at purchasing an acoustic piano as a long-term investment. A good piano will not become obsolete nearly as fast as a digital piano. I'm still playing the 1924 Knabe my parents bought for my sister and me when I was in the 6th grade, . . . and I'm reluctant to ever part with it.
My relationship with my digital keyboard is more practical. Having one has been an asset in terms of making money as a working musician. Meeting the needs of my clients is a constant process of expanding my awareness and skills, and owning a digital piano certainly helps me as a teacher and performer.
Regardless of whether a student is playing an acoustic or digital piano at home, he or she can learn good technique. Attack, dynamics, pedaling, suspensions, staccato, legato and phrasing can all be realized on both digital as well as acoustic pianos provided they are in good working order.
The digital world is second nature to many of today's technology-savvy kids. To encourage my students' enthusiasm and focus, I find it essential to meet them where they're coming from, and digital keyboards are often their instrument of choice.
Here is some of
what writer VIRGINIA CAMPBELL has to say about this same question:
Do I accept a digital piano as an alternative for the acoustic
piano? Absolutely! I don't regard the digital piano as a substitute,
but rather a viable alternative that provides enhancement of the
student's study and the teacher's studio program. The digital
piano features varied sounds for students to explore and (these
provide) . . . options (that) add excitement to their practice
and, ultimately, their performance.
(Digital pianos also) offer many excellent opportunities for creativity. Most of the major piano methods have accompaniments that enable the student to participate in a powerful, incredibly motivating performance. This feature, in itself, is a compelling argument for access to a digital piano which can . . . become a superb pedagogical aid (in) developing the student's internal metronome. More advanced students can utilize digital pianos to learn the art of sequencing, and this can truly save many a teenager.
In many cases, a digital piano may be preferable to an acoustic piano at home. Here are some reasons for this:
1) as teachers, we cannot assume that each student's acoustic piano is an acceptable instrument and properly maintained, but we can expect that a digital piano will provide a tuned instrument with equal touch throughout the entire keyboard. Without the need for tuning, maintenance of digital pianos is not as much of an issue as they rarely have problems that need fixing.
2) Digital pianos can be linked to a computer and to the Internet, posing limitless possibilities for learning and recreation.
3) Because digital pianos can be played with headphones, they are well-suited for apartments or condominiums.
The opportunity for group piano experiences is the single most rewarding feature that the digital piano offers. Group classes present a highly worthwhile means for students to learn, share, and experience making music together.
For all these reasons and more, I have often encouraged families to invest in a digital piano as an alternative to an acoustic piano, particularly with beginning students. As a teacher, I have always been interested in the progress and retention of students, and that is why I have been, and will continue to be, in support of the digital piano in the private studio as well as in some students' homes.
Here are some of the points that writer AMY ROSE IMMERMAN makes about this issue:
If the choice is between a digital piano and no piano at all, or a digital piano and a cheap upright, I would rather the student have a digital piano. In order to evaluate (digital) instruments, it is most important to compare them with acoustic pianos with regard to their sound and touch.
Sound
In one respect, the sound of a digital piano is superior, as it is always in tune. Digital pianos also have many different types of sounds. The quality of sound of a digital piano depends on its speaker system which usually emits a smaller sound than that of a soundboard on an acoustic piano.
Touch
The development of finger strength and control suffers in students who practice on a digital piano compared to students who practice on an acoustic piano. Students with digital instruments have a hard time getting accurate dynamics on an acoustic piano. Granted, many students are dynamically challenged, even on an acoustic piano, but from my experience, it's worse if they practice on a digital instrument.
When is the digital piano a real asset?
Our Cincinnati Music Academy organizes (an annual) Clavinova Festival, and (this provides) . . . a great way to experience ensemble-playing!
For the serious pianist, I'd suggest using a digital piano as a tool for improving listening skills, mastering each hand alone, keeping time with accompaniments, and for experimenting with different (types of) sounds.
I also recommend digital pianos to my students with second
homes so that they may have an in-tune and maintenance-free instrument.
I am not opposed to having a digital piano as a second instrument.
I just don't prefer it as the primary instrument.