Electronic keyboards can be used in much the same way as pianos. On the down side

• The quality of sound is rarely as good as a piano.
• The relationship between touch and sound is not as instinctive as with a piano.
• The vast range of buttons on most keyboards can be a distraction.

However, on the up side

• They are relatively cheap.
• They are easy to store and move around a school.
• They can be used with headphones for private work.
• They can be positioned with a degree of flexibility for children with restricted movement.
• Some of the vast range of buttons can enable you to do some pretty fancy tricks.

Keyboard tricks

• For most pieces using the piano sound will be great. However, different children love different sounds. Experiment away. 'Pad' sounds can be very useful for children who have slow movement as they sustain for a long time.
• Using the 'STYLE' settings, you will be able to set a drum beat going to accompany your music. This can be fun if you want to work with pulse.
• Most keyboards have an 'auto chord' or auto accompaniment' function. This means that a few of the lowest notes at the far left of the keyboard will play a full chord rather than a single note. This can help you a lot if you are not a skilled keyboard player.
• You can combine these effects. For instance, with a STYLE setting and the AUTO CHORD switched on, you and a child will be able to form your own mini-band, perhaps playing blues using just the black notes.