• Keyboards come in different sizes and include different features and functions designed for any age groupnotes and piano with numbered colourful keys image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
  
  The keyboard provides children with an outlet through which to explore the art of music as well as their creative abilities. Keeping a young child interested however, may prove to be a difficult task for even the most accomplished of teachers. Regardless of age, attention span, and intent, consider certain factors when acquiring a keyboard for the young, aspiring musician.
  
  

Interest

• Talent is not created, only nurtured. Do not pressure a child to pursue a hobby in which he shows no interest as this only leads to frustration on both parts, not to mention wasted time and money. Encouragement is essential in building confidence in a new skill, but can only go so far. If your child displays no interest in learning the keyboard despite your sincerest encouragement, do not force it. If, however he exhibits a genuine interest in the instrument, it may be appropriate to invest in a decent model.
  
  

Amusement

• Once a child expresses interest in learning to play the keyboard, promote amusement, experimentation and education by seeking out an instrument with plenty of functions. Many current models offer ample possibilities that encourage young minds through various sound capabilities and interactive features. Certain manufacturers also produce models that appeal to specific age groups through their use of size, color, sound and the coordination of all these elements, creating a fun music-making experience at any age. Discover which features interest your child and seek out a model that appeals to her.
  
  

Manufacturers

• The decision of which model and make to purchase is subjective. Yamaha offers great sounding feature-dense instruments for a reasonable price. Casio produces some products of significant value, especially for younger children. Also of considerable merit are Roland, Korg and M-Audio although they are often more expensive and designed for the more accomplished, professional musician.
  
  

Features

• Certain features are included on even the most basic of keyboards, however some are more valuable than others and more beneficial than some of the more gimmicky functions. The number of keys varies from model to model; most home keyboards come with either 49 keys (4 octaves) or 61 keys (5 octaves). More keys equals more room for playing, so depending on your child’s age, you may want to seek more or less. Also of significance are the kind of keys on the instrument. Most introductory models use light, thin plastic keys that are not heavy or hard to depress like the keys of a piano. Another feature that usually appeals to children of all ages is the array of sounds available, which range from different western instruments to world instruments to sound effects.