Every industry changes. As we invent new, old things disappear. As technological advances are made, out of date technology goes away.
To expect anything different isn’t realistic.
What is the present and future of the piano as an instrument?
Since no major changes have been made to the overall construction of the piano in decades, it’s safe to say that the structure of the piano has stopped evolving.
But what hasn’t stopped is technology. That’s where the most growth and the most opportunity lie. It’s where electronic keyboards are pushing forward, offering more opportunity to an ever-changing field.
Does this mean digital will eventually replace acoustic pianos? Not at all. The television didn’t replace radio when it swept in; instead, it simply changed our perception of what is possible.
When it comes to training, a keyboard is a keyboard. You’ll learn in a similar manner on both an electronic piano as well as an acoustic. Up to a point. Electronic keyboards serve composers, pop musicians, and other artists in musical fields. Classical pianists will never reach their true potential without having access to the best acoustical pianos in the industry. The touch is different. The sound is different. And nothing will ever be able to connect the two in any way.
But clearly there is change in playing the piano, in the music industry as a whole. It stems from the way our current school system is structured.
When schools morphed and changed, cut arts programs due to budget cuts and beliefs that STEM subjects were more beneficial to our population than the arts, music programs began to disappear. And if children weren’t encouraged to choose a musical instrument in school and find joy in anything but what can be found on the radio or their iPod, the interest wanes.
But again, our society is in a constant ebb and flow. Already a movement is beginning to change the future course of education, realizing potential problems that are just beginning to appear. The concept of STEM schools – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – is being changed to STEAM. Which of course adds back in the arts.
Adding back in liberal arts, which includes language arts, physical arts, fine arts, and music, sets the framework for teaching that is based on natural ways of learning. It creates interest and FUN for all.
How will piano morph and change in our future? Only time will tell. But it’s a safe bet that music was and will continue to be an important part of our lives. The only question is how involved you and your family choose to be.
