keyboard -
noun (Music) (Science and Technology) An electronic musical instrument with keys arranged as on a piano, and usually a number of pre-programmed or programmable electronic effects such as drum rhythms, different 'voices', etc.; known more fully as an electronic
keyboard. Etymology: Formed by dropping the word electronic from the more formal name electronic
keyboard. The word
keyboard originally meant 'the row of keys on musical instruments
such as the organ and piano'; the modern
keyboard looks like a section of piano
keyboard in a flat plastic casing. History and Usage: Although electronic
keyboard instruments of
one kind and another have been in existence since the early years of this century, the type
now known as
an electronic
keyboard or
simply a
keyboard did not become available until the late seventies. Much
more compact than the earlier electronic organ, the
keyboard (which is really little larger than the depth and width of the set of keys) relies on microchip
technology to produce a wide range of sounds and effects.
Keyboards became popular and versatile instruments for pop and rock music during the eighties, especially with the development of MIDI, allowing several to be linked
together . They
were also heavily marketed as ideal instruments for
home entertainment. A player of a
keyboard is known as a
keyboardist. Combine this with a virtuoso stick player and MIDI
keyboards and you
get organs, guitars, synthesizers, and lots of other different sounds. Dirty
Linen Spring 1989, p.
15 Let's play
keyboard video and the complete
keyboard player book. Takes you through the initial learning exercises to the complete
keyboard player. Family Album Home Shopping Catalogue Spring
and Summer 1990, p. 959
