Definition

1. Noun:
   • A musical instrument played using a keyboard: A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument that produces sound when a performer presses keys on a keyboard. The keys are levers that trigger a mechanism to generate the instrument's sound.

Usage

• Keyboard instruments are a major category in musical instrument classification.
• The term describes the method of playing (via a keyboard) rather than a single sound production method. Different keyboard instruments produce sound through various means, such as plucked strings, struck strings, struck metal tines, or electronic synthesis.
• It is used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The piano, harpsichord, and organ are all classic keyboard instruments.
  • She specializes in performing on early keyboard instruments.
  • The synthesizer is a modern electronic keyboard instrument.

Advanced Usage

• "Continuo" instrument: In Baroque music, a keyboard instrument like the harpsichord or organ often provided the harmonic foundation (basso continuo).
  • The cello and harpsichord formed the continuo section, with the keyboard instrument realizing the figured bass.

Variants and Related Words

• Keyboardist (n): A musician who plays any keyboard instrument.
  • The band's keyboardist also played the Hammond organ.
• Keyboard (n): The set of keys itself or, informally, an electronic keyboard instrument.
  • He practiced scales on the piano's keyboard.

Synonyms

• Clavier: A general term, often historical, for a stringed keyboard instrument.
• Manual: Specifically refers to a keyboard played with the hands, as opposed to pedals (on an organ).

Related Terms and Concepts

• Piano: A common keyboard instrument where hammers strike strings.
• Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument where strings are plucked by quills.
• Organ: A keyboard instrument where sound is produced by air flowing through pipes.
• Celesta: A keyboard instrument where hammers strike metal plates.
• Synthesizer: An electronic keyboard instrument that generates and manipulates sound signals.

Noun

1. a musical instrument that is played by means of a keyboard