The piano is an important part of learning about music theory and exploring music notation/sequencing programs. Although students are able to undertake either topic without prior piano knowledge, the entire process is simplified through the use of at least minimal piano skills.  (Please note: "piano" refers to an electronic keyboard with weighted keys  or touch-sensitive key capabilities, as well).

• Students are introduced to both the treble and bass clefs at virtually the same time, placing them ahead of other musicians who only utilize one clef.

• The concept of half and whole steps are visually apparent on the piano. (White to adjacent black keys, black to adjacent white keys, or two adjacent white keys with no black note in between equal a half step). Scales and modes also become much clearer when seeing and performing them directly on the piano.

• Listening aspects of theory (intervals, chords,etc.) are supplemented through the actual playing of them on a piano, seeing them, and immediately hearing them.

http://www.simplesounds.com/pianobk.htm

• Notation and sequencing programs work considerably faster and, arguably, more easily when inputting from a piano keyboard.

• Compositional assignments are very difficult to accomplish without the use of a piano, particularly when one wants to hear them performed (unless using a computer program).

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