These are all good points, and well taken. I have been using arrangers for about 15 years now, so don't think I am against them. The difference I see, is that I regard the techniques of playing these things, more as mechanics than musicianship.

Let me clarify that. Scott's suggestions for chord studies is right on track. Mastering these skills can provide you with a basis for playing any keyboard instrument, whether automatic or not.
The simplified chord methods will eventually make your brain lazy though, and after a time .... going back to a NON auto keyboard will not be easy.

I use the manual bass so much that it's not a big change for me to switch between instruments, and I DO pride myself as having a good "conductor" sense for drum patterns, fills, etc. so I appriciate the extra "goodies" that the automatic brain adds to my performance. Remember - I am NOT against the technology here. I embrace it. I just want to see kids learn the real instrument too. Not just the easy way.

As to my "paint by numbers" comment ......... I actually enjoy stuff like that, but you have to admit - it's not the same level of creativity as doing it from scratch. Same as "boil-a-bag" cooking or auto-pilot in an airplane. Sure .... you need other talents and skills for when the auto is OFF, but the simple truth is - it's easier with the auto stuff on. I LIKE easy. I think too much of life is hard enough, but I also believe that a true love of playing music can only be enjoyed fully if you know the inside and out of the music. It got to be "hands on" or you miss half the fun.

I won't drag this on much longer, because I'm not trying to debate an issue here. All your views are valid points. My only intent is to get young people interested in learning to PLAY and instrument.
Arranger keyboard playing is not an art in itself - it builds on the art of KEYBOARD playing, and adds the mechanics of control features to the performance. This is a learned skill, for sure and everyone cannot do it, but I need to stress the point that you need to be a musician first before you can make these instruments really sing.

I remember in college - discussing the 4 basic types of musical instruments.
1)Brass
2)Woodwing
3)String
4)Percussion (piano falls into this one)

At that time (in the 70's) electronic organs were not catagorized as a true musical instrument because the sound was produced electronicaly. You don't pluck anythning, or blow anything, or do anything that really CREATES The sound. That was all done by electricity. I suppose in today's music classes, they may allow for a fifth group of intrument - Electronic or Synth ... Some people even think that manipulating a turntable is like playing a musical instrument (but don't get me started ! )

When the day is done - if people are using their hands and their minds and their hearts to create a pleasing sound, then the world is better because of the effort. I have a treasured paint by number oil that my sister did a long time ago, and I love it.
There is a place for all things of beauty, and there will always be room for new ideas and uses of talent.
Please don't let my words discourage anyone from exploring your own talents as far as you can. I am only trying to help.

I was fortunate to have great teachers (Philly union players) in High School that pushed us to levels we never dreamed of. If it wasn't for their guidance - I would never have gotten into Temple as a Music major. My Clarinet teacher whipped my butt into shape in a year and a half. It was intense, but worth every second. The reason I changed over to keys was only for survival - I wanted to sing for my supper, and in those (disco) days .... not too many clarinetists were making a living in my neigborhood. I have no regrets about the change. I like being the conductor and the side men all at the same time now, and I still pull out the old licorish stick from time to time. It's a great way to "humble" myself. You have to play EVERY note to enjoy it. It is very stubborn that way !