Abstract: A keyboard instrument is provided, comprising a keyboard housing having a top and a bottom; a handle attached to and extending from the bottom of the keyboard housing; a keyboard having a plurality of keys operatively attached to the top of the housing; a plurality of keyboard controls, mounted on the keyboard housing; a sound component housing; at least one speaker mounted in the sound component housing; a synthesizer, mounted within the sound component housing; and keyboard, sound component and communications circuitry. The instrument may include a volume expression control mounted in the handle, enabling user to control volume expression while maintaining the instrument in a horizontally oriented plane.