An electronic keyboard instrument with a key driver stores automatic performance data including a first event and first timing data and key-driving data including a second event and second timing data that precedes the first timing data for a predetermined time, and reproduces the automatic performance data and the key-driving data in parallel. An event which appears first is detected in the automatic performance data and the key-driving data when the reproduction is started. The automatic performance data and the key-driving data are reproduced rapidly until the detected event and at a normal speed after the detected event.