Keyboard Talk

DiSTANToblivion · 12-24-2009, 08:55 AM

I just got a keyboard for Xmas. I've always wanted to learn but only now have the chance to. Better late than never I guess.

It has in-built training and tutorials with MIDI inputs and all that jazz but what I wanted to ask is:

- What am I going to expect from learning keyboard?
- How much patience will I need to stay persistent?
- Does anyone know any ways to make things easier for a beginner?
- What can I learn from watching other good keyboard players?
- Any good players that I can learn from watching?
- Any good albums I could learn from?
- Other programs or hardware that would help?

I'm not asking for answers to all those questions, I just wanted a broad range of things covered. I also didn't just want this thread to be about my own personal reasons, but for anyone that needs advice on keyboards and understanding the instrument a little more before delving deeper. Thankyou in advance.

Astronomer · 01-01-2010, 11:42 PM

None of those questions can really be answered unless you explain how you wish to be using your keyboard, like what style you want to learn. There's a huge difference in wanting to learn basic keyboard skills to employ in electronic-type music or wanting to learn keyboard more like you would learn a piano.

Also, do you play any other instruments or what is your musical background like?

I've been playing piano for about 13 years but to be honest I don't know much about keyboards and usually stick to piano! So if you're wanting advice on technical stuff to do with keyboards specifically, I won't be much help, but if it's music theory and playing the instrument you're talking about then I can indeed share some wisdom

DiSTANToblivion · 01-02-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lateralus

None of those questions can really be answered unless you explain how you wish to be using your keyboard, like what style you want to learn. There's a huge difference in wanting to learn basic keyboard skills to employ in electronic-type music or wanting to learn keyboard more like you would learn a piano.

Also, do you play any other instruments or what is your musical background like?

I've been playing piano for about 13 years but to be honest I don't know much about keyboards and usually stick to piano! So if you're wanting advice on technical stuff to do with keyboards specifically, I won't be much help, but if it's music theory and playing the instrument you're talking about then I can indeed share some wisdom

I should have been more clear. I guess I really just want to learn how to develop a good technique, like with piano. I also want to experiment with sounds and other things. I'm being a little too curious I think.

I want to be experimental.

Astronomer · 01-02-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiSTANToblivion

I should have been more clear. I guess I really just want to learn how to develop a good technique, like with piano. I also want to experiment with sounds and other things. I'm being a little too curious I think.

I want to be experimental.

Well probably the best place to start is to begin learning some very basic music theory. Learn what all the notes are on the keyboard. Learn basic scales and chords. I'm sure there are websites where you can learn this online, or else there are plenty of beginner's guides to music theory books that you can buy. Once you've learnt these basics, learning songs and creating your own songs will become much easier and make much more sense. I guess that's where I'd start!

I've often found that YouTube is a very good way to learn proper technique when picking up a new instrument. Check out beginner's piano tutorials on YouTube, and watch how they play etc. It'll be a big help.

Good luck!

DiSTANToblivion · 01-03-2010, 05:23 AM

Thankyou so much for the help

bandteacher1 · 01-07-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiSTANToblivion

What am I going to expect from learning keyboard?
How much patience will I need to stay persistent?
Does anyone know any ways to make things easier for a beginner?
What can I learn from watching other good keyboard players?
Any good players that I can learn from watching?
Any good albums I could learn from?
Other programs or hardware that would help?

What's your musical background?

1. What do you mean, what are you going to expect? You'll have a greater understanding of playing keyboard...
2. Alot. It's going to throw you a few hard balls. But stick to it. Eventually, the pieces of the puzzle will just fit together.
3. When you watch another musician, pay close attention to the muscles that are doing the work. Watch how they make the instrument a part of them, almost. For piano or keyboard, watch their hands. Watch how the fingers work together has a unit. You too can learn that, provided you practice.
And I don't really have anything on the other 3. I've been playing piano for 30 years, and it's basically the same thing. Just keep at it.

DiSTANToblivion · 01-08-2010, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandteacher1

What's your musical background?

1. What do you mean, what are you going to expect? You'll have a greater understanding of playing keyboard...
2. Alot. It's going to throw you a few hard balls. But stick to it. Eventually, the pieces of the puzzle will just fit together.
3. When you watch another musician, pay close attention to the muscles that are doing the work. Watch how they make the instrument a part of them, almost. For piano or keyboard, watch their hands. Watch how the fingers work together has a unit. You too can learn that, provided you practice.
And I don't really have anything on the other 3. I've been playing piano for 30 years, and it's basically the same thing. Just keep at it.

Thankyou for the advice

I haven't played any instruments before.

12-24-2009, 08:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
DiSTANToblivion Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 505	Keyboard Talk I just got a keyboard for Xmas. I've always wanted to learn but only now have the chance to. Better late than never I guess. It has in-built training and tutorials with MIDI inputs and all that jazz but what I wanted to ask is: - What am I going to expect from learning keyboard? - How much patience will I need to stay persistent? - Does anyone know any ways to make things easier for a beginner? - What can I learn from watching other good keyboard players? - Any good players that I can learn from watching? - Any good albums I could learn from? - Other programs or hardware that would help? I'm not asking for answers to all those questions, I just wanted a broad range of things covered. I also didn't just want this thread to be about my own personal reasons, but for anyone that needs advice on keyboards and understanding the instrument a little more before delving deeper. Thankyou in advance.

01-01-2010, 11:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Astronomer we are stardust Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 2,894	None of those questions can really be answered unless you explain how you wish to be using your keyboard, like what style you want to learn. There's a huge difference in wanting to learn basic keyboard skills to employ in electronic-type music or wanting to learn keyboard more like you would learn a piano. Also, do you play any other instruments or what is your musical background like? I've been playing piano for about 13 years but to be honest I don't know much about keyboards and usually stick to piano! So if you're wanting advice on technical stuff to do with keyboards specifically, I won't be much help, but if it's music theory and playing the instrument you're talking about then I can indeed share some wisdom __________________

01-03-2010, 05:23 AM	#5 (permalink)
DiSTANToblivion Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 505	Thankyou so much for the help