Learning to play keyboards
Discussion
At the grand old age of 50 I have finally decided to try and achieve a long time ambition.... to learn how to play keyboards.
Trouble is I have no idea where to start.
Do I go for learning how to read music and play a proper piano or can I learn online using an electronic keyboard. Or somewhere in between.. or both!
Ultimately I want to be able to play to a reasonable standard and just have fun doing it. Either that or be the next Jean Michel Jarre
Any advice appreciated. I'm clueless.
Any forum I can join? Anyone know a good one?
Trouble is I have no idea where to start.
Do I go for learning how to read music and play a proper piano or can I learn online using an electronic keyboard. Or somewhere in between.. or both!
Ultimately I want to be able to play to a reasonable standard and just have fun doing it. Either that or be the next Jean Michel Jarre
Any advice appreciated. I'm clueless.
Any forum I can join? Anyone know a good one?
Thanks so much for the replies. I am a good self learner generally, but I do lean towards telford_mike's way of thinking on this.
Aside from anything the discipline of having to practice so as to make progress with the weekly lessons sounds like an excellent plan.
I doubt I'm going to ever be anything more than competent, but I have always wanted to do it so it's about time I did.
Aside from anything the discipline of having to practice so as to make progress with the weekly lessons sounds like an excellent plan.
I doubt I'm going to ever be anything more than competent, but I have always wanted to do it so it's about time I did.
I've been plonking on pianos and synths since the age of 6 and am entirely self taught. If you heard me so know that was all too apparent. The point is that you have exactly the same notes in front of you that every keyboard player has and through a process of elimination you'll find the right notes to play in the right order (©Eric Morcombe).
A friend can play exceptionally well and she learnt music at an early age, but she said she wishes she could play by ear as without the notation in front of her she hasn't got a clue where to start. Hendrix couldn't read music and neither can Dave Grohl. Both are guitarists admitedly. Not sure what the point is but I'm sure there must be one.
The important thing is that you have fun learning and experimenting while you play. I can't read music to save my life but I can knock out something which sounds musical. Pick a tune you love and play along with it. It's surprising (sometimes) just how simple some of the most memorable tracks are when picked apart.
As someone once said to me – and I'm all too keen to say myself to others – if it sounds right, it is right.
I'll help you get started: Rendezvous Pt 4 and Oxygene Pt 4 start on a C...
A friend can play exceptionally well and she learnt music at an early age, but she said she wishes she could play by ear as without the notation in front of her she hasn't got a clue where to start. Hendrix couldn't read music and neither can Dave Grohl. Both are guitarists admitedly. Not sure what the point is but I'm sure there must be one.
The important thing is that you have fun learning and experimenting while you play. I can't read music to save my life but I can knock out something which sounds musical. Pick a tune you love and play along with it. It's surprising (sometimes) just how simple some of the most memorable tracks are when picked apart.
As someone once said to me – and I'm all too keen to say myself to others – if it sounds right, it is right.
I'll help you get started: Rendezvous Pt 4 and Oxygene Pt 4 start on a C...
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