Advice on learning to play the keyboard

[squids]

Some things are jes given to us. But not to all of us.

[ernstinen]

Sept 2, 2009, 9:23pm, trentoliphant wrote: I find that the techniques I learned doing Czerny, Hannon, scales, etc. are very helpful in my writing.Yup, I agree with Trent. Hannon excercises are invaluable to keyboard playing!I made my living for years playing keys and left-hand bass, and if you don't have you finger muscles "trained" (just like playing guitar, which I also do), it's just about impossible to play everything you'd like to.My 2 pesos,Ernesto

[ernstinen]

Hey Dave!I just bought another controller, but while I was shopping around I was astonished, ASTONISHED I MUST SAY how many inexpensive piano keyboards there are to buy these days for almost nothing! You have your choice of Midi capabilities (which I was looking for), as well as "real" piano hammer action or cheap plastic keys. I don't think it really matters if you're just learning to play. A lot of even the inexpensive ones come with built-in speakers, so you just turn it on and play! --- No computer involved. --- They are getting so cheap with decent piano sounds, I don't even know how they can make a profit. But there must be a lot of market for these keyboards. I'm talking $100-$200. It's pretty amazing. Go for it --- you'll enjoy playing "Maybe I'm Amazed" soon! Best Regards,Ern P.S. Actually, the "Hannon" exercises referenced above are actually written by Hanon. They're almost all in the key of C, so being able to read music well is really no big deal. They just stretch your fingers out so you can play different intervals better. E.

[davekershaw]

Thanks Ern.Yeah, being able to play Maybe I'm Amazed is all the motivation I need! I just did a few beginners legato and staccato exercises I found online. Finger co-ordination was OK due to the guitar I suppose, so I'm feeling good. Looking for a full size weighted model right now.Yamaha DGX630 looks good but comparing others.Cheers Mate,Dave.

[davekershaw]

Sept 3, 2009, 6:14am, mewman wrote:We could grunt and laugh and poke each other to get our points across ...That sums me up in a nutshell! I get your points, and understand what you're saying Mewman.I wasn't knocking - or didn't mean to knock theory, or people who can read or write music. My apologies if that's the way it came across.I don't plan at this point to learn, but you never know where things may lead.Cheers,Dave.

[wings]

Sept 2, 2009, 10:30am, mojobone wrote:Weighted full size controller and some decent samples is the way to go, IMO. That way lie two advantages-you get to develop muscles that a synth-action controller won't and you can practice with headphones at any hour.+1 absolutely!!And learn scales...scales, and more scales. harmonics, melodics, and arpegios.The nice thing about a weighted keyboards, is that you can use it for MIDI velocity entry - and you can add your personal feel as you do it! Good stuff.Oh, did I mention learning some scales?

[coachdebra]

Hey, check out Taxi Member, Kate Kohler http://www.katekohler.com/ for some piano lessons by skype!Tell her I sent you Debra

[davekershaw]

Thanks pb.Yeah, I'm going for an 88 key fully weighted keyboard.Looks like the Yamaha DGX-630 would suit me:http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/link/792248and I'd welcome any pros or cons on that.I would like to learn to play "proficiently", so my ambitions are progressing from my initial statement. Even leaning towards reading/writing now (Mewman )Cheers,Dave.

[ernstinen]

One odd (funny) thing that Dave might appreciate:I play keyboards and guitar. When I used to gig a lot, I'd play left-hand bass, right hand keys for chords and solos, and sing all at the same time.But on guitar, my left-hand is pretty quick, but my right hand picking is pretty slow. In fact, I can barely fingerpick with my right hand! I've learned to deal it with a lot of hammer-ons on rock guitar, but it is pretty weird that I can do 3 things at once on a keyboard, but have coordination problems on guitar. Huh? Ern

[davekershaw]

Sept 6, 2009, 3:04pm, pb wrote:When aunt Alice comes over and wants to play the rumba in the background ... How did you know I had an Aunt Alice! Thanks pb.I thought the DGX-630 WAS fully weighted!It's getting complicated: semi, scaled, graded!! Back to the drawing board then.I want to get it right, and appreciate all the suggestions.