Learning the keyboard

bakes0310 · 29 Jul 2013 at 14:40

I'm thinking of learning an instrument, and the keyboard is the one I want to learn. I have picked a keyboard called the Yamaha YPT-220 and a stand for it. Also there is a beginners book that seems highly recommended.
Is there anything else that I need to know or something that will help me learn the keyboard.
Can I learn the notes on a keyboard before I even get the paino, I guess I could look at a pick and learn all the notes. Theres 7 is that right, A-G?
Also do I always have to have the keyboard in the stand, or can I just have it on my lap and still play properly?
Daft questions im sure, but I really don't have a clue

any help would be great.

bakes0310 · 29 Jul 2013 at 14:48

InertProtocol said:
I play the guitar a little, i'm not suggesting we form a band. But i will suggest that you learn your scales!

There will be loads of resource on the net if you have a look.

Good luck and enjoy!

Thanks, but your alien language confused me, what is scales

bakes0310 · 29 Jul 2013 at 17:49

Thanks Turniphead that looks great, do you know any music forums that's worth signing up to that helps beginners?
Also is the key notes (a-g) the same layout on a piano?

bakes0310 · 30 Jul 2013 at 21:21

Cheers rob, it's the piano I want to play

I looked at the Yamaha p35 for a good starter digital piano, what do you think?

bakes0310 · 1 Aug 2013 at 13:46

Ok rob, ill save the pennies but It does mean cancelling my Playstation 4 preorder. I wont able to get it till November (get paid monthly) so if im still thinking about a piano by then, I know I really want it.
Im gonna learn from the videos above but maybe later on get some lessons. The only person I could find local is in the below link, what do you think?

http://www.firsttutors.com/uk/music/teacher/kathryn.piano

bakes0310 · 2 Aug 2013 at 20:00

Makes sense to take lessons then. What can I expect in my first lesson, it will be an hour long. I haven't booked anything yet, could someone look at the link I posted in an earlier post and see what you think of the teacher.

http://www.firsttutors.com/uk/music/teacher/kathryn.piano

bakes0310 · 3 Aug 2013 at 21:57

Got an email off the tutor today, she only has a few spaces left so hopefully its times I can do. She charges £32 an hour, I think I can only afford to do it once a week, I hope that's enough.

bakes0310 · 4 Aug 2013 at 07:01

robfosters said:
Getting a lesson once a week is fine as long as you have at least half an hour every day on your own piano, practising what you have learn't.

Her prices sound spot on. Don't forget to budget for books (they can be quite pricey), and also, money for exams if you plan to take your grading exams. I would do if you're really into it. Nice to see an official certificate proclaiming your talent.

Good post, thanks.
Ill be getting myself a piano in mid September when I get paid. Never thought about the grading part, sounds interesting and another motivation to improve I guess

bakes0310 · 4 Aug 2013 at 21:18

Got another email from her saying I can have a lesson tomorrow as long as I got a music book to work with. I have been recommended on a piano forum to get Alfies complete beginners book.
Is that normal having to get your own music book, I thought the tutor would have them already. I guess we get are own so we can pick the type of music we like or something :confused:

But yep im looking forward to my first lesson.

bakes0310 · 9 Aug 2013 at 13:19

Off for my first lesson, ill report back later

bakes0310 · 10 Aug 2013 at 18:14

Had my lesson yesterday I did actually enjoy it. She explained how the keys work and showed me inside the piano. I learned the keys (A-G) and where they are on the piano. Followed some notes in my book to get used to where the keys are. Funny how finger 4 and 5 are so weak but they will get better as I improve.
Ive been given homework to do, done half of it ill do the other half later. I should get myself a piano hopefully in September.

bakes0310 · 14 Aug 2013 at 17:50

Enjoyable lesson today, I remembered what I was taught last lesson and I learned some new stuff today.
I am sitting here looking at the checkout deciding if I should buy the Yamaha p105 and stand

bakes0310 · 15 Aug 2013 at 06:56

Raymond Lin said:
Do it.

Done it

Had to sleep on it, but I just bought the Yamaha p105 and the wooden stand for it, ill get the 3 pedals later on. Done next day delivery so itll be here tomorrow on my day off

bakes0310 · 17 Aug 2013 at 07:01

Piano and stand arrived yesterday took 10 mins to setup. Im really pleased with the quality it looks so nice in my bedroom. I sat down and played on it for a couple hours.
Can anyone recommend me some headphones for it though, so I can play it asloud as I want then

bakes0310 · 4 Sep 2013 at 19:24

bakes0310 · 4 Sep 2013 at 19:26

Pics as requested

Very happy with the piano it just looks and sounds so nice. Im still enjoying my lessons, its starting to get a bit difficult but im progressing.

bakes0310 · 5 Sep 2013 at 14:30

arty said:
For £500 that looks pretty decent quality - is it solid? I have sometimes found the cheaper Yamahas can be a bit light and plasticky, though I think they have improved their game recently

Good that it has USB too! Enjoy it

It seems very good quality to me, but this is my first digital piano so cant compare. All I know is that it sounds great and makes me want to practice on it all the time.