Tickling the MIDI-enabled Ivories
August 1, 2006 1:03 PM Subscribe
I want to learn to play keyboard, a continuation of sorts of this question. When I say this, I mean a MIDI controller - for the sake of being a midi controller, not as a stepping stone to piano. My goal lies primarily in doing something creative musically (dare I say "compostition" at some point down the line) with software synths played live (by me, not a tracker). So the answers to that last question have sent me on my way theory wise, but how do I learn to actually, you know, move my fingers around?
What self-instructional material can MeFites reccomend? What in the way of real (with teacher) instruction? Would piano lessons be worthwhile (keeping in mind I don't wish to ever play a real piano)? I'm packing off to university (in Lexington, KY) in two weeks, if anyone has reccomendations locally.
What self-instructional material can MeFites reccomend? What in the way of real (with teacher) instruction? Would piano lessons be worthwhile (keeping in mind I don't wish to ever play a real piano)? I'm packing off to university (in Lexington, KY) in two weeks, if anyone has reccomendations locally.
Would piano lessons be worthwhile (keeping in mind I don't wish to ever play a real piano)?
If you want to develop the muscle memory you need to play quickly and precisely, I'd say piano lessons would be enormously helpful.
posted by uncleozzy at 1:13 PM on August 1, 2006
If you want to develop the muscle memory you need to play quickly and precisely, I'd say piano lessons would be enormously helpful.
posted by uncleozzy at 1:13 PM on August 1, 2006
I'm a little confused: Why would piano lessons not be very similar to keyboard lessons? There are differences, definitely, in how sensitive the keys are, but those vary between pianos too.
So, I guess, yes, piano lessons would be worthwhile. I can't recommend Kentucky specific lessons, but just open up a yellow pages and start calling. Be upfront about the type of music you want to play, and ask if they have experience there. Most are pretty honest about what they can and can't teach you. But really, as a beginner, it's hard to go wrong, though you might have to change teachers a year or two or three down the line.
Seriously, though, lessons are the way to go. Aside from the fact that they can watch you and correct bad habits before they start, just knowing that you have a lesson coming up will force you to get up and practice every day.
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 1:14 PM on August 1, 2006
So, I guess, yes, piano lessons would be worthwhile. I can't recommend Kentucky specific lessons, but just open up a yellow pages and start calling. Be upfront about the type of music you want to play, and ask if they have experience there. Most are pretty honest about what they can and can't teach you. But really, as a beginner, it's hard to go wrong, though you might have to change teachers a year or two or three down the line.
Seriously, though, lessons are the way to go. Aside from the fact that they can watch you and correct bad habits before they start, just knowing that you have a lesson coming up will force you to get up and practice every day.
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 1:14 PM on August 1, 2006
Response by poster: Okay, so piano lessons are the obvious answer. Any advice on finding a teacher then? What it will cost? I realize this is highly variable, but I wouldn't know if $50 or $5 an hour is normal...
posted by phrontist at 1:51 PM on August 1, 2006
posted by phrontist at 1:51 PM on August 1, 2006
Response by poster: (Book reccomendations still highly desired)
posted by phrontist at 1:57 PM on August 1, 2006
posted by phrontist at 1:57 PM on August 1, 2006
Well, I was kind of in a similar position but further along. I knew how to read music and play the piano since my parents forced lessons on me as a kid, but I didn't know how to write music.
In order to write music, you'll either have to learn experientially how the notes fit together, or you'll have to bite the bullet and learn music theory. Or both.
I told this to my music teacher and from there I was learning why music sounds the way it does. But it got to be too much for me and I quit.
posted by CrazyJoel at 3:35 PM on August 1, 2006
In order to write music, you'll either have to learn experientially how the notes fit together, or you'll have to bite the bullet and learn music theory. Or both.
I told this to my music teacher and from there I was learning why music sounds the way it does. But it got to be too much for me and I quit.
posted by CrazyJoel at 3:35 PM on August 1, 2006
there are a few things you're going to need...
1) piano lessons. for a long time. don't expect this to come quickly. no matter how good an ear you have, it's your fingers that need training. so i'd start asap. You should definately see if someone can get a teacher recommended, and if not, try searching around the music department of your university to see if any student would be interested in giving lessons. i daresay they'd be cheaper than from a more experienced teacher, because those lessons can cost between $30-$50 an hour, depending on length and skill level.
2) you need to learn theory. this is a lot easier to do from a book than actually practical piano is, but i'd recommend getting your teacher to recommend a good book for your skill level and to have her check over the practice pages you do at the end of every lesson, so that he/she can correct your mistakes.
3) lots and lots of spare time to practice. the more you practice, the better you'll get, so you're going to have to put in a LOT of effort. and i mean a LOT.
and finally,
4) you'll need to learn how to compose. this is very different from learning theory or practical, it requires a LOT of knowledge about keyboard and piano, and a lot of knowledge about theory, because theory is the key to all music, as dull as it may seem in the begining (it gets exciting as you move along ;) )
so good luck, and I believe that if you practice a lot and are very commited, it shouldn't take too long to learn enough to compose for synth or keyboard... maybe a year or two, or less if you're talented!
posted by alon at 3:53 PM on August 1, 2006
1) piano lessons. for a long time. don't expect this to come quickly. no matter how good an ear you have, it's your fingers that need training. so i'd start asap. You should definately see if someone can get a teacher recommended, and if not, try searching around the music department of your university to see if any student would be interested in giving lessons. i daresay they'd be cheaper than from a more experienced teacher, because those lessons can cost between $30-$50 an hour, depending on length and skill level.
2) you need to learn theory. this is a lot easier to do from a book than actually practical piano is, but i'd recommend getting your teacher to recommend a good book for your skill level and to have her check over the practice pages you do at the end of every lesson, so that he/she can correct your mistakes.
3) lots and lots of spare time to practice. the more you practice, the better you'll get, so you're going to have to put in a LOT of effort. and i mean a LOT.
and finally,
4) you'll need to learn how to compose. this is very different from learning theory or practical, it requires a LOT of knowledge about keyboard and piano, and a lot of knowledge about theory, because theory is the key to all music, as dull as it may seem in the begining (it gets exciting as you move along ;) )
so good luck, and I believe that if you practice a lot and are very commited, it shouldn't take too long to learn enough to compose for synth or keyboard... maybe a year or two, or less if you're talented!
posted by alon at 3:53 PM on August 1, 2006
I'm sure that UK must have a music department and assorted folks (even advanced students) who are interested in giving lessons. Check out the department when you get there.
posted by bim at 5:30 PM on August 1, 2006
posted by bim at 5:30 PM on August 1, 2006
Maybe organ lessons... does such a thing exist apart from piano lessons?
Yes (I'm assuming you mean pipe organ here?) but you should learn to play the piano fairly well first -- organ is basically the same thing with a foot keyboard as well. It is harder and requires even more coordination. Also, you need access to an organ for lessons and some practice. I was fortunate enough in high school to take piano lessons from the organist for a local church, so for a while I took organ lessons as well as piano lessons, since he could get me in to the organ. At this point I had already been playing the piano for 6-7 years. I didn't really stick with it because it was still hard to find time to practice on my own, and when I moved away from home I didn't have access to an organ anyways.
If you mean jazz/rock organ, you should try jazz piano lessons (though I don't know if that's really an option for a beginner).
Taking piano lessons (and practicing regularly) is the best way to become a solid keyboard player for any purpose.
posted by advil at 9:10 PM on August 1, 2006
Yes (I'm assuming you mean pipe organ here?) but you should learn to play the piano fairly well first -- organ is basically the same thing with a foot keyboard as well. It is harder and requires even more coordination. Also, you need access to an organ for lessons and some practice. I was fortunate enough in high school to take piano lessons from the organist for a local church, so for a while I took organ lessons as well as piano lessons, since he could get me in to the organ. At this point I had already been playing the piano for 6-7 years. I didn't really stick with it because it was still hard to find time to practice on my own, and when I moved away from home I didn't have access to an organ anyways.
If you mean jazz/rock organ, you should try jazz piano lessons (though I don't know if that's really an option for a beginner).
Taking piano lessons (and practicing regularly) is the best way to become a solid keyboard player for any purpose.
posted by advil at 9:10 PM on August 1, 2006
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posted by phrontist at 1:11 PM on August 1, 2006