Learning how to play a keyboard is a skill that will last a lifetime and bring many hours of pleasure. There is no age limit on when you can start to play, and many people who begin with a keyboard go on to learn many other instruments. Whether you want to play just for yourself or entertain others, the rewarding feeling of seeing your own skills develop can give you a powerful confidence boost. Here is a list of important things to consider as you begin your learning journey.
Positioning
Positioning Your Body
It is vital that you sit on a firm chair, or piano stool, and maintain a firm, straight posture. You need to sit so that your body rests near the middle of the keyboard. Keeping your arms and wrists as straight as possible is also important in order to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Your seat needs to be adjusted so that your elbows are in line with the piano keys.
Positioning your Hands
Your hands should rest naturally in a rounded position, almost forming the shape of the letter C. Being relaxed is of utmost importance, as all musicians perform better when there is no tension in the body. Releasing tension is important as it puts you in a positive frame of mind and lets harmony flow through the body.
Choosing the Right Keyboard
According to WILLIAM CRAMER, in the article about the best beginner keyboard and piano guide from the website FIRE INSIDE MUSIC, having the right keyboard can make all the difference. If you’re starting out, the last thing you need is the wrong choice of keyboard. Size is important to consider, along with many other factors including the material of the keys. Younger players will need narrower keys, and, since all keys are weighted differently, it is important to try out a few alternatives to find the type that feels most comfortable.
Starting to Play
Every keyboard is divided into white and black keys: the white keys are the most commonly used. Musical notes are given the letters A-G, and once we reach G we start again. Some notes can appear in between these letters and are referred to as “sharp” or “flat”, such as “B flat” or “F sharp”. This is where the black keys come in but, when you start off, you can learn many songs from using only the white keys. First of all, we need to find the notes. C is the easiest notes to find. The black keys on keyboards are grouped into one set of three followed by one set of two, and this pattern continues however long the keyboard may be. C is the first white key to the left of the two black keys. From this, you can tell where all the other notes fall. Some beginners, especially children, like to have the letters labeled on the keys when they first begin.
Don’t Delay, Start Now
To sum up, learning to play the piano can be a key skill that will reward you all your life. There is no reason to delay and you are never too old to start. Why not take that first step today?
