Newbie on keyboard

[vdiekeaps]

Hi everybody

I am a newbie and need help in starting on keyboard. I have bought an old midi controller and will be using s/w synths to create sound. Here is my objective:

-- To know enough theory (note reading) so as to play simple chords and notes
-- Focus more on playing by ear. I wanna gain a decent level of mastery in this one.
-- Eventually I wanna be comfortable with piano/keyboard in general so that I can use it to create tracks on some s/w arranger like cubase.

Can somebody recommend me a course? I believe classical piano is out for me coz it'll take years before I'm happy with the results or you think grade 1 will be sufficient for my needs? I probably would need a private teacher or single student class in some school.

In the past I have tried learning the basic note reading. The moment it hits 1/8 or 1/16 note I totally lose it so far I'm quite discouraged by that. I also dont have any appreciation of scales e.g. I do not know why we need scales. etc.

Thanks
Deep

 

[Poolo]

I always felt that classical playing is very different from your other genres. I've came across many grade8s who can't even play simple jazz/blues stuff. Like you've said, going through courses for classical may take ages and it is definitely not what you want?

My advice is to go to a private teacher and specify what you wish to learn, and maybe he can guide you from there. Better IMO.

Cheers!

 

[soft]

Poolo, you met many jazz/blues who can play classical stuff? :lol:

vdiekeaps, you can check out http://www.northwoodmusic.net

 

[bongman]

play classical piano gives one good foundation and techniques
play jazz/blues gives one good knowledge of pop music

 

[utano]

i would like to emphasize the importance of scales as it helps to develop hand coordination, finger strength and provides a good outlet to exercise the fingers.. scales would especially be helpful when you beginning to play with two hands together.

 

[boomdoom]

go for class still the best

 

[vdiekeaps]

Thanks for the replies. I guess the concensus is in support of classes. However I'm still unable to decide between classical piano (dunno how much of scales or any advanced topics I can learn in first grade which is perhaps a long shot for a year) and pop keyboard lessons. If I were to talk classical piano, I dont think I'll be able to continue the lessons after a year. Anybody here can throw some light on differences between the two?

Thanks

 

[mingguan]

Most of the Music school offer both courses.
maybe you should approach them to know the detail different.
Unlike Classical Piano, Diff school may have diff syllabus for Pop Keyboard.

 

[newbie100]

maybe someone should design a keyboard course with classical and pop/jazz training

 

[Cheez]

Thanks for the replies. I guess the concensus is in support of classes. However I'm still unable to decide between classical piano (dunno how much of scales or any advanced topics I can learn in first grade which is perhaps a long shot for a year) and pop keyboard lessons. If I were to talk classical piano, I dont think I'll be able to continue the lessons after a year. Anybody here can throw some light on differences between the two?

Thanks

What exactly would you like to achieve?

If you are not sure, I will suggest going for the pop piano class. That will help you achieve the "most" in the shortest time. Classical training is a long term thing. Count your cost (money, time, effort) before you start something.

But in my opinion (as a classical trained pianist who also plays other things besides classical music), I believe it's much easier to learn pop/jazz after learning classical than the other way round. Once your technique is fixed, you'll have difficulty changing it. And I still think that classical training (technique, theory etc) will benefit pop/jazz playing if applied well - I don't know if the reverse is true.

 

[vdiekeaps]

I'll go for private pop piano lessons. I'm also looking at some software that can aid in learning. One of the famous ones is Teach me Piano by Voyetra. Will keep other newbies posted.

Thx

 

[boomdoom]

nowadays leanring music is so convenient

 

[m-hawk]

going from classical to pop is super odd, coz classical focuses a lot on note reading and that kills the improvisation spirit that pop needs. the only good thing is that classical provides super stong foundation and theory knowledge, but its still wierd.

 

[Cheez]

Absolutely neither wierd nor odd. I'm classically trained. I now play pop and jazz etc. I don't find it wierd. And I know for certain I'm not the only one who did it. They don't find it wierd.

Improvisation is a skill that requires theory. Without theory, you can still do it but will be somewhat handicapped and limited. Applying both is what makes it works. Without theory, improvisation may become rojak in many cases - without any form and sense.

What's more odd - going from pop to classical. I've not seen anyone doing that yet.

 

[Quasar]

What's more odd - going from pop to classical. I've not seen anyone doing that yet.

Totally agree on this last part. I have a friend who is totally self taught and is a great jazz player... His ear is so well developed he can come up with very professional arrangement for a song in 1-2 days with the whole package (guitar, drums, etc.) just by listening to it.

All this without being able to read notes/chords! I used to teach him music theory while he 'tried' to teach me his improvisation skills... It was really difficult learning from him because he couldn't communicate his knowledge to me... He knew it in his heart and fingers only...

Anyway, he wanted to learn classical music after hearing me play Mozart's Alla Turca (Turkish March) but he gave up after a few months. He could approximate it (in jazz no less!) but just didn't have the required technique to play it well. Anyway, his goal was to be a professional entertainer (e.g. bar/hotel musician), and as such, classical music wasn't so high up in his list of priorities. The number of people who would prefer listening to classical music instead of pop/jazz is dwindling rapidly these days...

 

[casanova]

hey dude..

Hey dude..
Sorry for the late reply..yeah!
I would suggest you to buy a good Workstation and do your combination all by urself..
Self learning i mean..or use the manual..
Get a good workstation and you can do recordings..
Trust me its worth it..

cheers,
[han_dammit]
[Korg Tr Music
Workstation]