Those 88 keys

Okay, I'm really interested in becoming at least functional on the keys, but right now I can't afford piano lessons. Can any of ya'll recommend any good books for learning music theory and/or playing? Now, I'm not trying to Beethoven or Mozart it here. Just trying to be able to play something out (bassline, keys, etc.) if I feel the need to. ANY help or suggestions will be appreciated.

i don´t know about books. i have been learning classical piano for more than ten years when i was kid. still, if you ask me about theory of harmonics i would`nt be a very interesting partner for a conversation. i don´t know about the music you´re into but if it`s not bon jovi style or anything I´d be happy to suggest that you simply don`t press more than one key at a time. if you want to compose a song on the piano, simply play it the way you can. listen what fits together, key by key. don´t read a book. if you want to build a track with synths, do it note by note. one hand for the keys, one for the cutoff, that´s what i say. same for triggering a sample. i have never understood the possible reasons why one should write a book about making music. but that´s just me. peace

polysikhs,

Nice common sense advice. I'm kinda in the same position as Remedial and what your saying is kinda obvious, but I seem to forget it from time to time. Keep it simple, what a concept..lol.

FastTrack Music Instruction: Keyboard chords & scales, Published by the Hal-Leonard corp.

Lists over 700 chords and inversions. And major, minor, melodic, harmonic and blues scales.

Its a good reference book and a decent place to start (jus to be "functional" on keys)

Piano lessons aren't that expensive. Like $50 dollars a month for attendance once a week. And believe me you will actually be able to play better within a month. My first lessons only lasted a month because my teacher got fired but I learned more that month than what I learned that whole year trying to practice by myself. I've only had a total 4 months of experience so far. You can tell them what you want to learn (technique, theory, or reading) and they will give you some exercises to practice. You still have to buy a book but it is alot more useful with a teacher guiding you. I recommend the lessons over the books because you might lose your motivation with the books. There are two books that helped me though. Books are good when it comes to theoretical stuff.

Buy books that either come with CD's or floppies. In that case you don't have to be the best reader.

For the very beginner:

The Piano Method 1 & 2: covers the basics on reading

Intermediate

Funk and R&B keyboards:

This book shows you some basic chords you probably already know. Although most of the licks are 12 bar blues format, it will teach you how to play with two hands fairly decent. It also have some good 16note rhythms when you get into the funk section. Once you learn the final lick, you will have people thinking you are Ray Charles are something (NOT REALLY). $15-$20 dollars. Comes with CD. I have completed this one.

The Pop Piano book:

I wouldn't recommend this as a first book but this is the bible of all contemporary piano books. Not only it goes into rock ballads, rock, new age, r&b ballads, r&b, country, slow gospel, and fast gospel but It goes into the theory of music and how it applies to those styles. It has midi examples for each exercises. Beginners might be a little intimidated with this one. Cost about $30-$40 dollars. Complete this and should be a well rounded player.

Keyboard Magazine. Check out the master classes. And also read what a lot of keyboardist have to say. Also learn your pitchbend and mod wheels (how to program and use them). Not using these can be a major diservice to your music. I see some people in a music store who can FREAK these.

Also get some note cards. This will improve your note memorization.

Good exercises.

Ever watch the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks. Everybody know the scene where two people play the piano with their feet. Play what they are playing individually then together. It's kind of corny but it will build up your left/right hand coordination.

Find a song you really like? Try playing it by ear. Some are not hard, but others particularly ballads or chordy type stuff can be very hard. If you are really stuck try finding sheet music.

Be careful about learning music theory. Many people are amazed at first and then start using it as a clutch and start wondering why their stuff sounds the same. Remember hearing comes before technique. Also if you find someone who plays, watch them as much as you can. You can learn a lot just buy looking at someone else.

Also get a sustain pedal.

polysikhs wrote: if you want to compose a song on the piano, simply play it the way you can. listen what fits together, key by key. don´t read a book. if you want to build a track with synths, do it note by note. one hand for the keys, one for the cutoff

Okay, what's the cutoff?




i have never understood the possible reasons why one should write a book about making music. but that´s just me. peace

So you can honestly tell me that your years of training were for naught? I think that books on music instruction help those of us who want to advance beyond the hours-long, single finger method.

remedial
the years were not completely useless, of course not. i was just trying to say that the way you play a piano has nothing-and i mean nothing-to do with playing a synth or building a track from samples. it got in my way for years, because there was simply too much i added to the tracks because i knew what would fit harmonically. i did´nt mean to be arrogant or anything. for me, regarding the music i like to make and listen to, learning the piano did´nt bring that much as one would assume. it took me years to accept that fact. it does`nt mean i don´t love the instrument itself. regarding cutoff: that`s the knob which changes the cutoff point of the filter, the more you lower the knob, the more high frequencies will be cut off until it comes so close to sine wave that the sound is not audible anymore.

I might have to agree with my man poly...True musicianship does often get in the way of music "production"... I encountered the same problem, began playing five years ago, post high school graduation. I had extensive training for vocal performance and this proved necessary for me to begin my journey in playing piano by ear. Never had any formal or theoretical instruction, but what I ran into was trying to have my keys or melody house every possible aspect of the song. In learning to play with harmony theory in mind (due to my vocal background), I was always trying to fill up the chords and play the fullest, richest melodies, leaving little room for improv and other minor components to track recording. My style has changed drastically because of my realization of this concept of K.I.S.S. simply...Keep It Simple Stupid. It became simpler to start small and build up versus the opposite.
Not to dismiss the importance of theory because "knowing" where to go next works wonders at times, but ultimately music is about what you feel and hear, only ASSISTED by what you know, not GOVERNED. And this is why I started with piano instruction recently. Time to put a method to my musical madness...

True musicianship does often get in the way of music "production"...

Just to reiterate briefly, think about how many producers and beatmakers are actually recognized live performers. Not many? Same applies to the idea of bringing in studio musicians who understand theory and other aspects of music so that, when driven by the often nontheoretical vision of a producer, the music comes to life. There appears to be something unique about this phenomenon if you will...