| The most often question I get asked is actually related | | | | keyboard option, make sure you buy a "full" keyboard. |
| to age. So many people are worried that they are too | | | | This means that it should have 88 black and white |
| old to start (or that they think they are 'tone-deaf'). The | | | | notes or keys. Some keyboards come with slightly |
| answer to this simple question is a resounding NO! It | | | | less but you're always best off spending a little more |
| doesn't matter whether you're six or sixty years old. | | | | and making sure you get the full keyboard. Secondly, |
| The oldest student I've had was a 64 year old retired | | | | make sure the keys are 'pressure-sensitive' meaning |
| lady and she was truly a wonderful student. In fact, | | | | that if you hit the key harder, the sound will be louder |
| age can be an advantage. Why? Because the best | | | | and vice-versa when you hit the key gently. Thirdly, |
| piano playing comes from your heart and the older | | | | you don't need to spend a fortune on the latest |
| you are, the more experienced you are emotionally. | | | | "wham-bam" got-everything-on-it keyboard, especially |
| And that transmits through to the fingers believe it or | | | | if you're on a tight budget. You just need a keyboard |
| not! | | | | with a decent piano sound on it and with a stand. It's |
| And this leads me onto the major benefit of playing | | | | important the piano be sat firmly on a stand or frame |
| the piano (or indeed, any musical instrument you really | | | | so it doesn't wobble around as you knock-out your |
| like). You know what it's like to hear your favorite song, | | | | favorite piece of music. |
| right? It can make you feel happy or sad, or bring back | | | | After this, you've got to actually start learning. There |
| deep and fond memories. Now when you start playing, | | | | are two methods to learning: either playing by 'ear' or |
| those emotions move into overdrive so much that it | | | | by 'reading' music. I recommend the second approach |
| can drive you to tears of joy & ecstasy! So playing | | | | simply because it's more versatile: you'll be in a better |
| can help you get in touch with yourself in new ways | | | | position to play both classical and other styles of music |
| that you never knew even existed. The pleasure in | | | | (like jazz, blues or gospel) if you know how to read |
| playing is unique to each individual so you're in for a | | | | music. |
| real treat (and so are your family and friends)! | | | | It doesn't take that long to learn but of course, it |
| All this sounds very pleasant but what does it really | | | | depends on how much effort you want to put in. |
| take to get started? Well, first off you obviously need | | | | Whatever approach you decide to take in learning to |
| a piano or better still an electronic keyboard. I mention | | | | play the piano, never forget that the most important |
| keyboard simply because they take up less space, | | | | thing is to enjoy yourself and not to take things too |
| plus they're cheaper and generally more versatile than | | | | seriously. Never forget that playing is for pleasure, not |
| a real piano. Having said that, if you can get your | | | | pain! |
| hands on a real piano, then go for it! If you go for the | | | | |