Ever dreamed of tickling the ivories? Playing a keyboard instrument isn’t just for prodigies! It’s a rewarding hobby that offers stress relief, cognitive boosts, and the joy of creating music. From classical sonatas to pop hits, the possibilities are endless. Start by exploring online resources, apps, or consider lessons for personalized guidance. Don’t worry about perfection – focus on the journey and rediscover the fun of learning something new!
Playing a Keyboard Instrument
as a hobby
AKA: Playing the Piano
Reviewed by:
Categories: Musical Instruments
Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with playing a keyboard instrument as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with playing a keyboard instrument.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
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Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
Musical Notes
- Eighth note: A note that lasts for half a beat.
- Half note: A note that lasts for two beats.
- Octave: The set of eight consecutive notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C).
- Quarter note: A note that lasts for one beat.
- Sixteenth note: A note that lasts for a quarter of a beat.
- Whole note: A note that lasts for four beats.
Keyboard Anatomy
- Black keys: The raised keys, typically representing sharps and flats.
- Keys: The individual levers that are pressed to produce sound.
- Octave key: A key that shifts the pitch of all subsequent notes up or down by one octave.
- Soft pedal: A pedal that softens the sound of all notes played.
- Sustain pedal: A pedal that sustains the sound of all notes played while it is held down.
- White keys: The lower keys, typically representing natural notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B).
Basic Techniques
- Arpeggios: Chords played one note at a time.
- Chords: Groups of three or more notes played together.
- Legato: Playing notes smoothly connected.
- Scales: A series of notes played in ascending or descending order.
- Staccato: Playing notes short and detached.
Musical Terms
- Clef: A symbol that indicates the pitch of the notes on the staff.
- Dynamics: The volume of the music.
- Staff: The five horizontal lines on which musical notation is written.
- Tempo: The speed of the music.
- Time signature: Indicates the number of beats per measure and the type of note that receives one beat.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- The easiest, most accessible step toward playing a keyboard instrument is playing with a virtual piano.
- The next step may involve a MIDI controller or a MIDI-enabled roll-up piano, which can be connected to the virtual piano to enhance your practice.
- Once you get the hang of it and decide you want to go further you can decide between finding in-person keyboard classes near you or learning by yourself.
- If you decide to learn by yourself you can follow books, learning apps, or online courses, and eventually buy full-size musical keyboard or piano.
- If you decide to learn on your own, you can follow books, learning apps, or online courses, and eventually purchase a full-size musical keyboard or piano.
💡Tip: Some public libraries have practice pianos.
First Steps Videos
Products
Essentials to have.
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
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Books
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Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
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Websites
Go-tos for information.
Virtual Pianos
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
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FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: Do I need to be musical to start?
A: No prior musical experience is necessary! Many adults and children begin as complete beginners and find learning enjoyable with the right approach.
Q: Am I too old to start learning?
A: It’s never too late to pick up a keyboard! People of all ages can successfully learn and enjoy playing, regardless of past experience.
Q: What are the main categories of keyboard instruments?
A: Keyboard instruments can be classified into four primary categories based on how they produce sound:
- Chordophones: Instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings.
- Examples:
- Piano: A widely used chordophone with 88 keys that strikes strings with hammers to produce sound.
- Harpsichord: Similar to a piano but plucks strings when keys are pressed.
- Clavichord: A smaller string instrument known for its expressive capabilities.
- Examples:
- Aerophones: Instruments that create sound primarily by vibrating air.
- Examples:
- Pipe Organ: Uses air flowing through pipes to create music.
- Pump Organ: A portable version of the pipe organ that uses bellows to push air through reeds.
- Accordion: Produces sound by forcing air through reeds using a bellows.
- Examples:
- Idiophones: Instruments that generate sound through the vibration of the instrument itself.
- Examples:
- Celesta: A keyboard instrument that produces a bell-like sound by striking metal plates.
- Toy Piano: A small piano with a limited range and unique timbre.
- Examples:
- Electrophones: Instruments that produce sound through electrical means.
- Examples:
- Synthesizer: An electronic instrument that generates sounds through various methods, allowing for a wide range of tones and effects.
- Digital Piano: Simulates the sound and feel of an acoustic piano using digital technology, often featuring weighted keys and multiple instrument sounds.
- MIDI Keyboards: Essential for music production, enabling users to control virtual instruments and recording software
- Examples:
Q: Which keyboard instrument should I choose?
A: Popular options include pianos, keyboards, and digital pianos. Consider your budget, space, desired sound, and portability when making your choice.
Q: Can I learn by myself?
A: Yes, online resources, apps, and books can be helpful. However, a teacher can provide personalized guidance, feedback, and motivation.
Q: How much does it cost to learn?
A: Costs vary depending on your approach. Online resources can be free or have subscriptions, while lessons range depending on the teacher and location.
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Apps
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Courses
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Community & Near You
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Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
- Some public libraries have practice pianos.
Video Tips
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
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