want to learn how to play piano, can I use a keyboard for this?

[mikel1992]

Hello everyone my name is Michael and I'm 21. I'm looking to play the piano for the first time. For some reason its just been really cool to me for a little bit and I want to get into it ASAP. I've found some sites to teach me but I'm missing one thing, the piano LOL. I'm wondering if its okay if I buy a keyboard from best buy or any electronics store for this. I have about 100 dollars to spend, is this okay as well?

 

[wljmrbill]

This would serve as a beginning point. The main problem lies within the touch of the piano vs digital keyboard. If you are using as a means to composing and not performing..should work out.. I doubt that you can find a 88 keyboard for under a $100.00 perhaps a used one from pawn shop. thrift store etc. or maybe a 61 note as a starter.Down the road maybe look into a touch senaitive keyboard for a more real feel. I have a 61 note and a touch sensitive 88 keyboard myself. Good luck with yoiur studies.

 

[Krummhorn]

Hi Michael :wave:

Unfortunately, $100 isn't going to get much for you in the way of a piano ... either electronic or acoustic ... the cheapest Casio electronics are several hundred dollars to start with.

One way to start is to rent a piano from a dealer ... most piano dealers have a rental program, others have a rental with option to buy program ... but that is certainly going to chew up your $100 pretty quickly.

Another way is to check with local churches in your area ... ask if you can practice on their piano when the church is not in use for services ... most will let you do this without you having to pay, but some may suggest a 'donation' of some sort. Check also with local universities/schools - even music stores that have practice rooms are another possibility.

I also heartily recommend securing the professional services of a teacher/tutor ... paying for lessons was not in my 'budget' for certain, but I made the sacrifice and got a teacher anyway, a decision I have never regretted as I have been a professional classical organist for the past 52 years.

As for a cheap piano, as mentioned try the charity/thrift shops ... you may have to pay for moving it, but the prices should be within your present budget. If the piano is horridly out of tune (as most charity/thrift shop pianos are) it is going to cost $45 to $75 for a good tuning.

Keep us informed about your progress on this ...

 

[Katanagatari]

If you're really intent on buying a keyboard and learning to play the piano, get a high quality one; it sucks when the keyboard you buy deteriorates after a year or so. $100 isn't really enough to get a good quality keyboard.

A keyboard should be enough to get you started, but if you can find a piano near you to play on, it'll be even better; there's nothing like the real deal.

 

[musicchambernet]

The $100 is very less to get a keyboard, but you may get a used one. The best thing is to join a music school and they will provide you piano as well to use in the school. I think this will help you learn and improve your skill as well.

 

[hadleylowsun]

yes last post is true you have to join music school for improve your skills

 

[musicteach]

yes last post is true you have to join music school for improve your skills

Not always, I've seen many people be self-taught masters of instruments.

As to the original poster, I'm going to echo what others have said and tell you to go to a music shoppe. Most will have a monthly rental program, and sometimes a rent-to-own program such as one might buy a car. For a beginner, I'd say that yes a keyboard is fine. But I will warn you, there's a MASSIVE difference from a keyboard to the piano.

Also, the other thing I might suggest is are you in college? If so or you could make this work, I bet you if you go explain to the piano teacher at the school the situation (s)he'd do everything in his(her) power to help.

 

[musictuitions112]

To be a specialist in piano you must join a music academy.A music academy will improve your piano skills better.

 

[Krummhorn]

I respectfully disagree with that ... the "Academy" does not make the musician great or improve his/her skills ... the "Student" does this themselves ... through diligent practicing and perhaps following the syllabus of a specific institution or that of a private tutor.

I'm all for music academies ... but if the student does not practice or better themselves in the process, it will not matter if the institution is a a local community college, Harvard or Julliard. The student must want to improve themselves.

I went the private tutor route - 14 years of keyboard instruction (piano & organ) and have enjoyed a very fulfilling career as a professional organist/recitalist ... 52 years and still going strong.

Kh ♫

 

[wljmrbill]

AMEN Lars.. totally agree.. the institutions/ professors can produce only those that have the desire, ability and determination to succeed as an individual musician OR hard to make a silk purse out of a pigs ear so -to -speak

 

[musicteach]

I wasn't going to respond to this - for the sake that I was wondering why we were replying to a year-old thread - but I think I will only say this "The best teachers show students how to learn, not what to learn."