Getting Started

• Most electronic keyboards come with a manual that explains the instrument. It's a good idea to read the manual before you turn on your keyboard. Many keyboards have an array of functions, and trying to use them before you are familiar with them can be frustrating. Once you are somewhat familiar with the information in the manual, turn on the keyboard and begin experimenting with the various sounds and features.
  
  

Learning to Play Music

• Musically, an electronic keyboard is like a piano, so you can use a piano method such as Alfred or Bastien, two of the oldest and most popular piano methods on the market. You can also use some of the free beginning piano instructions found online (see Resources). Additionally, most electronic keyboards come with a book of songs and instructions for playing them.
  
  

Using Electronic Keyboard Features

• Most electronic keyboards come with features that make playing music more fun, as well as easier for beginners. A feature found on most electronic keyboards is called one-touch chord. This is ideal for the beginner because it allows you to play full chords with your left hand by pushing one key. With this feature, pressing a C note on the low end of your keyboard produces a C major chord, pressing a D will give you a D major, and so on. Your manual will give you the full details of creating more complex chords.
  
  Another feature is the preset rhythms in various musical genres. Select the rhythm you want--slow rock, for instance--and while the backing track plays, you create a melody over the top of the track. It's an easy way to entertain yourself, and if you have recording capability built into your keyboard, you can record the songs you create for playback without the use of any external recording device. Play with tempo settings as well. Create a melody of your own and then try playing the same melody at various speeds. You can also choose different styles for your backgrounds. It's fun to hear how the same melody might sound with a samba or a progressive rock background.
  
  Many electronic keyboards feature special effects as well. Reverb and stereo chorus are two common effects that can add color to the music you create.
  If your keyboard comes with a MIDI hookup, as many higher-end models do, take advantage of the ability to hook it to your computer so you can use it with musical notation software such as Finale (see Resources). Finale software will automatically notate any music you play when your keyboard is hooked to your computer. This is excellent for those who want to compose music.