Keyboard For Dummies

by Jerry Kovarsky

Discover the keyboard that's right for you, whatever your budget! Looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding new instrument to play? Thinking about the piano but don't necessarily have the room or the budget to put one in your home? Then grab a copy of the second edition of Keyboard For Dummies! In the book, acclaimed music technologist and keyboardist Jerry Kovarsky explores the wide variety of keyboards available, their sounds and features, and how to find the one that's right for you. This book walks you through the basics of keyboard playing, from hand and finger placement, to reading music, understanding rhythm and the basics of chords and harmony. Then, take on the fundamentals of sound editing, using effects, and recording your music. You'll learn how to hook up a keyboard to your computer, iPad or smartphone using both wired and Bluetooth technologies. Inside the Tips for choosing the right keyboard for you and keeping it in good condition Step-by-step tutorials to teach you keyboard hand placement and basic keyboard technique Suggestions for playing the most common keyboard sounds Playing along with rhythm patterns and auto-accompaniment Help with recording and editing songs Recommended online resources and example audio tracks Whether you're a total keyboard novice or a more experienced piano player seeking to explore electronic keyboards, Keyboard For Dummies is the easy-to-read and fun guide to the instrument that you've been waiting for.

Genres: Music

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2013

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently retired, I got a keyboard as a gift. Playing a keyboard is a little different from playing piano so I wanted something that focused on the difference between them. This book hit the mark. I wish I'd had it before I got a keyboard because one of the big pluses of this book is how to evaluate what you need and should buy. I plan on upgrading eventually and this helped me identify what I like and don't like about my current one and how to choose my next instrument. This is a great addition to the learning library of a new keyboard player.

[GleeGMJournal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book that walks you through the concept of
- keyboard/piano/organ history even mentions famous synthesizer such as Yamaha DX7
It
- compares different feature's name of each brand (even though it's the same feature!) this comparison table is quite a life hack!
- contains demo audio files which you can scroll =to hear them online. Although, some link are already broken LOL.
- contains compact topics such as music theory, music notation, chord, scale, fingering. However, it's is more like a reference cheat-sheet. If you want to start music foundation, it's better to start with Alfred/Faber publishers.
- Music waveforms, MIDI, keyboard features such as accompaniment, sound library.
- Other References such as which program is DAW, music learning resources such as Piano Marvel, Piano Playground, populer online piano community forum.
- Tips & Tricks on choosing keyboard/piano. People these days may prefer watching the buying guide on Youtube as it's more convenient, but it's nice that the book covers this topic in a text format.

[Tyler Replogle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid resource for anyone looking to dive into playing the piano or keyboard. I found the sections on playing by ear particularly enjoyable and helpful. The tips on learning and improving piano skills are practical and well-explained, making it a great guide for beginners and those looking to refine their technique. It’s a straightforward and approachable book, though I would’ve liked a bit more depth in certain areas. Overall, it’s a worthwhile read for anyone starting their keyboard journey!

[Sean S · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one of the few online books available in my public libraries' digital catalogue, I took a chance on this for piano content. There is some basic music theory here but most of this is a rush through notation and music structure, with more emphasis on keyboard features and functionality beyond piano instrument only. Good to know but not exactly what I was looking for.