How to Play a Keyboard

Playing the keyboard is a breeze when you approach it as an adventure rather than an attempt at perfection. Unlike the piano, playing the keyboard allows you to play with sound, mix rhythms and even divide your keyboard so that one hand plays chords and the other plays accompanying melody.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Plug in your keyboard and check your connections to ensure everything works. Set the volume so it's not too loud or too soft. If others are around while you are experimenting, you might want to plug in some earphones so you can hear your music better.

2. Experiment with the feel of the keys by pressing the notes with your fingers. Keeping your fingers slightly curved helps them move better and faster when you get to more complicated pieces. Some keyboards are touch-sensitive, which means the harder you press the keys, the louder the music.

3. Look for buttons that change rhythm and listen to each choice, marking down the ones that appeal to you most. In the same way, press the buttons that change the sounds of the instruments and mark down your favorites.

4. Check out your manual to learn how to mix sounds. Check the settings for you keyboard model which enable you to play chords with the press of a single key.

5. Put it all togetherm the rhythm, instruments and chords. When you find a tune you like, most models offer you the option to record yourself. Check the manual for details.

6. Play along with yourself by playing the demo you recorded and playing more notes along with your recording.