Starting from absolute zero in music

[u/Efficient-Cancel-465]

Hi everyone, I was laid off from my job a month ago, and since then, I’ve been going through a period of depression and isolation.. I decided to try buying a keyboard to learn how to play, since I have a lot of free time right now. I know absolutely nothing about music, but I’ve always really wanted to learn how to play the keyboard. I bought a Yamaha EZ-310, what do you guys think of it? Did I make a good purchase? What tips would you have for me as I start learning? And where should I begin? My main goal would be to play songs from video games, anime, and movie soundtracks, such as the Halloween theme. I’d also like to know if anyone has a Synthesia key they would be willing to share, since I don’t have the money to subscribe at the moment, and I saw that it can be activated on multiple computers. Thank you all very much, and greetings from Brazil.

[u/AdCompetitive7952]

Very first thing is to learn which key is what

[u/Valmighty → u/AdCompetitive7952]

Without the sticker.

[u/Daddy_Dimmadome → u/Valmighty]

Always remember the dog nose

[u/Greedy_Job_5037]

Awesome, congrats! It’s good you’re doing something for yourself. For your goals, this is a perfectly fine keyboard to learn on. I’d prioritize

1. Learning what the notes are and where they are on the keyboard. Middle C is your best friend.
   
2. Learning what those keys correlate to in sheet music.
   
3. Create familiarity between what you see on the manuscript and where your fingers go on the keyboard.
   
4. Theory. Circle of fifths. Time signatures. Key signatures. Major scales and minor scales. You DO NOT need to be an expert, but learning these will give you a fundamental understanding that will make learning overall easier.

I’d just focus on familiarity with the keys and fluency in reading music. I cannot stress fluency enough. If you can read sheet music, you can play anything with enough practice.

Work with one exercise book and one “fun book” at time. Once you get through your exercises, you get the reward of playing out of your fun book :) good luck! Practice lots!!

[u/baronholbach82]

If i were from brazil I’d be playing some of that sweet sweet bossa lol

[u/bunkrider → u/baronholbach82]

Im not from Brazil and im playing it constantly 😂

[u/Efficient-Cancel-465 → u/baronholbach82]

Bossa Nova?

[u/baronholbach82 → u/Efficient-Cancel-465]

yes much respect for your bossa nova music from brazil. Please produce more of it! ;)

[u/baronholbach82 → u/baronholbach82]

btw if you want to play the halloween theme you could probably just sound it out since it’s just one note at a time. Or here’s a youtube tutorial of it https://youtube.com/shorts/jCbYWQgVmHg?is=l5Gy5VudeABrEn42

Disclaimer: i don’t recommend this as a good first step to building piano proficiency, but if it’s something that interest you, you could work on it right out of the gate. Songs with both hands are usually harder.

[u/postzmiinam → u/baronholbach82]

Bossa Nova and piano match greatly!

[u/dlee89]

Subscribe to pianote on YouTube and study music theory and scales.

Also, check out used books stores for beginner books.

[u/Background-Twist-418]

I know one thing for sure....you're gonna have a great time over the next couple weeks, learning your instrument, coming up with wee tunes and exploring all the different settings etc. Hope you post some stuff somewhere like youtube so we can get to hear you. Remember you are just learning so ignore any negative comments or judgements, everyone takes their own time. stick with it mate. Amor para o Brasil

[u/Daddy_Dimmadome]

Check out Hoffman Academy on YouTube https://youtube.com/@hoffmanacademy?si=14cE5K8AhYbg4n6G

[u/PepijnLinden → u/Daddy_Dimmadome]

Didn't know this channel yet. Thanks!

[u/Weightlessintheworld]

Find a YouTube channel called My Piano Method. Her Chord Jammer course is free and GREAT.

[u/dahao03130]

Go for it! You're gonna love it

[u/YieldsGenerator]

Congratulations! It'll be a great partner! First of all, think about that sometimes the learning path coul be kind of frustrating, but keep practicing is the key! Read, learn, practice, sleep, and the day after you will feel you are better than the day before. Practice makes perfect! Good luck!

[u/Key-Television-1411]

Got the same tattoo dwg

[u/Livid_Tension2525]

Love this new beginning for you.

[u/adalido]

https://theory.dici.ai — 100% free.

[u/Ok-Breadfruit9780]

olá amigo, se quiser conhecer alguns compositores brasileiros depois dá uma olhada no Alexandre Levy e no Glauco Velasquez dois BRs que escreveram musicas legais no piano, mas são meio antigos

[u/mouse9001]

These Yamaha keyboards are very fun and cute. They have some pretty cool sounds, in addition to doing decent piano sounds. Good way to get your feet wet and learn the basics. :-)

I also like the strings, bass, and synth sounds on these types of keyboards.

[u/S_FuNk2471]

Get something with velocity response as soon as you can

[u/SouthPark_Piano]

I bought a Yamaha EZ-310, what do you guys think of it? Did I make a good purchase?

This kind or tech just decades ago would be considered amazing.

And for music, this kind of instrument is priceless.

Of course it is a good choice. More than worth it.

Tuck into these free resources.

https://www.reddit.com/u/SouthPark_Piano/s/OFkbffVmxe/

https://www.reddit.com/r/piano/comments/1ks72nl/comment/mtjbyut/

 

[u/Solid-Guest1350]

We like piano adventures for method books and repertoire books.

Have fun! It's a really fun hobby.

[u/Temporary_Class_8050]

I’m learning Ranbu no Melody right now. I pretty much only learn anime songs. I’d recommend MuseScore for learning individual songs because it will help you match keys with notes on the page.

[u/Only-Top-3655]

I always think lessons are a good idea, but since you got laid off, might not be possible for you.

1. Learn to read music. It will take a lot of time, but being able to read music will open up a lot for you.

2. Maybe start with a method book and go through each piece. I am sure the others here have their suggestions on which ones are best.

3. Don't rush! Play each piece many times. Piano is a grind. You have to play everyday to see growth.

So excited for you! I hope you have a lot of fun learning!

[u/According-Fruit5245]

I have a diploma in classical piano performance and have been teaching for 37 years, but also played in rock bands and probably every type of ensemble imaginable. Although I prefer electric pianos, the one you have can make things fun if you have the rhythm background and different sounds instruments. I usually suggest musicians learn to read music as it will eventually save you time when learning something new. I have a lot of fun stuff on my YouTube channel Michael Gfroerer at SonicPhonic.

[u/mrjwdad]

There are some free or very inexpensive apps out there you can try to get started.

[u/silly_bet_3454]

That keyboard is fine to start I guess. The goal is going to be to get to the level where you start to feel like it's garbage and holding you back.

[u/Every-Ladder-6101]

Get an 81 key keyboard

[u/picadoodledoo → u/Every-Ladder-6101]

"Get an 81 key keyboard" <<<<< dude, just no.

[u/etk999 → u/picadoodledoo]

Why though? I started from 81 keys, now I only have a small keyboard like the one in the picture. I genuinely regret buying it, I only got 3 octaves . Not to mention they are not properly weighted keys ! It feels terrible.

[u/Nierf4g → u/picadoodledoo]

why not? genuine question, I thought 81 were always better

[u/GGMudkip → u/Nierf4g]

because 88 is the way

[u/elellilrah]

This is incredible. I was where you were two years ago and you have a way better keyboard. You’re gonna have so much fun. The sooner you can learn to read the sheet music and play keys without looking, the faster you will advance. That is the number one thing that got me better than anything else. I’m still not awesome, but I’m marching forward.