Alright I finally got the keyboard and I'm loving it so far, but I am very much a beginner and not sure where to start.
Can anyone recommend any websites, books, software, dvds, anything that can help me get started in teaching myself everything I need to know about learning to play the keyboard?

i am not being sarcastic but the best way to get into the instrument is to read the manual.

Hi,
maybe a book that teaches you chords & music may be of help. I had quite a few when I first started out.
Instructions on how to use the keyboard, just follow the manual. Something along these lines ( maybe) just make sure it's for keyboards with styles not a piano lesson book. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312082142/104-1852806-9209527?v=glance&n=283155

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by callmebobdylan:
[B]

"i am not being sarcastic but the best way to get into the instrument is to read the manual."

I disagree. It's a bit like saying that reading the manual for a word processor will turn you into Shakespeare.

The problem with a lot of manuals is that they tend to assume you know what you want to do with the piece of kit in the first place. My PSR3000 manual gives comprehensive instructions on how to create a style based on chunks of other styles but until I'd mastered use of the styles in a performance then this part of the manual might well have been written in ancient Greek!

Thanks a lot Rikki, I'll look into that book.

Hi,

forgot about this one http://www.1manband.nl/notereading/index.htm

This software may be of interest to you also, there's a demo available , so try before you buy. http://www.1manband.nl/busker/index.htm

where it could come in handy is being able to listen to a song before you practice.
You don't have to be able to read ( though it helps) just need to type in the notes / chords by following what's on your sheet music.

best wishes
Rikki

sorry Callmebobdylan. I thought you were new to arrangers and the E09 specifically and not keyboards generally. Have you any experience at all musically ?

Of course i meant E403 !

Try the Digital Music Notebook included with your keyboard. Go to their website where there are free downloads for beginners. Check this out:

www.digitalmusicnotebook.com

Also a beginner music theory book would be very helpful to aquaint you with fundamental music info. You can go to any music store and ask for an adult music theory workbook for beginners.

Keep at it, my friend.
Tim

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No, Spalding, I have absolutely no previous musical experience unless listening counts. And no problem about the sarcasm, my wording wasn't that good so it was easily mis-understood. Also, thanks a lot Rikki and Tim. I've been messing around with some random sheet music and I can't even read music, but I did teach myself how to play most of Coldplay's The Scientist .

Did you notice - there's a ton of Coldplay's songs available for download at digitalmusicnotebook.com.

Also check out the HLSPL piano lessons there. They look worthwhile.

Happy learning!
Tim

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Thanks again Tim. I was just looking on that site and it looks pretty nice.

What are you playing your keyboard through?
Amp? Speakers?

Just curious if you've hooked it up in order to hear it powered up.

Tim

If you just want to play with chords try the complete keyboard player books by Kenneth Baker and available from Wise Publications.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825610...ie=UTF8&s=books


If you want more in depth then try the keyboard series from Trevor Brown, as this will also teach you to read the notes for your left hand, which means that eventually you will be able to pick up any piece of music, and be able to play it.
http://www.organ.co.uk/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=organ&Category_Code=BOOK-STU

If you have a good ear for music, or when you become more experienced then consider tuition books that teach you haw to play by ear. (You listen to the song and are then able to play it)
Word of warning! Don’t expect to achieve top results overnight, it takes time and dedication to become a professional, but for your home playing you will find you will get satisfaction in a much shorter space of time.
Hope this helps.

Bill