Best way to learn to play a piano/keyboard??

[ProfJohn]

Ok I like to write songs, am a rather good poet.

And now I bought an iMac which includes Garage Band so I am already to start making real music.

Now I just need to learn how to play the keyboard. Am going to buy me a cheap $99 keyboard that I can hook up to the Mac.

Then what?
Any ideas?
Anyone try some of the software or web sites out there?

 

[KillerCharlie]

You can try to buy books and stuff, but lessons is the best way to go.

 

[villageidiot111]

While it is possible to teach yourself, it will take much longer and be much harder.

 

[warmodder]

There's a guy on youtube that has piano lessons. He writes the notes on a little dry erase board. It makes it really simple to get down a few songs, and since you've probably heard of them all, you should have fun in the process. His real lessons cost money, but the free ones are plentiful and more than good enough to get you started.

If you really want to learn though, I'd run scales first, than learn how to voice chords in each. Not as much fun, but you'll learn a lot more, and since you're a songwriter, theory is very important.

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: warmodder

If you really want to learn though, I'd run scales first, than learn how to voice chords in each. Not as much fun, but you'll learn a lot more, and since you're a songwriter, theory is very important.

Yeah, basic music theory is easy to learn on your own. I'd learn as much music theory as possible before taking lessons.

 

[ProfJohn]

Thanks for the help guys.

Anyone else?

 

[everman]

I think you should really take lessons. Even though something may sound good to you, an experienced pianist will easily point out any problems, even when they're aren't evident to you. Better to learn the right way the first time than have to unlearn/relearn.
Oh and cheap keyboards really suck for learning, you just don't have the same feel or anything like a real piano.