How To Read Music?

Can you still play the keyboard if you don't know how to read music?

• Hi I want to learn how to play the keyboard but i'm not sure if I could seeing that I don't know how to read music.. I looked up "how to read music for the keyboard" on wikihow but it was still really confusing.. I don't have a teacher so no one could tech me either.. HELP PLEASE!!

• Answer:

  The piano is almost universal when it just comes to its pure mechanics and how it can accommodate anyone, with even one finger, can begin to enjoy creating a tune on their own. And keyboards of any size, make and level of playing requirements offer such a beginning experience. Those who find it difficult, even impossible to read music manuscript, usually just depend upon their ears to guide them over time to find the notes and even chord combinations that later provide what an average player can appreciate in time. I was one of them, and still go by 'instinct' when playing without the musical directions, which some even as actual players, cannot perform without such aid. Going by ear is and can be versatile and eventual lead to other instrument over time. Now it is virtual sight reading (through the knowledge of voice and choir training of my past) that gets me by through most anything put in front of me. But, I really enjoy the freedom of expression still by going without having to worry over notational interpretations in front of me. It all boils down to appreciation of all music. Desire to even to want to touch any instrument of choice and know that there is something to bring out of it all on your own. It can be real power of personal accomplishment and the love for such an activity and later, developed ability. All a great way not only to express yourself and what you like when it comes to music, but a personal satisfaction and reward in doing something you enjoy and be entertaining at the same time, at any level, be it personal, or with others who appreciate the sound. So for now. Get a keyboard, any keyboard, and discover what you can do and not worry so much about the instrument itself and just get started. You will find out first off if this will be something you can really get into. Buy some books on beginner's piano, especially one filled with left-hand (rhythm/bass) chord pictorials and finger charts to understand positions and alternatives to these chords and key differences. As well, check out the CD and DVD instructional offerings you might want to learn more from. Above all, it is just listening to your favorite music (jazz, classical, rock n'roll, country, etc.) and any performer that seems to stick out who may be important enough to learn more about in this area. You may have a favorite artist already, but any of the players of the past (and there are so many) have portrayed many styles over the generations of which you may be attracted to. Get to a good music store and take someone with you (if all possible) who is already into piano or has a keyboard, to help make a choice in something to get you stared with. Just, listen to the music. And practice when you know you can't leave the keyboard alone any longer, setting there and not being used to its (full) potential purpose, for what it was designed and made for.