6 Tips to Practise and Play the Keyboard Effectively

The keyboard is a versatile instrument that has become a staple in many different styles of music, from classical to pop. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced musician looking to expand your skills, learning to play the keyboard can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

As you start your journey with the keyboard, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together these tips and tricks, especially for beginners, to help you get started. From learning the basics of posture and hand positioning, to experimenting with different genres of music, these tips will guide you on your way to becoming a skilled keyboard player.

Always remember, playing the keyboard should be fun and joyful, so enjoy the process and don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. If you’re ready to take the first step towards becoming a skilled keyboard player, grab your instrument and let’s get started! With dedication, practice, and the right resources, you’ll be on your way to making and playing beautiful music in no time.

Essential Keyboard Tips for Learners

Learning to play the keyboard can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:

Start with the Basics

Learn how to sit correctly at the keyboard, how to position your hands, and how to play simple chords and scales. This will help you build a strong foundation for future growth.

Pro Tips:

Remember, posture is very important. You should follow these points.

– Hands and arms should form a L shape when resting on the keys.

– Elbows and your forearms must be level with the keyboard.

– Do not sit too close to the piano.

– When you are sitting down on the stool or a chair make sure you keep your back straight..

– Avoid slouching. It will make playing uncomfortable and difficult.

– Sit on the front half of the bench. Make sure the bench is far back enough that you can easily stand up between the bench and the keyboard.

Practise Regularly

The formula is simple, the more you practise, the faster you will progress. Set aside time each day to play the keyboard and work on improving your skills. One of the keys to success when learning the keyboard is to practise regularly. The more you play, the faster you will progress and the more confident you will become. 

Pro Tips:

– You shouldn’t practise using both the hands together. Start with the right hand first and then move on to the left hand while playing with the rhythm. As you get more comfortable, you can play together by synchronising the left and right hands. 

– A common mistake beginners make is getting confused with the finger numbers. You should take care of this and use the correct fingers especially while playing the scales.

– Always start practising at a slower tempo. You can use the metronome to keep track of the beat. Once your fingers are warmed up then build up the tempo gradually. 

– If you’re a beginner, start with 15-20 minute sessions per day. As you get comfortable with the instrument, you can work up to 30 minutes per day. 

– Remember, practising 20 minutes a day is much better than practising 3 hours once a week. Doing multiple short sessions each day consistently is much better than doing one or two long ones per week. This way you’ll be able to retain the information more effectively and learn faster at the same time.

Use Sheet Music

Sheet music can help you learn new songs and improve your music reading skills. There are many resources available online where you can find free sheet music. It’s also important to use sheet music to improve your music theory knowledge so you can create your own music.  

Pro Tip: Also, do these things regularly.

– Ear Training (listening to music and replicating it)

– Sight Reading (reading sheet music and playing it)

– Note Reading: Familiarise yourself with note C as it is the central note and can help you get your bearings a lot quicker.

– Scales, Arpeggios, Chords

– Learn Basic Music Theory 

Experiment with Different Styles and Learn to Improvise 

Try playing different genres of music, such as classical, jazz, or pop. This will help you become a well-rounded player and broaden your musical horizons. A reminder – music learning and performance should be  fun. You can choose and play the songs you love or like. So, if you are not having fun, you aren’t doing it right!

Pro Tip: You can learn any new song in the following order: notes, fingering, rhythms, expression, then speed. You have to focus on accuracy over speed.

Alternatively, improvisation is a key part of playing the keyboard. Practice playing different chord progressions and creating your own melodies.

Check our blog on the different types of electronic keyboard and how to select one suitable for you.

Get Feedback

Consider taking lessons from a music school, instructor or seeking feedback from more experienced players. They can help you identify areas where you can improve and provide valuable guidance. 

Have Fun

Most importantly, have fun! Playing the keyboard should be a joy, so enjoy the process and don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. The more you play, the more confident you will become.

Also, remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes, as they are an important part of the learning process. With dedication, practice, and a positive attitude, you will be able to master the keyboard and make beautiful music for years to come. 

On a side note, you should also Invest in quality instruments. A good keyboard can make a big difference in your playing. Look for one with weighted keys and a good sound quality to help you achieve a m/blog/what-are-weighted-keys-on-keyboard-or-piano/ore professional sound. Typically a keyboard should have a minimum of 61 keys and a touch response function.

All in all, learning to play the keyboard is the right step that you can take in your musical journey. Besides, by following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled keyboard player, developing musicianship and achieving your musical goals.

Looking for a place to learn keyboard online with an expert? Get in touch with the Music Pandit team.