just starting

[keyboardman64]

ok so i have this keyboard ive had for a while that i want to start playing. im a singer and I thought I should learn to play. I cannot get lessons at this time but i bought Alfreds Basic Piano Library Level 1a and 1b to get me started. can these books teach me to play until i can get a teacher. any tips or anything? thanks

Nick

[soulmach]

I've learned on my own, but it was hard. A good teacher can help tremendously, but a poor teacher is a waste of time and money.  I don't see any reason why you cannot learn the basics on your own, because there are many self teaching books, videos, and software.  I haven't used Alfreds so I cannot comment on it.  Josef Levinne's little book should set you on a good start, because he tells you what to avoid, and what to expect.  The task of playing of course will require you to stay committed and persistent, and always listen to what you are playing.  I like Abby Whiteside's book, but she seems to be controversial for some reason.  I don't care, her advice helped my sound and my accuracy more than Fink and Sandor combined.  But remember to look up Levinne, it's a little book, and it's worth reading.

Just my 2 cents 

Edit: Sorry, spelled his name wrong.  It's Josef Lhévinne, "Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing".  It was published in 1924, so it's old, but it remains to be standard material for beginners.  You should be able to find it in most libraries.

[faulty_damper]

ok so i have this keyboard ive had for a while that i want to start playing. im a singer and I thought I should learn to play. I cannot get lessons at this time but i bought Alfreds Basic Piano Library Level 1a and 1b to get me started. can these books teach me to play until i can get a teacher. any tips or anything? thanks

Nick

Why do you want to play?  You didn't say why, just that you sing and playing the keyboard is something you should do.  If you just want to learn to help your singing, learning relatively correct pitches of music you'd like to sing, then basic teaching materials would get you off the ground.  Be warned: The keyboard is not in tune = it's equally tempered so each note is out of tune with every other note and you don't want to sing out of tune.

[mattgreenecomposer]

I was self taught until I went to college. 
My advice would be to practice hard for a month or so and then see a teacher for atleast a lesson or 2.  The idea is to make sure you dont get into bad habits and answer any questions you may have (which I'm sure you will by that point!)

You don't need to take piano lessons every week to accompany yourself as a singer but find an experienced teacher who will guide you in the right direction form the beginning even if you can afford only 1 lesson, it will be worth it.