Could I learn the Basics Using an Electric Piano?

[grace_notes]

Hello Everyone,

I have always wanted to learn the piano but my parents could not and still can not afford to buy me one. As much as I would love to learn on a real piano our flat is far too small.  I also have to consider my family and neighbours when it comes to the noise.

My music teacher was going to tutor me in her spare time.  However she was assaulted by an older pupil and was injured quite badly.  She will be off for the foreseeable future and the replacement teacher says I must be over 16 before the school can loan me a keyboard.

I do chores and run errands for my parents, I also deliver papers. I've saved for nearly two years any money I received for birthdays and Christmas.  I now have just under £1000 (roughly $1500).  

Would I be able to learn the basics by myself on an electric piano?  Could you recommend a good make and mode?  I would like to get the very best possible for my budget.l I live in the United Kingdom so if anyone knows of shops that deliver please let me know.  Otherwise I would most likely purchase one from Amazon UK.

We haven't really been taught much at school We haven't covered how to read music yet so I would appreciate any advice.  Reading materials, accessories (I have a metronome ha ).

Grace x

ps.

Sorry for the life story... 

[j_menz]

You should be able to get a digital for that sort of money that would be suitable to your needs. Have a look through the "Instruments" forum for some detailed discussion of the pros and cons of various models.  Basically, 88 keys and weighted touch will get you going. They will come with headphones, so the neighbours (and your family) will be spared.

I would recommend you get a teacher, at least until your music teacher is back on deck.  Any money you can save on the keyboard (without sacrificing what I've suggested above) would be better spent on lessons than going for a better model keyboard without the lessons.

[grace_notes]

Thanks J I will have a look, I'm sorry if I posted in the wrong section.  I was hoping to try and save on lessons it's between £15 - £20 per half hour.  I thought the money would be better spent on equipment. If I don't need to blow my budget on a piano/keyboard then I should have enough for a few months of lessons. 

[john90]

A Digital Piano should be fine for learning. Play on a real one whenever you can. The most important thing is practise once you get one. Until then, you can read up on theory, basic stuff like note lengths, reading notes using flash cards. The flash card idea will get you a very long way, especially if you can recognise where the note is on a keyboard.

[iansinclair]

No question you can learn to play on a digital (electric) piano.  Not only that, but you can go a long long way in developing good technique.  The real key to it (no pun intended) is the action, as j_menz said.  You absolutely must get a keyboard with 88 keys and weighted action.  Anything beyond that in terms of electronic bells and whistles is pure gravy, and not needed for learning -- but they key action is.

You don't even need a sustain pedal at first -- in fact, you might be better off in some ways without one!

[zoecalgary]

Grace, check onto the yamaha P95 ($600) and Yamaha P155 ($1000). Either of these digital Pianos will get you off on a good start. The P155 has more sounds and the ability to change them slightly but the biggest difference is an upgraded keyboard action. If you went with the P155 it would suite your needs much longer than the P95. Don't forget though you will need a stand and some headphones so keep some money aside for that. Both of these pianos come with speakers though so you could wait on the headphones. I recently bought a second hand P155 for $700 so looking at what is available used is a good option perhaps and will save you some money.

As for learning basics pick up a method book such as Alfred's or Faber and Faber and start working through it. These have books geared to younger beginner or older beginners and also adults. If you just ignore the pictures I would suggest the children's version as they introduce each topic clearly and concisely. You will learn basic hand position, note values, some basic time signature, dynamics, and reading notes on the musical staff all within the first one or two books from these types of books. My husband is self learning through my sons Alfred's primer book 1 and 1b and he is impressed with how much he had learned. Not bad for around $15.

Because you will be keeping your digital piano for many years I imagine I would be inclined to get something similar to a P155. (a very good basic piano with a good keyboard and weighted keys). Again i feel it will not be something you need to replace in a year or two as your playing advances.

Good luck! You sound very dedicated to making this happen and I'm sure you will!!

[zoecalgary]

Sorry I forgot to mention those prices are in Canadian dollars. I'm not sure of UK pricing on these two models.

You should go try them out in person if you get the chance and check Internet prices as well. Sometimes you get sales which can make the better piano even more affordable. It may be possible to have a local store match an online price (which can often be lower). Also if you get the stand, headphones, piano, and a bench you may get a package deal.

[grace_notes]

Thank you all ever so much for your comments.  I was allowed to check books out of the school library.  They only have the most basic ones but they seem a good place to start.

To Zoecalgary, thank you for the suggestions I had the P95 in mind.  I'm glad you think it will be suitable it has everything that was mentioned so I'm going to go ahead an order it. 

That leaves me with £550 which should be enough for lessons I would imagine.  I may also treat myself to the one of the Martha Argerich boxed sets as well.

Grace