Piano and Keyboard for Beginners

 Piano and Keyboard for Beginners, Michael Williams, 2021

You have decided that you want to learn to play the piano. This book attempts to take the learner through the whole process of reading music and playing popular songs, starting with the purchase of a keyboard.

It is recommended to start on an acoustic piano. One reason for a real piano is so the learner can see the scales and chords on those 88 keys. The other reason is that, when hammers strike those strings, other strings, called overtones, also vibrate. It is not yet possible for electronic instruments to duplicate that sound. If buying a piano is not an option, then buy a digital keyboard with 76 or 88 keys. The greater number of keys will be useful when trying to play scales with both hands at once. Last, but not least, make sure your keyboard has weighted keys and is touch-sensitive. It matters.

The author also looks at reading sheet music, playing the C Major scale, rhythm, playing both hands together, major and minor keys, playing arpeggios and playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

This books feels comprehensive and easy to use. It all depends on the motivation of the learner. For any journey to learn the keyboard, here is a very good place to start.