Keyboard For Dummies

1. Edition December 2013
368 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
The easy way to get keyed up on the keyboard
Where Piano For Dummies helps budding musicians to master the black-and-white musical keyboard, Keyboard For Dummies helps them understand the possibilities that unfold when those black-and-whites are connected to state-of-the-art music technology.
Keyboard For Dummies explains the ins-and-outs of modern keyboards and helps you get the most out of their capabilities. Key content coverage includes: an overview of the types of keyboards available today and how they differ from acoustic pianos; expert advice on choosing the right keyboard for your wants/needs and how to shop and compare the various models; a close look at the types of sounds an electronic keyboard offers and how to achieve them; step-by-step instruction on how to use keyboards anywhere using external speakers, amps, home stereos, computers, and tablets; guidance on how to use keyboard software and applications to get the most out of keyboard technology; and much more.
* A multimedia component for this title will be hosted at Dummies.com and includes companion audio tracks that demonstrate techniques and sounds found in the book
* Step-by-step instructions make learning keyboard easy and fun
* Introduces you to the musical possibilities of the keyboard
If you're new to the keyboard or looking to take your skills to the next level, Keyboard For Dummies is a thorough guide to the ins and outs of this popular instrument.
Part I: Getting Started with Keyboards 5
Chapter 1: Living in a Keyboard World 7
Chapter 2: So Many Keyboards, So Little Time 15
Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Keyboard for You 41
Chapter 4: Setting Up and Caring For Your Keyboard 61
Part II: Dipping Your Toes Fingers into Music Basics 81
Chapter 5: Musical Notation: Decoding the Musical Language 83
Chapter 6: Developing Your Fingering and Basic Technique 105
Chapter 7: Going Chord Crazy 121
Part III: Using Common Keyboard Features 133
Chapter 8: Selecting and Playing Sounds 135
Chapter 9: Using Effects to Enhance Your Sound 153
Chapter 10: Jamming with the Drummer: Playing Along to Rhythm Patterns 167
Chapter 11: Join The Band! Adding Accompaniment 181
Chapter 12: Exploring Arpeggiation 203
Part IV: Moving into More-Advanced Keyboard Features 213
Chapter 13: Laying Down Tracks: Recording Your Playing 215
Chapter 14: Editing Sounds 237
Chapter 15: Teacher Included: Using Onboard Learning Systems 257
Chapter 16: Sitting In with the Stars: Playing Along with Recordings 275
Chapter 17: The Computer Connection: Using Software to Enhance Your Music Making 287
Part V: The Part of Tens 305
Chapter 18: Ten Tips for Keyboard Shopping 307
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Enhance Your Playing Experience 313
Appendix: Discovering What's on the Audio Tracks 319
Index 325