Keyboard For Dummies

Learn to: Choose the right keyboard for your needs Play, program, and perform with a wide variety of keyboard effects Connect your keyboard to your computer, tablet, and various forms of amplification Get keyed up on the keyboard Keyboard For Dummies helps budding musicians fully realize the possibilities that unfold when those black-and-whites are connected to state-of-the-art music technology. You discover the ins and outs of modern keyboards and get the most out of their capabilities, from working with keyboard technology and applications to using amps, computers, and tablets — and so much more. Keyboard 101 — get to know the major categories of keyboards available today, the benefits and features that are right for you, and the details on setting up and caring for your keyboard Decipher musical language — discover how to read written music, develop your fingering technique, and pick up basic chords Start playing sounds — find tips on working with common electronic keyboard features, from using effects to enhance your sounds to grooving along with drums The sky's the limit — make the most of your keyboard's features to record your playing, edit sounds, connect with your MP3 player, and more Open the book and find: The major keyboard "food groups" The basics of reading music and playing the keyboard How to select different sounds (and use more than one at a time) Ways to get the most out of onboard learning systems The lowdown on using music software Expert tips on using auto-accompaniment, tweaking sounds, and learning new songs Essential tips for keyboard shopping

Jerry Kovarsky is a regular columnist for Keyboard magazine and longtime product management guru with Casio, Korg, and other companies who have been instrumental in bringing keyboard technology into people's homes and onto stages and studios around the world.