Electronic keyboards reached the height of their popularity during the 1980s, when they were heavily featured in the pop and New Age music of the time. Though not as in demand today, the electronic keyboard remains a popular instrument. This guide will walk you through how to play electronic keyboard for beginners.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_keyboard

If you are looking to learn to a versatile and fun to play instrument, then the electronic keyboard might be your ideal choice. Follow these few simple steps and soon you can be well on your way to making music on your electronic keyboard.

Before you invest money in purchasing an electronic keyboard and time in learning to play it, you should make sure that the electronic keyboard is the instrument for you.

1. Attend shows put on by local bands. Most will feature a keyboard player, and you can observe that person to see if you think you can see yourself in their role.
2. Try out electronic keyboards in your local music store. Make sure you enjoy playing.

If you have decided that the electronic keyboard is for you, you will need to find one on which to learn.

1. If you an adult, you will want to make sure you get a keyboard with full-size keys.
2. Decide if you want a keyboard with weighted keys. Weighted keys mean that the volume of the sound created changes depending on the pressure with which you press the key. This is essential if you want to play classical piano music.http://www.ehow.com/how_2256370_buy-electronic-keyboard.html
3. A full-size keyboard (88 keys) is also essential to playing classical pieces. If you only want to play electronic pieces, you can get a keyboard with only 66 non-weighted keys.
4. Decide if you want to purchase a new or used electronic keyboard.

Electronic keyboards may have a host of different features to help you in your music-playing endeavors.

1. Know your keyboard's basic sound settings.
   1. Most keyboards have a variety of midi patches, which are sound files that allow you to copy the tones of other instruments.
   2. Some provide oscillators and filters that allow you to manipulate the sound you produce.
   3. Additional sound effects are also a popular feature.http://www.ehow.com/how_4813692_play-electronic-keyboard.html
2. See if you have a recording feature. This setting will allow you to record the music you play and then listen to it later, which is a great learning tool.
3. Your keyboard will most likely have a headphone jack. Start playing while wearing the headphones. This will allow you to practice at your leisure without worrying about bothering your family or neighbors.
4. Become comfortable with your electronic keyboard. Play around with the keys and pitches until you know the feel of the keys and the sound of the pitches. This will also help your arms, hands and fingers get acclimated to playing.http://www.ehow.com/how_4867173_learn-electronic-keyboard.html

Once you know your way around your keyboard, you are ready to start learning how to actually play.

1. Professional music instructors tend to be the safest route to learning to play quickly and with good habits.
2. Purchase beginning instruction books from your local music stores.
3. Some keyboards have songs already uploaded into the keyboard with an LCD screen that shows the fingers and keys you need to play. These songs can be a great starting place for learning.

No matter what instrument you are striving to master, practice is the only way you are going to improve your playing. You should commit to practicing at least thirty minutes a day, and you be an electronic virtuoso in almost no time at all.

With the right keyboard and the right tools to get you started, you can make the experience of learning to play the electronic keyboard both fun and educational.