Musical instruments, even electronic keyboards, will be an excellent investment. They come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges and are fun for both children and adults of any age to play. Music is a valuable resource for children to learn different sounds and find their rhythm.

By going over the history and the various types of musical instruments available, you may get a better feel for the instrument that would be most pleasing for you to learn to play. They can represent the dream of everyone to be a star.

Musical instruments developed independently in many populated regions of the world. Many instruments existed in this form for thousands of years before patterns of three or more tones would evolve in the form of the earliest xylophone.

Musical instruments can be grouped in five major classes: (1) stringed instruments, (2) wind instruments, (3) percussion instruments, (4) keyboard instruments, and (5) electronic instruments.

Instruments for producing musical sounds have long been classified as woodwinds, brass, percussion, or strings; to these must be added electrical and electronic instruments. Instruments such as the timpani (kettledrums) and xylophone are called percussion instruments because the sound is initiated by a blow.

Electronic instruments are more advanced musical instruments of our times and they produce music through electronic means such as keyboards, drums or guitars. Acoustic musical instruments are musical instruments that are capable of creating sounds entirely via acoustic means as opposed to by way of electronic means. While, digital instruments can talk to each other using a protocol called MIDI.

Comparing and organizing instruments based on their complexity is misleading, since advancements in musical instruments have sometimes reduced complexity. Common string instruments include the guitar, violin and piano, which is a musical instrument with 88 keys.

Instruments such as the celesta, pipe organ, accordion, and piano are usually put in a group called keyboard instruments, because the respective vibrating bars, pipes, reeds, and strings in these instruments are selected by use of keys in a keyboard.

String instruments are musical instruments that are played by plucking, strumming, picking, or bowing the strings. A typical string musical instrument is a guitar or mandolin and they generate sounds through plucking of the strings, which through vibration create what we call music.

Many believe that the The Drum is the Heart Beat of Music. Individuals enjoy drums as an instrument that is exciting and fun to play, but many music lovers truly believe that drums are the heart of music due to the way that they keep time and rhythm for the rest of the instruments.

Drummers have always held a certain mystique within the world of musicians. Drums depend on thickness and tension of the drumhead. Percussion instruments are musical instruments that are played by banging or shaking, like drums, marichi’s or maracas.

Brass instruments include the trumpet, french horn, trombone and tuba. Brass Instruments are musical instruments, producing tones by vibration of the lips, and are not only made of brass metal but also of wood. While, a double bass is a very large string instrument. The earliest known double bass type of instrument dates from 1516.

Wind instruments include the flute, pan-pipes, pitch-pipes, mouth organs, oboe, clarinet and saxophone. Typical wind musical instruments are trumpets, flutes, clarinets and bagpipes. An early flute, which was found in China, was the ch’ie.

The Didgeridoo is a long, slightly conical wooden instrument, used traditionally by the Aboriginal people of Northern Australia. Other names for the Didgeridoo are Yirdaki, Kanbi, and Ihambilbilg – although at least 40 different Aboriginal names are commonly used for this instrument throughout Australia.

Playing the Didgeridoo well is not an easy task but it really is a beautiful instrument and it has a great sound when played well.

Known as the oldest wind instrument in the world, the origins of the didge may go back as far as 40,000 years. Though only one “note” can be played with the didge (called a drone), overtones and vocal sounds from the player give it a rich sound and countless textures.

As you can see there are countless musical instruments to choose from. Hopefully, you now have more information that has helped you become aware of how to pick your musical instrument.

Equipment that is available today that is helpful in recording, creating and listening to music includes not only the instruments themselves, such as electronic keyboards, guitars and other instruments, but the components that are used in repairing, renovating and keeping these electronic instruments in peak running condition. For example, keyboards have computerized parts that can become nonoperational due to age or just from deterioration of the parts. Sometimes dust or debris will render an electronic component useless. When this occurs, usually a chip or board can be replaced in a ‘plug and play’ style action.

In the past couple decades it seems that repairing electronics equipment is less likely to happen than simply replacing non working or obsolete components. Computer owners for example will replace the hard drive with a larger unit or add RAM. They will even replace a motherboard. The owner will add peripherals that are better quality or larger or faster so that the computer accessories work more efficiently.

Most home offices today have computers and printers with internet access, but they also have a fax machine or make use of fax software. Computers may have printer/copier equipment and many offices have a scanner available as well. There may be external hard drives so that additional data can be stored and an external zip drive holds even more information safely.

Significant amounts of data can be transmitted by the use of a small hand held drive that plugs into the USB port on the computer so that a file can be saved from one computer and transferred physically to another computer and downloaded to the second computer.

Better sound quality is a key factor in many of the new computers being built today. Even the older computers will often be upgraded by added better quality speakers so that recorded music can be enjoyed fully. Computer phones and internet phone service relies on good audio components.

The keyboard itself and the mouse often are the first things to wear out and must be replaced periodically, particularly the mouse. Many people have gone to a wireless mouse and keyboard, both work very well in most office situations. Ergonomic keyboards reduce the amount of arm, wrist and shoulder discomfort that builds up in those who are using the computer for long periods of time.

The harpsichord played all at one volume level-no soft or loud. So when an instrument was invented that played both soft and loud it was appropriately named the “pianoforte” (which means “soft-loud”-later the name was shorted to just “piano”).

Most instruments are not solo instruments in the sense that they require an accompanianist, but not so with the piano. It can play alone as well as with combos, orchestras, or whatever. It’s unique sound qualities make it the first choice in musical instruments for millions of folks the world over.

Because of that fact, multitudes of people around the world have purchased pianos and continue to purchase pianos in hopes of mastering the “musical monster with 88 ivory teeth”. Some of the dominant manufacturers are Steinway, Yamaha, Baldwin, Kawaii, Bosendorfer and many others. Pianos come in various shapes and sizes, including:

Grand Pianos:

Parlor Grand. Size 4′5″ to 5′5″

Baby Grand. Size 5′0″ to 6′5″

Medium Studio Grand. Size 5′6″ to 6′5″

Semi-Concert Grand. Size 6′6″ to 8′0″.

Concert Grand. Most concert grands are 9′ in length

Upright Pianos:

Spinet. Size 35″ to 39″ tall.

Console. 40″ to 44″ tall.

Studio: 45″ to 47″ tall.

Professional. 48″ to 52″ tall.

Every since the invention of the piano, parents have signed their children up for piano lessons in hope they would become the next Mozart, or a least be able to entertain family and friends. But for every 100 kids that start piano lessons, probably less than 20% or so actually continue with the lessons long enough to play decently. Still, it is a good education in music, and certainly good for developing self-discipline and focus.

To really master piano playing, a beginning student must gradually learn many different disciplines and aspects of music including:

*Sight-reading sheet music (or the score of a classical piece);
*Fingering of scale passages and chord formations; *Keyboard chords, from major chords to minor chords to augmented chords to diminished chords to 7th chords and more;
*Music theory, including major scales, minor scales, whole-tone and chromatic scales, and the “church modes”, plus some specialty scales such as the Mediterranean scale, the blues scale, and so on;
*Key orientation including knowledge of the tonic note or tonic tone, triads, arpeggios, the concept of key (key of C, key of Eb, key of F#, etc.)
*Intervals including unisons, inversions, chords-both primary and secondary:
*Figured bass, chord symbols;
*Dynamics and dynamic markings such as sforzando, presto, largo, allegro, etc,
*Many other aspects including pedaling, body position, ear-training, music appreciation, a study of the great composers such as Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, etc., interpretation, arranging, and a host of related subjects in the harmony and music theory areas.

This often involves years of learning at home with a teacher ( sometimes supplemented by online music lessons) and numerous music books, chord charts, fingering diagrams and musical scores. Meanwhile the student learns to play songs and classical pieces galore that contribute to the warmth of the home and the enjoyment of the family.

And if the student fails to become another Brubeck or Garner, he or she has still benefited tremendously in terms of music education, appreciation, the ability to concentrate, and many other qualities that flow out of having taken piano lessons. Plus he or she has brought the sound of music into their parent’s home, and hopefully will continue with it when they form their own family.

First of all, of course, you need a piano or keyboard.  Digital keyboards are available at most piano stores and even larger retail stores that aren’t specific to music.  If you don’t have the money to buy a real piano, digital keyboards offer a cost-effective solution.  Many of them sound very close to the real thing, too.

Secondly, you need to find the right resources.  There are many different online courses and ebooks which can teach you how to play piano – some reputable, some not so much.  It’s important to do thorough research before choosing an online course, because you want one that will suit your needs.  If you’re a beginner, for example, you’ll need different instruction than someone who’s been playing for a year or more.

Another important thing if you want to quickly learn piano online is to choose a program that includes good email or even phone support.  You want to be able to get in touch with a real person if you have questions.  Most online piano courses include real instructors, so you can actually contact them if you have problems, questions about technique or your piano, or anything else.

It’s very easy to learn piano just through the internet these days, provided you have good, clear instruction and are willing to dedicate time and effort to it.  As with any instrument, learning piano takes time, but even those who aren’t musically inclined can play with the right instruction and enough practice.

Eight-thirty: I have been practicing the tabs of this Rufus Wainwright song – as well as some original compositions – for over two hours now. My band mates haven’t yet called; we are all supposed to meet after lunch to rehearse for the gig tonight at a local bistro called The House of Blues. They’re probably all still asleep, with the exception of Andrew, who is the most diligent harmonica player I’ve ever known.

Ten-twenty: After my Communications Theory class, I pull out my cell phone to read the text message I’ve been waiting for. “Let’s meet at Tony’s house 1 pm. See you later.” Tony is our lead vocalist, he has a really powerful rock star voice, but I don’t think he realizes how good he is. Oh – he also has a neat house and a makeshift recording studio in his basement with a lot of awesome audio equipment and hi-tech effects pedals.

Twelve noon: I have just had lunch (a four-inch BLT sandwich), and before I drive all the way to Tony’s house, I first check in at the library to look up something on the Internet. Andrew had E-mailed me something he saw at the Guitar Center website; it was a combo amp that might work well with my guitar. I find out that if I use coupon codes I can slash down the price from $150 to $100 – a good deal, considering that it’s one of the most popular brands for musicians and audiophiles, Crate. Anyway, I also chat online briefly with my girlfriend Jenny, who I hope will show up to watch us tonight.

One-thirty: We’re feeling it. Tony is in his element, Andrew is showing off some new musical stylings, Richard at the keyboards is striking complicated but breathtakingly pretty chords, and I am plucking and twanging away like Johnny Lang who has drunk too much caffeine. I love making music, and it makes it even all the more worthwhile with a group of friends who are so dedicated to the craft – and who don’t worry too much about talent fees.

Five in the afternoon, and we are all headed to The House of Blues. I like the place not only because they serve some tasty barbecue, but also because they have an addictive pinball machine right by the cocktail bar and the owner lets performers like us play for free. But Jenny’s not yet here, I’m afraid. “Still in Starbucks, having coffee with girlfriends,” her text message reads. Well, that or she’s compulsively scouring the Internet again for Victoria’s Secret coupon codes.

Nine-thirty: Our one-hour set is almost over. For the first time we perform “Teasingly Hazel Eyes” – a song I wrote as a tribute to Jenny. Yes, she did show up, and she clapped louder than the rest of them. As I get off the stage with Tony, Richard, Andrew, and my beloved guitar, I immediately walk up towards my girl and give her a kiss.

Musical instruments are mainly categorized by the way they generate sound. All musical instruments fall under one of the following – string, wind, percussion and keyboard, though there may be further divisions and sub-divisions. Examples of string instruments include guitars, violins, ukuleles and cellos. Wind instruments include pipes, sax, clarinet, flute and such other types. Drums, bongos, cymbals and bells fall under the percussions category. And keyboard instruments include pianos, harpsichords, organs and accordions. Over 1000 musical instruments are available across the world, including folk instruments.

If you want to play on your own, then it is better to start with a musical instrument you like, and then gradually master the instrument by joining music classes. If you like music in general and are not interested in specializing in any particular type of instrument then a keyboard can be the perfect choice. Electronic keyboards nowadays can produce all sorts of sound ranging from guitar tunes to drum beats. A variety of DJ equipments are also available on the market nowadays, which provide creative sound mixing options for the wannabe DJs as well as for the experienced disc jockeys.

On the other hand, if you were thinking of organizing a band then you would need different types of musical instruments. A band normally includes a couple of string instruments, percussions and preferably a wind instrument.

You can purchase your musical instruments online. Choose your favorite instrument from the various websites that you will find on the internet. They often offer discounts if you buy their package deals, which include various types of musical instruments. This can be your best option if you are planning a band with your friends.

Musical instruments can be a costly affair, especially if you are planning to buy the best available on the market. These can set you back by anything from $100 to over $10000. A good Yamaha or Roland electronic keyboard may cost almost $2500. Used musical instruments are often a good choice, especially if you are learning to play a new instrument. For beginners it is advisable to invest in musical instruments in the lower price range.

Musical instruments can also be made at home with items of daily use. Homemade musical instruments mainly fall under the category of percussion instruments. You can make almost anything, from shakers and jingle bracelets to drums and tambourines. You can also make wind instruments such as comb harmonica or kazoo. These help your child to be creative and can keep them busy. And you can now have your own band at home.

But in the last couple years I made a discovery about creating pleasant sounds on the piano that I never would have believed during my earlier piano teaching career.

I recall a physician friend asking me if I had any kind of course he could take that didn’t involve learning to read music or music theory or any of the traditional materials.

He had purchased a beautiful Yamaha grand for his daughter to take lessons on when she was growing up, but now she was married and moved away, so he had this grand piano in his living room with no one to play it. He was much too busy in his career to take traditional piano lessons;he just wanted to “doodle” after work in the evening and relax after a stress-filled day at the hospital.

Unfortunately, I told him “no, I don’t have anything like that available, sorry!” and that was the end of that story.

But a few months later another student had heard a “new age” pianist somewhere, and loved the sounds he produced so much that they wanted to do the same, and asked me how in the world he got those sounds. They weren’t really songs but more like the sounds of nature and running water and nature in bloom.

I have taught piano for 30 years and I’m a firm believer in learning to read music, understand music, and really master the keyboard. I’m no fan of mindless “shortcuts” because I know in the long run they just don’t work because you’ve got to have understanding.

But I also know now that there are many people like my doctor friend that would love to be able to make their own “pleasant sounds” on the piano just for their own satisfaction, relaxation, and amusement. They know full well that they will never be full-blown piano players, but still, they would like to sit down now and then and just make some sounds on the keyboard that sound good, feel good, and give satisfaction to them and/or their family.

I should have understood that earlier, because as I think back to my own youth, I recall my Dad sitting down at our old upright piano for a half-hour on a Saturday night and playing some kind of chording pattern that absolutely delighted my Mom and my big brother and I. I guess you know that if I could call him back from Heaven and have him play that again for me, I wouldn’t trade the entire London Symphony for that half-hour.

There is a style of music that is quite popular these days known as “new age” music. It tries to capture the sounds of nature such as water flowing, birds, wind, and that kind of thing. It is very descriptive music, and very relaxing. It’s fun to play, too, because there are really no “wrong answers”; anything that sounds nice and pleasant is “right”.

After trying for several months to create some of these sounds on the piano, I was delighted to discover that there are some very simple finger patterns that can create some wonderful impressionistic sounds using patterns that can be repeated in various places on the keyboard and in various ways.

And so for those people who just want to make some nice sounds on the piano (or keyboard or synthesizer, it doesn’t matter what kind of keyboard) I discovered some 15 different sound patterns that anyone can duplicate. I named some of them:

Cascading waterfalls
Wind in the forest
Rainbow after storm
Oriental gardens
Stroll in a meadow
Peaceful morning
Playful kittens
Gentle waves
and 7 others.

After I discovered each sound pattern, I then linked those sound patterns together in various ways so that anyone can create their own song, their own creative improvisation that expresses the feelings they want to express.

I guess an old doctor friend who just wanted to make some pleasant sounds on his grand piano can teach and old dog piano teachers like me a few tricks after all!

MIDI compatible instruments send out binary codes that a computer can understand. All notes that a musical instrument is capable of playing are assigned specific MIDI messages according to what the note and octave are. For example, the Middle C note played on any MIDI compatible musical instrument will always transmit the same MIDI message from its ‘MIDI Out’ port. What code will be transmitted when a note is played is defined in the MIDI specification. This comprises the core of the MIDI standard that all instrument makers like Casio and Yamaha follow.

Since All MIDI instruments follow the MIDI specification and thus transmit identical MIDI messages for identical MIDI events such as the playing of a certain note on the musical instrument, all MIDI instruments can communicate with and understand each other, as well as with computers which have been programmed to understand MIDI messages using MIDI-aware software. The MIDI interface, converts the current fluctuations transmitted by a MIDI musical instrument, into binary numbers that the receiving musical instrument or computer can process.

All MIDI enabled instruments have a built-in MIDI interface. In addition, computer sound cards usually have this built-in interface – if not, it can be separately purchased as a card and easily installed.

So what does this MIDI standard contain? The MIDI standard consists of a communications messaging protocol designed for use with musical instruments, as well as a physical interface standard.
The Physical interface consists of a one-way (simplex) digital
current loop serial communications signaling at 31,250 bits per second.

The advantage of MIDI is that it is low bandwidth consuming and hence is good for networks and Internet. Today, MIDI has become the choice for mobile phone service providers to offer their consumers the latest ring tones. Music lovers can also enjoy their productions and edit them directly with MIDI software allowing them to have complete control on their work.

That is not all! This wonderful standard of communication can also be used for show control, theatre lighting, special effects, sound design, recording system synchronization, audio processor control and computer networking. Any device built with a MIDI out port can in theory control a device with a MIDI in port. This can only happen if the maker of both the devices has made provisions for the agreements between the 2.

In conclusion, the MIDI standard of communication has changed a lot of things. The MIDI messages are light weight packages that can be stored and processed with a minimum of fuss and power. This makes MIDI an invaluable format for musicians, game designers and network workers. MIDI is also excellent for show control helping in presentations and other corporate environmental work.