To answer your other question:
No! You do not need to be a classically trained hairdresser to play synths.
As long as you can play by ear and know a few chords and melodies that's good enough for a start. Taking piano lessons is not a must. But it helps if you really want to be a good keyboard player.
-ED-
[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 06-24-2006).]