Hi everyone...
I have a good friend, 65 yrs young..wants an arrangr to learn to play on. Not sure if he will take to it or not, so don't want to spend much, but don't want a toy either.

I think Yamaha is a good way to go and I have looked at the E-413 ($229.95). Seems to have some nice features for the cost.

Any others I should consider for him?

Thanks,
Lee S.

casio makes really nice entry level arrangers. you may want to take a look at one of them.

good luck

Yamaha has several to consider, including the DGX series.

Gary

I'd first shop around for a good teacher. Someone that'll inspire him.

Taike

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Bo pen nyang.

65 is kinda old to get ripped off by some slow progress teacher who has taking your money on his mind by trauling you along week after week.....there are so many good self taught DVD or internet based instructional programs that you can quickly get started in a timely fashion at your own pace for a beginner..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaVCuek5c1k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U0DfLRxSBU&feature=related
http://tinyurl.com/yhks45p

For below $300, I think Yamaha is probably the best option and the E series you mentioned has decent sound. I used them before and I am used to the much higher priced models and found the sounds usable.

But if your friend can spend $600-800, and wants a good piano touch keybed which is very important for some, the new casio privia 330 is the best right now and has arranger features as well. Or the Roland Prelude is very nice as well.

Hi Lee

I recommend the PSR-E413. An excellent keyboard. I could easily play out with it if I wanted to. It's really kind of a baby Tyros. Sounds about the same as a PSR3000.

As you know I teach locally and also long distance by phone usually, although I've also done it by webcam.

Also, I might mention that although I also teach children, I have specialized teaching hundreds of seniors since the mid 80's. My oldest students are in their mid 80's, doing well and having a blast.

You might want to have your friend contact me and I could give him an idea of how it works and what he could expect to get out of actual arranger keyboard lessons rather than the non-arranger lessons that is pretty much what is out their for private lessons or the slow self help method

I teach all beginners one fingering system that allows them to play any piano, organ or arranger keyboard. My students also can play all chords without having to watch their left hand which is what playing all chords in root position (ala Play Piano In A Flash)or the Pointer system causes. I don't know of any book that teaches the method I use.

Have you moved yet? I emailed you awhile ago but didn't hear anything.

Best
Scott
http://ScottLMusic.com/Lessons



[This message has been edited by Scott Langholff (edited 11-02-2009).]

Not all teachers are like that...me, for example...

I get students playing right from the start and get them doing what they want to do.

You teach them to play...then how to read.

You wouldn't teach a person how to speak by having them learn how to read first.

Or teach them how to play Without reading at all when time is of the essence.

I think the perfect starter keyboard for everyone is different...

For someone at the age of 65 the following things come to mind...

- Budget
- Technical understanding (easy opperation required)
- Local dealers available
- Musical style (prefering piano style or organ style playing).. i.e. 61 or 76 keys.

Yamaha DGX is a great option for starters that has all possible things needed to have fun. Espescially if its for home use only.

I did say "good" unless in your parts ALL teachers are rip-offs.

Unless that person is musically gifted he'd be better off with a "good" teacher. It's usually those that go at it on their own whose keyboards gather dust.

.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-14-2009).]

Gee, so much for your previous post. Why even bother to reply if that's what you really think? Then again, if I say "black" you say "white", Mr. Negative.

A good teacher provides the student with guidance.

They also can keep the student from trying too much, or doing too little, and they provide an objective assessment of progress.

I used to specialize in arranger keyboard instruction...it's different from piano and organ, because there was also the importance of teaching the operation of the instrument.

That's how I eventually ended up working as a clinician.

Thanks all of you who posted...
I have read all the posts and forwarded all the ideas to my friend.

Right now with movingto an apartment, work, buying a lot, being the owner/builder of my new house etc..I have very little time on here...but, that will change soon.

Once again you have been very helpful and thanks for the tips.

Lee S.