Week 2
Posted on
I spent far too much time this trying to compensate for the fact that the workdesk I tried to use as a keyboard stand was just too tall. I finally ordered a height-adjustable keyboard stand which arrived today.
The standard keyboard is essentially linear, the hands move left and right. The Janko keyboard adds a north\south motion as each key has two levels, which adds a second degree of freedom to hand motion. This makes it easier for the thumb to pass under the fingers when needed. This bit was a pleasant surprise.
Two weeks in and I am still getting my hands familiar with the keyboard. Nothing feels entirely natural. I fight my impatience to do more than practice scales by remembering the countless times I have practiced the clawhammer banjo 'bum diddy' stroke. It is a much simpler motion than a piano scale and yet I have much benefited from endless practice. Gotta stay humble and enjoy the process.
I will eventually need to find an organized approach to learning piano. I am not inclined to look for a local teacher because I assume all will teach the standard keyboard. Going to their studio I would have no instrument, and I don't relish looking for (or paying for) someone to come to my house only to discover they can't play my instrument. Fortunately there seems to be no end of online lessons. I will have to try one or more methods to find one that works for me.