i've just purchased myself a full size keyboard, i used to play a little when i was younger and still remember where all notes are, and can read music fine as i already play flute, however i've got a couple of questions id like to ask and sorry if they may sound strange but im fairly new to this. 1, whats the best book i can buy to help play with both hands as i can only play with right hand and have no idea about chords etc. 2, sheet music, is piano and keyboard sheet music the same?

many thanks
lisa

Hello Lisa,
If you are a beginner, I would look for an easy play
beginners book with songs that you know. If you look in
a music store, try to find one with the melody line and
the chords above them. I would also do a google search
for piano chords. There used to be a free newsletter called
39 chords or something like that by Duane Shinn. Use google to
find it, then you can learn your chords for free.
Also, if you are looking for sheet music, I would look for easy
music with the melody words and the chords above it.
Piano music has 2 staffs, a treble cleff,(melody notes, right hand),
and a bass cleff, (base notes or chords, left hand).
It is also good to learn to read notes from both cleffs.
Do a google search for piano note reading and you should
be able to find some help.(I don't know if you read both cleffs
when you play the flute.)
I hope this helps.
Start off slow and easy and with songs that you already
know, it will go a lot smoother.
http://jmjlinux.110mb.com/piano_links1.html

Hi Lisa!

Wow, congratulations to you on your new purchase! Applause! Applause! I'm happy for you. You already received some advice that includes some good information... I would just suggest that you decide where your priority is...

In other words, do you want to concentrate on learning to read bass (F) clef (I recommend you do) or do you want to place your emphasis on learning left hand chords to accompany your left hand melody lines, since you already know how to read treble (G) clef. Since flute players do not generally need to read F-clef, you could gradually work on improving this skill...

You could divide your time into segments where your concentration is on a little of each.

As far as reading, any beginners book, such as John Thompson, can provide you the "kick-start" you need...

Of course, once you start getting a handle on chords, you may find that you can work independently of needing them written for you, since you can take your knowledge and application of them several steps beyond the written page

You've got so much wonderful stuff you're in for... I hope you enjoy the ride all the way!

Sincerely,

Dave
www.Free-Easy-Piano-Lessons.com

Hi
Envious, I have only 64 keys which is irritating once you have been used to a full size. Only one piece of advice. The keyboard is probably the most difficult instrument to play well. Listening to a few of the 8notes members at full cry on a piano also reveals that no matter how much others practice, you either have it or dont. However I gain immense pleasure and relaxation by just sitting at my Roland Juno D and playing away, ad libbing as such. I have done it so often that i think that i am ok, not proficient though! Practice ie a lousy word, so just play as much as often, and enjoy it. If you have a moment give a couple of my pieces a listen, I would appreciate it.
Regards.
LPD