Michael Markey
Music Instructor
Recommended Gear
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Piano
- 88 fully weighted keys – feels like a real acoustic piano
- This is the keyboard I personally use
- Excellent value – one of the best beginner digital pianos for the price
- Simple and reliable – easy to use and built by Yamaha
- Same piano as the P45
- I'm including it in case the P45 is out of stock
Yamaha Arius YDP-145 - Click Here
- 88 weighted keys
- Elegant furniture style cabinet
- Three-pedal system
- Powerful built-in speakers
- Works with Yamaha Smart Piano app
Capo
- Industry Standard
- This is the one I personally use
- More Affordable
- I don't own one, but has good reviews
- Uses a turning knob which is easier to use (less hand strength needed)
- I own this and works well
- A little slower than the others
Books
Piano - ABRSM Grade 1 - Click Here
- Necessary for starting the ABRSM Journey (2025-2026)
Piano - ABRSM Grade 2 - Click Here
- 2025-2026
Drum - Mini Monster - Click Here
- The book I started with
- Easier to read the notation and get started compared to full sheet music
Drum - Basic Drumming - Click Here
- My favorite drum book
- Includes most of what's in the Mini Monster book
- This book will keep you busy for years
- Great for learning and practicing for timing
- It's called a drumming book, but works for all instruments
Banjo - Teach Yourself - Click Here
- This is the book I started on
- Has audios so you can hear what you are shooting for
- Starts on the easier side and gradually gets more difficult