Determine your budget when purchasing a keyboard. If you are just starting out, you might not want to invest lots of money at first. Research inexpensive keyboards and buy one accordingly, but make sure it is equipped with MIDI or USB. Some brands that feature MIDI and/or USB-powered keyboards are Korg, Roland, Yamaha, and Casio.
Decide if you want a USB-powered keyboard or an electric keyboard. Like MIDI keyboards, USB-powered keyboards will not be able to play tones when they are not plugged into a computer. Electric keyboards will have sounds stocked in the memory and will be able to play tones through through their own speakers (or through an amp).
Decide whether or not you want speakers or headphones for listening when you practice.
Turn on your computer. Let the computer load up fully and then open the CD tray by pressing the small button underneath the tray.
Insert the software disc that came with your keyboard and close the CD tray. Wait until the software has loaded and begin the installation process by pressing "Install" at the main menu.
Follow the prompts until your software has been installed on your computer.
Click the "Start" menu and select "Turn Off My Computer" from the right hand side of the screen. Select "Shut Down" and wait for the computer to shut off entirely.
Get your MIDI to USB cable out. Plug one end of the MIDI cable into the "MIDI Out" plug on your keyboard and then another end into the "MIDI In" plug. Insert the other end of the MIDI-to-USB cable into the USB port on your computer.
Plug the AC adapter into the back of your keyboard and plug the other end into your wall outlet if you have an electric keyboard. Turn your keyboard on with the "Power" button. If you have a USB-powered keyboard, you don't need to worry about this.
Turn on your computer. Wait for the computer to load, and when you see a prompt for "New Hardware Detected," click through the prompts until your keyboard's software has been installed on your computer.
Go to the desktop and click on your keyboard's software icon. Allow the program to load, and follow the instructions on how to set up your keyboard.
Learn the basics of music notation and the difference between treble clef and bass clef. Understand what a flat note is, what a sharp note is, and how the two correlate based on the key signature.
Learn major and minor scales, and the correct way to move your fingers up and down the keyboard. Work your way up to the different key signatures and learn the basics of harmony and theory.
Mix treble clef notation in with bass clef notation when you are playing a song. Learn how to harmonize the melody and the accompaniment.
Upgrade your software tutorials when have mastered each step.