Keyboards basic sheet music question

[smithmiller6]

Hi, The sheet music for songs has this indication: key: C (sometimes Cm, D, A etc)
what does that mean ?
Iam assuming just like we play scales, where we place our starting finger on that key. Example if the song says play in the key of C, then i should position my hand such that the thumb is on C. Lets say , if the song is to be played in the key of A, then i should place my thumb on A (atleast have the finger positioned that way to start with). Is that correct?

[localoid]

Hi, The sheet music for songs has this indication: key: C (sometimes Cm, D, A etc)
what does that mean ?

It just means the "key" of the song, e.g. the song is in the key (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_(music)) of C (C major) or key of Dm (D minor), etc. You really need to understand a bit about music theory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theory) for terms like "keys" to make much sense...

Iam assuming just like we play scales, where we place our starting finger on that key. Example if the song says play in the key of C, then i should position my hand such that the thumb is on C. Lets say , if the song is to be played in the key of A, then i should place my thumb on A (atleast have the finger positioned that way to start with). Is that correct?

Yes and no. Playing chords and harmony on keyboards isn't really about "one correct starting position" -- it's more complex than just that, although scales are a part of the "big picture". Googling "playing chords on piano" should give you some starting points...