Getting started
The ultimate guide to the piano Unleash your musical talents and learn how to play scales, songs and masterpieces on the piano
D
eciding to take the first step towards discovering your musical talents is worthwhile at any age. Learning to play an instrument is a rewarding journey and the piano really is a great one to start with. Although you’ll need plenty of time, practice and patience, the piano is a relatively easy instrument to master, which is why it’s a popular one to try to learn first. Many musicians find that after conquering it, the idea of learning other instruments isn’t as daunting. The piano has come a long way since it was invented, and alongside the traditional acoustic varieties, there are now digital pianos and portable keyboards. Learning
to play the piano is the same on all three, but you’ll find some may offer more or fewer features than others, although this won’t have a dramatic effect on how you play while you’re still developing your skills. Regardless of which instrument you’re using, you can still pick up the basics in this beginner’s guide. So whether you want to be able to play the odd tune, learn a particular song or compose your own musical masterpiece, you’re in the right place. Join us and discover what the piano has to offer. In the following pages we’ll introduce you to the different types of pianos that are out there and help you get started in front of the keys. You’ll also discover how to read music and play with >>
Notes and keys Throughout this book, you will see top-down images of a keyboard with the keys highlighted. The darker highlights show the keys played in the image, while the lighter highlights show the keys that need to be played in the step. The star shows where Middle C is. Darker highlights
10 Piano for Beginners
Middle C
Lighter highlights
