The s e cr e t to easy p i a no p l a y i ng
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Contents INTRODUCTION
5
FOR WHOM IS THIS BOOK INTENDED?
6
HOW TO USE THE BOOK?
7
CHAPTER 1 - GETTING TO KNOW THE KEYBOARD HOW TO TELL ONE KEY FROM THE OTHER? THE NAMES OF THE KEYS FINDING THE C NOTE FINDING THE MIDDLE C NOTE
8 8 10 11 12
CHAPTER 2 - WHAT IS PIANO BY NUMBERS? PLACING YOUR RIGHT HAND IN THE MIDDLE C POSITION RHYTHM THE SIGN: _ THE MEASURE
13 14 15 16 17
CHAPTER 3 - PRELIMINARY EXERCISES FOR THE RIGHT HAND THE 1ST FINGER - THE THUMB THE 2ND FINGER - THE POINTING FINGER THE 3RD FINGER - THE MIDDLE FINGER THE 4TH FINGER - THE WEAK FINGER THE 5TH FINGER - THE LITTLE FINGER
18 18 19 20 21 22
CHAPTER 4 -POPULAR SONGS WITH THE RIGHT HAND LITTLE MARY HAD A LAMB THE NINTH SYMPHONY JINGLE BELLS GOOD KING WENCESLAS LOVE ME TENDER LIGHTLY ROW
23 23 24 25 26 27 28
CHAPTER 5 THE LEFT HAND PLACING YOUR LEFT HAND IN THE MIDDLE C POSITION PRELIMINARY EXERCISES FOR THE LEFT HAND THE 1ST FINGER - THE THUMB THE 2ND FINGER - THE POINTING FINGER THE 3RD FINGER - THE MIDDLE FINGER THE 4TH FINGER - THE WEAK FINGER THE 5TH FINGER - THE LITTLE FINGER
29 29 30 30 31 32 33 34
CHAPTER 6 POPULAR SONGS WITH THE LEFT HAND HOT CROSS BUNS BY THE SILVERY MOONLIGHT FROM THE NEW WORLD THE INDIANS THE BEE
35 35 36 37 38 39
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CHAPTER 7 PLAYING ALTERNATELY WITH BOTH HANDS TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR
40 42
CHAPTER 8 VARIOUS SIGNS FROM THE MUSIC LANGUAGE THE REPEAT SIGN GOOD KING WENCESLAS
43 43 43
THE DYNAMIC SIGNS CAMPTOWN RACES
44 45
PICK UP MEASURE BINGO
46 46
THE SHARP SIGN EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 JOLLY OLD SAINT NICHOLAS
47 47 47 48
THE FLAT SIGN EXERCISE 1 EXERCISE 2 LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN
49 49 49 50
***
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Introduction Based on the experience of years of teaching, research and consultation with professors all over the world, we have decided to publish our first E-book which contains the basic skills to help the beginner learn how to play the piano. People say that music is a language. From the day a child is born he is exposed to language and only at the age of 5 or 6 does he actually learn how to read and write. The common mistake of many piano teachers is that they pay too much attention to the reading skills of their students. The result is that a majority of beginners drop out of their studies. We believe that a beginner should primarily be exposed to a simple system whereby he can play the piano immediately, without learning dozens of notes and symbols which may be confusing. We have developed a simple method which allows the student to play popular songs right from the beginning, combining a few symbols from the language of music. This method gives the student immediate satisfaction and encourages him to continue learning to play the piano. Our book comes with 30 popular songs, 20 exercises and 50 videos which teach how to develop basic skills such as: * Playing with each of the hands separately while using the fingers correctly * Playing a melody using both hands alternately * Obtaining basic skills of coordination, making it easy to play a melody and an accompaniment * Primary ability to read signs such as sharp, flat, dynamics and more * Developing an ear for music Once you have completed this book you will be ready for the next level - reading notes, learning about rhythm, improving your technique, and playing more complicated and interesting songs.
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For whom this book is intended? This book was tried by hundreds of students - children, adults and senior citizens. Our colleagues have reported that over 95% using this method continued studying music for a long time. Here is a list of potential students who will find this book very useful. * Beginners who have never played a note in their lives * Parents who have no clue about the piano and would like to help their children to learn to play the piano with fun. * Piano teachers - our method will help your students to continue their music studies, who will be enthusiastic to continue and eager to learn more. You will find that this method works like magic with your students. * 11% of the population is challenged with difficulties in reading and concentration. Our simple reading method, combined with the videos, will make the progress of learning to play the piano an enjoyable and satisfying experience for challenged students. * Students who have been learning up to 2 years will get a fresh look at the keyboard with our simple method.
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How to use the book? Generally our book consists of the method in which the hands are placed in one hand position while each finger is placed over only one specific key. There are several hand positions in this book, so always make sure that you are using the correct position before starting to play each piece. Instead of writing the notes in the classical way we use numbers. Each number indicates a specific finger placed on a specific key. When you see a number you simply press the precise finger of the relevant hand. We recommend you follow the book step by step, and advise you to practice all of the exercises and songs. By doing so you will develop the following important skills:1. Technique and coordination of your fingers. 2. Developing your musical hearing 3. Developing reading skills. Each of the exercises and songs has a video tutorial attached to it. First, try to play the songs and exercises by reading from the sheet. Then, click on the video icon to watch and listen to the piece or exercise. Practice is the name of the game. Try to play each of the exercises and pieces as many times as you can until they sound the same as the videos attached to the pieces paying attention to tempo and fluency. Take a break between the lessons. Your brain needs to rest between the different lessons in order to absorb the information.
Let’s see how it works...
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Getting to know the keyboard How to tell one key from the other? In most pianos there are 88 keys. There are keyboards with a smaller number of keys but they all share the same pattern of white and black keys. Here is a simple method that will help you get to know the keyboard. When you look at the piano keys on the keyboard can you recognize a pattern in which it is organized?
Now if you look at the keyboard you’ll notice there are black keys and white keys. The black keys are divided into groups of 2’s and 3’s. This pattern helps us to orient ourselves on the keyboard. It’s easy to spot the white keys by looking at the black ones! Look at the picture below:
A group of 3 black keys A group of 2 black keys
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[...Getting to know the keyboard]
D E F G
A B C D E F G
A indicates B The following picture a group of two black keys: A group of 2 black keys
Now look for all the groups of the 2 black keys on your piano. A B C D E F And G now let’s look for the groups of the 3 black keys. A B
A group of 3 black keys
Now we know the secret of how to orient ourselves by distinguishing between the two groups of black keys. Let’s start getting to know the names of the different keys.
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The names of the keys We name the keys after the first seven letters of the alphabet.
A B C D E F G A picture which shows the names of the notes
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
The ‘A’ note is the one which is found at the most left end of the keyboard. The other keys are named respectively after that first ‘A’. If you have a keyboard with less than 88 keys, such as in many electric keyboards, the first key from the left would probably be a ‘C’. Which is the first key of your keyboard? It is important to remember that the first note you will learn is ‘C’, as this is the first note you start from when you begin to play the piano (even though ‘A’ is the first letter in the alphabet!).
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Finding the C note
C
C
C
C
As you can see from the picture above there are many C notes on the keyboard. How do we find the C note? It’s very simple! * All you have to do is to find a group of 2 black keys. * The C note is the white note found just before the first black key of this group. Find all of the (other C notes on your keyboard. How many C’s do you have on your keyboard? If you have a standard piano you probably found 7 or 8 C’s (depending on the number of keys on the keyboard). If you have an electric keyboard you may have found less – 4, 5 or 6. If you found less, we think you should get yourself a bigger keyboard...!
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[...Finding the Middle C note]
As we have seen, there are many C’s notes on the keyboard. We would like to show you where the middle C is, since you will start playing the piano from middle C.
How do you find the Middle C? First of all, sit in front of the piano - right at the middle. Many pianos have the brand or company name written in the middle of the piano, so look for the C written closest to the brand name of the piano. Otherwise, if you are sitting right at the middle of the piano, you’ll find that the middle C will be in a direct line from the end of your nose!
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2
2
5
3
4 5
Piano by Numbers
1
1
Piano by Numbers - Instead of confusing you with notes we work with numbers. Each number indicates a finger which presses on a specific key, (and by following our instructions you are ready to begin playing music immediately. This is our goal… helping you to play melodies as soon as possible - from day one. We promise you immediate satisfaction and that you will be eager to learn more. The system is really very simple: – Here we go! The thumbs of both hands are given the number 1, the pointing fingers number.2 and so on…
4
3
2
2
3
4 5
5 1
1
A
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A B
Placing your right hand A B C in D the E F Gmiddle C position A B A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
C D E F G
We place the right hand in the following position, and thus, each of the fingers is ready to play. We will start by placing our right hand thumb on the middle C note. Each of the other fingers will be placed on the subsequent white keys. Look at the picture and position your hand on the keyboard as shown.
5 Remember: we use numbers instead of notes. This way you will be able to play songs easily- right from the beginning. When you see:Digit 1 - it means you should press the first finger - the thumb. Digit 2 - it means you should press the second finger - the pointing finger. Digit 3 - it means you should press the third finger - the middle finger. Digit 4 - it means you should press the fourth finger. Digit 5 - it means that you should press the fifth finger - the pinky. And when you see the letters R.H in the following exercises and song this means that you should play music with your right hand. All you have to do is to read and follow the numbers, and press the relevant fingers. This way you develop the way you connect the numbers written on the page with the movement of your fingers. Gradually, you will develop your coordination and will be able to play without looking at your fingers. Are you ready to play the piano? Just a few more words about rhythm and we are ready to begin playing the piano.
A B
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Rhythm Rhythm tells us for how long each note (number) has to be held down There are many signs which indicate how much time you should keep your finger pressed down on a key. For example,
q h d
means that you should hold the note for one count (or beat) means that you should hold the note for two counts (or beats) means that you should hold the note for three counts (or beats)
As a matter of fact, there are many other signs which indicate how long a note has to be held down. Here are just a few of them:
w e tyios
j ; z n m
This looks confusing but we have made things much simpler for you… We will meet these signs in later books, but for now we will just start with a simple sign that means holding the note for one more count. Let’s see how it goes…
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The sign: _
R.H.
1 1 2 2 3 2 1 _ Hold for two counts
This sign _ means that you should hold the number (note) for one more count. Unless otherwise stated all the numbers (notes) will be played for the same length of time. In the example above, presuming that each of the notes (numbers), is held down for one second, then the last note will be held down for two seconds.
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________
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The measure You have probably noticed that the notes (numbers) are placed between two vertical lines. These vertical lines are called bar lines. The space between these vertical lines is called a measure. 1st measure
R.H.
2nd measure
Bar line
Bar line
Bar line
Usually these measures will contain notes to the count of four. In the following example we can see that the first measure contains 4 notes (numbers). Each of the notes is one count; therefore the 1st measure has 4 counts. In the 2nd measure we have only three notes but still we have 4 counts. How? Well, as we said before, when we see this sign: _ we should add an extra count. 2nd measure
1st measure
R.H.
1 1 2 2 one
two
three
four
3 2 1 _ one
two
three
four
You are now ready to begin practicing our exercises and soon you will be able to play many songs.
Have fun!
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A B
Preliminary exercises for the right hand A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A following B C D exercises E F G develop your control over A each B Cof your D E fingers. F G In The each of these exercises for the right hand we encounter a new finger.
The 1st finger - The thumb
2 1
3
4
5
5
R.H.
1 1 1 _
1 1 1 _
R.H.
1 1 1 1
1 _ _ _
* Remember what we said about the sign _ ? It means that you should hold the note for one more count. In this example you see _ _ _ which means that you should hold the note for three extra counts.
A B
Asecret B C to D E F G The E F Geasy piano playing A B
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A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
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A B C D E F G
[...Preliminary exercises for the right hand]
The 2nd finger - The pointing finger
2 1
3
4
5
5
R.H.
2 2 2 2
1 _ 1 _
R.H.
2 1 2 1
2 _ 2 _
A B C D E F G
A B
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[...Preliminary exercises for the right hand]
The 3rd finger - The middle finger A B Before C D E G on the middle finger we would like to introduce you to Legato. we Fwork E F G A B
Legato is an Italian word which means “tied together”. This indicates that the notes should be connected. you play legato there should no E F G A BIn other C D words E F when G A B Cbe D silence move A B as C you D E F from G note to note. A B C D E F G A B The accurate way to perform legato is by pressing a finger, then pressing on the next finger and while the second finger is half way pressed on the piano key, you lift the first finger up. By that you don’t hear any silence between the played notes.
2 1
3
4
5
5
R.H.
3 2 1 2
3 _ 2 _
R.H.
3 2 1 2
1 _ _ _
F G
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A B A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
[...Preliminary exercises for the right hand]
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
The 4th finger The fourth finger is rather weak because we don’t usually use it on a day-to-day basis. Therefore this exercise is important to strengthen the finger.
2 1
3
4
5
5
R.H.
4 3 2 1
4 3 2 1
R.H.
4 4 3 3
2 2 1 _
R.H.
4 3 2 1
4 3 2 1
R.H.
2 2 3 2
4 4 4 _
A B
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A B
A [...Preliminary exercises for the right hand] A B C D E F G
B C D E F G
The 5th finger - The little finger
A B C D E F G
Hey, now we have all the five fingers. Practice this exercise several times and you will be surprised to see how easy it will be to play actual songs in the next chapter.
2 1
3
4
5
5 R.H.
1 2 3 4
5 5 5 _
R.H.
4 4 3 3
5 _ 5 _
R.H.
1 2 3 4
5 5 5 _
R.H.
4 3 2 3
1 _ _ _
A B C D E F G
A B
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5
B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
Popular songs with the right hand A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
Mary had a little lamb
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
Tip keep playing Legato, in other words connect between the notes.
2
3
1
4
5
4 5
R.H.
1 2 3 4
5 5 5 _
R.H.
4 4 3 3
5 _ 5 _
R.H.
1 2 3 4
5 5 5 _
R.H.
4 3 2 3
1 _ _ _
Lyrics Mary had a little lamb, Little lamb, little lamb, Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow.
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5 [...Popular A B Csongs D E with F G the right hand]
B C D E F G
A B
Ode to Joy \ AA Btheme from the Symphony no. 9 by Ludwig Van Beethoven C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
The following melody is taken from Beethoven’s 9th symphony and is called - “Ode To Joy”. Did you know that this was the first time that a major composer included human voices in a symphony?
2 1
3
4
5
4 5
R.H.
3 3 4 5
5 4 3 2
R.H.
1 1 2 3
3 2 2 _
R.H.
3 3 4 5
5 4 3 2
R.H.
1 1 2 3
2 1 1 _
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5 [...Popular songs with the right hand] A B C D E F G
B C D E F G
A B
Jingle Bells \ A Christmas Carol A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
Did you know that Jingle Bells has been adopted as a popular song for Christmas? However it was originally written for Thanksgiving and because everyone loved this song so much they decided to sing it again at Christmas.
2 1
3
4
5
4 5
R.H.
3 3 3 _
3 3 3 _
3 5 1 2
3 _ _ _
R.H.
4 4 4 4
4 3 3 _
3 2 2 3
2 _ 5 _
R.H.
3 3 3 _
3 3 3 _
3 5 1 2
3 _ _ _
R.H.
4 4 4 4
4 3 3 _
5 5 4 2
1 _ _ _
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5 [...Popular A B Csongs D E with F G the right hand]
B C D E F G
A B
Love me Tender \ by Elvis Presley A B C D E F G A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
The famous song “Love Me Tender”, written by Elvis Presley, was actually adapted from the tune of “Aura Lee” which is a song about the American Civil War. Let’s play and sing this together
2
3
4
1
5
4 5
R.H.
1 4 3 4
5 2 5 _
R.H.
4 3 2 3
4 _ _ _
R.H.
1 4 3 4
5 2 5 _
R.H.
4 3 2 3
4 _ _ _
Lyrics Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go. You have made my life complete, and I love you so.
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5 A B Csongs D E with F G the right hand] [...Popular
B C D E F G
A B
Lightly Row A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
The origin of Lightly Row is the traditional German folk song and children’s song “Hänschen klein” from the 19th century. While there are some versions for the melody of this song we adopted the English version which is the most popular one.
2
3
1
4
5
4 5
R.H.
5 3 3 _
4 2 2 _
1 2 3 4
5 5 5 _
R.H.
5 3 3 3
4 2 2 2
1 3 5 5
3 3 3 _
R.H.
2 2 2 2
2 3 4 _
3 3 3 3
3 4 5 _
R.H.
5 3 3 3
4 2 2 2
1 3 5 5
3 3 3 _
Lyrics Lightly row, lightly row Down the river we will go Always rowing, never slowing In my bright new red canoe See the fishes swimming by See the birds up in the sky, Always rowing, never slowing In my bright new red canoe.
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A B C D E F G
And now that you have learned how to play with your right hand, let’s work on your left hand.
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A B C D E F G
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A B
The left hand- L.H. A B hand C D E in F G A B C D Placing your left the middle C position A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
We place the left hand in the following position, and thus, each of the fingers is ready to play. We will place our left hand thumb on the middle C note. Each of the other fingers will be placed on the subsequent white keys. Look at the picture and position your hand on the keyboard as shown.
4 5 Remember: we use numbers instead of notes. This way you will be able to play songs easily- right from the beginning. When you see:Digit 1 - it means you should press the first finger - the thumb. Digit 2 - it means you should press the second finger - the pointing finger. Digit 3 - it means you should press the third finger - the middle finger. Digit 4 - it means you should press the fourth finger. Digit 5 - it means that you should press the fifth finger - the pinky. And when you see the letters L.H. in the following exercises and songs this means that you should play music with your left hand Again, all you have to do is to read and follow the numbers, and press the relevant keys. This way you develop the way you connect the numbers written on the page with the movement of your fingers. Gradually, you will develop your coordination and will be able to play without looking at your fingers. You will see that the positions we have learned for both hands are symmetrical.
E
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A B C D E F G
Preliminary exercises for the left hand A B
D E F G
The following exercises develop A B Cyour D control E F Gof your fingers, each exercise A B C D E F G A B C to D a Enew F finger G A B C D E F G A B dedicated of the left hand.
The 1st finger - The thumb Please note that this is the same C note as we had in the first exercise of the right hand - the middle C note.
5
4
3
2 1
5
L.H.
1 1 1 1
1 _ 1 _
L.H.
1 1 1 1
1 1 1 _
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A B C D E F G
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A B A B C D E F G
[...Preliminary A exercises B C Dfor the E right F Ghand]
A B C D E F G
The 2nd finger - The pointing finger Please note that in the left hand you go to the left when you play 1 2 , as opposed to the right hand.
5
4
3
2 1
5
L.H.
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 _
L.H.
2 2 1 1
2 _ 1 _
A B C D E F G
A B
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A B A B C D E F G
[...Preliminary exercises for the right hand]
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
The 3rd finger - The middle finger As we have played in a legato manner in the right hand, let’s practice this with the left hand. Legato is the key to playing beautifully and fluently.
5
4
3
2 1
5
L.H.
1 2 3 _
1 2 3 _
L.H.
1 1 2 2
3 3 3 _
A B
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A B C D E F G
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A B
[...Preliminary exercises for the right hand]
The A B4th C finger D E F
G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
You remember we said that the 4th finger is a relatively weak finger. If you are right handed you probably rarely use the 4th finger of the left hand. Play the following exercise several times until you feel comfortable with the 4th finger.
5
4
3
2 1
5
L.H.
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
L.H.
1 1 4 4
3 2 1 _
A B C D E F G
A B
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A B
[...Preliminary exercises for the right hand]
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
The 5th finger - The little finger
A B C D E F G
The last finger - the fifth finger is also a rarely used finger. Notice the jump (gap) at the first and the second measures between the thumb (1) and the little finger (5)
5
4
3
2 1
5
L.H.
1 1 5 5
1 1 5 _
L.H.
3 3 4 4
3 4 5 _
L.H.
1 1 5 5
1 1 5 _
L.H.
4 4 3 3
2 2 1 _
A B C D E F G
A B
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Popular songs with the left hand
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B Hot Cross Buns B Cleft D Ehand F G involved three A B C only. D E F If G you look at every second The first song inA the notes A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B measure you can see that they are all the same: 2 3 4 _. Let’s play Hot cross Buns several times, and after a while try to play this song by heart. Playing by heart is an important skill for a pianist. Let’s begin working on this skill with the following song.
5
4
3
2 1
4 5
L.H.
2 3 4 _
2 3 4 _
L.H.
4 4 3 3
2 3 4 _
L.H.
2 3 4 _
2 3 4 _
L.H.
4 4 3 3
2 3 4 _
Lyrics Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! One ha’ penny, two ha’ penny, Hot cross buns!
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5 [...Popular songs with the left hand] A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B Moonlight \ Au Clair de la Lune By the Silvery B Cleft D Ehand F G involved three A B C only. D E F If G you look at every second The first song inA the notes A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B measure you can see that they are all the same: 2 3 4 _. Let’s play Hot cross Buns several times, and after a while try to play this song by heart. Playing by heart is an important skill for a pianist. Let’s begin working on this skill with the following song.
5
4
3
2 1
4
*
5
L.H.
4 4 4 3
2 _ 3 _
In this song we wait three more counts in the 4th measure. Please make sure that you count correctly and only then play the
L.H.
4 2 3 3
4 _ _ _
L.H.
4 4 4 3
2 _ 3 _
L.H.
4 2 3 3
4 _ _ _
Here are the lyrics for those of you who know French or would just like to try singing in French:
Lyrics Au clair de la lune Mon ami Pierrot Prete-moi ta plume Pour écrire un mot.
next measure.
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[...Popular songs with the left hand]
5
A B C D E F G
From the New World A B the Symphony no. 5 by Antonin Dvorak \ A theme from
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G B C D E F G Antonín Leopold Dvořák was a ACzech composerA who wrote nine symphonies (like A B C D E F G B C D E F G A B Beethoven). The following melody is taken from the second movement of the 5th symphony. Dvořák composed the symphony when he was in the USA and he said that he was inspired by the music of the Native Americans while composing it.
5
4
3
2 1
4 5
L.H.
3 1 1 _
3 4 5 _
L.H.
4 3 1 3
4 _ _ _
L.H.
3 1 1 _
3 4 5 _
L.H.
4 3 4 5
5 _ _ _
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5 A songs B C Dwith E Fthe G left hand] [...Popular
A B C D E F G
A B
The Indians A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
The music of the Indians is based on rhythmic patterns. In the following song you can see that there are many repetitions of the same notes, making the tune sound like a tribal dance.
5
4
3
2 1
4 5
L.H.
1 3 3 3
1 3 3 3
L.H.
1 3 3 4
3 _ 4 _
L.H.
1 3 3 3
1 3 3 3
L.H.
4 4 2 2
3 3 3 _
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5 [...Popular songs with the left hand] A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
The Bee Song
A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B bee C D is E almost F G A B C D EInF the G Bee Song yourAfingers B The always in movement. almost never stop playing. Try to play this song several times, and gradually increase the tempo (in other words playing faster).
5
4
3
2 1
4 5
L.H.
1 2 3 4
3 4 3 4
L.H.
1 2 3 4
3 2 1 _
L.H.
1 2 3 4
3 4 3 4
L.H.
5 3 4 2
3 2 1 _
5
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Playing alternately with both hands Congratulations! You have just finished the first step of playing with the fingers of the right hand as well as with the fingers of the left hand.
Well done! If you have been practicing all the exercises you are now ready for the next step where you’ll be playing alternately with both hands.
Ready? Let’s go! What will you learn in this lesson? One of the major difficulties beginners experience is recognizing when to play with the right hand and when with the left hand. A We B will C DnowE learn F Gto read the notes (numbers) and play with both A B C D E F G D E F G Aother. B hands, one after the E F G A B
Using both hands alternately is not easy and the following pieces will A B C D E F G A B C D E F G help theFright A ByouCtoDgetEused F to G reading and playing withAtheB left C and D E G A B hand, one after the other.
Instructions First, place both of your hands at the middle C position: middle C position
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[...Playing alternately with both hands]
Now, follow the arrows: when you see R.H. at the beginning of the line, it means that you should play with the right hand. You follow the arrows and when they lead you to this sign at the beginning of the line it means that you should play with the left hand.
* Begin here with your right hand
The following example begins with 1 2 3 4 in the right hand. After the 4 in the first measure you can see an arrow : which leads you to the line of the left hand and you play 1 2 3 _ . Another arrow will bring you back to playing with your right hand.
*
R.H.
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 _
R.H.
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 2
1 1 2 _
1 2 1 _ Play the above example several times until you play it fluently.
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[...Playing alternately with both hands]
5
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
A B C D E F G A B C D E F A G B C D E F G A B B C D E F G A B
The famous song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is written over a A B C first D E F G A B melody C D E F has G French melody which appeared in 1761. This A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A been used for other songs that you may know, such as “Alphabet Song”(A B C D E F G…), “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” and more. Even Mozart composed a whole piece based on this melody.
5
4
3
2 1
2
3
4
Lyrics
B
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
5
4 5
R.H.
1 2 2 2
3 3 2 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
4 4 3 4
1 2 3 _
1 1 2 2
3 3 4 _
R.H.
2 2 1 1
1 2 3 _
2 2 1 1
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
1 2 3 4
2 2 3 _
1 1 2 _
2 2 3 _
R.H.
1 2 2 2
3 3 2 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
4 4 3 4
1 2 3 _
1 1 2 2
3 3 4 _
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The repeat sign In the following song you will learn a new sign - the repeat sign: } When you see this sign it means that you should go back to the beginning of the piece and play it again. A B C D E F G
5
A B C D E F A G B C D E F G A B B C D E F G A B
Good King Wenceslas \A A B C D E F G Christmas Carol A B A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
“Good King Wenceslas” is a popular Christmas carol about a king who goes out to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen.
C D E F G
A B
Do you see the repeat sign at the end of the first row? It means you should play the first row twice. Lyrics
5
4
3
2 1
2
3
4
Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gath’ring winter fuel
5
4 5
R.H.
1 1 1 2
1 1 2 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
4 4 3 4
1 2 4 _
3 4 3 2
1 _ 1 _
R.H.
5 4 3 2
3 2 1 _
2 2 1 1
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
1 2 3 4
2 2 3 _
3 4 3 2
1 _ 1 _
R.H.
1 2 2 2
1 1 2 _
5 4 3 2
1_4_1
L.H.
4 4 3 2
1 2 3 _
1 1 2 2
3 3 4 _
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The dynamic signs Music is a way to convey moods and feelings. Playing softly or loudly is one of the most common ways to express ones feelings. It is just like talking. * for example - when we raise our voices we are probably stressful or angry. * mystery can be expressed in a soft voice; a secret may be whispered, etc. In music we use dynamic signs to indicate how loudly or softly to play. The names of the dynamic signs are derived from the Italian language as you can see from the following table.
The sign
how to play
translation
soft and quiet
Piano
moderately soft
Mezzo piano
strong and loud
forte
moderately loud
Mezzo forte
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Camptown races 5
In the following song we use the dynamic sign: You can see that the is placed at the beginning in the first measure. This means that the whole song should be A B C Dfrom E F the G played loudly straight beginning. A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G A B C D E F A G B C D E F G A B B C D E F G A B
A B
Try to play this song several times while using various levels of loudness.
5
4
3
2 1
2
3
4
5
4 5
R.H.
1 1 1 2
3 2 2 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
4 4 2 4
1 2 2 _
2 3 _ _
2 3 _ _
R.H.
2 2 1 2
3 2 2 _
1 1 2 2
3 _ 3 _
L.H.
4 4 2 4
1 2 2 _
3 _ 2 3
4 _ _ _
Lyrics Campptown ladies sing this song, Doo-da, Doo-da Camptown racetrack’s five miles long Oh, doo-da day.
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5
Swan lake
A B C D E F G A B C D E F A G B C D E F G A B B C D E F G A B
Swan Lake is a ballet composed by the Russian composer A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B Tchaikovsky in 1875. It is considered to be one of the greatest classical ballets of all time, and is performed all over the world. Let’s play the most known melody from the beautiful ballet‌ A B C D E F G
5
4
3
2 1
2
3
4
A B C D E F G
* Do you see the
at the first
measure? It tells you to play moderately soft.
5
4 5
*
R.H.
3 _ _ _
_ _ 1 2 3 _ _ 1
3 _ _ 1
L.H.
4 4 2 4
3 2 2 _
2 3 _ _
2 3 _ _
R.H.
3 _ _ 2
3 2 2 _
1 1 2 2
_ 2 1 _
L.H.
4 4 2 3
1 3 5 1
3 _ _ _
4 _ _ 2
R.H.
3 _ _ _
_ _ 1 2 3 _ _ 1
3 _ _ 1
L.H.
4 4 2 4
3 2 2 _
2 3 _ _
2 3 _ _
R.H.
3 _ _ 2
3 2 2 _
1 1 2 2
_ 2 1 _
L.H.
4 4 2 3
1 3 5 1
3 _ _ _
_ _ _ _
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Pick up measure
*
Sometimes you may see at the beginning of a song a small measure with just one or two notes. Here you should the first note in the next measure. A emphasize B C D E F G
5
Do you see that at the beginning of the first row of Bingo there is
A B C D E F A G B C D E F G A B B C D E F G A B
a
In the following example you can see the 4AinB the first A B C D E F G C D E F G A B C D EofF the G A Bmeans C D E that F G you should measure left hand. This emphasize the first 1 that begins the next measure.
while in the second row
there is an A B
Bingo
? It tells you to
play the first row of the song moderately soft and from the second row until the end to play loudly.
5
4
3
2 1
2
3
4
5
4 5
*
R.H.
_ 3___
_ _ 1 2 1 1 2 2
3 _ 1 _
L.H.
4 1114
3 3 4 4 3 _ _ 1
3 _ _ 1
A pickup measure
Hold for two counts
R.H.
3 _ 3 _
4 4 4 _
2 _ 2 _
3 3 3 _
L.H.
4 4 2 3
1 3 5 1
3 _ _ _
4 _ _ 2
R.H.
1 _ 1 _
2 2 2 1 3 _ _ 1
L.H.
4 4 2 4
3 2 2 _
2 4 3 3
3 _ _ 1 1 _ 1 _
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The sharp sign The Sharp sign: should be played.
5
B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
indicates that the black key on the right side of a certain note
A B
In the following exercises you will see finger 4 together with a sharp sign. This means B C Dplays E F the G B it C – D on E Fits G right. that the fourth Afinger black key nextA to A B C D E F G
A B C D E F G
A B
You will see from the video that your hand should be positioned slightly forward towards the back of the keyboard so that your finger can reach and press the black key.
2 1
3
4 5
4 5
R.H.
2 2 3 3
4 4 4 _
R.H.
2 2 3 3
4 3 2 _
R.H.
3 2 3 4
5 _ 2 _
R.H.
3 3 4 4
5 _ _ _
< Exercise 1
< Exercise 2
Now, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play with both hands again and play a popular song with the sharp key.
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Jolly Old Saint Nicholas \ A Christmas Carol This following song begins with the 4th finger on the black key. As we said in the last page, move your right hand slightly forward so that your finger can reach and press the black key.
p. 47
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The flat sign
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London bridge is falling down
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Old Macdonald had a farm
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Can Can
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New Rhythm - 3 counts in a measure
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We Three Kings
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Big Ben
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Conclusion
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