Beginner Piano Booklet #1 Sample

I know that beginner piano stuff is done and overdone all over the net. So why am I adding to it? I guess because I really want to cover the full spectrum. If it works for some, great! I'd be the first to say that this is REALLY not the way to go (or any self-learn system) as an absolute beginner. But some folks just want some basic info for a hobby type enjoyment; or may not being able to afford lessons presently is why some might go this route. In that case, I'll also point you to some other great beginner resources that I find.

So, here's a sample of 'BEGINNER BOOKLET #1 that I'll be giving to all beginners. It will be ready soon for download. Then #2 and #3 will follow. Remember; any questions you have, feel free to ask for help.


Go Slow... Grab a Cup of Something... Relax & Take Your Time.

1. The Piano Keyboard: The piano keyboard is a combination of white & black keys. The white keys are laid out one after another—while the black keys alternate in groups of two & three..Count 7 white keys up from the white key just below a group of two black keys. The next key after the 7th, finds you back on the same key you started with, only at a higher position. This group of 7 white keys and the black key groups in between, repeat themselves for the complete length of the keyboard.

2. The Music Staff: Various Symbols, called ‘notes’ & ‘rests’ are placed on the ‘musical staff’ (staff, for short) indicate which keys on the piano keyboard are to be pressed down, and, for how long. It is the language of music.

3. Your Fingers Have Names: The fingers of the hands are numbered 1 through 5 from the thumb to the pinky. It is important to remember this as we will be referring to the fingers by their assigned numbers—their New Names. i.e. “Put the 1 on this note” or, “Play that note with the 4th finger” or, “Use the 3 & 5 instead” etc.

Now we have the ‘Keyboard’, ‘Music Staff’, and ‘Hands”.
All we need now are ‘Notes/Symbols’, to place on the ‘Music Staff’
so that the ‘Hands’ can play them on the ‘keyboard’.

LET'S GO GET SOME!
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4. Note and Time Values: The first type of note we learn is called a ‘Quarter (¼) Note’—a solid oval with a line (called a Note Stem)pointing upward or downward. Notes receive time values called ‘Beats’ or ‘Counts’.

A ‘Quarter (¼) Note’ receives, or is ‘Heard’ for ‘One Beat/Count’. And a Beat/Count is said like this: “One And”. The terms ‘Beat’ & ‘Count’ are interchangeable. We’ll just use the Term ‘Beat’ from here on.

Exercise #1: (Read the complete exercise explanation below before performing it)

Take the index finger (pointer finger) of either hand and press down one key around the middle of the keyboard. As you press & hold down the key, say out loud, “One And”. At the end of the “And”, release the note. You’ve just played a Quarter (¼) Note. Press down a few more random keys while at the same time saying, “One And” for each key - releasing the key only after you’ve said the “And”.

This is how ‘Quarter (¼) Notes’ will look on a measure of the Music staff.
A solid oval with a stem pointed either up or down. We’ll learn note names and more are very soon... Patience....




As I said, the full booklet will be available soon...... and plenty of other beginner stuff... have fun!

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