How to start playing piano or keyboard // Complete beginner tutorial - basic technique and exercises

Piano From Scratch

7 Feb 202034:06

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis piano tutorial video aims to help beginners start developing core piano skills. It covers getting familiar with the keyboard layout, basic hand technique and posture, simple finger exercises to build coordination and control, basic chord shapes, improvisation exercises to start using your ears, and advice on how to start piecing things together to play actual music. The goal is to get an initial feel for playing through focused exercises, experimentation, and having fun while laying the groundwork for further skill development.

Takeaways

😀 Naming piano notes & finding C on the keyboard are important first steps
🎹 Start by playing basic finger exercises to develop technique & coordination
🎶 Improvise on simple scales to start training your ears & developing musicality
👐 Use proper hand position & posture to play comfortably & avoid injury
🎹 Hold basic triad chord shapes like C major to accompany melodies
🎵 Play left hand bass notes with right hand chords to create accompaniment patterns
👂 Use your ear to guide improvisation on the black keys pentatonic scale
🎹 Change finger position smoothly when moving between chord shapes
🎹 Develop rhythm by counting steadily as you play chord progressions
🎼 Have fun experimenting with patterns and rhythms to start developing your piano skills

Q & A

What are some of the main things the instructor wants beginners to focus on at the start?
-The main things are: getting a feel for the notes and using your fingers, getting familiar with the keyboard layout, starting to use your ears a bit, and just being musical and enjoying playing.
What is the advantage of keeping your fingertips touching the keys?
-It helps you stay in a fixed hand position instead of moving out of position, which makes playing easier.
What are some bad habits beginners should avoid when first starting out?
-Going too fast, not using arm weight and resting hands on the keys, bending wrists too much up or down, and playing with flat fingers.
What is a scale and how does the C major scale relate to the first exercise?
-A scale is a group of notes used to make music. The first 5 notes played in the right hand form the beginning of the C major scale, which starts and ends on C to sound resolved.
What techniques can you use to develop the simple 5-finger exercise?
-Try different rhythms, dynamics like loud and soft, short notes (staccato), hands separately then together. Add variation when going up and down.
What is meant by improvisation and what's the goal when improvising in the 2nd exercise?
-Improvising means making up music spontaneously. For the exercise, the goal is getting comfortable with moving fingers, using ears to guide playing, and developing that musical connection between sound and keys.
What are triads and what's important about how you physically play them?
-Triads are chords with 3 notes. Play them by using arm weight to bring fingers down together, not pushing fingers individually or letting them collapse.
What is a chord progression and why practice switching finger positions when changing chords?
-A chord progression is playing a series of chords in sequence. Switching finger positions when changing chords is good practice for smooth movement around the keyboard.
What is the root note and why add it in the left hand for the chord progression?
-The root note is the starting note of a chord, in this case C, F, A or G. Adding roots in the left hand accompanies the right hand chords idiomatically.
Why use the black keys/pentatonic scale for the final improvisation exercise?
-The black keys form a pentatonic scale where notes fit together nicely. This allows comfortable exploration and develops musical ears and sense of touch.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introducing the lesson plan and goals

The instructor introduces the overall lesson plan for beginner piano students. The key goals are to get familiar with the keyboard, start using fingers and ears, and enjoy making music. The lesson will cover naming notes, basic technique, simple melodies, chords, improvisation, and playing hands together.

05:01

😀 Playing a simple scale melody

The instructor teaches a basic 5-note C major scale melody using a single finger position. Students practice playing the melody slowly, evenly, and with good technique. Hands are done separately and then together. Rhythmic variations are encouraged.

10:03

😀 Improvising on the C major scale

Students improvise melodies using the 5 notes of the C major scale. This develops familiarity with the keys, ear skills, and musicality. Students are encouraged to use the scale as a launching pad and fill in gaps between melodic fragments.

15:05

😀 Playing basic chords

Students learn C, F, A minor, and G major chords, switching between 1-3-5 and 1-2-4 finger positions. Then they practice a I-IV-vi-V chord progression using these chords and a rhythmic strumming pattern.

20:07

😀 Adding bass notes to the chord progression

Students add the root note of each chord in the left hand, keeping the right hand chord shapes. This accompanies the chords and provides bass notes. Tips are given for optimal hand positioning and looking ahead.

25:08

😀 Black key pentatonic improvisation

Students improvise melodies on the black keys using a pentatonic scale. Left hand alternates between two chords. Focus is on phrase structure, dynamics, touch, and ear development. Finger position changes extend the range.

30:08

😀 Conclusion and additional resources

The instructor concludes by summarizing the core skills developed, encouraging continued practice, and directing students to additional resources to further build piano skills.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Piano Keyboard

The piano keyboard refers to the set of keys on a piano, which includes both white and black keys, used to play music. In the context of the video, the instructor emphasizes the importance of getting familiar with the keyboard layout as a foundational step for beginners. The keyboard is described as having 88 keys on a full-size piano, though the one used in the video has 73 keys for practicality. Understanding the keyboard layout, including the pattern of black and white keys, helps students navigate the instrument and facilitates the learning process.

💡Note Naming

Note naming involves identifying and naming the musical notes associated with each key on the piano. It's highlighted in the video as a critical early skill for piano students. The instructor suggests that learners should become quick and accurate at note naming and provides resources for further study. This skill is foundational for reading music and aids in the overall understanding of musical theory and practice.

💡Finger Numbers

Finger numbers are a system used to designate each finger a specific number to assist in piano instruction and notation. Thumbs are numbered as 1, and the numbering continues outwards to 5, which are the pinky fingers. This system is vital for communicating which fingers to use for playing specific notes or chords, making it easier to follow instructions and learn pieces. The video uses finger numbers to guide beginners through exercises, helping them develop coordination and technique.

💡Hand Position

Hand position refers to how a pianist places and moves their hands and fingers on the piano keyboard. Proper hand position is crucial for effective playing and avoiding strain or injury. The video emphasizes maintaining a natural curve in the fingers, avoiding excessive tension, and using the correct finger for each note to ensure smooth and comfortable playing. The instructor also discusses the importance of wrist and arm position in facilitating movement across the keyboard.

💡Scales

Scales are sequences of notes played in ascending or descending order and are fundamental to music theory and instrumental practice. In the video, scales are introduced as a means to get beginners familiar with playing different notes and using their fingers effectively. The C major scale, or the first five notes of it, is specifically mentioned as a starting point for practice, illustrating the concept of moving up and down the keyboard in a structured way.

💡Chords

Chords are combinations of notes played simultaneously and are a basic element of music harmony. The video introduces beginners to simple chords, starting with the C major chord, to get them accustomed to playing more than one note at a time. Understanding and practicing chords helps students grasp the harmonic foundation of music and prepares them for more complex pieces. Chord progressions, or sequences of chords, are also discussed as a way to create musical structure and movement.

💡Improvisation

Improvisation is the act of creating music spontaneously without pre-planned notes or arrangement. The video encourages beginners to explore improvisation as a way to develop their musical ear and creativity. Using the pentatonic scale on the black keys as an example, students are guided to experiment with different notes, rhythms, and dynamics, fostering a more intuitive and personal connection with the piano.

💡Technique

Technique in piano playing refers to the execution of finger, hand, and arm movements to produce music. The video emphasizes the importance of good technique, including relaxed posture, appropriate hand positioning, and controlled finger movements. Developing a solid technique is essential for efficient practice, preventing injury, and achieving a desirable sound quality.

💡Rhythm

Rhythm pertains to the timing and pace of music, encompassing beats, tempo, and the pattern of sounds and silences in music. The video discusses practicing with various rhythms to improve timing and coordination between hands. Beginners are encouraged to experiment with different rhythmic patterns to enhance their musicality and understanding of tempo.

💡Musicality

Musicality refers to a musician's sensitivity to, understanding of, and expressiveness with music, beyond just playing the correct notes. It involves dynamics, phrasing, emotion, and interpretation. In the video, the instructor suggests that beginners focus on the sound they produce and enjoy the process of making music, encouraging them to experiment and find pleasure in playing, which is crucial for developing a deep, emotional connection with music.

Highlights

Introduction of a groundbreaking methodology for data analysis.

Revelation of unexpected findings in climate change research.

Discussion of the theoretical implications for existing models.

Presentation of a new tool for predictive analytics in healthcare.

Case study demonstrating practical applications in urban planning.

Analysis of long-term impacts on industry practices.

Debate on the ethical considerations in artificial intelligence research.

Summary of collaborative efforts across global research institutions.

Insights into the future direction of technological advancements.

Exploration of policy implications for emerging technologies.

Review of methodological challenges and how they were overcome.

Highlight of key takeaways from keynote speeches.

Overview of workshop discussions and participant feedback.

Announcement of upcoming research projects and funding opportunities.

Conclusion summarizing the event's achievements and future outlook.

Transcripts

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