Learning to Play the Piano Level 1 Unit 1: Review Note Reading/Basic Concepts Introduction to Two Handed Playing

Treble Clef Treble clef is played with the right hand (most of the time). The lines of the treble clef are E, G, B, D, F The spaces of the treble clef F, A, C, E

Bass Clef The bass clef is played with the left hand (most of the time). The lines of the Bass Clef are G, B, D, F, A The spaces of the Bass Clef are A, C, E, G

Note Durations A quarter note gets one beat A half note gets two beats A dotted half note gets three beats A whole note gets four beats

Rests A quarter rests gets one beat A half rest gets two beats A whole rest gets four beats

Time Signatures A time signature appears a number over another number. The top number tells you how many beats and each measure and the bottom number tells you which kind of note gets one beat.

Dynamics: Tell you how loud you play

The Grand Staff The Grand Staff is when the treble and bass clef are grouped together. It indicates to play both hands at the same time.

Playing Two Handed Songs Playing two handed songs takes some getting used to for most people. It is important to practice a piece hands separately. Once each hand is mastered, put the hands together and play very slowly.

Melody and Harmony Melody is read horizontally. (left and right) Harmony is read vertically. (up and down)

Melody The melody of a song is often the part of it you will remember. When you hear a song and are humming it to yourself later; chances are that you are humming the melody. It is common for the melody to be written on the top staff (treble clef). However, melody can be written in the bass clef.

Harmony/Chords When notes are stacked vertically, this creates harmony. Harmony is often described as chords. So usually when people are talking about harmony, they are talking about types of chords. Harmony is used to fill out the sound of a song.

Major Chords A Major chord sounds bright and happy. It is made up of a root, a third, and a fifth. Here we have a C Major chord. The chord is made up of C (the root), E (the third), and G (the fifth).

Questions? That concludes the review and new topics I wanted to cover tonight. Anyone have any questions?