John Thompson‘s Easiest Piano Course Lesson 2356

In this lesson, we will continue learning the basics of piano playing, including note identification, rhythm, and hand position. We will also learn how to play a simple melody with both hands.

Note Identification

The first step in learning how to play the piano is to learn how to identify the notes on the keyboard. The keyboard is divided into white and black keys, and each key represents a different musical note. The white keys are labeled with the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, and the black keys are labeled with sharps (#) and flats (b). The notes on the keyboard are arranged in a specific order, starting with C and ending with B. To find the note C, simply look for the two black keys that are grouped together. The white key to the left of these two black keys is C.

Rhythm

Rhythm is an important part of music, and it refers to the way that notes are played over time. The most basic unit of rhythm is the beat, and a beat is simply a unit of time. Beats are usually divided into smaller units called subdivisions, and the most common subdivision is the quarter note. A quarter note is a note that is played for one beat. Other common subdivisions include the half note (played for two beats), the eighth note (played for half a beat), and the sixteenth note (played for one-fourth of a beat).

Hand Position

Proper hand position is essential for playing the piano correctly. The correct hand position is with the thumb on C and the fingers curved over the other keys. The wrist should be slightly raised, and the fingers should be relaxed. When playing, the fingers should strike the keys with a downward motion. Avoid using too much force, and focus on playing with a light touch.

Playing a Simple Melody

Now that we have learned the basics of note identification, rhythm, and hand position, we can begin to play a simple melody. The melody that we will learn is "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Here is the sheet music for the melody:```
Mary Had a Little Lamb
C D E F G G F E D C D E F G
```

To play the melody, start by placing your left hand on C and your right hand on G. Then, play the notes in the sheet music, using the correct rhythm and hand position. When you reach the end of the melody, simply repeat it from the beginning.

Conclusion

This lesson has covered the basics of piano playing, including note identification, rhythm, hand position, and playing a simple melody. By practicing the exercises in this lesson, you will develop the skills that you need to play the piano with confidence and skill.

2024-11-07

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