Piano playing has long been recognized for its physical and mental health benefits. Studies have also demonstrated how regular piano practice may lead to improved memory retention.
Start each day off right by finding middle C with your right thumb (finger number 1) and starting to play it with your index finger (finger number 2) on both hands. Practice every scale ascending and descending.
Scales
Scales are an invaluable part of learning piano. They form the basis of tonality and chords, helping refine improvisation and note orientation as well as developing dexterity of fingers and hands. Studying scales is also an excellent way to discover new musical capabilities while expanding your repertoire.
Major and minor scales should be the starting point when learning piano, with their easy playing patterns located solely on white keys. C major is considered an easy starting point because its scale pattern contains only one key and intervals; once this has been mastered, you can move onto exploring all other major and minor gamuts.
Modal scales are another great place to begin learning scales, though these require more advanced playing and have a more intricate set of intervals. But these modal scales will create a completely different sound that’s sure to please! For instance, Phrygian dominant scale is frequently seen in flamenco and Latin jazz music and even Jewish folk songs like Hava Nagila feature this scale!
As you explore modal scales, it’s essential to try new sounds and emotions. Try playing one with a minor key and see how that makes you feel; or combine scales with basic piano chords so you can practice new skills within an easily memorizable framework.
There are various approaches to learning modal scales, but a great online tool like Pianoworld’s Piano Scales Generator may be the easiest method. This tool offers you a selection of scales in different keys so that you can find one that best fits you. Once you find one you like, practice playing it along with songs you know well to cement its patterns into memory and become intuitive over time.
Chords
Chords are an essential element of music and should be taught to all pianists. They provide the harmonic framework needed to support melodies and lyrics in all genres. There are various different kinds of chords with distinctive sounds and roles within music.
Beginners should begin with basic diatonic chords such as C major, D minor and G major as this will provide the foundation of any song. From here, add minor seventh chords or passing chords for added dimension in your songs.
There are various types of piano chords, each one offering its own distinct sound. The number of notes sounded together determines its type; specific notes that comprise it are known as its parts; these parts must all be played using separate fingers on the keyboard to complete their sound.
Typically, chords feature a root note as their lowest-sounding note; its other three parts, called extensions, can be altered by increasing or decreasing volume to alter its tone.
Each chord also possesses its own number that represents its position on the scale, such as major having three parts and minor two. Vertically-arranged thirds within a chord help to identify its type.
Chords can also be written using letter names to make them easier to recognize on the staff. For instance, C major chord is written as C – E – G so its three notes can easily stack in thirds on its notehead.
Identification of chords by studying its fingers. A standard classical technique requires placing down fingers that resemble the shape of a C; however, some pianists prefer to use their thumb and index finger instead.
Some pianists add dissonant extra notes to their chords, such as flat ninths or sharp sevenths, in order to create tension and drama within a piece. Doing this also allows them to create unique sounds.
Improvisation
Improvisation (from Latin improvisus, meaning ‘to come up with on the spot”) is the practice of creating musical phrases or ideas on the spot without preplanning or planning ahead. Improvisation enables us to be present and in tune with our environment and those around us – whether that means responding to sound of your voice or energy from scene partner – creating spontaneously is at the foundation of creativity and is vitally important.
Improvisation is an indispensable skill for classical musicians, enabling them to fully express the depth of musicality. Furthermore, it helps establish connections with audiences and craft an unforgettable musical experience for everyone attending a performance. Furthermore, its benefits extend far beyond musical performance – helping develop essential life skills.
Improvisation covers a broad spectrum, ranging from copying something accurately ‘by ear’ to making small modifications to a learned piece, from inventing melodies over chords to extemporising an entirely new composition (something Bach was said to do often with contrapuntal music). Prepping something repeatedly before performing does not count as improvisation whereas creating variations spontaneously does count.
Beginners often struggle with how to approach piano improvisation. One way is to explore all white keys (C, D, E, G and A) simultaneously in creating melodies – this approach is known as Minor Pentatonic Scale and makes an excellent starting point.
One way to approach improvisation effectively is with an open and curious mindset. Instead of thinking of it as performance art, think of improvising as an opportunity to express creative freedom – this may be difficult at first but is essential for unlocking its full potential.
Improvisation also has another benefit in that it helps you become more conscious of how your body moves through space, encouraging greater presence between scene partners. This leads to deeper connections amongst people and the world; spirituality lies at its heart within these bonds between oneself, nature, and scene partners.
Music Theory
Learning music theory may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Music theory’s fundamental concepts resemble those governing written language (which evolved after people successfully discovered how to talk). Being able to read and write music allows you to better comprehend a composition than would otherwise be possible – and learning to do so opens up endless creative potential!
Reading and understanding music is a fundamental skill for anyone wanting to play piano or another musical instrument, as it helps connect what you hear in your head with what can be accomplished on the keyboard. Music notation (aka reading music) provides a solid basis for building music theory knowledge – essential when learning any kind of musical style!
Music theory provides a framework to analyze what you hear. For instance, using its terminology you can analyze chords and melodies used in specific songs, giving an insight into the composer’s intent for his or her compositions.
Timbre (tone color) is another element of music analysis that can be explored using music theory terminology. While melody, harmony, and dynamics all help tell a piece’s story and emote emotion through soundscape, timbre (tone color) distinguishes instruments or voices uniquely: think piano sounding different than guitar playing the same note at equal volume!
There are various approaches to piano learning, but if you want to truly develop as a musician it’s essential that you spend some time studying basic music theory. While some musicians may find this tedious or unnecessary, taking time out for music theory lessons can help you master new techniques, perform unfamiliar styles of music and gain the confidence of creating your own musical vision.