Easiest Piano Course

Synopsis

(Willis). A classic, comprehensive step-by-step course specifically designed to suit the needs of children beginning the piano. Features colorful characters and illustrations * writing exercises * sight-reading drills * review work * and more! Also contains worksheets, reading-aloud exercises and accompaniments for teacher or parent. Our latest edition (2019) features updated artwork by Sergio Sandoval.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introducing the Piano and Basic Concepts

* Introduction to the parts of the piano, including keys, pedals, and music stand.
* Understanding musical notation: notes, rests, and staff.
* Real example: Practice reading notes on the staff and playing simple melodies like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

Chapter 2: Finger Placement and Scales

* Proper finger positioning and technique.
* Learning the major scales: C, G, and F.
* Real example: Play the C major scale using correct fingerings and finger legato technique.

Chapter 3: Chords and Harmony

* Introduction to chords: triads, inversions, and cadences.
* Building and playing basic major and minor chords.
* Real example: Practice forming and playing C major and G major chords.

Chapter 4: Rhythm and Time

* Understanding different note values and time signatures.
* Reading and counting rhythms accurately.
* Real example: Play a simple piece with varying rhythms, such as "Ode to Joy" or "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Chapter 5: Simple Melodies and Accompaniment

* Creating and playing simple melodies.
* Adding left-hand accompaniment using fingered bass notes.
* Real example: Perform a children's song like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with melody and accompaniment.

Chapter 6: Musical Dynamics and Expression

* Introduction to musical dynamics (loud, soft, etc.).
* Understanding how articulation affects musical expression.
* Real example: Play a piece with varying dynamics and articulation, such as "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven.

Chapter 7: Introduction to Duets and Trios

* Playing simple duets with another person.
* Understanding the concept of trios: melody, treble accompaniment, and bass accompaniment.
* Real example: Perform a duet of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or a trio of "Silent Night."

Chapter 8: Intermediate Melodies and Accompaniment

* Learning more complex melodies.
* Adding chords and arpeggios to the left-hand accompaniment.
* Real example: Play a piece like "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, incorporating chords and arpeggios.

Chapter 9: Advanced Techniques

* Introduction to scales and chords beyond the basics.
* Practicing advanced techniques like tremolos and trills.
* Real example: Play a piece that requires advanced techniques, such as Chopin's "Nocturne No. 2."

Chapter 10: Sight-Reading and Interpretation

* Developing sight-reading skills.
* Understanding musical notation and phrasing.
* Real example: Sight-read and interpret a piece, focusing on accuracy and expression.