Part 2: How to the Value of your Notes

Welcome back to our lessons. Yes, it’s been a while but we can assure you that your wait is worth it. Your online piano lessons have never been this easy. The first part is just the beginning. Get your fingers flexed and ready your mind and body for you piano lessons. Did you miss it then just click HERE.

Part 2

Piano Notes Values.

In this part of our online piano lessons, you’ll learn how to read and understand the piano note values. They are very important to learn for easier piano sight-reading and piano playing.

Every piano note you see in a piano sheet music has its own value or count. This count defines the beat and the music rhythm of the song. A piano sheet music can be either a fast song or a low song depending on the piano note values and the time signatures, which will tackle in our next lessons.

It also defines how long you should play a certain piano note : if it should be in four (4) beast or just one beat.

Here they are:

A semibreve, popularly known as a whole not has 4 counts or beats. Meaning you have to lay the note for 4 counts.

Then there is the dotted minim or the dotted half note, which counts for 2 beats.

A crochet on the other hand or the quarter note only have one beat. It looks like a dotted minim without the dot.

Another piano note is the quaver or known as the eight notes. It says that a certain piano note should only last for a half beat.

And the last piano note you should remember is the sixteenth note or the semiquaver note. This note counts for a quarter a beat only and usually seen in fast songs.

These piano note values are important and must always be in your mind for easier piano sight-reading. There are many more parts of the piano sheet music so stay tuned for your next free piano lessons.

The Online Piano Lessons Part 1

It’s been a while, dear pianists. But rest assured we will never abandon you.

We’ve been posting blog entries about piano playing tips, piano techniques and piano advices to help you succeed and make piano playing easier and more enjoyable.

But this time, let’s take it to the next level.

I will be teaching you piano lessons for free. It will be easy and fast to understand. Enjoy these online piano lessons. Share, love and subscribe.

Part 1

In your first online piano lessons let’s teach you the basic, introducing the piano notes and piano keys.

What are piano keys? The piano keys are what you play in a piano whether it’s called a grand or upright piano or keyboard, it’s all piano keys. Piano keys consists of black and white keys, some calls it ebony and ivory (just like the song).  Once you stroke, press or hammer the keys down, you create definite sounds.  These sounds are all the same. It only varies when the pitch is higher or lower.

Most piano/keyboards have 88 keys which is the standard count. You can play all types of music in 88 keys such as classical piano music, jazz music and even pop music.  You can also have piano that have lesser keys, like 76 keys and 69 keys.  Less piano keys limits you from playing all kinds of piano music genre.

In the piano keyboard picture you will see a certain pattern being followed. There are sets of piano keys called octaves. It consists of 5 black keys and 7 white keys repeated until the end of the piano.

Every of the piano keys have easy piano notes designated. What are piano notes?

Piano notes are piano symbols or letters that help you play music. Every piano key has a piano note. You can see it in this picture.

As you can see it uses the alphabet A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.  It stops at G and goes back to A. This is repeated on all piano keys and octaves. Those are for the white keys. For the black keys it will still be the same concept and letter but let’s tackle that some other time.

This makes piano learning much easier.

Watch this video for an actual and easier way of understanding how to piano keys and piano notes work together.

See you next lesson.

What type of Piano Lessons: Teach yourself or get a Teacher

Today’s entry is something that I’ve read just recently.

It sites points that are very true and can give you wider options whether you choose to learn how how to play the piano through private piano lessons or self  learn piano lessons with the aids of technology.

This blog article is from Learn How to Play Piano Chords blog.

Piano Lessons: Online or Offline

There are many ways to learn how to play the piano. You can either choose private piano lessons or self-learning through online piano lessons or piano dvds. 

Both different methods of piano lessons have its pros and cons.  In this entry, let’s try to differentiate them and see which piano lessons suit you.

Private Piano Lessons
Having private piano lessons are perfect for toddlers and kids. It teaches them the essential and basics of piano playing.  Teaching piano students at home help both the teacher and the student to focus on the piano lessons. Also learning this way allows the student to ask questions regarding the lessons. Piano beginners can easily understand the lessons because it is real and on the spot.

Although that is said, there are a lot of disadvantages with private piano lessons. First are the distractions. Lessons done at home can be distracted even by just a simple phone call or a dog barking. Another thing, with private piano lessons you could either study at home (with more distractions such as television) or at your piano teacher’s home (less distraction, boring experience).

Another downside of private piano lesson is if you are already an adult. Of course no adult would want to be taught piano sheet music like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Too childish. Also private piano lessons can be really expensive. It’s almost $100 per month. You can buy groceries with that already.

Self-Learning Piano Lessons
If you don’t have enough time to commit on private piano lessons or don’t have enough money for private piano lessons then there is always an alternative. You can always try self-learning piano lessons trough some modern methods. When you’re already a grown-up these adult piano lessons for beginners will be you solutions.

One of the best things you can try is online piano lessons. A lot of people and companies are now posting free online piano lessons everywhere on the internet. You can always try YouTube piano videos for starters. Or websites that offers free online piano lessons. No matter where you go online piano lessons are a sure hit. It’s free, easy to understand and you can control anytime you take the lessons.

Maybe you want something more reliable, then you can try buying or borrowing from libraries piano dvds. Piano dvds are available on Amazon or on websites that offers piano lessons. You’re just going to pay extra for lifelong piano lessons on your own home.

You can also try piano lesson books. It also has extensive explanations of the lesson without the visual aid which is in most cases very important.

Or you can try something you can always listen or watch wherever you are, PODCASTS. Yes, the great invention of ITunes can now be used as an easier way of learning free piano lessons. Piano podcasts can be played anywhere using your iPhone or iPod devices or even on your own computer.

Conclusion
So what’s the verdict? If you have the time and the money and a quiet place to learn, you can always try private piano lessons.

But if you are an adult already with no free time and enough money for private piano lesson, you can always go for self-learn piano lessons. Same results minus the expense, the pressure and the money.

Learn by yourself! It’s easier and cheaper. Online piano lessons are a great answer to adult piano lessons for beginners and toddlers’ first easy piano notes.

 Original blog post:  Piano Lessons: Online or Offline

Piano Playing Barriers

Ever wonder why no matter how much you practice piano playing, you always seem beating a wall. And even when you’re practicing piano for hours, you never seem to remember it after taking a break. Are you wondering what you’re doing wrong?

This article will tell you things you never expected you’re doing. Piano playing barriers that have always been there but you never notice or you ignore.

One of the first barriers in piano playing is lack of piano practice time. No matter how musically inclined you are or great in piano playing. Having no time to practice piano can hinder any progress on your piano playing skills. Some think that by practicing 2-3 hours once or twice a week is the solution. That is where they’re basically wrong. Practice should be every day. You can practice at least one hour or less a day instead of no practice at all. This at least exercises your muscles and brain o piano playing unlike the long occasional piano practice.

Another one is difficulty in reading piano music. We all know that it is essential to all pianists to learn how to read music.  But this is where many pianists make mistake. Piano sight reading music is one skill all pianists must learn how to do or else might not go anywhere in their piano playing skills. Learn to piano sight read well.

There are many other barriers you should be aware of. All f these can hinder your piano playing. Knowing these can improve your skills significantly.

Watch this piano video for other piano playing barriers that you may and will encounter.

Why Self Learn Piano Lessons

You must be thinking of ways to make your piano lessons cheaper yet still effective and fun. Then here is your basic solution, self learn piano lessons through online solutions.

Yes! You might think it’s not possible but there are actually thousands and still counting who resorts and most of the time prefers online piano lessons rather than private piano lessons.

Learning to play the piano through online piano lessons, piano dvds or piano books can save up more money and time rather than private piano lessons.

Why online piano lessons are better?

• First, it’s cheaper or sometime FREE! Online piano lessons provide step by step piano tutorials on how to play the piano. And if you’re on the right track, you might even get to see it live through piano lesson webinar.
• You have the time in the world. You can control when you’ll have your piano lessons. No need for drives to your piano teacher or waiting for a late piano teacher to arrive.
• It’s reusable. What if you forgot your basic piano lessons but don’t want to take lessons? Then you can refresh yourself with online piano lessons or if you purchased piano dvds or piano books, you can use it to review yourself back. Not only that you can use it to teach your kids beginner piano lessons. No need to for private piano lessons anymore.

See it’s really efficient to try self learn piano lessons. If you don’t know what kind of self learn piano lesson methods you can try some of these mediums you can use.

• Online Piano Lessons – Websites, blogs (like this one), Facebook, and other more social networking sites.
• Piano DVDS – You can purchase piano dvds on Amazon or on websites that offers online piano lessons.
• Piano Books – Thinking where all a piano teacher gets what she knows? She uses a piano book. Everybody does. So you can save up a lot more if you buy extensive piano books. You can store it and use it to teach your own children.
• Piano Videos – From DVDs to online videos. You can learn piano playing through online videos through YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, live webinars and piano podcasts  using ITunes.

As you can see, there is practically no limit on what you can try to finally have your piano lessons. Just remember to keep practicing, learn and have fun.

Find the Right Piano teacher for your Kids

Do you want your little kids to be the next Mozart or maybe the next Beethoven or to be one of the great pianists of the world? Then you can give some fun and non-boring piano lessons for kids.

Although finding the right piano teacher for your little toddlers is challenging. Remember that kids are kids; therefore they prefer to play and have fun rather than learn seriously.

The piano teacher will be your kids guide to appreciating music. They can really shape your children’s mind whether music is fun or scary.  So choose your kids piano teachers well.

Follow these simple tips and suggestions on how to find the right piano teacher for your kids.

• Most common mistakes of parents are hiring a piano teacher with a great reputation and qualities. Although all of it is important but not all piano teachers are capable of teaching hyperactive kids. Find a piano teacher that enjoys teaching kids.
• It’s important that you’re kids feel safe and comfortable when having the beginner piano lessons. You can take your children to a school that specializes on music lessons. The problem is that some teachers are disciplinarian who in some cases do punishments to students that’s why it is still advisable to have private piano lessons for your little kids. You can supervise the teaching and also keep your kids safe. Just make sure you r kids will be safe and will enjoy the piano lessons.
• Is the piano teacher capable? Yes, being good with children is a must in looking for your kid’s piano teacher but he/ she should also be capable with teaching piano lessons. At least somebody with a musical background or experience with teaching piano lessons for kids and beginners.

So that’s how you look for a piano teacher for your kids. But if you want to teach your kids yourself especially little toddlers then you can self-teach them. Not possible? Not anymore. You can try some piano dvd lessons or piano software such as Keyboard Tots to teach your little toddlers beginner piano lessons for kids just by yourself.

You can teach themselves just like a real piano teacher.

Have fun!

Tips for an Effective Piano Practice

Are you practicing your piano every day? But not getting the results you want. Then maybe you are not practicing your piano playing effectively.

Common pianists who just practice without a certain guideline often get lost when it’s time for a performance. For example, sudden wrist cramps or forgetting which piano notes will come next. It really is annoying when it comes to that.

So here are simple but effective piano practice tips for all levels. This will help you get started with a precise practicing piano technique and later create your own piano practice set and styles where you feel more comfortable.

Tip 1
Practice. Yes that is true. Practice as often as you can but not in the point you’re overworking yourself. A 2-3 hours of practice a day is perfect with breaks in between is just the right amount. But if you’re a student with homework and school or an individual with work to do then here is my advice: Take a t least 15-30 or an hour of practice a day instead of two hours a week.

Practicing everyday even just for a little is more efficient than practicing long hours once a week.

Tip 2
Are you taking private piano lessons? Then practice after your lessons! It helps you do what you have to do with your piano practice while it’s still fresh in your mind. This will allow better retention to your piano teacher’s advice and tips.

Tip 3
One at a time! Practice one hand at a time. It is really effective especially when you are piano beginner. It allows you practice the proper tempo and piano rhythm  which gives you a better idea on what hand and fingering movement you should do. It’s a faster way of learning a new piano music sheet. After your right hand, do your left hand next and when all is good, play them together.

Tip 4
Divide your piano music sheet. How? Here’s how. Remember Tip 3, when doing one hand at a time; divide your piano music sheet into smaller sections like practicing and learning first the 3-4 first staffs. Once you got your hands playing those staffs properly, on to the next set of staffs. Once you got your two set of staffs play them together. You’ll see how magically effective it is.

Tip 5
Teach yourself! Yes, you may have a private piano teacher but trying to expand your piano playing skills thru other means such as online piano lessons isn’t a bad thing. In fact, trying to learn new things shows how interested you really are in learning how to play the piano. So thumps up for you!

Got it? If so, then you’ll find it surprisingly effective. Practicing the piano can be quiet tiresome but by following these piano practice tips you’ll save up more of your time and energy and also learn faster and better.

Learn to Play Piano with FakeBook!

 

You can now play the piano using piano music fake books. Yes, you can. It’s quite popular especially to piano beginners. All around the world, piano music fake books are being used to assist many pianist and other musicians.

But I know many are not familiar with what fake books are, so let me explain. Piano Music Fake Books are a list of complied music that consists only of the melody and the name of the piano chords. The melodies here are very easy piano notes that also include lyrics. It’s perfect for piano beginners especially if it’s regarding piano chords. Even piano accompanists need this to assist them in piano music that they don’t know. Don’t expect for a pianist to know all music.

One piano fake book is enough to help you learn piano playing. You can either choose a jazz piano fake book, a classical piano fake book and many more.

Follow these simple tips to learn to play piano with a fake book.

1. Choose a fake book you are familiar with especially when you’re a piano beginner. This will help you familiarize the piano notes, the sounds, music rhythm and everything with music theory better.
2. Make a compiled list of songs from the piano fake book. Make sure all songs are one type of music genre but you can put different tempos of music so you won’t bore your listeners.
3. Now you have your list. Learn the first song. You will notice that it doesn’t have the bass clef. It is replaced by the piano chords above the easy piano notes. Learnt the piano sheet music well especially the piano chords as it’s the main rhythm for the music.
4. Piano chords here are essential. This will allow you to try piano improvisations and play the piano sheet music when requested.
5. And lastly when performing, before you change the song make sure you do some runs and fillers that will work together with two different songs. The sound you will create will gradually turn to next song without pausing.
6. The more you practice with the piano fake book the better your sight reading becomes as well.

Play the piano and have fun. A piano fake book can help you lots so make sure you have one.

 

Why Pianist Feel Stress

We practice a lot, especially when there’s a performance coming up or when we have a new music piece we want to learn. Or sometimes, pianists just want to play and practice hard. This leads to “Overuse Syndrome” There isn’t really a known cause of this syndrome, but it happens to many pianists and other people. For example, a mother obsessed in cleaning, a pianist obsessed with perfection and piano playing.

Here is a list of common mistakes we do without knowing it:

• Too much practice without any rests or breaks.
• Excessive practicing when trying to learn new piano sheet music
• Practicing too quickly and excessively after a rest or break.
• Improper seating and posture often results to back, neck or shoulder pain.
• Wrong piano techniques and piano playing body positions.
• Overly curved position of the hand
• Awkward position of the wrist, whether it’s too high or too low can cause stress and pain.
• Wrist not moving much
• Influence of others with little knowledge
• Expecting all pianists to do the same work/ practice for the same hours, etc.
• Trying to learn new piano sheet music in just one practicing is not possible even to professional musicians.
• Trying to copy how exactly it was recorded even though it is not possible due to editing.
• Trying new piano sheet music that are beyond you and your physique
• A grim attitude toward practice — not having while piano playing.
• Not warming up

Any of these conditions can affect everyone whether they’re piano beginners, intermediate or even professionals. Understanding the problems will lead to good resolutions.

Happy playing.

Tips for Easy Sight Reading Music

This may be one of the most challenging piano techniques to master, sight read music. Sight reading music is a basic skill all pianists should have although some pianists are gifted with the ability to play the piano by ear.

In trying out your beginner piano lessons it is important to learn and understand how to read music. This enables you to play piano sheet music by just reading it. Learning to sight read piano is just like learning a new language. It takes times and practice.

Follow these simple tips on how to sight read music and start piano playing.

1. Relax and take a deep breath. This allows your mind and body to focus on the piano sheet music  without any pressure.
2. Read the music sheet well. By reading and understanding it will help you sight read music smoothly. Be aware of the key signature and time signature and tempo. Most mistakes come from not understating it fully.
3. Tempo is important. Most musicians are lost at this position. Do some music rhythm exercises such as clapping the rhythm to know the tempo.
4. Play the first 2-4 measures. Never play the whole in one sitting. It will only make your music sight reading confusing. Get a solid understanding of the first 2-4 measures before adding more measures.
5.  Practice one at a time. Practice your hands separately before playing them both together. This allows better retention and faster sight reading skill.
6. And lastly, your music theory. The better you understand it the faster you can sight read piano.

It’s fun to learn how to read music. You can play almost anything. Last advice, start with some easy piano sheet music before you jump on difficult ones.