Piano for Beginners

Friday, October 27, 2006

Everything in life has a starting point and the piano is no different. Before you play like the Classical masters of all time, understanding the foundation of piano techniques will save you from long years of learning, which are traditionally required before mastering the skills you need to play.

Familiarize yourself with the piano keyboard, study the correct posture and hand position. Today, its common knowledge that the earlier you start learning to play the piano, the better. This is why so many music teachers will urge you to start a child at very young ages.

Flexibility can be acquired with practice and dedication at any age, so start by sitting you’re your back straight at the piano, being conscientious of your movements, as if you were performing a ritual. Extend your arm straight from your elbows to the piano, making sure that your hand is resting as if you were holding an imaginary crystal ball in your palm.

Repeat this preparation until it comes naturally, maintaining your fingers curved and relaxed. No matter if you take an online course or follow the instructions printed on a sheet music or book, the next step is to identify those numbers associated to fingers, instead of the names of notes.

Fingertips are numbered 1 through 5 from thumb to the little finger, so you can learn which finger must be placed on which key. The keys are divided into groups of black and white keys, each one with different octaves, with are the notes going from A, B, C, D, E, F, G, corresponding to the Do, Re, Mi scale.

Back to your posture and hand position, is the middle C note, which you need to use as a guideline for your fingers. The middle C is usually located in the middle section of the keyboard, just below the piano label. Before going further master the basic position of fingers and the understanding of notes, and then you will be ready for exercising with a piece of music.