LEARNING PIANO FUNDAMENTALSByKimberlee Richardson-Gross

Whole Half Quarter 8th 16th

4 beats 2 beats 1 beat ½ beat ¼ beat

The staff is divided into measures by bar lines.

Each measure contains the same number

of beats throughout the song.

The top number tells how many The bottom number tells what notebeats are in each measure. receives one beat.

Here are examples of different time signatures. Some are more common than others.

Here is an example of common timeand what it means for song meter.

Click here to practice or learn more about time signature and meter.

Practice 4/4 time , 3/4 time , or 2/4 time .

Music is written on a staff. The treble clef and bass clef on the staff will determine where the notes on the piano are played.

Piano music is written on a grand staff. In most cases, the right hand will play on the treble staff, and the left hand will play on the bass staff. The grand staff is separated by Middle C.

Treble Clef lines:

Treble Clef spaces:

Treble Clef spaces:

Think you know it? Take the quiz!

Bass Clef lines:

Bass Clef spaces:

Think you know it? Take the quiz!

Notes of the Music Alphabet are named using the first seven letters of the alphabet.

A B C D E F G After G, the Music Alphabet starts over at A and continues up the piano. Below are the pneumonic devices I use to teach your child the names of the notes on the piano. The story is simple, but effective.

When you are ready, click here and practice finding all notes on the piano.

The first hand position your child will learn is C position. The fingers on each hand rest on the notes, C, D, E, F, and G.

The next hand position your child will learn is G position. The fingers on each hand rest on the notes, G, A, B, C, and D.

The final hand position your child will learn is Middle C position. The fingers on each hand rest on the notes, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Notice that both thumbs rest on Middle C.

Time to practice what you know!

Please rate your experience!

Twinkle, Twinkle

Love Somebody

The Donkey

Rock Song

Ode to Joy

Lightly Row