Getting to Know the Keyboard

There are 88 keys total on the piano. The keys are also referred to as notes. Every note has a name; A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The white keys on the keyboard hold these names. The black keys modify the white keys.
Sit at the middle of the keyboard. Notice the black keys are arranged in sets of 2 and 3. The middle set of 2 black keys (although just slightly to the left) signify the middle of the keyboard. The white key just to the left of those 2 black keys is known as middle C. The next white key to the left is B, and then the next to the left of that is A. The same logic is on the other side of middle C. The white key to the right of middle C is D. To the right of that is E and then to the right of that is F then ending with G. The pattern then repeats itself starting with A to the right of the keyboard. Likewise, to the left, just in ascending order.

It is important to always know where middle C is, as this is how you know where your fingers go. (More on that later.) Also, most songs are centered around middle C.
On pianos, the far left of the keyboard begins with the first white key as A. It then, of course, follows the pattern as described ending with the last white key to the far right as C. Electric keyboards vary with which note starts the pattern since most electric keyboards are smaller than piano keyboards. Thus, it is important to know how to find middle C on any keyboard.

The black keys modify all of the white keys into sharps and flats. The names of the black keys can vary depending upon which white key is being modified. For instance, find middle C, then find the black key that is just to the right of middle C. This key is referred to as C sharp. Also, if you are modifying the D key, (which is the next white key to the right of middle C) this same black key is referred to as D flat. The symbol for sharp is # while the symbol for flat is b. How the music is written, or what key the music is written in, signify if the notes will be sharp or flat.

If you are confused, don't worry! We will cover all of this more later. In the mean time, practice memorizing the names of the white keys and where to find middle C.

Finger Numbers

Label your fingers on both left and right hands. The thumbs are #1. Index fingers are #2. Middle fingers are #3. Ring fingers are #4. Little fingers, or pinkies, are #5. Children find it helpful if you trace their hands on a piece of paper and then label each finger accordingly.

Practice wiggiling your fingers while saying the accompanying #. Hold up your hands and wiggle your first fingers (thumbs).
Wiggle your second fingers.
Wiggle your third fingers.
Wiggle your fourth fingers.
Wiggle your fifth fingers.

I know it seems funny, but it helps!

Sitting at the Piano

Sit up straight facing the center of the piano. Place your feet flat on the floor. If children's feet do not reach the floor, it is helpful to have a footstool or books under them when they practice to maintain good posture.
Sit high enough to reach the keys easily. An adjustable stool works well for children or you may place pillows or books on the bench or chair to help sit at the correct height when practicing.
Good posture is essential to playing the piano well. Feet, knees, legs, shoulders, and elbows should all be at about 90 degrees with a straight back.
Wrists should be level with your arms. Hands should be relaxed with your fingers in a nice curved shape. Imagine holding a ball in each hand. That is the way the fingers should be curved when playting the piano.

Remember, piano playing is fun! Relax and have a good time!

The Influence of Music

My mother always told me Music is Magic! She was right! Music has the ability to make you think, feel and act in ways you would not have under other circumstances. I like to focus on the positive influence music has on all of us.