Introduction to the Keyboard

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Instructor

Jonny May

Course Type

Course

Skill Level

Beginner

Duration

04:41:13

If you’ve never played the piano before, this is where your journey begins. Intro to the Keyboard assumes no prior knowledge. You’ll learn the keyboard layout, every note name, and simple tricks for finding any note quickly. You’ll even play your first groove before the first lesson is over.

Next, you’ll build healthy habits from day one. You’ll learn what the piano pedals do, your finger numbers, good posture and proper technique, plus five warm-ups and stretches that help your hands feel great every time you sit down to play. Then you’ll learn the C position, a simple 5-note hand position that unlocks hundreds of beginner tunes, along with the most common note values you’ll see in beginner sheet music.

From there, every lesson pairs essential finger exercises with a fun tune in a different style. You’ll play Ode to Joy as a swing tune, Mary Had a Little Lamb in a Latin style, original tunes in jazz ballad and pop styles, and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star as a blues. You’ll also learn a 3-chord stack position you can use to jam over almost any song. The course finishes with a practical guide to structuring your practice time, so you know how long to practice, what to focus on and when you’re ready for the next course. Downloadable sheet music and backing tracks are included.

Course Objectives

Navigate the keyboard confidently and find any note by name
Develop good posture, proper technique and a healthy warm-up routine
Play in the C position and read the most common note values in beginner music
Build finger control through exercises in stepwise motion, 3-note groupings, chord outlines, 3rds and pivoting off a low note
Play familiar tunes in swing, Latin, jazz ballad, pop and blues styles, and structure your practice for steady progress

Learning Focus

Exercises
Groove
Reading

Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Mark Winslow verified

Nice pace and positivity

Jonny keeps it positive and encouraging. I also like his emphasis on creating my own groove.

Alfredo Lorente verified

Methodical and well thought out.

The only comment I have is that maybe the hands coordination course should be taught before some of these other lessons where hands coordination is needed.

Claus Pawellek verified

Well structured introduction

The lessons are easy to follow to get some fundamentals at the piano.

Jen Langhelm verified

Amazing!

The teaching is always positive with a you-can-do-this attitude. I appreciate the reminders to be aware of my technique and have achieved more in two weeks with PWJ than I have with my 12 weeks of in-person lessons. I used to be terrified of the metronome but no longer. I've recommended PWJ to friends and family. Love the backing tracks - Thanks so much!

Stephen Kirk verified

Enjoyed it very much

Really good and very enthusiastic :)

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