The Complete Idiot's Guide To Playing Piano

Playing Piano Second Edition by Brad Hill A Pearson Education Company Copyright © 2002 by Brad Hill All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290. THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Pearson Education, Inc. International Standard Book Number: 0-02-864155-8 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2001092310. 04 03 02 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book’s printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book’s printing. For example, a printing code of 02-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2002. Printed in the United States of America Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book. Publisher Marie Butler-Knight Product Manager Phil Kitchel Managing Editor Jennifer Chisholm Senior Acquisitions Editor Renee Wilmeth Development Editor Joan D. Paterson Production Editor Billy Fields Copy Editor Cari Luna Illustrator Jody P. Schaeffer Cover Designers Mike Freeland Kevin Spear Book Designers Scott Cook and Amy Adams of DesignLab Layout/Proofreading Angela Calvert Mary Hunt Kimberly Tucker Contents at a Glance Part 1: Meeting Your Instrument 1 1 Why Play the Piano? Uniqueness and versatility of the piano—playing as creative outlet—much of world’s most beautiful music is for piano—building blocks of music on piano. 3 2 Hammers and Strings Development of piano from earlier keyboard instruments— basic look at how pianos work, defining keys, strings, dampers, pedals, soundboard. 9 3 The Keyboard in Black and White White and black keys—octaves—keyboard range— scales defined. 17 4 Sitting on the Bench Benches vs. chairs—proper posture—hand and arm positions. 23 Part 2: Give Yourself a Hand 29 5 Learning the Right-Hand Notes Finding middle C—learning all notes of the basic righthand scale. 31 6 Sharps, Flats, and Fingerings Accidentals—fingerings and their notation. 43 7 Whole Notes and Their Offspring Whole notes and how they’re notated—same for half, quarter, eighth, and dotted notes. 53 8 Bars, Time Signatures, and Rests Whole notes and how they’re notated—same for half, quarter, eighth, and dotted notes. 67 9 Unlocking Keys and Scales Building scales with half