Page Text: Music Theory Definitions
Clefs
There are two main clefs in piano, one is the Treble Clef (figure 1.1), it is generally played with the right hand. Now, the other lovely clef is called the Bass Clef (figure 1.2), and it's almost always used by the left hand. I won't go very in-depth about all this as I've done video's on this before, you could check out Piano Lesson #5.
Intervals
An interval is the distance between two notes on the piano, also it can be called the distance between two pitches.
Note values
In music we have a set tempo that we play the music at. This is the pace of the music, but what if we don't want to play every not equal length? Well, that's why we have different types of notes! That way we can keep a steady beat, while still having short notes or long notes to add effect! (figure 4.1). Also, my Piano Lesson #5 is on this topic.
Time signatures
Ever see those little numbers at the start of a song like 4 4 or maybe you saw a 3 4 or even a 6 8? Those are called “time signatures”. These things actually serve a very important purpose. They designate how many beats each bar will get, and also what note are we going to count as one beat. The top number tells us how many beats there are each bar. So if we're in 4/4 we're going to count 1,2,3,4, 1,2,3,4 and so on. What if it's 3 /4? Well, it's pretty simple, we're just going to count, 1,2,3, 1,2,3 etc. Pretty easy hey? Yup! Now, the bottom number is going to tell you which note up there is going to count for 1 beat. Usually there is a 4 in the bottom, so that means that a quarter note is going to be 1 beat. What if there's an 8 in the bottom? Well, this can get confusing, but all it means is that an eighth note is one beat.
Dynamics and signs
Seen things like F or P written on the music? Well these actually mean something! (*laughing* Obviously right?) Anyway, F is short for the Italian word Forte, which means Loud. There are MANY more, so instead of typing them, I explain a few of these in piano lesson #6. You could also check out this link to Wikipedia.
Thanks for reading, I know there is very little info here, but I will try to add more in the future. Also if you'd like to add content to this page, just e-mail me and send me what you typed up, I'll go over it and if it's acceptable and accurate, I'll post it, with full credit given to you!
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Flynsqrls
July 20, 2014
This guy is a mind reader. When I just thought that he is moving too fast, exactly then he mentioned what I might be feeling. Very humble person. Anyone can make out easily that he is genuinely willing to share whatever knowledge he got.. The touch of natural humour you add makes the session feel alive like interacting with real tutor.. Much much much appreciated.. Thank you Andrew... You are an inspiration.
Hetas Pandya
October 27, 2016
Whenever I would try to find help online, they always would be scams so I quit searching. I decided to give it another shot again after years of not searching and ended up finding your online resources. So far, I can already tell it will be a blessing and that you are sincere with teaching others music. Thank you for what you do.
brorandom
January 9, 2015
For my birthday I bought a piano and I am on lesson 10! Thank you for these! They are fun and easy to follow! I played tuba through high school and I have a better understanding of how scales work from a few lessons on the piano than 6 years playing brass, I look forward to going through more!
Zack
January 3, 2014
Andrew, thank you SOOO much for your videos! You make learning to play the piano so much fun!
Janie
July 13, 2015
Since your lessons, I've gained so much more understanding about music, and it has honestly opened my eyes to an entirely new world and I feel more connected to the music I produce, and listen to on the radio.
Edem
September 10, 2017
I just finished watching your Learn Free Music Theory videos. Your style of teaching is both very educational and entertaining, a skill that very few teachers are capable of. Thanks to you, I’m inspired to keep learning more about music and now I have a very solid foundation to build upon.
Daniel Nora
August 5, 2014
I have been wanting to play for a really long time and your videos are a great resource. Thank you.
Bman
May 2, 2014
Wow I made it through every single video. You're amazing man, and a huge inspiration. Everything I've learned so far has been from your videos.
Apaca
May 2, 2011
THANK YOU ANDREW! I just finished the entire 40 lessons and i'm very grateful! you're a great teacher, and you should know that. :)
Luis Mangahas
These are amazing tutorials, very clear instructions and easy to follow.
John McMurran
February 22, 2016
This course is brilliant. Thank you so much for doing this. I have always been daunted by the piano but they way you break it down is really great. Thanks again.
Gazztastic
July 2, 2014
Thank you very much Furmanczyk! I'm from Brazil, i got a piano about 2 years ago and I didn’t know how to play it. Today I remembered about the poor piano and found your website! Now I know the basic but it’s already good to me. Thankssss, you're a great teacher.
Carol
THE best tutorial I've ever seen. I learnt piano thanks to the lessons!!!!
Malhata
May 11, 2020
I used your videos to enhance my playing, and it really showed. I also had lots of fun with major and minor keys. Thanks!
xytor
January 23, 2010
I love this man so much, he knows exactly how im feeling when he explains something that might be too complex for complete beginners like me. This man is a living legend
Jose Gutierrez
May 4, 2020
The lessons are very veryyy impressive, you learn and at the same time you enjoy, thanks for everything. (and for alll jokes also)❤❤❤❤
Sagibet Sultanli
December 16, 2019
Thank you for making the piano seem less intimidating!! Every time you make a joke it brings me back down to earth and reminds me that I should be having fun learning the piano, not pulling my hair out.
Mary
Simply Fantastic (and Funtastic too!) - many thanks for your hard work & contribution!
Abraham Ben
October 18, 2010
Teacher, life coach, motivational speaker, musical genius, entertainer, Andrew you are an all around great guy and you've got one of the most beautiful minds I've ever come across, the way you think fascinates me, the wittiness of your analogies and jokes is something we've all come to be quite fond of. I'm proud to finally say that I've got a real life hero and his name is Andrew Furmanczyk ^_^
Nehemie Mab
July 6, 2013
...wow, I'm shocked by your story, Andrew. It sent a chill up my spine to read what you've gone through and realize the true magnanimity of your gift of piano to us all. Your resilience is inspirational. Thank you for what you're doing, and best of luck in your endeavors. p.s. On a less serious note, your videos are awesome!
Chimeraan
December 23, 2008
I believe that your video has put me back on track. I was discouraged and didn't even want to play anymore. I now realize that I needed a plan. I felt that I wasn't getting anywhere with my playing. I now think that there is hope. Thank you so much for all that you do. You are the best!
Diane Charron
April 7, 2011
An extraordinary effort, Andrew. Thank you for such remarkable dedication; thank you for helping me become a better player.
Tom W
September 21, 2018
Amazing work and I am so greatful for your generous instruction! I also sport the trinity knot from time to time. Thank you!
Sloan
January 13, 2014
I watched every single video, now getting on to the theory course. It's priceless. Thanks to you I can realize my dream, and for that, I'm more grateful than I can express. *bows with a smile, and thanks you from the bottom of his heart*
Michal Lozinski
February 23, 2013
Without this I probably would not have had the opportunity to learn and being able to means so much to me. Music is a passion of mine and to be able to finally learn and express myself is absolutely amazing so thank you again!
Karissa Cruz
Andrew, seriously...thank you. You've changed my life.
Stack
April 9, 2015
Even though this is probably more kids and adolescents oriented course, I find it very effective for a grown man like me 🙂 Your methods are simple and make results very smoothly. I’m recommending this site to all musicians I know that need any kind of theory knowledge, and their kids of course! Thank you!
Miloš
February 18, 2014
I would strongly recommend Andrew Furmanczyk as a piano instructor. I have been taking lessons with him for some years now and am pleased with the progress that I have made with him. He is a virtuous individual and an accomplished pianist. He will show you how to gradually improve your piano technique and expertise to aid you in your piano journey.
Klee Frosch
September 16, 2019
I started 9 month ago only with Andrew's online lessons and watched about the half. Now I'm learning chopin op.69 no.2 which is grade 7 and I'm more than half way through after 3 weeks ... So, Give it a try :)
Learner
April 11, 2010
This is just the type of advice I needed to hear for actually learning how to learn music and other things in general. I could see these methods applied to most instruments and areas of music. This really inspires some great new thoughts and ideas!
Jovan
January 26, 2011
Andrew is a great teacher, and the jokes and giggles make it even more fun. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos, Andrew. They are helping a lot of people who would otherwise be scared away from the keyboard.
Steve Prentice
September 3, 2018
I was a long-standing student with Andrew for nearly a decade. I can say from these many years that he is truly gifted in the art of teaching and conveying his sense of passion for music. He is such a positive individual and I would recommend him to anyone wanting to learn the piano or explore any aspect of music!
Jordan O
August 10, 2019
I am beginning to learn thanks to you. I love your method. You make it fun and cover everything well.
Anita
January 24, 2014
Your lessons have evolved me so much that I have surpassed my father who has been playing on and off for years, With a real teacher! You have been my music Godsend. Thank you so much for your time and effort. It has changed my life.
Jesse
March 3, 2011
Thank you senpai, for uploading the videos. They help a lot and they're easy to understand, you can read my mind, you're clear, funny and not too serious :3 Thanks again.
Pam Da