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Matching Piano Keys to Sheet Music
Hello and welcome! This course is for absolute beginners looking to learn piano. Andrew Furmanczyk will walk you through the basic information needed to start you off on your musical journey!
1. Intro
Andrew first started taking music lessons at age 5 and earns his living teaching Piano and Music Theory. What you will learn from this course: Names of all white piano keys Basic terms for reading sheet music (Clefs, Staff, Notes) Names of notes on sheet music How to match sheet music notes to white keys on piano. If you don't know anything about piano but would like to start learning, this is a great course to begin with!
2. Learning the Piano Key Names
First thing we are going to learn is the names of the keys on the piano. On a full size piano or keyboard there are 88 keys in total, but learning all 88 keys is quite easy! The keys on the piano repeat using the first 7 letters of the English Alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. After G, you get back to A and start the whole process over again. Watch the video below next!
2.1 Study time!
Keep in mind that you are learning something new and it's normal to find new information difficult to memorize. It might feel hard, but never give up, keep going, and you'll find you've actually done a great job! There's nothing wrong with making mistakes when you're trying your best. Mistakes are part of how we learn!
Study tip:
To memorize the list below, this method can help: Read the point (with your eyes), Speak the point (with your mouth),Hear the point (with your ears), Think the point (with your mind/imagination). -Read each point aloud, and repeat that point over and over. (10+ times) -Close your eyes and try to visualize an image that helps you remember the point you're trying to memorize. (ridiculous images can be the best for memorization) -Once you have captured the point in your mind, close your eyes and try to repeat it from memory 5 times in a row without a mistake. (you're trying to repeat the phrase without a visual aid) -Memorize each point like this until you've completed the list. -Read the list from beginning to end one last time and see if everything seems secure in your mind. If there is no problem continue on with the test below, I recommend doing it more than once!
Memorize these points:
A full sized piano or keyboard has 88 keys (52 white keys, 36 black keys)
The names of the white keys are A, B, C, D, E, F, G. (after G the keys continue to repeat over and over up the piano like this: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G...etc).
The bottom note on a full size keyboard is usually an A (some keyboards end with a C) and the top note is a C.
There are 7 groups of 2 and 3 black keys. They help us find our place on the keyboard. Looking for "Middle C"? Find a group of two black keys in the center of the piano (usually located near the branding of the keyboard), then go to the white key directly to the left of the 2 black key group.
List of how to find all white keys:
C is found to the left of 2 black keys.
F is found to the left of 3 black keys.
E is found to the right of 2 black keys.
B is found to the right of 3 black keys.
D is found in the middle of the group of 2 black keys.
G is found to the left of the middle black key in the 3 black key group.
A is found to the right of the middle black key in the 3 black key group.
3. Learning Key Names on Sheet Music
Now we begin sheet music!
If you're just starting out, sheet music can look pretty scary and complex at first glance, but it is by far the easiest way we know of to record music in a written way. Sheet Music is a system for writing and reading music. The reason we write music down is the same reason we write down a story in a book: so it can be read over and over without changing over time. Being able to play music, but not knowing how to read sheet music can be a huge disadvantage; it's similar to when someone can speak a language but not read or write. (I'm assuming you know how to read considering you're reading this.) Imagine where you would be today in life if you had not learned how to read? Do you regret learning how to read? That's how you'll feel when you learn to read sheet music. It might take a some time to start reading, but it is definitely worth the effort in the long run! Once you spend a little time, you'll see most sheet music is simple to read and can be understood by almost anyone with a little training. You can do this! Let's start! Please watch the videos below.
3.1 This is the "Staff"
Things to remember: The staff has 5 lines and 4 spaces. Think of the staff as the workspace where all other parts of music are placed.
3.2 What are notes?
Notes are basically signals we write on the staff to tell us which pitch to play and how long the sound should last for. They come in different forms, but we'll only be looking at the whole note in detail at this time.
Bonus
Just in case you're curious though, I've included images of what some of the main types of notes in music look like below (this isn't a complete chart by any means).
3.3 Clefs, Grand Staff, and Note sayings.
Things to remember: A "Grand Staff" is essentially two staffs joined together by a brace. Usually the Treble Clef is on top, and the Bass Clef is on the bottom.
Review the sayings and test yourself until you can answer within 3 seconds. Get the answer correct x10 in a row. Treble Clef: Spaces: F A C E, Lines: Every, Good, Boy, Deserves, Fudge Bass Clef: Spaces: All, Cows, Eat, Grass Lines: Green, Birds, Don't, Fly, Away Ledger lines: A C E In the middle: Boat B on the Bass Clef, Center-line C, and Doggie D digging under the fence.
3.4 Reading Notes Correctly
When reading a note: First, which clef is the note on? Second, is the note you're reading on a line or space? Third, recall the correct saying, and determine the note name. Watch the videos below please.
Things to remember: When finding a note: Clef>Line or Space>Saying>Note Name
4. Matching Piano Keys to Notes
Let's Match!
Here's where everything should start to come together! You've done well to get this far. This next part may feel challenging, but you're doing something new, and it's normal for new things to feel difficult at first. You've got this.
Things to remember: When reading, always determine the letter name first. If the note happens to be a G, then the next step is to figure out which G it is on the keyboard. To figure out which G is the correct one on the keyboard, use other keys like "Middle C" as landmarks. Then think your way through logically to find the actual location of the key by using the landmarks as a reference.
If you don't know an answer, it's important to keep cool and figure out the problem step by step. Not knowing the answer only means there's something you need to review a little more, no worries! If you have to go to an earlier lesson to review some of the material, no big deal! Take a step back, regroup, and come back to show this test who the boss is! Once again, this is a skill like anything else, and more practice will help you improve your speed. Expect to be fairly slow at the start, but with half an hour each day for a week you should see big improvements in your speed! Once you can read quickly, this is GREAT! You can use your ability to read the notes to your favorite songs faster than before. Eventually, you can get so fast at reading that you can read as fast as you play. Reading while playing is called "Sight Reading". If you can sight read great, then you can play new music you've never played before as you see it. There are more tricks for improving speed such as intervallic reading, but first you must master reading note by note, so study hard!
5. Final Thoughts
You made it to the end! Great job!
Where do you go from here you might ask? Well, you'll want to nurture these skill you've picked up over the next few weeks so that they stay locked in your brain. The next things you'll want to learn depends on what your goals are, but one obvious thing to learn next is the black keys. To do this you'll need to learn about, Semi-tones and Whole-tones, as well as Sharps and Flats. I have already made a course in the past that covers these topics (Although it is a little older now, the information is still correct.). It's a great place to go from here! Watch the course .
Thanks for watching and I hope you found this course helpful!
Your lessons are thorough, your pace is comfortable, and the order/organization is absolutely well thought out and simply awesome!!! Thank you again!
Flynsqrls
July 20, 2014
Andrew, thank you SOOO much for your videos! You make learning to play the piano so much fun!
Janie
July 13, 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
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
Simply Fantastic (and Funtastic too!) - many thanks for your hard work & contribution!
Abraham Ben
October 18, 2010
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
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
I have been wanting to play for a really long time and your videos are a great resource. Thank you.
Bman
May 2, 2014
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
March 8, 2017
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
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
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
These are amazing tutorials, very clear instructions and easy to follow.
John McMurran
THE best tutorial I've ever seen. I learnt piano thanks to the lessons!!!!
Malhata
May 11, 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
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
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
March 6, 2014
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
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 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
May 15, 2014
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
July 21, 2015
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
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
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 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
...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
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
January 8, 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 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
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
An extraordinary effort, Andrew. Thank you for such remarkable dedication; thank you for helping me become a better player.
Tom W
September 21, 2018
I am beginning to learn thanks to you. I love your method. You make it fun and cover everything well.
Anita
January 24, 2014
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
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