Welcome to the fifth practical lesson of the online piano and music theory course.
We will start this lesson with a piece to play on the piano. To do this, I suggest you watch the video below, with which you can learn to execute the work proposed by imitation.
Exercise 1: Playing
You can watch the video as many times as you need until you learn the piece. Pay attention to the keys that are played, the fingering used and the rhythm as shown in the video. Perform the work with right and left hands separately as many times as necessary until you achieve a correct execution, paying attention to the corresponding notes, fingering, and rhythm together with the video. Subsequently, I propose to make video recordings of your performance with separate hands. If you find an error in the recording, repeat the exercise until you reach the proposed goal.
Exercise 2: Playing and Singing or Counting
Next, I propose you execute the work with separate hands, simultaneously singing the melody with the name of the notes. This exercise will allow you to fix in memory the location of the notes on the keyboard and on the staff, as well as their relative pitch. If necessary, you can separately address the enunciation and intonation of the notes before integrating the execution. You can do this exercise first without rhythm, adjusting the intonation to the height of the played note, and then on the video. Finally, make an audio recording to evaluate the achievement of the proposed goal.
I also suggest you perform the work and count the times of the measure out loud. This exercise will allow you to exercise rhythm. The objective of this exercise is to obtain a correct instrumental execution, with rhythmic precision and enunciation of the beats of the bar. Make an audio recording to assess the achievement of the proposed objective.
Exercise 3: Memory execution
Perform the pieces worked on in lessons 1 and 2 without the help of the score. If you don't remember everything, put the sheet music back on the music stand and play it again. Repeat this exercise until you have memorized the entire work. Then make an audio recording and compare it with the sheet music.
Exercise 4: Change of character
Next, I propose to execute a work, modifying the character by changing the dynamics, articulation, and tempo. Address these items separately first. Play the work once forte and then piano. Then play once legato and then non legato. Then, use the metronome at a faster tempo (for example MM=120) and at a slower tempo (for example MM=80). Finally, combine these elements:
Fast (120), loud (f), and legato.
Fast (120), loud (f), and non legato.
Fast (120), soft (p), and legato.
Fast (120), soft (p), and non legato.
Slow (80), loud (f), and legato.
Slow (80), loud (f), and non legato.
Slow (80), soft (p), and legato.
Slow (80), soft (p), and non legato.
Make audio recordings of these performances and compare them. Subsequently, I suggest you continue exercising the change of character with other works.
Exercise 5: Location of notes
In the previous lessons, we learned and practiced the location of the notes on the keyboard and in the treble clef with their respective acoustic index. On this occasion, I propose to continue exercising in it. This will help you smooth out difficulties in music reading and instrumental playing. To do this, I suggest you use the cards from exercise 7 of lesson A1.2. For this exercise, we will take a maximum of 5 new notes to exercise. That is why I propose you select the cards of the notes C5, D5, and E5. Shuffle the cards and present them in random order. Say the note and play it on the piano in its corresponding octave. Repeat the exercise until you become fluent in identifying these notes and their location on the keyboard.
Exercise 6: Intervals
In the previous lessons we learned the classification of the intervals and their inversions according to their quantitative aspect and we exercised in their construction. Now we will work on the reverse process, that is, the identification of the intervals, incorporating other aspects on this topic.
Intervals can be harmonic or melodic. They are harmonic when the sounds are executed simultaneously. They are melodic when they occur in succession. In turn, the melodic intervals can be ascending or descending.
In the previous lessons we learned the classification of the intervals and their inversions according to their quantitative aspect and we exercised in their construction. Now we will work on the reverse process, that is, the identification of the intervals, incorporating other aspects on this topic.
Intervals can be harmonic or melodic. They are harmonic when the sounds are executed simultaneously. They are melodic when they occur in succession. In turn, the melodic intervals can be ascending or descending.
Next, I propose you identify and write down the following simple intervals, specifying their quantitative aspect, their presentation (harmonic or melodic), and, eventually, their direction (ascending or descending).
Exercise 7: Variation. Octave change
In the previous lesson, we worked on the variation from the time signature change. Today we will modify the melody, changing its octave. Next, I propose to transcribe and perform the repertoire of lesson 2 to the upper octave
Exercise 8: Instrumental technique
In the previous lessons, we learned about the correct way to sit in front of the piano, the hand position and the non-legato technique. On this occasion, we will work on the position of the hand with an execution legato and tenuto through exercises in a closed and fixed position.
In non legato playing, each note was accompanied by a movement in and out, producing a separation between the sounds. This time, we will keep the movement in and out, but we will tie the sounds together in a legato performance. To do this, by raising the arm and wrist, we will hold the executed note, using the weight of the hand at rest. And then, by delivering the weight of the arm again, we will execute the next note with it, releasing the previous one at the same time. This entry movement, with delivery of the weight of the arm, produces an additional support (or accent), which is called tenuto and is written using a horizontal line.
To train this execution technique, I suggest you play the same exercises used in the previous lesson, but with a legato and tenuto articulation, with separate hands, slowly and without rhythm, following the guidelines indicated, as shown in the video below. Repeat the exercises as many times as you need to master this execution technique. Then record a video and analyze it. In case of detecting an error or a technical failure, repeat the exercise until you obtain a correct recording.
Exercise 9: Rhythmic reading
I propose you read the following rhythmic exercise with the metronome. You can beat the rhythm, sing it or play it on the piano on the same note (for instance C4) with the metronome or the video.
Repeat the exercise until you get a correct rhythm performance, adjusted to the metronome. Then make an audio recording using the metronome and listen to it to self-correct. If you find an error, repeat the exercise until you get a correct recording.
Exercise 10: Rhythmic sight-reading
After reaching the goal proposed in the previous exercise, I suggest you read the following rhythm at first sight.
The purpose of sight-reading exercises is to achieve fluency in resolving rhythmic, melodic, or piano-playing difficulties. Aiming at this, I propose as the goal of these exercises to achieve a correct and adjusted performance from the first reading. To do this, I recommend starting with the analysis of the elements that each exercise contains. This exercise consists of eight measures in 3/4 using quarter, half, and dotted half notes, and ties. To start reading, I suggest you mark the pulse and perform the exercise mentally until you can do it correctly. Once this mental reading has been achieved, I suggest you make an audio recording with your first reading of this exercise, whether it be drumming, singing, or playing on the piano with the help of the metronome. Finally, listen to the recording to self-correct yourself. If you find an error, repeat the exercise until you get a correct recording.
Exercise 11: Rhythmic Composition
Next, I propose you compose a rhythmic exercise of eight bars in 3/4 using quarter, half, and dotted half notes, and ties, taking the previous rhythmic exercises as a model. The rhythmic composition exercises will allow you to consolidate the musical elements worked on, they will provide you with additional material to train rhythmic reading at first sight, and they will prepare you to work on musical composition. After writing the exercise, record a rhythmic sight-reading of your composition and listen to it. If necessary, repeat the exercise until you obtain a correct recording.
Exercise 12: Rhythmic dictation
Next, I propose you write the rhythm in the following video from listening:
Listen to the exercise as many times as you want. If you need to, you can pause it, rewind it, or fast-forward it. To facilitate the recognition of the beat and the note values, the marking of the beat and the accents of the measure are included. In the beginning, a complete measure is heard with this marking. Write the time signature and the corresponding note values until you complete the exercise. Don't forget to include the bar lines and the end bar line. Once written, listen to the audio again to check. Then do a sight-reading of the exercise.
Exercise 13: Rhythmic-melodic reading
I propose you read the notes and sing the melody of this exercise with its rhythm using the metronome or the video.
To address this topic, you can train four abilities separately: a) spoken notes without rhythm, b) spoken notes with rhythm, c) intoned notes without rhythm, and d) intoned notes with rhythm. Then repeat the exercise without instrumental accompaniment, paying attention to the correct enunciation and intonation of the notes as well as the execution of the rhythm. Finally, record audio using the metronome and listen to it to correct yourself. If you find an error, repeat the exercise until you get a correct recording.
Exercise 14: Rhythmic-melodic sight-reading
After reaching the goal proposed in the previous exercise, I suggest you read the following melody at first sight.
In order to achieve an execution without errors and adjusted from the first reading, I suggest starting with an analysis of its elements. Regarding its rhythmic aspect, this exercise consists of eight bars in 3/4 using quarter, half, and dotted half. Regarding its melodic aspect, it contains three notes (C, D, and E) approached by conjunct motion, repetition, and ascending and descending thirds. To start reading, I suggest you read the notes mentally first without rhythm and then with a regular pulse to smooth out possible difficulties in these aspects. Then I propose you carry out a preparatory exercise of random intonation with these notes, corroborating with the help of the piano if necessary.
Finally, make an audio recording with your first reading of this exercise. If you find an error, repeat the exercise until you get a correct recording.
Exercise 15: Rhythmic-melodic Composition
Next, I propose you compose a rhythmic-melodic exercise of eight bars in 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 using quarter, half, dotted half, or whole notes, and the notes C, D, and E, with repeated notes, conjunct motion, and ascending and descending thirds, taking the previous rhythmic-melodic exercises as a model. The rhythmic-melodic composition exercises will allow you to consolidate the musical elements worked on, they will provide you with additional material to train rhythmic-melodic reading at first sight, and they will prepare you to work on musical composition. After writing the exercise, record a rhythmic-melodic sight-reading of your composition and listen to it. If necessary, repeat the exercise until you obtain a correct recording.
Exercise 16: Rhythmic-melodic Dictation
Next, I propose you write the rhythm and melody in the following video from listening:
Listen to the exercise as many times as you want. If you need to, you can pause it, rewind it, or fast-forward it. To facilitate the recognition of rhythmic elements, the marking of the beat and the accents of the measure are included. In the beginning, a complete measure is heard with this marking. Regarding the melodic aspect, this exercise has two notes (C, D, and E), which you can identify by their relative pitch. Write the time signature, notes, values, bar lines, and the end bar line. Once written, perform a first-sight reading to corroborate. Finally, sing on the audio.
Exercise 17: Musical analysis
In the previous lessons, we learned double periods starting from sentences, parallel periods, and contrasting periods. On this occasion, I propose you work further with these elements.
Next, I propose to carry out a morphological analysis of the following 16-bar melody, specifying the form of the 8-bar members (phrase, parallel period, or contrasting period) and indicating the types of endings ( suspensive or conclusive) and the motifs. You can correct your analysis by going to the guide at the end of this post.
Exercise 18: Musical composition
Next, I invite you to compose a 16-bar double period starting from an 8-bar parallel period. To do this, I recommend using the rhythmic and melodic elements that have been practiced: that is, writing in 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 time, using quarter, half, dotted half, or whole, and the notes C, D, E, F, and G. You can do this on paper or in music writing software. On a blank staff, write the treble clef and time signature. Then compose a parallel period with a suspension ending in the eighth bar. Then, repeat the period modifying the ending so that it is conclusive.
Finally, play the composed work, make an audio recording, and self-correct your play.
Exercise 19: Improvisation
To train the elements worked on in this lesson in improvisation, I suggest you improvise a 16-bar double period starting from an 8-bar parallel period. To facilitate this task, I provide an exercise of 16 bars, in 4/4, where measures 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14 (which correspond to the beginning of the antecedent or the consequent) are empty, and the remaining bars contain proposed suspensive and conclusive endings.
I propose to mentally compose a motif of 2 bars. State the notes and values of the motif but do not write them down. The exercise consists of recording the improvisation of the double period with the help of the metronome, building the beginnings of the antecedent and the consequent with the predefined motif, and executing the suspensive and conclusive endings as they are written. Then listen to the recording to self-correct yourself and, if necessary, repeat the exercise with the same motifs until you get a correct execution. I also invite you to continue improvising double periods using new motifs with the proposed endings.
Exercise 20: Execution at first sight
Finally, I suggest you play the following work at first sight on the piano.
To do it, I recommend starting with a musical analysis, indicating the rhythmic, melodic, and morphological elements it exhibits. Then I propose to perform a mental execution with the help of the metronome. If you consider it necessary, you can address the rhythmic, melodic, and fingering elements separately in this mental preparation. Once prepared, I recommend making two video recordings of this exercise (one with the right hand and one with the left hand). The goal is to perform a correct and accurate execution from the first reading. If necessary, repeat the exercise. Finally, I invite you to compose and play new sight reading exercises using the elements worked on in this lesson.
Guidelines for self-correction: Falta
Exercise 1
Analyze the recordings taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct execution of the notes.
Rhythmic precision.
Proper use of fingering
Exercise 2
Analyze the recording taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct execution of notes and rhythmic adjustment.
Proper enunciation of the notes.
Accuracy in intonation.
In the execution with the count of the beats of the bar, keep in mind:
The correct execution of the notes.
The proper enunciation of the beats of the measure.
Rhythmic precision.
Exercise 3
Analyze the recording taking into account the following guidelines
Memory execution.
Correction in the indications of the score.
Rhythmic precision.
Exercise 4
Analyze the recording taking into account the following guidelines
Correct execution of notes and rhythmic adjustment.
Concordance between the result obtained and the intention in tempo, dynamics, and articulation.
Exercise 5
Verify the correct recognition, enunciation, and execution of notes and octaves.
Exercise 6
Compare your exercise with the graph below
Abbreviations: h (harmonic), m (melodic), ↑ (ascending), ↓ (descending)
Exercise 7
Compare the variation written with the graph below.
Exercise 8
Analyze the recording taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct position of the body: Plants of the feet supported, legs relaxed, support of the sitting bones, erect spine, optimal seat height and distance from the keyboard, arms hanging relaxed.
Natural, relaxed hand position: wrist in line with forearm, knuckles high, fingers semi-flexed, palm hollow.
Correct execution of the legato and tenuto: entry and exit of the arm, rest of the arm during the execution, vertical and relaxed movement of the wrist, relaxation of the hand, resistance without movement of the fingers, legato.
Exercise 9
Analyze the recording of the rhythmic reading taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct execution of the rhythm (whether drumming, singing, or on the piano).
Precision in synchronous adjustment with the metronome.
Exercise 10
Analyze the recording of the rhythmic sight-reading taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct execution of the rhythm (whether drumming, singing, or on the piano).
Precision in synchronous adjustment with the metronome.
Correct execution from the first attempt.
In case of not achieving the proposed goal in the first reading, compose new exercises to train the rhythmic reading at first sight until reaching it.
Exercise 11
Check in the exercise you composed:
The correct writing of the key, the time signature, the values, and the bar lines.
Following the guides: eight bars in 3/4 using quarter, half, and dotted half notes, and ties.
Analyze the sight-reading recording of your rhythmic composition, following the guidelines proposed in exercise 10.
Exercise 12
Compare the rhythm written to dictation with the following graph
If you find an error, you can continue exercising rhythmic dictation with the elements worked on in this lesson using the audios of your readings, your sight readings, and your own compositions.
Exercise 13
Analyze the recording of the rhythmic-melodic reading taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct execution of the rhythm and precision in the synchronous adjustment with the metronome.
Correct enunciation of the notes.
Correct intonation of notes. To do this, listen to the recording playing simultaneously on the piano to self-correct yourself.
Exercise 14
Analyze the recording of the rhythmic-melodic reading at first sight taking into account the following guidelines:
Correct execution of the rhythm and precision in the synchronous adjustment with the metronome.
Correct enunciation of the notes.
Correct intonation of notes. To do this, listen to the recording playing simultaneously on the piano to self-correct yourself.
Correct execution from the first attempt.
In case of not achieving the proposed goal, compose new exercises to train rhythmic-melodic reading at first sight until reaching it.
Exercise 15
Check in the exercise you composed:
The correct writing of the key, the time signature, the values, and the bar lines.
Following the guides: eight bars in 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 time using quarter, half, dotted half, or whole notes, and the notes C, D, and E, with repeated notes, conjunct motion, and ascending and descending thirds.
Analyze the recording of the reading at first sight of your rhythmic-melodic composition, following the guidelines proposed in exercise 14.
Exercise 16
Compare the melody written to dictation with the following graph
If you find an error, you can continue exercising rhythmic-melodic dictation with the elements worked on in this lesson using the audios of your readings, your sight readings, and your own compositions.
Exercise 17
Compare your analysis with the following graph and explanation
The work is in C Major and consists of a double period of 16 bars. It consists of two members of 8 bars that correspond to parallel periods. The first of them has a suspensive closure and the second is conclusive.
Exercise 18
Analyze the composition taking into account the following guidelines:
The work has 16 bars.
The first 8 bars correspond to a binary sentence with a suspensive ending.
The last 8 measures are the repetition of the initial sentence, but with a conclusive ending.
Then analyze the audio of the execution of your composition following the self-correction guides of exercise 1
Exercise 19
Analyze the recording of the improvisation taking into account the following guidelines:
The motifs executed correspond to the stated rhythmic-melodic patterns.
The endings correspond to the proposed model
The overall execution is rhythmically and melodically accurate.
Exercise 20
Analyze recordings of sight-reading to self-correct. To do this, keep in mind:
Correct execution of the notes.
Precision and rhythmic adjustment with the metronome.
Proper use of fingers
Correct execution from the first attempt.
In case of not achieving the proposed goal, compose new exercises to train the execution at first sight until reaching it.