Improvisation on the piano keyboard can be easier than you might first imagine!
Please see the “Power of the Pentatonic”- use ONLY the black notes!
Lesson 1
Begin near the middle of the instrument. Place 2 fingers of the left hand on a group of 2 black notes (do not use the thumbs yet*) and 3 fingers from the right hand on 3 black notes nearby.
Play each of those five note in turn, starting with the lowest, going up (ascending). Try to make the sound smooth (legato) with no gaps in sound between one note and the next. Keep a steady pace; make all sounds the same length rather than some faster or 6slower.
Then start with the highest note, and play legato going down (descending).
Play those 5 notes legato ascending and descending. Try it at a higher register, then higher still, now, try a lower register. Be sure to sit comfortably, so that you can reach the lower and higher notes without having to shift your body.
Start on the lowest group of two notes, on the left side of your instrument, then using alternate hands, keeping a legato touch, ascend up the registers octave by octave, then descend.
Switch so that your left hand begins on the 2 notes, 3 in the right hand.
Naming Notes
Learn the pattern for the order of sharps play and name F# C# G# D# A#. Complete the keyboard layout plan, be able to play and name any note (white notes, black notes as sharps).
Registers. C4 is middle C . Play and say aloud D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 B4 C5. Also C#4 D#4 etc. NB C#5 is an octave higher than C#4
Play and sing the ensemble piece “Nothing but the Blood” (ensemble= together)
Improvise on the black notes. Use patterns of 8.
Next
Michael Row the Boat Ashore
Getting Started
Purchase a Yamaha keyboard if you are on a budget. There may be cheaper ones on the market, but you should aim for 5 octaves (50+ keys). Second hand ķ, but get the best that you can afford. Do not be afraid to bargsin- ask if it is a better cash price. Perhaps they can throw in a bag, a stand and a stool (make sure it is sturdy and adjustable).
Here are a couple places near me. Quality Distributors https://maps.app.goo.gl/twkzMHXGNcjhVM9EA
Music Mart https://maps.app.goo.gl/ypWc37p1YETa1rYm8
Get a bag to protect your investment especially as you change location.
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