This course was an experiment in which I tried guide beginning students to learn and practise some fundamental aspects of piano playing without the need to learn to read music notation. I can't say that I fully endorse this course any more. There are certain aspects of it that I think people have found confusing, and the progression of difficulty is probably not as well suited to a beginner as I would have liked. However, I have decided to keep it available for now on the off chance that someone finds it interesting of finds some value in it.
We start Step Four with a piece for Clarinet, Harp, and Piano. You will play on a group of three white keys.
Step 1. First, listen to the lesson music.
Step 2. Next, listen to the pattern you will play. Remember to listen a few times, find and count the beat, and do any other preparation necessary to help you complete the next step.
Step 3. Now find the notes of the pattern and play along with the percussion accompaniment.
Step 4. Next, listen to the lesson music played without the clarinet.
Step 5. Then play along with this version of the lesson music.
Step 6. Finally, play along with the full version of the lesson music.
I’m sure you have noticed how minimal the instructions were in this lesson. From now on I want to give you as little information as possible. There are two reasons for this. First, there is little in these lessons that will be new to you. Everything you need to complete these lessons you learnt in the previous Steps. The second reason is that I want you to focus more of your attention on learning and playing the music, and on applying the skills you have gained up till now, than on following instructions from me. It is a chance for you to practise being a little more like a musician and a little less like a music student. I don’t want to give you the wrong idea, however. On the journey from novice to competent musician we are barely out the front door, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a moment to think about your destination.