Step Four of the First Steps in Piano course is free on this website. However, you can also purchase the all nine lessons in Step Four in PDF format together with all MP3 audio tracks should you want to practise it offline. Click here for more information or click the button below to buy it now.
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.