Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum A few Beginner Questions

Hey folks, new to the forum.

I was searching for an online resource to ask a few questions and found this. I've been playing guitar for about fifteen years, but I never learned to read music. I play mostly by ear and reading tabs. I did play snare drum in jr high school band, so I do have a taste of reading music, but not near what I need to know.

So I decided I really wanted to get into playing piano. It is something I have always wanted to learn, but I haven't taken the plunge until now. Research told me I needed the following to learn correctly: Weighted keys, touch sensitivity, and 88 keys. I knew I would be loooking at mainly digital pianos, and that I did not have room for a full on acoustic. I decided to buy one with these features, so I would not be so far in if I decided it wasn't for me.

I picked up a used Casio CDP-120 from Guitar Center. I got it for $229, and added a one year protection plan on it for another $25. I figured this was a good deal since it is used. Everything works fine and it has been fun to play around on for a few days. Looking forward to learning all that I can.

I have a few questions. Since I am new to reading music in the depth that is is written for piano, I am struggling with a few things. First of all, I have all the basics down. I know where all the notes are on the staffs (treble and bass.) The main problem I am having is reading them both at once. When I get further along into this and really start reading music, I am thinking I might see something written a certain way. For example, when I am playing and reading a certain note or chord (triad for instance) in the treble staff, will the notes or chords in the bass cleff be predictable? In other words, is it common to see certain notes paired together on the treble and bass staffs?

I want to do some exercises every day to improve my finger/key relationships. Are there any good youtube videos or other free resources on this?

Also, I want to do some sort of software and learning material. I will not be taking lessons. I feel like I can learn it on my own, but I want a good resource to help me. I saw here where someone mentioned EMedia software. That looks like a a great deal because it actually has something that grades your progress. I assume this would be a good one, but are there any others to consider?

Thanks so much.

Yes, you'll eventually start to recognize patterns and how they relate to hand shapes. It takes time. As for reading both staffs at once, well, it just takes work. Sight reading is a skill.

welcome to the forum cncwhiz1, to answer your first question, no there is no predictable pattern when reading the bass and treble lines. Sight reading is a skill that develops with your piano playing ability albeit at a grade or so behind. Be prepared for a long haul if sight reading is your goal, improvement is slow despite the need for diligent practice.

I use The Sight Reading Factory program which you can test for free. I have found this program very useful to help my sight reading and rhythm.

As to learning material you need to choose what sort of direction you want to go in, classical or other. Have a look at Piano Marvel and see what you think, read some reviews. This is an interactive program ideal for a digital piano.

If at all possible re-consider your stance of having a teacher. The best thing you can do is have your very own guide through this important time in your musical development

I just purchased eMedia's Intermediate course (based on what I read in a thread here), but have not really started yet. So, I can't offer an opinion on that.

However, there are many good videos on Youtube (and many not-so-good, as well). I like Bill Hilton's videos but I'm not sure how applicable they are to someone at your level. But there are plenty of others.

If you can get over this crazy guys antics this is one of the best free teaching sites Furmanczyk Piano

You might try this book of reading exercises . I think it works well for a beginner... it gets progressively harder, and it is 98 pages (one of its main attractions). Once you are comfortable with these you will be ready for a little more movement of the hands.


ooops, edited to say sorry, was really meant for the other thread asking about sight reading.

I am watching his vids on Youtube now. I have watched several vids from different authors, and I am comparing them all. He seems really smart. I will pay attention and see what I can gain. Thanks!