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Keyboard 1

You say you can’t play the piano? Well, we think you can. You will be amazed at how many different things you can play. We can’t promise to make you into a concert pianist, but we will get you started. The rest is up to you.

For your first attempt, take your hand and push down as many keys as you can at the same time. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?! Do that several times in different places on the keyboard. These are called “cluster chords” and are used by composers in the twentieth century to make the piano sound almost like a percussion instrument. For the really adventurous ear, try doing this with both hands at the same time.

Keyboard 2

For your second attempt, place the fingernails of your right hand on the keyboard key that is farthest to your left. Your palm will be facing up, your little finger closest to you, and your thumb pointing in to the keyboard. Now slide your hand in this position all the way up the keyboard, hitting each white key along the way. You can do this either slowly or quickly. What you have just played is called a “glissando.” You have also played your first scale. By hitting only the white keys on the piano, you are playing in the key of C major. For the adventurous with tough fingernails, try going back down the keyboard with your left hand.

Keyboard 3

In this exercise, you are given sixteen pitches on the staff. Locate each pitch on the piano keyboard and play it.

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