Member-only story

34 Simplified Exercises For The Piano: Learn The Piano

Douglas Powell

·13.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Intermediate Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist: 34 Simplified Exercises For The Piano (Learn The Piano 5)

5 min read

285 View Claps

36 Respond

Save

Listen

Learning to play the piano can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. If you're just starting out, it's important to find exercises that are both accessible and effective. Here are 34 simplified exercises that will help you build a strong foundation in piano playing.

Finger Exercises

Finger exercises are essential for developing dexterity and independence in your fingers. Here are a few simple exercises to get you started:

Intermediate Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist: 34 Simplified Exercises for the Piano (Learn the Piano 5)

Intermediate Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist: 34 Simplified Exercises for the Piano (Learn the Piano Book 5)

by Percy Goetschius

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5028 KB
Print length	:	202 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Five-finger exercise: Place your fingers on the five white keys in the middle of the keyboard. Play each note in order, starting with your thumb. Repeat the exercise with your other hand.
Scales: Scales are a great way to practice finger coordination and dexterity. Start by learning the C major scale. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to other scales.
Arpeggios: Arpeggios are broken chords. They're a great way to practice finger independence and coordination. Start by learning the C major arpeggio. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to other arpeggios.

Chord Exercises

Chords are a fundamental part of piano playing. Here are a few simple exercises to help you learn how to play chords:

Triads: Triads are three-note chords. Start by learning the C major triad. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to other triads.
Seventh chords: Seventh chords are four-note chords. They're a bit more complex than triads, but they're still relatively easy to learn. Start by learning the C major seventh chord. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to other seventh chords.
Inversions: Inversions are different ways of arranging the notes in a chord. They can be a bit tricky to learn, but they're important for understanding how chords work.

Rhythm Exercises

Rhythm is an essential part of piano playing. Here are a few simple exercises to help you develop your rhythm:

Clapping exercises: Clapping exercises are a great way to practice rhythm without using a piano. Start by clapping along to a simple beat. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to more complex rhythms.
Metronome practice: A metronome is a device that helps you keep a steady beat. Practicing with a metronome can help you improve your rhythm and timing.
Playing along to songs: Playing along to songs is a great way to practice rhythm in a real-world setting. Start by playing along to simple songs. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to more complex songs.

Ear Training Exercises

Ear training is an important part of piano playing. It helps you to develop your ability to recognize and identify different musical elements. Here are a few simple ear training exercises to get you started:

Interval recognition: Interval recognition is the ability to identify the distance between two notes. Start by listening to simple intervals, such as octaves and fifths. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to more complex intervals.
Chord recognition: Chord recognition is the ability to identify different chords. Start by listening to simple chords, such as major and minor chords. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to more complex chords.
Melody recognition: Melody recognition is the ability to identify different melodies. Start by listening to simple melodies. Once you've mastered that, you can move on to more complex melodies.

These are just a few of the many exercises that can help you learn how to play the piano. With regular practice, you'll be able to develop the skills you need to play your favorite songs and impress your friends and family.