LESSON ONE

The Notes Middle C, D and E

Middle C is written just below the treble staff on a short line called a ledger line. See How to Find Middle C to locate middle C on the keyboard.

C Note

Middle C is played with the first finger (thumb) of your right hand.

D Note

The D note is played with the second finger of your right hand.

E Note

The E note is played with the third finger of your right hand.

The Quarter Note

This is a quarter note. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter notes in one bar of music in * time.

Metronome Symbol

This is the symbol for a metronome. It appears beneath the staff, next to the 'count' numbers, which indicate how to count the time. Large blue numbers represent a count or beat where a note is to be played, while smaller grey numbers are used when notes are either held or not played at all.

1

In the following example there are four bars of music, two bars of middle C (bars 1 and 4), one bar of the D note (bar 2) and one bar of the E note (bar 3). There are four quarter notes in each bar.

The Half Note

This is a half note. It lasts for two beats. There are two half notes in one bar of * time.

The Whole Note

This is a whole note. It lasts for four beats. There is one whole note in one bar of * time.

The larger bold numbers in the count indicate that a note is to be played. The smaller numbers indicate that a note is to be held until the next bold number (note).

2

In the Light of the Moon

This song contains quarter, half and whole notes. Make sure you use the correct fingers and follow the count carefully.

The Notes F and G

F Note

The note F is played with the fourth finger of your right hand.

G Note

The note G is played with the fifth finger of your right hand.

3

Aura Lee

The song Aura Lee contains 8 bars of music in * time. Remember to count as you play, to help you keep time.

Things to Remember

• Play the keys with the tips of your fingers.
• Keep your fingers curved.