Learn like a Concert Pianist

10 Expert Tips

Everybody is under intense time pressure these days, and musicians are no exception. In reply to the many requests about efficient piano practice, here are some expert tips that can help you make the most of your practice time.

1. Get organized. Practicing the piano efficiently is...

Question: I used to play when I was younger. I am 52 now but still love to play (it’s innate). Unsupportive family members restricted me from practicing as much as I wanted. So I stopped for a few years but can’t get rid of it. Can I catch up to a speed of just an average piano...

Question: Okay, so I haven’t taken piano lessons for 5 years and I stopped as a beginner so I’m not very good and I don’t know all that much. But for whatever reason I have been playing random songs lately and I’ve been trying to play music where my right hand and left...

Question: Just a quick question re: counting notes… timing. I’m immediately interested in finding help in proper counting of various notes. I struggle with this more than anything. Reading notes is not an issue… playing correct timing of notes is. Can I expect to find this...

The A major triad, more commonly called the A major chord or simply the A chord for short, consists of the notes A, C-sharp and E. Here it is on the treble clef staff:

Here is the A major chord on the bass clef staff:

Here are both of the above chords on the piano:

As a major triad, the A...

The A-flat major triad, more commonly called the A-flat major chord or simply the A-flat chord for short, consists of the notes A-flat, C and E-flat. Here it is on the treble clef staff:

Here is the A-flat major chord on the bass clef staff:

Here are both of the above chords on the piano:

As...

The B major triad, more commonly called the B major chord or simply the B chord for short, consists of the notes B, D-sharp and F-sharp. Here it is on the treble clef staff:

… and on the piano:

As B major triad, the B chord consists of a major third plus a minor third. The interval from...

The B-flat major triad, more commonly called the B-flat major chord or simply the B-flat chord for short, consists of the notes B-flat, D and F. Here it is on the treble clef staff:

… and on the bass clef staff:

Here are both of the above chords on the piano:

As B-flat major triad, the...

The C major triad, more commonly called the C major chord or simply the C chord for short, is typically the first chord learned in music theory. Here it is on the treble clef staff:

… and on the piano:

Here is the C major chord on the bass clef staff:

As a major triad, the C chord...

The C-sharp major triad, more commonly called the C-sharp major chord or simply the C-sharp chord for short, consists of the notes C-sharp, E-sharp and G-sharp. It is enharmonic with the D-flat major chord – meaning that both chords are the same on the piano, even though the notes are...

The D major triad, more commonly called the D major chord or simply the D chord for short, consists of the notes D, F-sharp and A. Here it is on the treble clef staff:

… and on the piano:

Here is the D major chord on the bass clef staff:

As a major triad, the D chord consists of a ...

The D-flat major triad, more commonly called the D-flat major chord or simply the D-flat chord for short, consists of the notes D-flat, F and A-flat. It is enharmonic with the C-sharp major chord – meaning that both chords are the same on the piano, even though the notes are different.

Here...