The document provides a beginner's guide to playing the piano, covering fundamental concepts such as piano note names, sounds, chords, scales, and reading music. It explains the significance of different note values like whole, half, and quarter notes, and introduces the treble and bass clefs. Additionally, it offers resources for further learning and concludes with a personal note from the author, Carolyn L'Huillier.

1. HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO! THE BASICS By Carolyn L'Huillier, ED 205 Section 2 QUIT

2. WHAT WE WILL LEARN The Piano Note Names and Sounds STARTING OUT CHORDS SCALES READING MUSIC! Whole Notes Half Notes Quarter Notes READING MUSIC THE END About Me! RESOURCES! HOME QUIT

3. The Piano The piano has 88 keys, which are black and white. There are 7 different notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G There are also flat and sharp version of each note, which change the tone of the note slightly. HOME QUIT

4. Note Names and Sounds Each note makes a different sound. Each sound has been given a name to make it easier to learn. C = Do D = Re E = Mi F = Fa G = So A = La B = Ti Perhaps you remember seeing this in the Sound of Music ( Click for Video ) HOME QUIT

5. STARTING OUT You can play with both hands at the same time! VIDEO DEMONSTRATION! HOME QUIT

6. CHORDS Definition : When you play a chord on the piano, you play three notes together. Example : You play C, E, and G at the same time. This is called a C Major Chord. Click for an example HOME QUIT

7. SCALES Definition: When you play a scale on the piano, you begin on one note and play up or down until you reach that same note again. Example: You begin on C and play D, E, F, G, A, B, and then end on C again. This is called the C Major scale. Click for an example HOME QUIT

8. READING MUSIC! With practice, you will be able to read music on paper while you play it on the piano. Here are some of the things you need to know: Notes can be given values, which will tell you how long to play them before moving on to the next note. Some of the most common note values are: Whole Notes Half Notes Quarter Notes Eighth Notes HOME QUIT

9. Whole Notes Definition : A whole note lasts for four beats. Example : When you are playing the piano and know a note is a whole note, you hold the note and count for four beats before playing the next note. A picture of a whole note: HOME QUIT

10. Half Notes Definition : A half note lasts for two beats, or half the time of a whole note. Example : When you are playing the piano and know a note is a half note, you hold the note and count for two beats before playing the next note. A picture of a half note: HOME QUIT

11. Quarter Notes Definition : A quarter note lasts for one beat, or a fourth of the time of a whole note. Example : When you are playing the piano and know a note is a quarter note, you hold the note and count for one beat before playing the next note. A picture of a quarter note: HOME QUIT

12. READING MUSIC Now that you have learned the notes, you need to learn where you put them on paper! Below is a picture of what it looks like: Treble Clef: You would play Bass Clef: You would play this with your right hand. this with you left hand. HOME QUIT

13. THE END That's it for now! Next time, we'll learn more about Treble Cleft, Bass Cleft, and the different scales and chords. Now, go and practice! HOME QUIT

14. About Me! My name is Carolyn L'Huillier. I am a Junior at Grand Valley State University, working towards my Bachelors Degree in Special Education. I am originally from Traverse City, MI where I was enormously involved with my high school music program. Two things that keep me going are basketball season and going to movies. Those, along with my friends, pretty much make up my life! Email me! HOME QUIT

15. RESOURCES! http://abcteach.com/directory/clip_art/music/ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Music-flat.png http://www.ehow.com/how_4514041_read-sheet-music.html http://musiced.about.com/od/toppicksandreviews/ss/cellobrands_10.htm http://musicianinyou.com/music-basics.php http://www.worldofstock.com/closeups/PMU1589.php http://www . youtube.com www.enchantedlearning.com/.../answers.shtml http://wheatsbassbook.org/chapter_select.php?chapter=book003 http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/music/piano.shtml HOME QUIT