How to Play Piano Deluxe

Learn to play piano with Piano Deluxe

Piano Deluxe is a CD ROM piano course with the absolute beginner in mind. The course is divided into five sections designed to take someone with no knowledge of piano through the basics of music theory and piano technique to reading music and playing songs. Using Piano Deluxe as intended, you can learn to play piano with your computer and a series of courses and exercises that will sharpen your musical skills regardless of your current musical abilities.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Piano Deluxe
• Piano or keyboard

Instructions

1. Find a comfortable, quiet area to practice. Your computer and keyboard should be with you. Place the first CD-ROM in your computer's drive and watch the introduction. When you've watched the introduction, you're ready to begin "Keyboard Foundation." This section teaches you basic music notation, how to sit at the piano, and how to place your hands properly. Watch each lesson, then put into practice what you've learned with the provided exercises, which require you to identify notes and associate those notes with your keyboard.

2. Insert the second disc, "Keyboard Improver," in your computer and watch the provided lessons. Practice playing with both of your hands at the same time. Refer to the lesson as often as you need to until you feel comfortable with two-handed piano playing technique.

3. Practice the "Playing Piano" disc. Focus on the bass clef of the piano and reading the bass notes you learned in "Keyboard Foundation." Use the "Interactive Notation" to identify and play notes.

4. Play sheet music to reinforce your skills as a solo pianist. At this point, you will find several pieces of music you can play to strengthen the skills you've worked on to this point. The primary focus is reading music and enhancing your left- and right-hand technique.

5. Play all of the scales and techniques learned in the first four discs of the program. You will also learn more advanced theory and play more complex pieces. By this stage of the program, if you have not moved too quickly, you will have a strong musical foundation.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it can be tempting, use the CD-ROMs in order. Don't rush yourself. Go over the lessons in order as many times as you need to. Master one disc before you jump to the next section.

• Don't put yourself on a time schedule. Each person will learn at a different pace.

• If you have a MIDI compatible keyboard, hook up to your computer and let Piano Deluxe give you feedback on your playing.

References

• Review of Piano Deluxe