Although this course does not include keyboard performance (e.g.,
learning to play the piano), familiarity with the keyboard will
greatly enhance and make easier the study of music theory.
As you go to the right on the keyboard, the pitches go up. Conversely,
as you go to the left the pitches go down. Click on a section
of the keyboard below to hear some of the pitches in that area.
It may take a while for both the movie and sound to load.
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Notice the pattern of black keys in alternating groups of twos
and threes spanning the entire keyboard. This pattern will serve
as an orientation for the location and letter names of all notes.
The note "C" is always the note immediately left of the
group of two black keys.
The note "F" is always the note immediately left of the
group of three black keys.
IMPORTANT SKILL TO MASTER
Learn to recognize quickly the letter names for
the appropriate white keys on the piano keyboard.
The Piano Keyboard Drill will help you master this
skill.
"Middle C"
is the C located closest to the center of the keyboard.