{"id":6802,"date":"2022-01-14T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-14T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=6802"},"modified":"2023-01-09T15:54:19","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T23:54:19","slug":"beginners-classical-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/beginners-classical-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Classical Piano"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For beginners, classical piano can feel intimidating. But it\u2019s an irresistible genre, full of passion, drama, and beauty.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And guess what? You CAN play classical piano! Here\u2019s a beginner\u2019s guide that covers the key things you need to start your classical journey, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#posture\">Posture<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#articulation\">Articulation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#technique\">Technique<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#practice\">Practice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#inspiration\">Inspiration<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a more thorough introduction to classical piano, check out our beginner classical course taught by Victoria Theodore. It&#8217;s free with your Pianote membership \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px;\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Get a Head Start on Classical Piano \u2728<\/b><\/h2><\/center><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Beginner%27s%20Guide%20to%20Classical\/victoria%20theodore%20beginner%20classical%20guide.jpg\"><p>Love classical music but not sure where to start? Head over to <b>Classical Piano Quick Start<\/b>, four free lessons designed for beginners taught by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/victoria-theodore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Victoria Theodore<\/a>. Victoria is a classically trained pianist with degrees from Oberlin College and Stanford University. She has also shared the stage with stars like Beyonc\u00e9, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and more. Start your classical journey with Victoria today!<\/p><br><center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/classical-piano\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GET 4 FREE CLASSICAL LESSONS<\/a><\/center><br><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Classical Piano for Beginners: 5 Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a lot going on in classical piano. And it can be intimidating for beginners to get started with. So, we have come up with five big tips that are fundamental to playing classical piano:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"posture\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>1. Posture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/perfect-posture-at-the-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Posture<\/a> is important for piano of any style. But it\u2019s especially important for classical piano because your hand position greatly affects how your music sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Improper posture can also be painful! And you want to be comfortable if you plan to practice hard \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Beginner%27s%20Guide%20to%20Classical\/wrist%20position.png\" alt=\"Pictures side by side of drooping wrist at piano with red x (left) and raised wrist with green checkmark (right).\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When playing piano, make sure your wrists aren\u2019t drooping. Slightly lift your wrists, but make sure your shoulders are relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll definitely hear a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"articulation\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>2. Make every note count!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sight-reading is an important part of classical piano, but classical music is <em>so much more<\/em> than playing notes correctly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the video, watch the difference between &#8220;Minuet in G&#8221; without articulation and &#8220;Minuet in G&#8221; <em>with<\/em> articulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Beginner%27s%20Guide%20to%20Classical\/minuet%20in%20g.png\" alt=\"Sheet music of first line of Minuet in G.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tempting to rush through notes once you know them, but every note counts. Articulate your notes and shape your phrasing. This adds more uniqueness and character to your classical piano pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, performing classical music is all about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2013\/09\/22\/classical-music-101-to-realise-or-to-interpret\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interpretation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"technique\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>3. Practice your technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no substitute for practicing technical skills!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re playing a piece in G Major, practice your G Major scales and arpeggios. It\u2019ll make a big difference in how well you play your piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technique isn\u2019t always fun to practice, but on Pianote, we have <em>tons<\/em> of practice routines designed to make it more exciting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/beautiful-arpeggios-piano-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beautiful Arpeggio Practice for the Piano<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-practice-piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How To Practice Piano Scales (With Lisa)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/arpeggio-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arpeggio Practice \u2013 The FUN Way!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you want a deeper dive into technique, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/piano-technique-made-easy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Technique Made Easy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practice\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>4. Do the work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the subject of scales and arpeggios, let\u2019s talk about practice\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone wants to get to a place where they can confidently, competently, and enjoyably play their favorite piece. But to get there, you need practice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Victoria suggests you aim for 30 minutes a day. If you can practice more, awesome! If not, try to be as consistent as you can. Practice a little bit every day. Even five minutes counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inspiration\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>5. Immerse yourself in the music<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, make time to get inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to new music. Explore different subgenres. Read up on the life stories of your favorite composers. Why did they compose the way they do? Keep an open mind and an exploratory attitude!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some articles to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/franz-liszt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Ultimate Liszticle: 8 Facts You Didn&#8217;t Know About Franz Liszt<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/best-beethoven-piano-sonatas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Beethoven Sonatas: What Every Pianist Should Know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/pop-vs-classical-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pop vs. Classical: You Love Classical Music (You Just Don&#8217;t Know It)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Classical music can be challenging. But if you\u2019re feeling stuck, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-stay-motivated-at-the-piano\/\">remember your why<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Learn Classical Piano With Victoria Theodore<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We recently released a classical piano course for beginners taught by Victoria Theodore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This course pack is free with your Pianote membership. If you\u2019re not a member yet, take a look <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/inside-pianote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">behind the scenes<\/a> and consider joining today! It\u2019s a wonderful, supportive community of people wanting to master piano; people just like you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not ready to commit yet, no worries. Check out our free classical lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/easy-classical-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 Classical Songs That Are Perfect for Beginners<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/moonlight-sonata-easy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cMoonlight\u201d Sonata and Other Easy Classical Songs That Sound Impressive<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/5-classical-piano-pieces\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 Classical Pieces, From Easy to More Difficult<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Happy practicing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weekly-email\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Classical piano is beautiful but can be intimidating for beginners. But you CAN play classical piano! Victoria Theodore is here to show you the fundamentals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1108],"tags":[1089],"class_list":["post-6802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-musicianship","tag-cpqs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6802","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6802"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6802\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10428,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6802\/revisions\/10428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6802"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6802"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6802"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}