{"id":7272,"date":"2022-04-01T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=7272"},"modified":"2024-04-08T09:44:52","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T16:44:52","slug":"classical-piano-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/classical-piano-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Classical Piano Exercises for Master Playing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Want to play Rachmaninoff? Then you need these classical piano exercises!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Classical piano is all about having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-technique-made-easy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">good technique<\/a>. If you want to master your favorite pieces, there&#8217;s no going around it: you gotta eat your vegetables (meaning: practice your scales!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this lesson, we&#8217;ll share three types of exercises (scales, arpeggios, and Hanon exercises) in three levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Remember to download a free PDF of our exercises before you start!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#classical-piano-exercise-1-scales\">Scales<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#classical-piano-exercise-2-arpeggios\">Arpeggios<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#classical-piano-exercise-3-hanon\">Hanon<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\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 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Get exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><small><i>By signing up you\u2019ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don\u2019t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.<\/i><\/small><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\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 has-text-align-center\" id=\"\ud83c\udfb9-get-a-head-start-on-classical-piano\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>\ud83c\udfb9 Get a Head Start on Classical Piano<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Love classical music but not sure where to start? Head over to\u00a0<strong>Classical Piano Quick Start<\/strong>, four free lessons designed for beginners taught by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/victoria-theodore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer 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>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/classical-piano\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/classical-piano\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get 4 Free Classical Lessons<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\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\/victoria%20theodore%20beginner%20classical%20guide.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\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\" id=\"classical-piano-exercise-1-scales\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Classical Piano Exercise #1: Scales<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Scales are like vegetables. If you don&#8217;t do them, YOU DIE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just kidding! But scales <em>are<\/em> important \u2014 they train your dexterity, hand independence, and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beginner-level-\ud83d\udfe2\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Beginner Level \ud83d\udfe2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>As a beginner, you&#8217;ll want to start with <strong>C Major<\/strong> and its relative minor, <strong>A Minor<\/strong>. This is because both C Major and A Minor don&#8217;t have sharps and flats, so you&#8217;ll be playing all white notes. Just remember to tuck under and cross over as needed \u2014 this will take time to get used to! Once you&#8217;ve mastered playing hands separate, try playing hands together. This will be challenging!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<video playsinline=\"\u201c\u201d\" autoplay=\"\u201c\u201d\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/beginner%20scale%20min.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A good question to ask is: how fast should you play scales? The answer: whatever tempo you need to play consistently! Use a metronome. Consistency &gt; Speed \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intermediate-level-\ud83d\udfe1\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Intermediate Level \ud83d\udfe1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>As an intermediate level piano player, you&#8217;ll be seeing more complex key signatures in the music you play. So let&#8217;s practice two keys with four sharps: <strong>E Major<\/strong> and <strong>C-Sharp Minor<\/strong>. And try to play a little faster \u2014 in the video, I play E Major at 90 bpm with two eighth notes per beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to C-Sharp Minor, you&#8217;ll be learning a new fingering pattern and starting on your third finger. This can take time to get used to, so take it slow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<video playsinline=\"\u201c\u201d\" autoplay=\"\u201c\u201d\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/intermediate%20scale%20min.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advanced-level-\ud83d\udd34-\ud83d\udd25\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Advanced Level \ud83d\udd34 \ud83d\udd25<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>For our advanced level scale, we&#8217;ll be using a key signature with four flats: <strong>A-Flat Major<\/strong> and<strong> F Minor<\/strong>. Like C-Sharp Minor, A-Flat Major has an unusual fingering pattern, so again, start slow! Once you&#8217;ve mastered the pattern, try using a metronome and playing two notes per click.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<video playsinline=\"\u201c\u201d\" autoplay=\"\u201c\u201d\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/advanced%20scale%20min.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\" id=\"classical-piano-exercise-2-arpeggios\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Classical Piano Exercise #2: Arpeggios<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The second item on our list of classical piano exercises are arpeggios. These beautiful patterns can be found everywhere in classical piano music, so practice them well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beginner-level-\ud83d\udfe2-1\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Beginner Level \ud83d\udfe2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>At the beginner level, focus on playing a <strong>C Major arpeggio<\/strong> or <strong>A Minor arpeggio <\/strong>for an octave. A good way to practice is to play the arpeggio five times on your right hand, five times on your left, and five together. Make sure your wrist is nice and flexible \u2014 it&#8217;ll be doing most of the work by rotating you through the notes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<video playsinline=\"\u201c\u201d\" autoplay=\"\u201c\u201d\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/beginner%20arpeggio%20-%20min.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intermediate-level-\ud83d\udfe1-2\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Intermediate Level \ud83d\udfe1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>For our intermediate level arpeggio, we&#8217;ll be playing an <strong>E Major arpeggio<\/strong> and <strong>C-Sharp Minor arpeggio <\/strong>over <em>two<\/em> octaves. This means you&#8217;ll have to tuck under or cross over, just like you do in scales. Again, make sure you do a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/perfect-posture-at-the-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">proper physical warm-up<\/a> because you&#8217;ll be moving more! Your elbow will lead the hand as its rotates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<video playsinline=\"\u201c\u201d\" autoplay=\"\u201c\u201d\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/Intermediate%20Arpeggio%20min.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advanced-level-\ud83d\udd34-\ud83d\udd25-3\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Advanced Level \ud83d\udd34 \ud83d\udd25<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Get ready for a challenge: we&#8217;ll be doing three-octave <strong>A-Flat Major<\/strong> and <strong>F Minor arpeggios<\/strong> at this level. Remember: go slow! Being consistent at a slower tempo is better than playing fast and messy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When playing in a key with lots of black keys, it may be easier to play higher up (closer to the fallboard) the key.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<video playsinline=\"\u201c\u201d\" autoplay=\"\u201c\u201d\" src=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/Advanced%20Arpeggios%20min.mp4\" loop=\"\" muted=\"\" width=\"100%\"><\/video>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\" id=\"classical-piano-exercise-3-hanon\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Classical Piano Exercise #3: Hanon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The last of our classical piano exercises is the notorious Hanon. Here are three levels of these exercises that have been used by piano players for hundreds of years:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beginner-level-\ud83d\udfe2-4\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Beginner Level \ud83d\udfe2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first Hanon exercise includes a little skip in the first two notes. Feel free to write down fingering numbers when you&#8217;re first starting out, like this:<\/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\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/beginner%20hanon.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intermediate-level-\ud83d\udfe1-5\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Intermediate Level \ud83d\udfe1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This intermediate level exercise works some of our toughest fingers: the ring and pinky fingers are often the weakest fingers to coordinate. They&#8217;ll be working hard during this exercise!<\/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\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/intermediate%20hanon.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advanced-level-\ud83d\udd34-\ud83d\udd25-6\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Advanced Level \ud83d\udd34 \ud83d\udd25<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only will your fingers work hard in this exercise, so will your brain! Again, feel free to pencil in finger numbers when you&#8217;re just starting out.<\/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\/3%20Classical%20Piano%20Exercises\/advanced%20hanon.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>The Canon of Hanon:<\/b> Did you know that pianists have been using Hanon exercises since Charles Louis Hanon&#8217;s book <i>The Virtuoso Pianist<\/i> was published in 1873? Hanon drills are so useful and, because they include a variety of patterns, can be more enjoyable than scales. You can download every Hanon ever (240 exercises) online <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanon-online.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The secret to succeeding at these exercises? Pay attention! Focus on how everything feels. Then, dial your metronome, adjust your posture, and vary your finger pressure as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope these classical piano exercises take your playing to the next level, from beginner all the way to advanced. Now that you&#8217;ve eaten your vegetables, it&#8217;s time to conquer your next classical piece!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More Free Lessons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-technique-made-easy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Technique Made Easy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-practice-routine-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Practice Routine for Beginners (Not Boring!)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\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<\/ul>\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>Want to play Rachmaninoff? Then you need these classical piano exercises! Classical piano is all about having good technique. If you want to master your favorite pieces, there&#8217;s no going around it: you gotta eat your vegetables (meaning: practice your scales!). In this lesson, we&#8217;ll share three types of exercises (scales, arpeggios, and Hanon exercises) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1108,1112,509],"tags":[1089],"class_list":["post-7272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-musicianship","category-practice-musicianship","category-technique","tag-cpqs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7272","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=7272"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7272\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16946,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7272\/revisions\/16946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}