Learn Piano Online Reading From A Lead Sheet
Learn Piano Online Reading From A Lead Sheet
Are you reading "lead sheets" often? If so, how are things going for you with respect to this?
By "lead sheet," I am referring to music that consists only of the melody line (treble clef for pianists) and chord symbols above.
Even the finest classically trained pianist who has no experience with interpreting lead sheets, having one up on that piano stand is no more useful than handing him or her a can of tuna with no can opener. But to the individual who learns how to make the most of a lead sheet, a whole world of musical creativity awaits!
So, that's why I'm asking you, today. I really am curious about your confidence level when it comes to lead sheets. I've helped a lot of people in this area, via one-on-one correspondence in person and online.
It helps to start out learning that melody line, of course, then accompany that melody line that you're playing in the right hand with playing the chords in the left. But how do you play those chords? Do you just play the chord, let it ring on, as the melody gets attention? That works some of the time... but, sticking with that approach leads to boredom, both for the player and for the listener. Actually, there's a lot you can do and this is where it actually becomes exciting!
You can find a 4-bar sample of a lead sheet for Misty on this page
How would you approach playing this?
There is a lesson excerpt there. Of course, if you'd like to take advantage of the full version of that particular lesson, wonderful That lesson will serve as a nice start for you. By the way, the lesson is divided into two parts. The first segment deals with only playing the 7th chords in their basic form. The second part of the video discusses some interesting things that can be done with those chords, much like a pro piano stylist would approach playing that lead sheet excerpt.
I really am interested in learning how many people who are visitors of this site have experience in the area... or have made it a goal of theirs, since it's a specialty of mine and I've been doing it since a little kid : o ) Also, I enjoy sharing this knowledge. I intend to provide more tools in the future to help with this topic, too... (help is currently available via Piano Wiz for those interested)
I look forward to hearing from you.
(you can print out that 4 measure excerpt if you want to and play around with it a bit)
Remember...
Always...
ALWAYS...
PLAY WITH PASSION!
Musically,
Dave
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Dave Longo is the creator and owner of PianoAmore.net, a site devoted to showing the
adult piano student how to unleash "The Creative Genius Within." Reach your musical
potential by taking advantage of the many piano learning tools at the site.
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Comments? info @ pianoamore.com
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