Learn how to play 11 beginner piano pieces


18 July 2024
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By Guest Writer
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Teacher John Maul gives a series of lessons on various beginner pieces, from 'Ave Maria' to 'Greensleeves'. All the sheet music can be found inside past issues of Pianist, and are indicated in each video. Work your way through the lessons and build up your repertoire!

Georg Philipp Telemann: Gigue a l'Angloise

Sheet music

John shows you how to give this piece more animation than is written on the page by using adjusted phrasing.

 

 

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John Kember: 'This and That'

Sheet music

This piece is all about getting to grips with a Swing triplet rhythms and syncopation! A fun, entertaining lesson if you're in the mood for something light.

 

 

John Kember: 'It Takes Two'

Sheet music

'It's got everything; jealousy, lust, rage, you name it... it's pure, red-hotted, Latino temperament,' says John about this fantastic piece.

 

 

Part 1 - JS Bach: Prelude in C from the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, 'Ave Maria'

Sheet music

In Part 1 of this lesson on 'Ave Maria', learn about the history of this famous piece.

 

 

Part 2 - JS Bach: Prelude in C from the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, 'Ave Maria'

In Part 2 of this lesson on 'Ave Maria', John walks you through the piece bit by bit, looking in-depth at the harmony – and what story it tells.

 

 

Carl Maria von Weber: Allemande

Sheet music

This may be a simple-sounding piece, but it's not without its technical challenges. However, you can understand this piece more by viewing it from a 'question & answer' approach.

 

 

Erik Satie: Gymnopédie No 2

Sheet music

John teaches how produce a good singing piano tone, how to keep a phrase going, chord voicing and more.

 

 

Joseph Haydn: Gypsy Dance

Sheet music

This piece is all about working on your speed while maintaining your technique.

 

 

Liszt: Liebestraum No 3 (simplified arrangement)

Sheet music

John Maul walks you through the three main features of this piece: the melody, the arpeggiated accompaniment and the root notes. Careful balance between all three is essential.

 

 

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Minuet in G

Sheet music

The melody stays firmly rooted in the right hand in this piece, while the left hand outlines suggested harmonies. John takes a closer look at the left-hand rhythm as well as adding colour to the dynamics.

 

 

Gurlitt: 'The Hunt'

Sheet music

Learn how produce good finger articulation, how to gain independence of the hands, how to phrase, and much more.

 

 

'Greensleeves' (arr. Sean Montgomery)

Sheet music

This classic piece has been simplified down for the beginner pianist. Applying a gentle lilt to the melody is important here, to get that all-important 'Greensleeves' sound!

 

Enjoy more free online video lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced players here