The G major arpeggio presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany a backingtrack. Beginner leve Show More...
The G major arpeggio presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany a backingtrack. Beginner level arpeggios involve single octave playing & letter names of notes appear in noteheads.
The backing tracks are available both on the PlentyMusic website and the PlentyMusicCo YouTube channel. Access them on a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to improve your music practice routines.
The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 48 to 144 beats per minute (bpm) Be aware that there is a four in a bar feel to playing of these piano exercises. A good starting point is 60bpm.
Improve music practice and make progress with PlentyMusic pdf #sheetmusic & mp3 accompaniment downloads.
Playing arpeggios is simply a way of playing chords. Chords are usually played as part of a chord progression.
For this exercise suggested fingering is in place beneath the notes.
Each arpeggio is to be played twice with a 3 beat gap between each playing. This is indicated by the sound of a woodblock. The key signature for G is used in the sheet music score.
Do make sure that breathing is relaxed before, during and after playing the exercises.
Arpeggios feature in much keyboard music from classical times through to the popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries. All music performers need to have a knowledge of chords/arpeggios, their structures and their compositional contexts.
The chords in this exercise are presented in root position, (GBD) first (BDG) and second inversion (DGB) formats.
A wood block sound provides the introductory beats for the ensemble playing of each arpeggio.exercise.
The playing sequence for arpeggios is as follows:
Right hand one octave X 2
Left hand one octave X 2
Right and left hands together one octave in similar motion X 2
Root position chord arpeggios are followed by first inversions and then second inversions.
Do keep to the specified fingering although a possible option for the root position left hand arpeggio has been given.
Remember that in a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level.
At the beginner level the arpeggios should be played evenly & smoothly (legato).
Understand that there will be additional challenges from PlentyMusic as to how arpeggios and chords can be played particularly in the context of playing chord sequences.
How to manage stretching the hand is an aspect of arpeggio playing that needs to be considered. There are techniques for this which will be demonstrated in a PlentyMusic video later in the year.
Please feedback to PlentyMusic on any additional warmups or practice drills required or changes that need to be made to those currently in place.
Look out for the PlentyMusic videos later in the year with some practical tips on the playing the piano & keyboard.
Always make music practice both challenging and interesting.
When playing arpeggios aim to keep a lightness in the hands particularly when they are played at fast tempi. The arpeggios played at 132bpm and 144bpm are really in place as extension tasks and really are not in the boundaries of the beginner player but you never know?. Always remember that if you cannot play something at a slow tempo then you are unlikely to be able to play it at a fast tempo.
Use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to provide the backing tracks needed to enjoy scale practice as an ensemble activity. When playing along to the backing tracks do always be aware of the beat, pulse and tempo.
Whilst there are many ways in which musical notes can be articulated in the early stages of playing arpeggios a legato touch should remain the focus. There are other challenges coming soon as players make progress and improve.
When playing arpeggios and chords as in most other music performance contexts fingers need to remain close to the keys. The weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be being released or even flow out through the finger tips.
If you print the sheet music score available from the website and you are able to read music printing 2 pages onto one sheet of A4 is suggested.
Why practice arpeggios
Playing arpeggios helps players to understand chords in all their forms and variants.
Chords can at times be perceived as being overwhelmingly complex and challenging to get your musical head around but rest assured when explained and understood particularly in a playing context they do make sense.
A knowledge of chords is essential in music from the performance, arranging and compositional point of view. It is very reassuring that the more that one learns about chords the simpler they become.
There are four types of chord (major, minor, diminished and augmented) and matters become even challenging when additional notes are added. For the moment focus on the set tasks.
Arpeggio practice does help in improving keyboard technique.
Security in playing arpeggios assists/ means that the fingers get used to being in the right place at the right time.
Playing arpeggios in all their formats will help in preparing keyboard players for more difficult pieces
If you play a keyboard standing up ensure that you at a comfortable level with the weight of the hands going downwards. Images of keyboard players playing with their hands above shoulder height does not suggest or encourage good technique.
Playing arpeggios encourages the development of a secure and controlled technique in playing.
Playing arpeggios is particularly helpful in managing stretches in keyboard playing. Close
Added: 31st July, 2023 08:07 AM |
Views : 1497
The scale of C is presented as a #practicedrill or warm up where keyboard players & #piano players can #play-a-long & accompany the #backingtracks.
Show More...
The scale of C is presented as a #practicedrill or warm up where keyboard players & #piano players can #play-a-long & accompany the #backingtracks.
The backing tracks are available both on the PlentyMusic website and YouTube. The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 60 to 144 beats per minute (bpm)
Improve music practice with PlentyMusic pdf #sheetmusic & accompaniment downloads.
Each scale is to be played 3 times with a one bar gap between each scale.
A wood block sound provides a one bar preparation for the playing of each scale exercise.
The playing sequence is as follows:
Right hand one octave
Left hand one octave
Right and left hands together one octave similar motion
Right and left hands together one octave contrary motion
Do keep to the specified fingering
At the beginner level the scales should be played evenly & smoothly (legato)
Thumb under & third finger over preparation is an aspect of keyboard technique that needs to taken on board and will be clarified in a video post later in the year.
Please feedback to PlentyMusic on any additional warm ups or practice drills required or changes that need to be made to those currently in place.
Look out for the PlentyMusic videos later in the year with some practical tips on the playing of scales and the piano/ keyboard in general.
Always make music practice interesting and challenging
When playing scales aim to keep a lightness in the hands particularly when they are played at fast tempi.
Use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to provide the backing tracks needed to enjoy scale practice as an ensemble activity.
Whilst there are many ways in which musical notes can be articulated in the early stages of playing scales a legato touch should be and remain the focus.
When playing scales & in most other practical musical performance contexts fingers need to be close to the keys
The weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be at the finger tips.
Aways imagine when playing a keyboard instrument the the weight of the arm, hand & fingers are released as such through the finger tips
Why do we practice scales?
Scale practice does help in improving technique and developing an awareness of the range of an instrument
Security in playing scales means that the correct finger is in the right place
Playing scales is good preparation for playing more difficult pieces
Scales played on a piano or keyboard require that the fingers are all equal in strength and in this respect they are useful although there are other exercises helpful particularly thirds that are helpful it equalising finger strength from the keyboard playing point of view.
The level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level
If you play a keyboard standing up ensure that you at a comfortable level with the weight of the hands going downwards
Playing scales does encourage the development of secure technique
Playing scales does encourage the development of a controlled technique control in ones playing
Playing scales is helpful in managing stretches and stresses in keyboard playing Close
Added: 28th July, 2023 08:07 AM |
Views : 1514
As a beginner score the letter names of the notes appear in the note heads and suggested fingering is in place. The tempo of the playback on the video Show More...
As a beginner score the letter names of the notes appear in the note heads and suggested fingering is in place. The tempo of the playback on the video score is 84 half note or minim beats to the minute. Playing a blues structured piece of music does encourage fluent playing and the development of musical memory. The 12 bar blues forms the basis of much popular music of the 20th century. Close
Added: 2nd May, 2023 08:05 AM |
Views : 1106
This beginner level arrangement is available from PlentyMusic as a free sheet music score. It is intended to be used in group music teaching contexts. Show More...
This beginner level arrangement is available from PlentyMusic as a free sheet music score. It is intended to be used in group music teaching contexts. The beginner arrangement has the melody played by the right hand accompanied by chords intended to be played by the left hand. There are graphics indicating the notes to be played in the chords and the melody notes have the letter names in the notehead. The realisation plays back at 84 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Play-a-long accompaniments to encourage ensemble and solo playing are available emphasising either the melody or the chords. They are recorded at tempos of 84, 88 and 92 beats per minute and each is introduced with a click beat. If additional accompaniments are required please advise the PlentyMusic office. The sheet music download has suggested fingering and dynamics in place although the latter may only be relevant on touch sensitive instruments. Keyboard players should be aiming for a legato touch in their playing. In this beginner version ornamentation has been omitted but they are in place in the improver level sheet music score. One of the most famous and loved melodies of what is often described as the classical music repertoire although Brahms should more accurately identified as a romantic composer. The Cradle Song or Lullaby was composed by J. Brahms as the song “Weigenlied” and published in 1868. There are many beginner level piano & keyboard pieces available as free sheet pdf downloads from the PlentyMusic website Close
Added: 14th January, 2023 17:01 PM |
Views : 2130
A fun piece often associated with Halloween. Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain in a beginner keyboard arrangement intended for use in group teachi Show More...
A fun piece often associated with Halloween. Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain in a beginner keyboard arrangement intended for use in group teaching contexts. The sheet music score is presented with helpful graphics.
Three backing tracks are available playing at 110, 120, and 138 beats per minute. The 16 bar melody and accompaniments plays through 3 times with the tempo speeding up in the final 16 bar section.
Players can contribute to the ensemble at their own level playing either I, 2, 4, 8 or 16 bars
of the melody or one or more of the chords.
There are plenty of graphics to assist novice players and group leaders can clarify issues such as octaves, fingering choices, how to play off-beat chords and other arising notation and practical issues.
The music editor suggests that this can be a very successful group music making activity because of the familiarity of the melody.
Do contact PlentyMusic if you would like to see more group music making resources on the website. Close
Added: 27th October, 2022 10:10 AM |
Views : 1932
Intended to be used for class teaching purposes this is a beginner keyboard arrangement of Gruber's famous Christmas melody. When learning to play the Show More...
Intended to be used for class teaching purposes this is a beginner keyboard arrangement of Gruber's famous Christmas melody. When learning to play the tune it is a good idea for the the letter names of the notes to be sung. Graphics are in place to assist the chord playing. If letter names are required in the note heads please advise the PlentyMusic Office although this means the notes will have to be much bigger to make it a helpful exercise. Close
Added: 31st May, 2022 15:05 PM |
Views : 1721
A beginner level arrangement of this familiar traditional melody which is an excellent piece for the keyboard player to study. In this version the mel Show More...
A beginner level arrangement of this familiar traditional melody which is an excellent piece for the keyboard player to study. In this version the melody is played by the right hand and the chords by the left hand. The aim in playing the piece is simply to get both hands playing together. Letter names are indicated in the noteheads, right hand fingering is in place and there are graphics to indicate how the chords should be played. The realisation plays back at 60 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Don’t be afraid to practice away from an instrument learning and memorising the patterns of the music and developing the coordinating of the movements between the fingers and hands. This is music that can be played on either a keyboard or piano. Players should be aiming to play the melody legato (smoothly). Close
Added: 23rd May, 2022 10:05 AM |
Views : 1419
The hornpipe is found in the folk music of England, Scotland and Ireland and has a traditional association with sailors in that dancing was used on lo Show More...
The hornpipe is found in the folk music of England, Scotland and Ireland and has a traditional association with sailors in that dancing was used on long sea journeys to keep them fit. Hornpipes are usually associated with other hornpipes in a performance context in what is described as a dance set. Most folk music is played from memory and both memory and ensemble playing should be encouraged. The realisation of this two part version with letter names in the note heads plays at 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and the hornpipe is in AB (Binary) form. The music needs to be played with a triplet feel as demonstrated in the realisation. The repeats are not played in the realisation and there is no ornamentation of the melodic line. Folk music scores are generally presented with minimal score detail although this score has both letter names of the notes in the notepad and suggested finger to encourage the beginner/improver player to make rapid progress. Understand that the playing of ornaments whilst relevant in repetitive music of this kind requires a special study and is governed by the instrument being played, the music tradition being represented and sometimes geography/locality. A study of ornamentation in folk music the music editor suggests is not for the faint hearted! There are also examples of hornpipes in baroque music including Handel’s Water Music. Close
Added: 17th December, 2018 10:12 AM |
Views : 3242
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical music performance in two part playing. This beginner version has clear inst Show More...
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical music performance in two part playing. This beginner version has clear instructions and introduces scale playing in a resource intended to be used in group teaching situations. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2887
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical music performance in melody and accompaniment playing. This beginner arrang Show More...
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical music performance in melody and accompaniment playing. This beginner arrangement has both chord diagrams and TAB whilst the letter names of the notes also appear in the noteheads of the melody. This resource is intended to be used in group teaching situations. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2804
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in melody and accompaniment playing. This beginner arrang Show More...
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in melody and accompaniment playing. This beginner arrangement has a graphic showing the layout of a keyboard and easy to ready representations of the chords to be played. Fingering is clearly specified for playing the melody and the letter names of the notes appear in the note heads. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2943
A very familiar piece composed by a very young Mozart. This beginner level format score has letter names of notes in the notehead and specified finger Show More...
A very familiar piece composed by a very young Mozart. This beginner level format score has letter names of notes in the notehead and specified fingering to assist the young player. The minuet is a dance with three beats to the bar although when learnt it is best played with a one in a bar feel. This example is a simply structured binary form movement although when the form was later expanded it became important as one of the movements incorporated into the Classical symphony. The K numbers associated with Mozart scores refers to the Köchel or catalogue numbers that describe the chronologically order of his compositions. This catalogue was created some fifty years after the composers death and K2 understandably is his second published work composed when he was 6. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2977
This is an attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. In this arrangement of the first section of the piece Show More...
This is an attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. In this arrangement of the first section of the piece for piano/keyboard the melody is played by the right hand whilst the left hand plays some broken chords. Fingering is clearly marked in the score and a tempo of 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and as a beginner score the letter names of the notes can be seen in the noteheads. The rondo was composed by Clementi, known in his own time as a teacher, composer, performer and even as a manufacturer of pianos spending most of his adult life living in England. His Opus 36 Sonatinas are a rich source of music for piano players. A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme although only the A or first section is featured in this beginner arrangement. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3215
This is an attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. In this arrangement of the first section of the piece Show More...
This is an attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. In this arrangement of the first section of the piece for piano/keyboard the melody is played by the right hand whilst the left hand plays some simple chord shapes. Fingering is clearly marked in the score and a tempo of 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and as a beginner score the letter names of the notes can be seen in the noteheads. The rondo was composed by Clementi, known in his own time as a teacher, composer, performer and even as a manufacturer of pianos spending most of his adult life living in England. His Opus 36 Sonatinas are a rich source of music for piano players. A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme although only the A or first section is featured in this beginner arrangement. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2757
This is a very attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. This is an arrangement of the first section of the Show More...
This is a very attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. This is an arrangement of the first section of the piece for two acoustic guitars - one guitar plays the melody whilst the other strums the chord on the main beats of the bar. The melody line is written in staff notation and TAB whilst there are chord diagrams/symbols in place to assist the second player. The rondo was composed by Clementi, known in his own time as a teacher, composer, performer and even as a manufacturer of pianos spending most of his adult life living in England. His Opus 36 Sonatinas are a rich source of music for beginner players although originally composed for the piano. A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme although only the A or first section is featured in this beginner arrangement. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2536
A cut down version of a movement taken from one of Beethoven's Sonatina's for piano intended for the beginner player. A tempo of 66 dotted quarter be Show More...
A cut down version of a movement taken from one of Beethoven's Sonatina's for piano intended for the beginner player. A tempo of 66 dotted quarter beats to the minute is recommended for this charming piece in 6/8 time. As a beginner piece the letter names of the notes have been placed in the note heads. Performance detail also has been added to the score and fingering is clearly specified. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3100
This is a two part cut down arrangement for the beginner player of this familiar piece from the string quartet repertoire. The music possesses classic Show More...
This is a two part cut down arrangement for the beginner player of this familiar piece from the string quartet repertoire. The music possesses classical beauty and is sustained in its quality. Whilst attributed to Haydn it is now known to have been composed by Roman Hoffstetter. Whilst, the music in the movement does sound easy to play there are nevertheless challenges in playing music of this era well and musically. In performance, the articulation of the notes needs to be consistent - the melody is to be played legato and the accompaniment staccato or at least in a detached manner. A tempo of 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested. As a beginner score the letter names of the notes appears in the note head and suggested fingering is in place. Remember that one of the best reasons to play classical music is that it is very helpful in giving players an awareness of basic structures and shapes in music. Additionally, it is also one of the best ways of developing a secure performing/playing technique on an instrument. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3256
This is an adapted and arranged version of Beethoven's Theme and Variations on a Swiss Air WoO 64 introducing players to the elements of Classical sty Show More...
This is an adapted and arranged version of Beethoven's Theme and Variations on a Swiss Air WoO 64 introducing players to the elements of Classical style and more particularly to the composer's style. The simple theme needs to be clearly articulated and played with a detached but not staccato keyboard touch. The WoO is short for Work without Opus Number and there are many jewels found in this category of work by Beethoven. As a Beginner level piece the letter names of the notes are written in the noteheads. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3024
A harder and longer version of this beginner piece to introduce piano and keyboard players to the musical elements that feature in ragtime music. In t Show More...
A harder and longer version of this beginner piece to introduce piano and keyboard players to the musical elements that feature in ragtime music. In this version a simple accompaniment based on chords is introduced in the second play through of the melody. A tempo of 110 quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested whilst the letter names of the notes are written in the note head. Fingering is clearly specified. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2701
A two part beginner piece intended to introduce pitched percussion instrument players to ragtime music. Whilst the realisation features marimba this p Show More...
A two part beginner piece intended to introduce pitched percussion instrument players to ragtime music. Whilst the realisation features marimba this piece could quite easily be played on other pitched percussion instruments such as the xylophone & glockenspiel. A tempo of 110 quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested and to assist beginner players the letter names of the notes are written in the noteheads. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1361
A two part beginner piece intended to introduce descant and tenor recorder players to ragtime music. To assist beginner players the letter names of th Show More...
A two part beginner piece intended to introduce descant and tenor recorder players to ragtime music. To assist beginner players the letter names of the noteheads are written in the noteheads and there are chord symbols notated on the score so that a guitar or similar chord instrument can be added to the ensemble. A tempo of 110 quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1782
A two part beginner piece to introduce piano and keyboard players to the musical elements that feature in ragtime music namely syncopated rhythms and Show More...
A two part beginner piece to introduce piano and keyboard players to the musical elements that feature in ragtime music namely syncopated rhythms and clearly articulated chord based melody shapes. A tempo of 110 quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. There is a keyboard graphic to support beginner players whilst the letter names of the notes are written in the note heads. Fingering is also clearly specified. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2636
A two part beginner piece to introduce instrument players to the musical elements that feature in ragtime music
namely syncopated rhythms and clearly Show More...
A two part beginner piece to introduce instrument players to the musical elements that feature in ragtime music
namely syncopated rhythms and clearly articulated melody shapes typically based on chords. A tempo of 110 quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2544
This is easy to play two part ragtime piece exploring the waltz rhythm. A tempo of 100-110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. Show More...
This is easy to play two part ragtime piece exploring the waltz rhythm. A tempo of 100-110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. As a beginner score the letter names of the notes are written inside the extra large noteheads. In this arrangement for pitched percussion several instruments could be utilised including glockenspiel, metallaphone and xylophone. The realisation features the sounds of the marimba. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2459
This is easy to play two part ragtime piece exploring the waltz rhythm. A tempo of 100-110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. A Show More...
This is easy to play two part ragtime piece exploring the waltz rhythm. A tempo of 100-110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. As a beginner score the letter names of the notes are written inside the extra large note heads and there is recommended fingering. A competent performance would suggest that the player is ready to tackle improver level pieces. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2822
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the stylistic elements associated with the playing of classical music.
Show More...
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3026
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in a two part context. This arrangement is for oboe and bassoo Show More...
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in a two part context. This arrangement is for oboe and bassoon will help players understand about legato playing and phrasing and to assist players the letter names of the notes appear in the noteheads. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2722
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in a two part context. This arrangement is for Bb clarinet and Show More...
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in a two part context. This arrangement is for Bb clarinet and bassoon will help players understand about legato playing and phrasing and to assistthe letter names of the notes appear in the noteheads. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2429
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the stylistic elements of playing classical music in a two part context. This arrangement is for decant an Show More...
A familiar melody used to introduce some of the stylistic elements of playing classical music in a two part context. This arrangement is for decant and treble recorder. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2385
A haunting piece in the key of G minor often associated and played with the Minuet in G BWV App 114. This version has the letter names of the notes in Show More...
A haunting piece in the key of G minor often associated and played with the Minuet in G BWV App 114. This version has the letter names of the notes in the noteheads and the right hand and left hand fingering clearly specified. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2658
A melody and chord arrangement of this familiar melody which could quite easily be played as a duet. Arranged for the beginner this resource has lette Show More...
A melody and chord arrangement of this familiar melody which could quite easily be played as a duet. Arranged for the beginner this resource has letter names of notes written in the note heads and a guitar chord chart to support the melody. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2157
An excellent and appealing melody to play which will help develop essential and secure keyboard technique. Arranged for the beginner this resource has Show More...
An excellent and appealing melody to play which will help develop essential and secure keyboard technique. Arranged for the beginner this resource has a keyboard graphic to help the player learn about the layout of the keyboard with letter names of notes written above the note heads to help players to learn note positions on the treble stave Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2662
An excellent and appealing melody to play which will help develop essential and secure keyboard technique. Arranged for the beginner this resource has Show More...
An excellent and appealing melody to play which will help develop essential and secure keyboard technique. Arranged for the beginner this resource has graphics to help the player with letter names of notes written in the notehead together with instructions to assist the player. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2469
