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Hi guys I'm new here. I'm a complete beginner to learning piano, and going down the route of self teaching as opposed to taught. When I say self taught I am of course reading books and searching the web, hence why I have landed here amongst you guys!
I figured a good way of getting round the terminology is by finding a piece of music I really want to learn and decode it. Which leads me to my first question.
I have learn about what a key signature is and that it sets specific notes to a sharpened or flat state. Therefore I've been trying to work out why above the start of a new bar of music 'Am' is written or 'Cm'. I don't get it. I can attach a picture if it helps?
Also, I have been reading a book that doesn't give any definition on what a 'Fermata' is. I have tried to find it using various associated terminology but cannot find anything on it. I can however find information on it online. Is it not common practice to use the notation?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for reading.
Matthew
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Mathew89 The symbols Am Cm etc... you are referring to are chord symbols. They identify the accompaniment chords in the piece. Depending on what's going on in the piece, they can help in sight reading, make it easier to vary what you play in the piece (there are many different ways to play a chord, you don't always have to play them exactly as they are written), or be used by another musician (someone playing guitar for example) to play along with you. As for the fermata, wikipedia is a really good resource for music terminology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermata
Nord Stage 2 HA88 Roland RD800
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Hi Matthew. Welcome. I would get Alfred's All-in-One Book 1 and go through that to self learn. It will explain everything as you go along. Here is the thread that will help you: https://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubb...s_Basic_and_ALL_in_One_.html#Post1070137 Also, here is the online definition for fermata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermata
Kawai MP11 : JBL LSR305 : Focusrite 2i4 : Pianoteq / Garritan CFX
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. -Willy Wonka
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... I have learn about what a key signature is and that it sets specific notes to a sharpened or flat state. Therefore I've been trying to work out why above the start of a new bar of music 'Am' is written or 'Cm'. ...
Yes, as mentioned, these are the underlying chords. You are trying to learn to read a melody line with some harmony (LH (left hand) harmony mostly, and perhaps a bit of RH harmony in addition to the melody), yes? As a result, you are or will be already playing these chords, or variations of them as you follow the written notes. So, just ignore them for now. Wait until your teacher introduces chords.
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Hi Matthew, welcome to PW. Have you considered using a method book for self-teaching in addition to trying to learn piano by "decoding" a musical piece?
For those who missed it: Matthew mentioned he can find information online for the term "Fermata," but he can't find anything about it in his music book. So he's wondering... why is that?
Linda Casio Privia PX-850 (home), Yamaha Upright (lessons)
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... For those who missed it: Matthew mentioned he can find information online for the term "Fermata," but he can't find anything about it in his music book. So he's wondering... why is that?
Maybe it assumes everyone has a Teach. Many music terms and notations are not easily distinguished without further inquiry, or via a teacher. I came across this "Fermata" thing recently and came here to ask about it. Now, I know what to do as Listz apparently forgot to spell it out for me.
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Thanks guys. That has safely put my mind at rest! Excuse the pun. Muuhaha! I am learning Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush. I actually can hear in my mind what the chords correspond to (I think) it's pretty cool to realise actually. I hope you don't mind the questions.
Thanks again!
Matthew
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As the whole piece is played on the right hand (presumably) as there is no bass clef, can these chords be played on the left hand?
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The entire MELODY will likely be played in the RH, yes.
Is your score just melody and chords? Can you show the score?
She sounds like Madonna. I like the voice ...
There will be lots of ways to do it. For sure you will want to involve your left hand.
I'd advise to try and find an entire arrangement that has all the notes (LH and RH) written out. Otherwise, you will need to advance right into learning about chords and some kind of improvisation of same, to learn the piece.
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Matthew89 It sounds like you're looking at a lead sheet (collections of lead sheets are sometimes called fake books). In general, a lead sheet just has a simple melody line in the treble staff and the chords indicated above. In that case, yes, you're supposed to play the chords with the left hand and the melody with the right hand (there are other things you can do, but that's the most simple way to handle it). When you get to a more advanced level, there are a lot of different things you can do with the chord and with the melody to dress them up and make them sound more full.
Warm Regards
Nord Stage 2 HA88 Roland RD800
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Also, I have been reading a book that doesn't give any definition on what a 'Fermata' is. I have tried to find it using various associated terminology but cannot find anything on it. I can however find information on it online. Is it not common practice to use the notation? First, welcome. I see the fermata fairly often from classical to modern repertoire that I'm learning. I would say it is, in fact, very common.
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I've gotten sloppy over the years -- I call that symbol a "hold".
I don't know why you found it difficult to get a definition. I just typed:
fermata music definition
into Google, and it produced a good picture and descriptive text from Wikipedia.
. charles
. Charles --------------------------- PX-350 / Roland Gaia / Pianoteq
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