How to Quickly Improvise with the Chord Plus the Melody
Switching now to the right hand which has the melody as the highest note. So how do you add the notes of the chord UNDER the melody so that what you play is a recognizable song? Playing chord plus the melody involves some rearranging of notes.
Don’t Get Growly
As a general practice, if you don’t play the right hand notes lower than the G key under Center F, the sounds will not get muddy or growly.
Right Hand Chord + Melody: Thinking Process Examples
This does take some practice. Start with easy chords like C, G, and F that have the melody on top; then put the melody note somewhere within the chord. Don’t worry about making true song melodies right at first – just get used to the process. One step at a time!
If this seems difficult, remember – you do not have to read any of these notes – just take them from the chord!
What Would the First Lesson for a Young Student Look Like?
What Would the First Lesson for a 6 to Teen Look Like (video)?
View sample pages of all the books for students
ages 6 to teen:
View sample pages of all the books for students
4 to 5 years old:
View sample pages of all the books for older
teens and adults:
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Leslie Young is the author/composer of the Revolutionary Piano Method. She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for about 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning student
Leslie believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the encouragement of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.
She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of certain ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity. Because these books are self-explanatory, a new or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the Revolutionary Piano Method with students. It is an easy way to learn piano.”
