Introduction to the Piano Keyboard
Primary 4 · Creative Arts
Introduction to the Piano Keyboard
Lesson 5 of 5
25 min
Let's begin
Byiringiro's school has one keyboard for the whole class. "How can I practise when it's not my turn?" he asks. His teacher smiles and hands him a long strip of paper and a pencil. "Let's make a keyboard of your own!"
A paper keyboard makes no sound, but it trains your fingers to find the right keys. You can also practise finger numbers by tapping on your desk.
You sang this old tune in the last unit. Now play it with your right hand in C position:
3 2 1, 3 2 1, 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2, 3 2 1
(E D C, E D C, C C C C D D D D, E D C)
Right hand in C position, thumb on middle C:
1 1 1 2 3 2, 1 3 2 2 1
(C C C D E D, C E D D C)
Put both hands in C position. Now play C D E F G with both hands at the same time: the left hand plays 5 4 3 2 1 while the right hand plays 1 2 3 4 5. The hands move in the same direction but use different fingers. Go slowly!
Tip
Slow, steady, every day. Play slowly, keep the beat steady, and practise a little every day. That is how every great pianist started.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
Which right-hand fingers play Hot Cross Buns' first three notes, E D C?
Answer: 3 2 1.
In Au Clair de la Lune, the right hand plays 1 1 1 2 3. Which notes are they?
Answer: C C C D E.
When both hands play C D E F G together, which finger does the left hand start with?
Answer: 5 (the little finger).
Why is it better to practise slowly first?
Answer: So you play the right notes with the right fingers; speed comes later.
Where do the black keys go on a paper keyboard?
Answer: In groups of 2 and 3, with no black key between E–F and B–C.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Written by Ganzaa: the paper-keyboard activity, the fingerings, the diagrams and the practice questions. Hot Cross Buns and Au Clair de la Lune are traditional tunes in the public domain.
Quick check
