Introduction to the course
In the first level of the Piano Course for the Visually Impaired, you will learn the position of the notes on the keyboard, using the raised keys at the top – those corresponding to sharps and flats – as a reference point. After a few introductory lessons to help you find your way around the high and low keys, you will begin to play your first simple melodies.
Some exercises from the Piano Course for the Visually Impaired – Level 1 are taken from Ferdinand Beyer’s Opus 101. This piano method is very old, dating back to the mid-19th century. Beyer’s exercises are very structured and progressive, covering every aspect, making them ideal for all beginners. The first two themes and their variations are taken from Beyer; you will play these first with your right hand, and then with your left hand.
In the fourth module of the course, you will begin to play with both hands simultaneously. However, the hands will move symmetrically, or in parallel, so it won’t be difficult to perform the first two-handed exercises. Work on hand independence will only be addressed later, in the second part of the course. Finally, the fourth module of the course will allow you to play some simple and famous popular melodies, so you can start enjoying yourself at the piano and gauge the first results of your study.
Module 1: Exploring the keyboard
In this module, you will learn to recognise the position of the notes on the keyboard, using the raised key groups as a guide.
Click here to go to Lesson 1, the note C
Click here to go to Lesson 2, the notes D and E
Click here to go to Lesson 3, the notes F, G, A and B
Click here to go to Lesson 4, conclusions
Module 2: The Right Hand
In Module 2, you will practise playing using only your right hand.
Click here to go to Lesson 5, Beyer Op. 101, theme for the right hand
Click here to go to Lesson 6, Variation 1
Click here to go to Lesson 7, Variation 2
Click here to go to Lesson 8, Variation 3
Click here to go to lesson 9, variation 4
Click here to go to lesson 10, variation 5
Click here to go to lesson 11, variation 6
Click here to go to lesson 12, variation 7
Click here to go to lesson 13, variation 8
Click here to go to lesson 14, variation 9
Click here to go to lesson 15, variation 10
Click here to go to lesson 16, variation 11
Click here to go to lesson 17, variation 12
Module 3: The Left Hand
In Module 3, you will practise playing using only your left hand.
Click here to go to Lesson 18, Beyer Op. 101, theme for the left hand.
Click here to go to lesson 19, variation 1
Click here to go to lesson 20, variation 2
Click here to go to lesson 21, variation 3
Click here to go to lesson 22, variation 4
Click here to go to lesson 23, variation 5
Click here to go to lesson 24, variation 6
Click here to go to lesson 25, variation 7
Click here to go to lesson 26, variation 8
Module 4: Playing with both hands
In Module 4, you will start playing with both hands together. For now, both hands play the same notes, an octave apart.
Click here to go to Lesson 27, Beyer Op. 101 Exercise 3
Click here to go to lesson 28, Beyer Op. 101, exercise 4
Click here to go to lesson 29, Beyer Op. 101, exercise 5
Click here to go to lesson 30, Beyer Op. 101, exercise 6
Module 5: Your first simple melodies
In Module 5, you will learn some famous melodies, with both hands playing the same notes an octave apart.
Click here to go to Lesson 31, Au Clair de la Lune
Click here to go to Lesson 32, Mary Had a Little Lamb
Click here to go to lesson 33, Minor Melody
Click here to go to lesson 34, Piva piva, Italian folk song