Introduction to the course
In the second level of the course, you will begin to develop greater hand independence, which is essential for playing the piano. We will start by playing a simple melody with the right hand and a single note with the left. In the second module, you will move your hands in parallel, playing the same notes an octave apart. In the third module, you will play separate, independent melodies with each hand. In the fourth module, you will discover some typical musical mechanisms, such as contrary motion and imitation. Finally, in the fifth module, we will introduce the ‘Albert bass’ and tied notes.
The exercises are based on Ferdinand Beyer’s Op. 101, a classic work in piano teaching. You will play increasingly difficult exercises to improve your musical ear, memory, sense of rhythm and hand coordination.
Click here to go to the purchase page for the Piano Course, Level 2
How to use this music course
This second piano course is more detailed than the previous one. For each lesson, you will find the following, in this order:
- An audio track featuring the complete performance of the exercise
- A second audio track explaining the main difficulties, with guidance on notes and fingering
- The right-hand part played on its own
- The left-hand part played on its own
I would therefore suggest you start by listening to the piece a few times. Next, listen to my explanation; I hope this will make your practice smoother and more structured. Finally, work with the two audio tracks dedicated to each hand. You can use them in two ways: either play along with me, or play the missing part. In general, I suggest you start with the part you find easiest.
First module: a note with the left hand
In the first module, you will play simple melodic lines with your right hand, whilst your left hand accompanies by playing a single note
Click here to go to Lesson 1, Beyer Exercise 8
Click here to go to Lesson 2, Beyer Exercise 9
Click here to go to Lesson 3 Beyer Exercise 10
Module 2: parallel motion and exchange of parts
In the second module, you begin to use both hands in a parallel motion, that is, playing two separate melodies that move in the same direction.
Click here to go to Lesson 4, Beyer Exercise 11
Click here to go to Lesson 5, Beyer Exercise 12
Click here to go to Lesson 6, Beyer Exercise 13
Click here to go to Lesson 7, Beyer Exercise 14
Module 3: Hand Independence
In the third module, you will tackle exercises of increasing difficulty, with your hands playing distinct and independent melodies
Click here to go to Lesson 8, Beyer Exercise 15
Click here to go to Lesson 9, Beyer Exercise 16
Click here to go to Lesson 10, Beyer Exercise 17
Click here to go to Lesson 11, Beyer Exercise 18
Click here to go to Lesson 12, Beyer Exercise 19
Click here to go to Lesson 13, Beyer Exercise 20
Click here to go to Lesson 14, Beyer Exercise 21
Module 4: Imitation and Contrary Motion
In the fourth module, your hands start moving more and more independently, for example by imitating each other (playing the same melody at different times) or by moving in opposite directions (one hand goes up, the other goes down).
Click here to go to Lesson 15, Beyer Exercise 22
Click here to go to Lesson 16, Beyer Exercise 23
Click here to go to Lesson 17, Beyer Exercise 24
Click here to go to Lesson 18, Beyer Exercise 25
Click here to go to Lesson 19, Beyer Exercise 26
Click here to go to Lesson 20, Beyer Exercise 27
Module 5: tied notes and "Alberti Bass"
In the fifth module, you will play the most challenging exercises from the second course. We will also introduce tied notes and broken-chord accompaniment, also known as the ‘Alberti Bass’.
Click here to go to Lesson 21, Beyer Exercise 28
Click here to go to Lesson 22, Beyer Exercise 29