beginner: how to play chords?

I've just started some weeks ago with my new e-piano (I had another MIDI keyboard before, but it was a bit shaky, so I didn't do much with it). This is the first piece I've learned, with the help of Andrew's nice videos:



I think I have to practice it even more, the 1/8 notes part is not very clean and the whole notes are too short. Maybe a real teacher would be a good idea, but feel free to comment if you see another things I could improve.

Now I want to start playing the chords as well. In the song book there are nice small pictures with which keys I have to press for the chords and then the names like F, C7, Dm etc. But it doesn't sound good, when I just try to play all notes of the chords at once. How should I play it? Maybe buying a better song book with a more original sheet from Mozart, or is this too difficult for a beginner?

nice one..u need the chords to make it really beautiful..
keep going..and add more vedios..
take care..

As I always say, its best to go slow and steady than to go fast and erratic

Do-do-DO! do-do-do-do-do-DOOOOOOOOOO~! Meep meep meep meeeeeep meeeeeeeeeeep meep meep meep meeeeeeeeep! You're gonna have this tune in my head forever now Mr frank!

And I personally don't think its such a bad idea to have a hard piece which you want to be able to play really well oneday and to practice it every now and again. All harder pieces take are more time to learn and if there are difficult bits, better technique and some knowledge, but you can find them out as you go and come here and ask for help if you can't find the information.

I have quite a few songs I want to be able to play and I'm going to learn them no matter what it takes and work on my techniques, fingering and theory before and after, I know I'll get there!

Klavier wrote:And I personally don't think its such a bad idea to have a hard piece which you want to be able to play really well oneday and to practice it every now and again. All harder pieces take are more time to learn and if there are difficult bits, better technique and some knowledge, but you can find them out as you go and come here and ask for help if you can't find the information.

I disagree. It doesn't make sense as a beginner to try playing something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-c5BFaw5sg
Your goal could be to play it someday, but before you have to play simpler pieces to learn the basics

BTW: I've found another version of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: http://www.makingmusicfun.net/htm/f_printit_free_printable_sheet_music/eine-kleine-nachtmusik-piano-solo.htm
It's transposed compared to the version in my songbook, so I have to learn some other finger movements, but the good thing is that it has a detailed bassline with notes instead of just some chord names

frank wrote:

Klavier wrote:And I personally don't think its such a bad idea to have a hard piece which you want to be able to play really well oneday and to practice it every now and again. All harder pieces take are more time to learn and if there are difficult bits, better technique and some knowledge, but you can find them out as you go and come here and ask for help if you can't find the information.

I disagree. It doesn't make sense as a beginner to try playing something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-c5BFaw5sg
Your goal could be to play it someday, but before you have to play simpler pieces to learn the basics

Even difficult music has simple parts within it. Your example is complex yes and wouldn't be able to be played by a beginner but thats not what I was stating, I was stating that you can somewhat measure your progress by being able to go back and try and play it, or play parts of it, and eventually you will be able to do it. This is especially good for those who have a real passion for a particular song and it happens to be difficult. You can grow your proficiency at piano and steadily be able to complete your song.

I do agree that playing simpler pieces should be played like you've stated to grow your skills but ALONGSIDE your complicated piece. I know I'll find it hard to be excited about completing "happy birthday" or "twinkle little star" despite how cute they are, however just by playing the first maybe few bars of my favourite song I know I'll be insanely happy and will be motivated to try and work on my skills to be able to play the next few bars.

I guess this method of practicing only works if you don't expect much to start off with and don't turn this one complicated song into your life at piano, its more about learning to be able to play your song and learn about music through it. Being open-minded but focused on your goals.
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And that sheet looks perfect for you and a logical next step. Remember to report back when you think you've nailed it Sir Frank!

Klavier wrote:
I do agree that playing simpler pieces should be played like you've stated to grow your skills but ALONGSIDE your complicated piece. I know I'll find it hard to be excited about completing "happy birthday" or "twinkle little star" despite how cute they are, however just by playing the first maybe few bars of my favourite song I know I'll be insanely happy and will be motivated to try and work on my skills to be able to play the next few bars.

Yes, I think this is a good idea. I hope someday I can play pieces like this one:



At least it looks easier than Liszt

Klavier wrote:
And that sheet looks perfect for you and a logical next step. Remember to report back when you think you've nailed it Sir Frank!

I'll try it. On this saturday I'll have a lesson at a music school, because I think the interaction with a real teacher is better than trying to learn it from books or videos, only. Of course, Andrew's lessons are a very good supplement.

I've listened to Lacyrmosa versions about 300 times and I know I can make it sound fantastic, now all I need is my new p155 to arrive. :3 I can't waitttt~!

This peice is amazing..and she plays it wonderful..
I want to leaaaaaaarn it Uhh..

Her composition is very relaxing. ^_^