How to Play Lead Sheets and Chords on the Piano - Unlocking the Code
We will learn how to play leadsheets on the piano. We will also learn more about chords!
Julie Schmidt
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(141)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Musical leadsheets can be very confusing! Where's the left hand? Why are there capital letters on top of the right hand notes? Why would anyone choose to play from a leadsheet instead of traditional piano sheet music? What is a Fake Book? We will answer these questions and more in this 55 minute class. Once students learn how to read leadsheets, they usually find them easier to play. If a student does not have a lot of experience with reading music, a leadsheet can help them progress quickly to playing more popular music. Requirements - Students need to be able to: * read notes in the Treble Clef (right hand). It's helpful if they can read from Middle C to Treble C (1 octave), but if they know Middle C to G they can play a simple song (Note - if your child needs to learn how to read music, they can enroll in my class, Easy Piano for Older Beginners first). *label the notes on the keys *play simple songs on the white keys by reading the notes (Mary Had a Little Lamb, Hot Cross Buns, Ode to Joy, etc.) In this class, students will learn: * at least 3 major chords (C, G, F) * how to form 7th chords * how to combine the right and left hands when playing a leadsheet * different rhythm patterns for the left hand * 1-2 minor chords if time permits * how to find leadsheets online or in piano books We will begin with learning "It's Raining, It's Pouring" in C Major and progress to "America" in C major if time permits.
Learning Goals
* 3 major chords (C, F, G)
* 1 minor chord
* how to form 7th chords
* how to combine right and left hands while playing a lead sheet
* how to find lead sheets online and in piano books
Other Details
Supply List
A piano or keyboard is required. It is preferable that a keyboard has at least 61 keys. A printer to print the music and handouts before the class begins. I need to be able to see the student's hands on the keys. Usually if the laptop/iPad is placed at a side angle to the keys I am able to see their hands. A chair with a stack of books can be used to prop up the laptop.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
141reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! My name is Julie Schmidt and I have 16 years of experience teaching individual and group piano lessons. Also, I have been playing and studying the piano for 35 years while earning a MS in Education. Music is definitely my passion. My favorite part of teaching the piano is finding out what kind of music motivates my students. Some of my students like reading the notes on the staff, playing classical music, and not straying far from the printed notes. Other students play more by ear and love to improvise! I always have a few students who want to be able to play songs quickly - I teach them chords and leadsheets so they can progress faster. I like to tailor my lessons to get a student excited about playing the piano. I use a variety of books, digital music, and resources to keep my lessons new and motivate my students to practice.
I have a laid-back teaching style and love to have fun during lessons. We will play games, improvise, compose, learn chords, and study different musical periods and composers. I really enjoy it when students bring their own music to lessons because I know that they are motivated to learn it!
Along with piano I have also earned a degree in Dietetics, owned a baking business, homeschooled my 3 children for a few years, taught in the public school, and taught Sunday School to middle schoolers. Luckily I did not do all of these things at the same time! I love reading, baking, line dancing, and attending concerts. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$25
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-5 learners per class
