Piano from Scratch

Before watching this video, you might want to check out this overview of navigating the piano and the basics of the note names: Basics of Getting Around the Piano
Then you should watch this video to learn how G clefs work: Star Wars from Scratch #2
We'll talk about the special rules governing the notes in this piece, and some possible reasons why Claude Debussy decided to use black keys instead of white ones, which would've been easier to play.

You can download a MusicReader version of "Clair de lune" from the Piano from Scratch Library. MusicReader is available as a free demo download for Mac and PC computers in the Software section of the Piano from Scratch Library.

For more information on MusicReader, please visit http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader

Now we get started learning the very first notes of Debussy's "Clair de lune". Using the G clefs in both hands, we can easily map out where to find the notes, keeping in mind the special rules governed by the Key Signature that changes most of the notes to flats. We also learn about ties and how they're used to extend the length of notes. I also show how I'm using a special program to better illustrate how I'm using the damper pedal (far right) to control how notes are sustained and released.