2. "Starting Naturally" will focus on what you need to learn first.

• In this chapter, "natural" refers to the white keys on the piano.

2.1. The first thing you see on a piano score is the title and composer.

• The popular title can be different from the original.
• It may start with the musical form, like in Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.

2.1.1. The Opus number (Op.) shows the order a piece was published.

• Another number may tell which piece it is.
• Sometimes, a dedication is also added.
• For Bach, the code BWV is used instead of Opus.

2.1.2. At the top-left of a piano score, you might see "piano" or just a brace (a curved bracket).

• In Beethoven's sonatas, a sonata number is often shown before the brace instead.

2.1.3. The brace shows that the top and bottom lines are played together, from left to right.

• Even without it, a bar line can still show that both lines go at the same time.

2.1.4. Most piano scores are piano solos:

• Played by one person on one piano.

2.1.5. Some piano scores are for two players on two pianos (piano duo).

• Marked as Piano 1 and Piano 2.
• Two pianos are used so the hands do not overlap.

2.1.6. Piano duets can also be played by two players on one piano (piano four hands).

• Primo (right)
• Secondo (left)
• This works if their hands do not overlap.

2.1.7. Piano trio uses one piano and two other instruments.

• Not 3 pianos or 6 hands.

Start with what you need to learn first, where “natural” refers to the white keys on the piano.

Continue with the free sample or unlock the complete guide below.