Clair de lune from scratch: Piano Lesson #3 - The First Measure

Please visit http://PianoFromScratch.com to view all of the lessons and download the sheet music.

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.

You can download a PDF of the score as part of the Suite Bergamasque from IMSLP.org here: http://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/02907

You can also download the MusicReader version of Clair de lune itself here:
http://airturn.com/musicreader-library/piano-solos/debussy-clair-de-lune-1905...

MusicReader is a program that gives you the ability to annotate your score with digital ink, just like I do on these lesson videos. For more information about MusicReader, please visit http://airturn.com/musicreader/musicreader

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[julymaeandaloc]

Hi,

Interesting new piano learning device featured in Gizmag

Google “gizmag pianomaestro”

Just wanted to share

[hughsung]

@julymaeandaloc Interesting idea...but that LED/MIDI light strip looks far too small to cover all the notes in a piece like Clair de lune.

[dawg1157]

Prof. Sung,

What does "con sordina" indicate? is that a dynamic?

[hughsung]

@dawg1157 "Con sordina" means "with the mute", or in this case, the soft pedal on the piano (usually the one on the far left). Hope this helps!

[hannahfan3389]

You are a great teacher! You are better that my piano teacher! Thanks for posting this!

[hughsung]

@hannahfan3389 Thanks so much for your kind comments! I'm so glad you enjoy this video!

[phlizmo]

im going to buy a piano tomorrow so i can learn this! my favorite song.

[moonsmilelucide]

@julymaeandaloc Bad thing about this is that you don't learn technics, you probably gonna be caught up in using the wrong vingers and not efficient

[DisciplinedAuthority]

even though these videos are a little bit slow for my pace, I like it because you make everything crystal clear

[juanchoelcool]

theres so many greedy people in this world and learning / teaching .. so i thank you for being humble and taking time to explain such great talent you have thank you i have just picked up the piano if i had the chance at a younger age to learn i would of but sadly life didnt go as planned but thank you again your videos have made me want to keep learning god bless

[MrAJSavage]

Does this song use any of the modes?

[Jelli4ever]

i wish i knew where you are because i would LOVE to have a teacher like you, you break everything down so that its so easy to learn!!

[babybella900]

@sazman333 REALLY pianissimo. play the key as quietly as possible, like ff means REALLY foritisimo, as in really loud. mf is metzo forte, meaning regular volume, and mp is slightly softer than mf.

[sazman333]

@hungsung I was just wondering wha does the pp indicate?

[sotopagla]

Nice job! Just wanted to share with you a cool piano gadget recently featured in Gizmag Google “gizmag pianomaestro”