Blog Layout
Key Sounds UK • January 10, 2023

Three Hacks to Read Sheet Music Faster

1.    Keyboard Geography

 

Every note found on piano sheet music corresponds to a piano key. While there are 88 keys in total on a full-sized instrument, they are made up of letters with and without symbols which repeat in steps as we move across the keyboard. To learn how to read sheet music you would learn how to recognise the notes on the stave and find them on the keyboard based on the patterns you have been taught.

 

As you can see there are a set of two black keys followed by three black keys. This pattern then repeats across the keyboard alongside the letter names.

Keyboard geography is how efficiently we can navigate the layout of the piano keys with the sheet music.

2.    Treble and Bass Clef Acronyms 

The Treble Clef can also be called the ‘G Clef’. This is because the first curve at the bottom crosses the letter G line which is found on the second line up on the stave.

 

Similarly, the Bass Clef can also be called the ‘F Clef’. This is because the large dot on the left-hand side of the clef where we would begin to draw the clef is on the second line down on the stave which is where we would find letter F on the music.

 

We can therefore use both of the alternative names of these clefs to work out notes on our music that are closer to them, as supposed to working them out from Middle C, which would take a longer period of time. 

In music, there are several acronyms which can help us remember the pattern of the notes within the spaces and lines on the music.

 

For example, in between the Treble Clef spaces we can spell the word: ‘face’. In between the Treble Clef lines, we have the acronym: ‘Every Good Boy Deserves Football.’

 

In between the Bass Clef spaces we have an acronym which reads: All Cows Eat Grass. In between the Bass Clef lines we have another acronym which reads: ‘Good Books Deserve Full Attention’.

 

 

3.    Resources & Games

 

Use to test yourself

Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly

Online and In-Person Piano Lesson Comparison

By Reshmi Patel • February 17, 2025
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, you might be wondering: should you take lessons online or in person? The good news is that there’s no wrong choice! Both options have their perks, and the best one depends on your learning style, lifestyle, and goals. Let’s break it down! The Perks of Online Piano Lessons Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Access to Top Teachers: You’re not limited by location—you can study with amazing teachers worldwide. Technology & Tools: Many platforms offer interactive features like video feedback, AI-generated practice recommendations, and virtual sheet music. Affordability: Online lessons can sometimes be more budget-friendly than in-person instruction. The Benefits of In-Person Piano Lessons Immediate Feedback: Your teacher can adjust your posture, hand position, and technique instantly. Accountability: Having a set lesson schedule with a teacher can keep you motivated and consistent. Better Engagement: Some students thrive with in-person interaction and find it easier to focus. Which One is Right for You? If you love flexibility and access to global resources, online lessons might be your best bet. If you thrive on real-time interaction and hands-on guidance, in-person lessons could be ideal. Some students even choose a hybrid approach! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .

How to Turn Piano Practice into Productive yet Playful Practice

By Reshmi Patel • February 3, 2025
Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Adding an element of play can make it an enjoyable part of your day. 1. Turn practice into a game – use a timer and see how many times you can play a section correctly in five minutes, or create a “practice bingo” card with tasks like “play softly,” “practice scales backward,” or “play standing up.” Reward progress – aim to reward students with small treats or privileges to keep motivation high. 2. Add friendly competition to make practice more exciting. If you have siblings or friends who play, hold mini-recitals or compete to memorize a short piece the fastest. 3. Challenge yourself with personal goals – an example of this could be learning a new song in a week or improvising a melody over a chord progression. 4. Record your sessions and watch your progress – it’s inspiring to see how far you’ve come! 5. Use technology to your advantage – apps like Simply Piano or Flowkey offer interactive, gamified lessons, while YouTube tutorials provide endless inspiration. 6. Play songs you genuinely enjoy – mix favourite pop songs, movie themes, or video game music into your routine alongside classical exercises. A balance of fun and structure keeps practice fresh and exciting—because music should always be enjoyable! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact

What to Consider When Changing Your Piano Teacher

By Reshmi Patel • January 20, 2025
How Do I Know When to Change Piano Teacher? Choosing the right piano teacher can profoundly impact a child’s musical journey, but sometimes, the best path forward involves change. Before considering a switch, it’s important to recognize that every teacher brings unique strengths, and not every bump in the road signals the need for a new instructor. Challenges like a tough piece or frustration over progress are natural parts of learning. However, if a student feels consistently unmotivated or a teacher’s methods clash with their learning style, it might be time to evaluate the situation. Signs that it could be time for a change include stagnation in progress: 1. A lack of connection between teacher and student 2. A shift in the student’s goals that the current teacher isn’t equipped to support - for instance, a student focusing on advanced classical repertoire might need a specialist, while a budding songwriter may thrive with someone versed in improvisation or composition. 3. Logistical issues like scheduling or location are creating unnecessary stress - open communication with the teacher can often address these concerns, but sometimes, switching is the best option to reignite a student’s passion for playing. Switching teachers is not a failure; it’s a thoughtful decision to prioritize what’s best for the student’s growth. Musical journeys are deeply personal, and the teacher-student relationship plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence and creativity. If a switch is necessary, approach it with kindness and gratitude for the teacher’s contributions so far.  Remember, finding the right teacher is about aligning with the student’s evolving needs, and making that change can be a powerful step toward nurturing a lifelong love for music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
More Posts
Share by: