Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven (Late-Intermediate Piano Solo) Alfred's Adult Level 3
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
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This is the 1st Movement from Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# minor, Opus 27, No. 2. It is one of Beethoven's most peaceful and serene compositions and has been well-loved through the years and performed and recorded by many renowned pianists.
Beethoven composed this song in 1801 and dedicated it to his piano student, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, in 1802. The name "Moonlight Sonata" came about in 1836 when the German music critic, Ludwig Rellstab, said that the 1st movement reminded him of "the reflected moonlight off of Lake Lucerne". Obviously, the public agreed with his reference and the name "Moonlight Sonata" has been used to refer to this song for almost 200 years.
This song was very popular even in Beethoven's time. Apparently Beethoven didn't think it was his best work since he remarked to Czerny, "They are always talking about the C# minor Sonata, surely I've written better things."
I like to use the una corda (soft pedal) on the final chord. --Norma
SHEET MUSIC
Alfred's Adult All In One Course Level 3 - www.sheetmusic...
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Level 3 - www.sheetmusic...
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PIANIST
Performed on a Bosendorfer 7'4" Concert Grand Piano (225SP) by Norma Meis 
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Hi! Incredible performance!What books do you recommend after finishing level 3? Because there's no Alfred level 4 right?
I wish they did a Level 4 book as well since it is nice to have the structure and the variety that they include in this method series all in one book. But thankfully, there are other graded series which will offer some order to the many musical options available.
There are many different books and sheets that I use when a student is at the intermediate level depending on their tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas for you:
In the Classical category: Alfred's Masterwork Classics Levels 1 - 10, Essential Piano Repertoire edited by Keith Snell Levels 1 - 10, (In each of these series you could probably start at about level 4.)
In the Jazz category: Jazz, Rags & Blues by Martha Mier Books 1 - 5 (could start about book 2-3), Especially in Jazzy Style by Dennis Alexander Books 1 - 3 (could start in book 2).
Both Martha Mier and Dennis Alexander have nice series of more lyrical compositions that they call "In Romantic Style" or "Romantic Impressions" or "Especially in Romantic Style" with several books in each set. (could start in book 2)
In the Pop/Movie/Broadway category: Alfred's Greatest Hits Level 3 (in their Adult series) offers some very good arrangements.
In the Sacred category: Alfred's Sacred Performer series, many great books to choose from, look for those that have the Intermediate label.
For Technique: Alfred's Technical Skills Levels 1 - 10 (could start about Level 4), "Burgmuller, Czerny & Hanon" edited by Ingrid Jacobson (start in book 1).
And that's a very brief offering of some of the books that I use with students. There is so much excellent music and resources available to us now, the options are endless, but that should give you a starting point for some to consider. Those books are available from Amazon.com and SheetMusicPlus.com and often will show preview pages. I do not have a sheet music store on my island so I have to rely on the internet for purchasing music. Also, I do digital downloads from MusicNotes.com and SheetMusicPlus.com when I'm looking for a specific song.
There are some videos on my You Tube Channel from "Masterwork Classics", "Essential Piano Repertoire", "Jazz, Rags, & Blues", and "Alfred's Greatest Hits" to give you an idea of some of those. They are easy to find through the "playlist" option.
You could also browse through my "Intermediate" and "Late-Intermediate" playlists for ideas as well.
Hope that helps as you continue your musical journey and please let me know if you find some great books or single sheets that you particularly enjoy. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 Wow thank you so much for replying and for your recommendations!!!!!! 💕💕
@@nico3144 You're very welcome!! All the best to you in your piano journey and Aloha from Hawaii!! --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 Yes, Jazz, Rags and Blues is an excellent book!
Beautiful playing.
I am at level 2 page 98. It took me 9 months to reach here. Now I always check level 3 songs... They are all perfect! I can't wait for Für Elise and Moonlight Sonata... I hope I will play them in a year.
Great job getting that far in 9 months! Keep it up and you'll soon get to Fur Elise and Moonlight Sonata. Worthy goals to work towards! --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 hahah thank you so much!
I'm moving at a level per year (I'm 69 and have to hurry up!!!)...Congrats on your quick progress! this last year w/o my teacher has been erratic...I am finishing Kinderszenen op. 15...after 6 months!-a bit much for a level 3 student. School is reopening next month so I thought to take on Sonata 14 in the mean time!! (will be back to scales and arpeggios soon enough-hahaha) Keep up the good work-you're an inspiration for hard work and perseverance!
@@LiloUkulele Thank you sir. And you are also a great inspiration for me because of the age difference :) We keep up the good work and we will eventually succeed. I see younger people who are slower than you. :) You are doing good sir! 😁
Update: I am at 50 in level 3. I just took a break from the book for several months and practiced some other pieces. Now I am back to the book!
I’m officially down with the whole Alfred series! Took me about 5-6 months with lots of dedication. Thank you so much for being such a motivation factor for me and anyone else listening to your videos. I would love to see you continue playing perhaps with the masterworks/encore books. Nonetheless, this channel and the videos helped a lot and I’m very thankful!
Hurrah! Good for you!! So glad that I was able to provide some motivation along the way. Yes, I did record quite a few from the Alfred's Masterwork Classics series, and I think just 2 from the Encore books. (They are in my "Masterwork Classics" playlist, "Essential Piano Repertoire" playlist, and "Classical" playlist.) Many, many more to learn and play from each of those series. Great books! All the very best to you as you continue your musical journey! --Norma
Wow so fast, i’m still in book 2 and took me 10 months though probably because i only practice twice a week. But i already master fur elise and moonlight sonata 1st movement. I want to study harder pieces right away
@@anonymousanonymous7087 Yes, Alex went through the Alfred's series at Top Speed! Very unusual to get through it that quickly! But I appreciate that he mentioned that it took "lots of dedication". The amount of time a student practices makes a huge difference. --Norma
So effortless... beautiful!
+eatdrkchoc Thank you!! This song has been a regular part of my Repertoire for many years since it is enjoyed by so many people.
2 years of playing before I started learning this, took about 2-3 weeks to perfect
Wow!! That's really good!! Much sooner and faster than most! --Norma
92PianoKeys thank you! I’ve been working hard
honeysuckle i have been playing piano for 10 months and i tried this, took me 5 days but still not perfect
How many hours per day did you use to perfect?
@@yosuagandawidjaja337 10 months??? How many hours do you play per week??
I absolutely love this song. You play it so well. With expression. I don't know if I can play it as well, but will give it my best! I love playing the piano!
Thank you so much! I love playing the piano too!! --Norma
Beautifully played. I’m in tears now bc my mom made me quit after level 6. U are truly talented. Keep going!!!
Thank you so much!! --Norma
Thats messed up. Can you still play piano though?
Excellent. What I like most about your videos there are no advertisements.
Thank you so much! --Norma
Absolutely beautiful as usual. Thanks for posting this, you continue to inspire every time I take on something new.
Thank you so much!! Grateful that I can be a part of your musical journey. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! --Norma
This is very beautiful. Lovely.
Thank you so much! --Norma
Very nice. So relaxed and no mistakes. Nice playing.
Thank you so much! This is a relaxing song for me. --Norma
Another listen. Just beautiful. So peaceful and relaxing.
Thank you for listening and commenting again! Glad that you found it peaceful and relaxing. :) NM
The rain in the background fits well with the song
I love that it sounded like rain! It was actually a fish aquarium. :)
Oh lol
My piano teacher gave me the third book today. I’m very excited to play everything the book contains.
Congratulations! It's a great book! I have lots of favorite songs in this 3rd book. Enjoy! Norma
I can close my eye and imagine being next to the stream.....wonderfull
So glad you found it relaxing and peaceful. Norma
Belissimo
Thank you so much!
I started the Alfred lessons around the start of summer and I am now halfway through the third book! I can’t wait to play the last few songs!
Wow!! You are moving really quickly through the books! Good for you! Keep up the great work. Yes, the "Ambitious section" of the book has some great songs in it. Enjoy! --Norma
LOVE IT❤
My favorite piece. I love your effortless finger movement. I am at Level 1 though. Almost 5 months in, watching the Stranger piece you played to learn it. Thanks for your videos.
You are very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Happy Thanksgiving and Aloha from Hawaii, Norma
I'm on page 28 in book 2. Excited to see this is where I will be ending up when I finish the series. I have used all your videos leading up to that point so far as reference. I just wanted to extend my thanks to you for taking the time for us beginners.
You are so very welcome!! So glad that you've been finding the videos helpful with your piano journey through the Alfred's series. Yes, it's exciting to see where you can end up with your piano skills if you just persevere along the way. It is very doable. --Norma
Wonderful!!!!!
Thank you so much! --Norma
I just started book 1, looking forward to reach here.
I currently don’t have a teacher but I plan on getting one, just have to wait like a month or two for my finance to readjust to accommodate the extra expense.
Wish me luck!
Welcome to the piano journey!! Glad to have you here! Just keep practicing and you will get to Moonlight Sonata! Wishing you all the very best from Hawaii! --Norma
Beautiful piece.
Well played
Thank you so much! Norma
Learned Canon 😀 now I am in love with this piece, cannot wait to learn it. I am struggling a bit as I am not very confident at reading notes under the bottom line. I keep having to count down from the bottom line to be sure. Beautifully played.
Congratulations on Canon in D! The notes in between the staffs and above and below the staffs are called "ledger line" notes since they are written with little lines that extend the staff. You will get better at reading those the more you do it. At this stage, I think it is perfectly okay to figure out the note and write in the letter next to it to aid in the learning process. Eventually you won't need to do that as much and you'll just recognize them as easily as the other notes on the staff. For me, I realize that often with those really low or high ledger line notes, I'm actually reading the distance between that note and the previous note since the intervals are clear to me, but if that note was just floating out there all by itself, I might have to figure it out too. Norma
92PianoKeys 92PianoKeys Thanks for the advice. I think you played this piece at good speed, some play it a bit too slow. Yes I am slowly getting more familar with them and have realised that the b sharp is a C if it is in the same bar as a B sharp, as the symbol # is not always there. It took me since the 20th January too master Canon 😃, 2 days for that jazz piece (I have jazzy hands 😁), and I have got the first 2 lines of this piece sounds beautiful. I may need to go over some easier pieces, scales and arpegious to sharpen me up. I am currently waiting for an order of a scale book. I find it hard to get motivated to play a piece I don't get exited to play. I am glad I didn't need lessons to make progress and I am happy with the DGX650 digital piano, keys feels close to a grand piano.
Thank you for the comment about the tempo that I recorded this song at. I pondered that quite a bit before recording it. I aimed for a middle ground with the tempo. I've heard it anywhere from 4 - 7 minutes. I agree with you that I don't like it too slow either. Tempo is a much debated topic; it is such a personal preference issue. And yes, we all are much more motivated to practice a song that we are enjoying and really want to learn. There is so much music available to us today that I feel confident that you can keep finding songs that you are "excited to play". Norma
92PianoKeys Hey Norma its Sam we chatted for a while you may remember, hope your well. I have one line on the last page left to learn for prelude in C# Minor and 2 or 3 hard awkrward chords to practice to master and thats it!!! 😲
I learned the prelude in c#Minor by Rachmaninoff Norma 😊 so i learned 2 big pieces since I returned end of jan 😄 this being 1 of them
fantastic... the adagio shines through...
+thebetterend Thank you! I'm so glad that you liked the tempo. This song has been recorded at many different tempos over the years, and it is a much debated topic. I prefer this 1st movement on the slower more peaceful side since it provides more contrast to the tempestuous 3rd movement. NM
Beautiful. Very fluid.
Thank you so much! Norma
the best song
Jun Shen it's a piece, not a song u stupid ass hole
Amazing
Thank you so much! --Norma
I now finished this whole book but not just this book but the whole level series from 1 to 3. :)
Wow! Awesome!! Good job!! Celebrating with you! --Norma
I really want to learn this song omgg
It's well worth the effort! Norma
I'd be curious to know what people see as the meaning of this piece. For me this is an emotionally complex piece. There is a sense of vertigo and the perception of groundlessness. The expression of a beautiful and awesome world, but recognition of the danger underneath which has the potential of impending annihilation. Like endless falling in a dream.
I think that Beethoven was an emotionally complex person and if you listen to all 3 movements of the "Moonlight Sonata" it shows the range that humanity is capable of. The peacefulness of the 1st movement and the drama, speed and intensity of the 3rd movement. Interesting question. I hope others will respond and offer their thoughts. Norma
maybe that's what he felt when he was going deaf, (he did write this around the same time). the 1st movement might be the acknowledgement of the end of his career and doing the things he loves, (sadness). The second movement is acceptance, it has a jovial non-nonchalant tone, but it's a constant repetition so maybe it's a kind of way of coaxing himself into acceptance. The 3rd movements seems to be a culmination of rage and torment finally released. I read something similar somewhere and it really got to me.
I read about him on Wikipedia. I know this isn't the most reliable source, but it did mention how he fought for the custody of his nephew, who either committed or tried to commit suicide as Beethoven sounded quite controlling. The 1st Movement here, it sounds really relaxing. The 2nd Movement, reminds me of skipping (depending on if the player is doing staccato on the marked notes, some people don't) and kind of floating on clouds, it comes across as a really light piece to me. The 3rd Movement, and Rage Over a Lost Penny sound manic to me and like he was really frustrated at the time he composed them. I don't know much about the history of musicians and again, Wikipedia is not known to be a reliable source, but the pieces from him that I have heard really range in dynamics. Could be a hint at his emotions at the time of writing each piece.
I listed this piece as a goal I definitely wanted to reach. Although it is of course a simplified version, I love that this song is in the Alfred series!
I am currently at Scarborough Fair in book one and hearing this piece gives me so much motivation to power through!
Thanks Norma for your videos! They're really helpful while studying!
You're very welcome! So glad that you're finding the videos helpful in your musical journey. And actually, this is the legit version of the 1st movement of the Moonlight Sonata in its original form. It isn't reduced down. It's the 3rd movement of the Moonlight Sonata which is super challenging and at a Level 10, that might be what you're thinking of. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 No, it is actually this one, together with the 2nd movement. When I first heard this piece I thought: 'Well, this is doable!', I just didn't think it would be as 'easy' as level 3-4. What do you say about the 2nd movement, which level is that on?
Of course, the 3rd movement is the absolute dream, but I don't think that is a realistic goal to set for the next 10 years.
@@stormrage9703 It's a bit confusing with the labeling of the Alfred's Adult series since they call them "Level" 1, 2, & 3. They really should simply be called "Book" 1, 2, & 3 since they don't match up to a Level 1-10 system of difficulty. On a scale of Level 1 - 10, the Alfred's Adult "Level 1" actually encompasses Levels 1-2, and the Alfred's Adult "Level 2" would cover "Levels 3-4", and then the Alfred's Adult "Level 3" is "Levels 5-6."
The 1st movement of the moonlight sonata is a solid Intermediate piece even though it's not technically too challenging, the notation is fairly complex with the 4 sharps, double sharps, and accidentals and to be played with the appropriate expression takes some experience, but I agree with you that it's very "doable". --Norma
I played the keyboard for a year when I was 12 and did basic theory for a year (still remember it!), and at 31 decided to start playing again... I bought a digital piano a few months ago and have learnt to use a pedal. It's exciting! I am now on page 3 of this piece, and just wanted to confirm with anyone, the double sharp, does that mean you count two notes above the note written (including black keys). It was much easier to learn pieces off by heart when younger, but now I feel like it is taking a lot of effort to try and memorise them now. This is a great piece to learn if you need to practice sight reading.
Yes, you are correct, the double sharp means that you count two notes above the written note (including white/black keys). A double flat is reverse in that you count two notes below the written note. And yes, this is an excellent song to use for sight-reading practice. --Norma
Bars 34-37 take the extra effort to read, don't they?! I've had to write above the notes for 34-36 to help learn them. This is a beautiful relaxing piece though.
I actually think this song is more difficult to read the notation, than it is to play. But I agree with you, it is a beautiful, relaxing piece. --Norma
Hi Norma,
There are some bars that I'm not playing smoothly, but aside from that which will just require extra practice, I can play three pages now! I am getting better at Canon in D as well (Easy Piano version). I really want to learn Prelude in C Major by Bach which I can't until this one is finished! Playing the piano is so enjoyable, I really regret stopping the keyboard after a year when I was 12 yo. Only took 19 years to start playing again!
You will find the Bach Prelude in C Major much easier than Moonlight Sonata. Considering your progress, you will learn the Bach piece quite quickly. And I'm so glad that you are finding it so enjoyable after your 19 year hiatus. It is never too late to begin again. I hope that others will be encouraged by your example. --Norma
ive only been playing for 10 months and i can play the first page of this + 4 pages of clair de lune im shook at me
Awesome!! That is super good and highly unusual. It takes most piano students a lot longer to get to that stage. Congratulations! --Norma
Nah I was just kidding but I think you guys play very good and I can't wait to someday play this amazing piece like you guys
:)
Excellent job! You played it perfectly and with proper emotional delivery. I think in some ways, the first Moonlight Sonata is trickier than not only the second, but the third. Sure, on a technical level it's a piece of cake, but when I was much younger I noticed even though I could play the notes with no problem, my delivery paled in comparison to that of experienced pianists. Years later I noticed that I'd forgotten much of the piece sadly, but I think after I shake loose the rust I'm going to finally try to master the proper delivery.
On a side note, I can relate to Beethoven's frustration. My most viewed songs range from in my opinion good to mediocre to "why do people like this?", of my most popular pieces of music, only the seashore song I consider one of my best pieces. The others are a drunk improv session with my brother, a scare chord, an experimental 9-hour baseball song, a short calliope tune, and a cover of an old Viacom bumper jingle. I think all of us as musicians have that paradox that gives us mixed emotions where we're glad people like our stuff but wonder why a song we often regard as anywhere from so-so to "just good but not my best" is our most popular and our best work remains completely unknown.
I completely relate with your 2nd paragraph. That has been my experience with the over 400 videos that I have uploaded to our channel. Some of the ones that I didn't expect many views or much interest surprised me. And some that I thought were just adequate and I wasn't really that satisfied with, got great comments....I'm sitting here saying "Thank you, but really?". Then some that I was very pleased with my performance didn't get as many views. It is a bit unpredictable. But I didn't create this channel with high expectations of income or views, but simply hoping to help some other piano students along their musical journey and in that regard it has served its purpose and been very rewarding. I have appreciated the musical questions and discussions. I mainly focused my uploads on the beginning/intermediate adult student. I am an advanced pianist but a far cry from a virtuoso. I simply tried to offer some examples of what a completed song might sound like for the aspiring student.
Thank you for taking the time to listen and for your kind comments. "Proper emotional delivery". I'm so glad that it evoked that for you. All the best and Aloha from Hawaii, Norma
I love this song. My favorite to play. It really should be interpreted outside of the metronome. It gives it much more emotion.
Yes, so true! --Norma
Makes me want to buy the level 3 book even tho I’m still on level one. I just want to look at it in person , lol.
I love the Level 3 book! It's my favorite in the series! There's nothing wrong with having it on hand as the goal that you are working towards. --Norma
I picked up piano 2 years ago and have played this piece all the way for first time yesterday. I find there are a few spots when I play it sounds off. My piano teacher tells me that Beethoven was death and some notes are played next to each other so it will sound that way. Funny thing is that I only here the off key notes when I play it and not with yours beautifully played piece.
The dissonant notes are more obvious at a slower tempo which might be why you are hearing them stand out when you play it. Or it could be the dynamics that you are using or accents/emphasis on certain notes. But if you isolate and just play certain spots, it does sound "off". Verify that you have the correct notes and then just get used to the unusual sound. After a while, it will sound correct to you. --Norma
If anyone is willing to chime in a response to "Southwest Johnny" as to how many years you've been playing the piano before learning the 1st movement of Moonlight Sonata and also how long it has taken you to learn it, I think that would be most interesting for other piano students as well. Thanks, Norma
This is beautifully played, thank you! Your videos have helped me tremendously while I'm working through Alfred's Adult Piano Course. I'm currently learning this piece so I did share my thoughts below for Southwest Johnny.
Thanks, Maryellen Nowlin. This is a pretty difficult piece, but like anything else, it's possible to learn with just more practice. One thing going for it is it's not played too fast.
Thank you so much, Maryellen, for taking the time to reply to "Southwest Johnny". And I'm so glad that you have found the videos helpful! That is our goal. Norma
I tried learning this song when I first started playing the piano. I actually didn't do that bad...I didnt play it correctly though...
92PianoKeys give me your piano
I can’t wait to play the songs in book 3! I love classical and right now I’m only on the second book so I don’t get to play it much. But I hope one day I get past all the books and play really beautiful music
If you keep practicing, you will definitely get there! I have many favorites in the level 3 book. It's worth working towards. --Norma
Thank you! I’m gonna try my best to get there
Beautiful and totally romantic! But this is also the hardest piece in this book.
Yes, this is a beautiful piece! The notation is a challenge with the key signature, accidentals, and ledger line notes, but I found the Bach Toccata in D minor more challenging to play. I had to practice the 4th page quite a bit before recording it. --Norma
You play so nice .
Thank you so much! Norma
All nice song in level 3 book .wonder when I can reach there ...feel long way to go ....
I particularly like the Level 3 book as well. It has some great songs in it and a wide variety of styles. Learning the piano takes time, but it is well worth the effort. Norma
Without the pedal signs, it makes it harder to know if I should hold down the pedal with my foot for whole or half the measures.
It depends somewhat on your instrument and the acoustics of the room, but very generally with this, you could try pumping the pedal when the left hand changes and see how that sounds. Although it's a bit different when you are at the top half of the 3rd page and also the last couple of lines on the 4th page. Ultimately, you have to let your ear be your guide as to how often you pump the pedal. I'm sure that your teacher will be able to give you some specific suggestions and you can make some pedal markings on your copy of the book. --Norma
Got the first page down 😂😂😂 So beautiful, I play it almost like you. Just 3 more longer and harder pages left. I have not even tried playing the second page yet ha 😀
The second page isn't too bad. It's the 3rd page (top 2 1/2 lines) where it gets brutal. Just take it in portions and you'll conquer it! Norma
92PianoKeys Thanks i will look forward to that then. Back to learning slowly but surely. I am playing it to 1 more bar a day and get more exited every bar i learn lol.
Nice... Not sure hope long I need to reach here.Maybe in another 3 years?. Now just book 1 and just reach singing in the rain after 11 months
It varies a lot from person to person and depends on how much you practice. But it usually takes longer to get through the Level 2 and Level 3 book than the Level 1 book, so your estimate for yourself is probably about right. Be patient with the process. It's worth the time and effort. And enjoy the musical journey, Norma
parabens,belo arranjo,gostei,Grato.
Você é muito bem-vindo! Muito obrigado! --Norma
C sharp major chord is my extra chord I play at the end.
great news I managed to learn it yay 😊😊 😆😆
Congratulations!! That was quick for this challenging song, and I'm sure you'll enjoy this one and keep it in your repertoire for years to come since it is such a favorite of many people. Enjoy and Celebrate your accomplishment! Norma
92PianoKeys Thanks a lot. Yes is a great classic. I think it took just under 2 months. The last 2 bars took a while and ofcourse line 2 and 3 on the third page but I relied on my memory which is probably why I can play it without the music. I am starting to use the pedal well now without the squash sound or creating a pause.
Excellent!! It's a great song to have memorized. I rely more on muscle memory than the notation for those sections that you mentioned as well. Sounds like you are on the right track with the pedal too! Norma
Bösendorfer, beautiful. Beautifully executed.
Shall I ever get beyond volume 2?
Thank you so much! And yes, if you keep practicing, you will get beyond volume 2. I think especially as adult students we have higher expectations and think we should be moving along faster and be farther along than we are. The piano is a complex instrument and we need to give ourselves credit for all that we have achieved along the way. You've made it to volume 2....do you remember back in volume 1 how difficult those songs seemed and how easy they are for you now? It will happen if you persevere. Just keep at it and be patient with yourself. It is so good for us to simply be in the process of challenging our minds and our fingers with new things. There are so many benefits of the journey. Norma
Philip Greening Jackson Don’t give up! U will get there one day! Keep it up!
Not a fan of moonlight sonata but I love the way played this. This is actually my pace of playing 😊
Glad you liked it even though it's not a favorite of yours, and it is okay to not be a fan of Moonlight Sonata. Thank you for your honesty! --Norma
Where are you located? I am located in Australia 🙂
I am in Lahaina, Maui, in the midst of all of the fires. But our home still stands with the Bosendorfer in it and my family is very thankfully safe. --Norma
Gee thank goodness you are one of the lucky ones. My hubby & I went to Maui a few years ago on a cruise well before Covid hit. We loved it so much. We felt very sad for you all when we saw the bushfires on tv.
Thank you for your compassion and understanding. It has been devastating for us. 13 of my piano student families have lost their homes and many their businesses as well. But there is still much of Maui that remains pristine and untouched by the ravaging fires. Tourism is our lifeblood here and we do need people to return. Other than Lahaina, the rest of the island remains open and the hotels and local businesses desperately need people to come if they are to remain open and survive. On the West Side of the island where Lahaina is located, they are setting October 15 as the date for tourists to return. Just putting it out there in cyberland for people to know that we actually do need them to come and in doing so that will help to support the people who live here. Many Mahalos, Norma.
I have no idea why someone put it's level just into late intermediate. This is the hardest piece in Alfred basic adult course even harder than Toccata in D Minor, which is early Advanced level as they said.
2:33 2nd half of the song I’m practicing.
Are the pieces at the back of Book 3 simplified arrangments or are they the real deal? Thanks for these videos by the way. They are helping a lot. I bought a piano in August and now up to the Chopin piece in book 2.
Great question! The pieces at the back of book 3 in the "Ambitious Section" are almost all in their original form. Beethoven's Fur Elise & Moonlight Sonata, Bach's Prelude in C, and the Chopin Prelude in A Major are complete. Bach's Toccata in D minor has the complete keyboard portion but was originally composed for the pipe organ so it is missing the foot pedal part. I'm not sure about Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Tune since that could be an adaptation. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 Thanks for the speedy reply!
I'm playing this now and I'm 14 and have been playing piano for less than 8 months. Jk I'm playing the can can on Alfred's 1. Though I have already completed fast track keyboard Book 1
You are advancing very quickly to be able to play this in less than 8 months of piano playing. Congratulations!! Keep up the good work! Norma
i learned this when i was in lvl 3 but not the adult lvl? i didnt use alfreds library so thats probably why. great job!
Thank you so much! Yes there are many "level 3" books. Moonlight Sonata 1st movement is definitely a favorite that is included in many different books of varying levels. --Norma
Firstly, thanks for the upload, nice work! Advancing from here, may I know what is the next course book(s) you guys would recommend?
There are many different books and sheets that I use when a student is at the intermediate level depending on their tastes and preferences.
In the Classical category: Alfred's Masterwork Classics Levels 1 - 10, Essential Piano Repertoire edited by Keith Snell Levels 1 - 10, (In each of these series you could probably start at about level 4.)
In the Jazz category: Jazz, Rags & Blues by Martha Mier Books 1 - 5 (could start about book 2-3), Especially in Jazzy Style by Dennis Alexander Books 1 - 3 (could start in book 2).
Both Martha Mier and Dennis Alexander have nice series of more lyrical compositions that they call "In Romantic Style" or "Romantic Impressions" or "Especially in Romantic Style" with several books in each set. (could start in book 2)
In the Pop/Movie/Broadway category: Alfred's Greatest Hits Level 3 (in their Adult series) offers some very good arrangements.
In the Sacred category: Alfred's Sacred Performer series, many great books to choose from.
For Technique: Alfred's Technical Skills Levels 1 - 10 (could start about Level 4), "Burgmuller, Czerny & Hanon" edited by Ingrid Jacobson (start in book 1).
And that's a very brief offering of some of the books that I use with students. There is so much excellent music and resources available to us now, the options are endless, but that should give you a starting point for some to consider. Those books are available from Amazon.com and SheetMusicPlus.com and often will show preview pages. I do not have a sheet music store on my island so I have to rely on the internet for purchasing music. Also, I do digital downloads from MusicNotes.com and SheetMusicPlus.com when I'm looking for a specific song.
There are some videos on my You Tube Channel from "Masterwork Classics", "Essential Piano Repertoire", "Jazz, Rags, & Blues", and "Alfred's Greatest Hits" to give you an idea of some of those. They are easy to find through the "playlist" option.
You could also browse through my "Intermediate" and "Late-Intermediate" playlists for ideas as well.
Hope that helps as you continue your musical journey and please let me know if you find some great books or single sheets that you particularly enjoy.
--Norma
@@92pianokeys40 I can't thank you enough. Deeply appreciated for sharing and I do your reply will benefit others too. Take good care~
@@nstarbaby You are very welcome!! Very happy to be of some assistance as you continue your musical endeavors! --Norma
Hello Teacher! You played this so beautifully! I'm about to start Alfred book 2. Long way to go but I'm really motivated to play this! Will Alfred book 3 equip me with enough skill to prepare me for this piece? Thank you!
Yes it will Vicky! Persevere, you'll get there! --Norma
What are your book recommendations after finishing this book? Be it by genre or level. Thank you!
There are many different books and sheets that I use when a student is at the intermediate level depending on their tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas for you:
In the Classical category: Alfred's Masterwork Classics Levels 1 - 10, Essential Piano Repertoire edited by Keith Snell Levels 1 - 10, (In each of these series you could probably start at about level 4.)
In the Jazz category: Jazz, Rags & Blues by Martha Mier Books 1 - 5 (could start about book 2-3), Especially in Jazzy Style by Dennis Alexander Books 1 - 3 (could start in book 2).
Both Martha Mier and Dennis Alexander have nice series of more lyrical compositions that they call "In Romantic Style" or "Romantic Impressions" or "Especially in Romantic Style" with several books in each set. (could start in book 2)
In the Pop/Movie/Broadway category: Alfred's Greatest Hits Level 3 (in their Adult series) offers some very good arrangements.
In the Sacred category: Alfred's Sacred Performer series, many great books to choose from, look for those that have the Intermediate label.
For Technique: Alfred's Technical Skills Levels 1 - 10 (could start about Level 4), "Burgmuller, Czerny & Hanon" edited by Ingrid Jacobson (start in book 1).
And that's a very brief offering of some of the books that I use with students. There is so much excellent music and resources available to us now, the options are endless, but that should give you a starting point for some to consider. Those books are available from Amazon.com and SheetMusicPlus.com and often will show preview pages. I do not have a sheet music store on my island so I have to rely on the internet for purchasing music. Also, I do digital downloads from MusicNotes.com and SheetMusicPlus.com when I'm looking for a specific song.
There are some videos on my You Tube Channel from "Masterwork Classics", "Essential Piano Repertoire", "Jazz, Rags, & Blues", and "Alfred's Greatest Hits" to give you an idea of some of those. They are easy to find through the "playlist" option.
You could also browse through my "Intermediate" and "Late-Intermediate" playlists for ideas as well.
Hope that helps as you continue your musical journey and please let me know if you find some great books or single sheets that you particularly enjoy. --Norma
Your recommendations are highly appreciated. Thank you very much!
@@ianco8727 You're very welcome! All the best to you as you continue on in your musical journey! --Norma
I'm almost done with this one! Still a few mistakes and parts I'm unhappy with... I have uploaded my take 2 😅 I've been watching all your Alfred Piano videos trough the months!
Thank you so much! Congratulations on making it to the end of Level 3!! --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 I still have a few pieces left, when I got Jazz Ostinato in C# Minor it said in the bottom I could try Moonlight Sonata, since I love that piece I started it some later before other pieces
Moonlight Sonata wasn't the hardest to play (note wise), it was harder to read and play emotionely right..
But now I can play Moonlight Sonata I have the feeling other pieces I struggled with before go easier and comfortablier now 🤔
@@pianojo4014 Yes, you are totally correct on both counts. Moonlight Sonata isn't that difficult to play technically, but it is a challenge to read and decipher with all of the sharps in the key signature and the accidentals. And you will definitely find the other pieces easier since you've worked through Moonlight Sonata. --Norma
❤Beautiful play! I already finished this book and can play this piece. Which book should I move on to for continuing studies? Thanks in advance.
Thank you so much! And Congratulations on completing the Alfred's Level 3 book!! In answer to your question, there is a detailed response to Nico's comment that I pinned. You should be able to find it at the top of the comment section. All the very best to you as you continue your piano journey! --Norma
Is this the full version?
This is the complete 1st Movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14, Opus 27, No. 2. There are 2 more movements to this song. The 3rd movement is very challenging. Norma
92PianoKeys Thx
I'm at the 3rd last line with the double G# but I can't get the timing right for the last left G# on the first 2 bars. I can't the G# correctly between right hand keys (E/F#) without sounding off rhythm. Need to persevere!
Yes, it's the same type of rhythm as the 1st page, measure 5, but in the left hand instead of the right hand which makes it feel a bit different. Practice it very slowly. If you can play it correct slowly, eventually you'll be able to speed up the tempo and still have it correct. Let me know how it goes. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 I got it. I was keeping my thumb on the last G# expecting it to sound longer in my head. I have the full piece now 😊 my teacher suggested it was the first song we'd do from the L3 book following from L2 so we'll see what's next lol. Fur Elise looks much more complicated
@@nickyreid9004 Awesome! Good for you!! --Norma
I'm using these Alfred's books to learn piano. Just started a few months ago and it feels good. However I wonder if I could learn to improvise, rather than just play along sheets?
Absolutely, you can learn to improvise! I teach my students traditional notation as well as chords, lead sheets, etc. For simplicity's sake, I focused our You Tube Channel on demos. There are many other great You Tubers who have geared their channels more towards improvising. Some you might want to look at would be "Pianote", "Piano with Johnny", "Bradley Sowash", "Bill Hilton", just to name a few. It depends on what style you'd like to learn and your current skill level as to who will be the best fit. Forrest Kinney has some great books on the topic such as "Puzzle Play", "Chord Play", "Pattern Play". Let me know who you discover that you like. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 thanks for greatly useful information!
@@lethaihien12345 You are very welcome! --Norma
Omggg
3:17 D sharp 7 flat 5 sus broken chord? (D sharp, A and C sharp note broken chord)
D#m7 (b5) I wouldn't call it a sus chord. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 because when I went on the scales and chords website, I check marked the root, flatted 5 and flatted 7 notes (example: C, G flat and B flat) and then pressed the find these notes button, it identified it as the 7b5sus chord.
@@92pianokeys40 talking about just the right hand notes, not both left hand and right hand notes.
@@MatthewTheMusicAndHotWheelsFan I usually include both clefs when doing chord analysis. I think it gives a more accurate picture of the composer's intent. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 the D# minor 7 flat 5 chord is the same as the F# minor 6 chord but different position.
At the beginning it says to use the pedal at each whole note and half note on bass clef. It then says Ped. simile and then quarter notes start appearing later and I'm not sure what to do. Should I use the pedal on each quarter note?
Yes, that's what I do. --Norma
when my finger couldn't reach the 9th key, I thought they printed it wrong😂 and I checked it again and again, finally I realized it's my problem.
Yes, I can now reach a 9th but when I was younger and first learned this song an octave was my limit. My hand hasn't grown since then, but I've gained some flexibility which helped. I used to arpeggiate the 9ths when I couldn't reach, but that didn't sound very good. I think it's better to just play an octave based on the melody note if you can't reach the 9th. When I play Rachmaninoff or Liszt, I sometimes have to decide which note to drop since I simply cannot reach the notes that they composed with their large hands. We can still play a song beautifully even if we have to adjust it a bit for our hands. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 I'm actually on book 1 now, but couldn't stop watching your play of this , so beautiful. this is my dream and motive. thanks a lot
@@ericwu8973 You are very welcome! So glad that this song could provide you with some inspiration and motivation. You'll get there! --Norma
I'm still book 1 .. near to the end.. if i'm instrested learning this piece right away.. u think i can handle that? 😅
You could probably successfully play the first few measures. They're not too hard once you figure out the notes. Then put the rest of the song on your "when ready" list. :) --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 all right.. i guess i have to focus on book 1 first... long journey though...😅 thank you for your response... it means a lot...😄
Hi
Hi
I play it at a qucker tempo which I finish in 5 minutes and 10 seconds. Anyway I just realised I was playing 2:45 -2:50 incorrect with an f sharp not a natural G. Going to correct that bit. I knew that sounded a little bit weird.
I think that 5:10 is a very reasonable tempo. When I was in my 20's, I used to play this in 4 minutes. Way too fast! I've learned to relax my tempos for these types of songs and be more expressive. The goal is beautiful music not just speed. It's great that you caught that f sharp now before it was completely ingrained. We've all had those moments when we realize suddenly that we've been practicing something incorrectly. Great that you are taking the time to polish this piece. Norma
92PianoKeys Yes it can be played many tempos as I always see comments saying too slow when played slower or too fast when played quicker. But the starting of the piece I play noticeably quicker. I checked the music on that part and it was written an F with a weird symbol next to it I wasnt familiar with lol like an X. Anyway your the first channel I discovered when returning to the piano in January. I may upload my performance for my amusement. I am trying to decide what to learn for my level, some choppin pieces, Turkish March and a very hard prelude in C sharp minor which ny teacher back in school gave me I can play the first half of page 1 but gets very difficult.
Yes, the X next to the F is a double sharp which means to raise the note a whole step rather than just a half step. You'll see it occasionally. And are you referring to the Prelude in C# minor by Rachmaninoff? If so, yes, that is a challenging but great piece. But I realize there are many, many preludes and you may be referring to a different one. I've also enjoyed the Turkish March by Mozart for many years. Tempo is one of the things often commented on our channel. It's either too fast or too slow for people. An ever debated topic. Norma
92PianoKeys I see thanks for telling me that and yes that is the prelude haha. My teacher said I could learn it in 2 years 12 years ago😄. And yes that Turkish March is beautiful. I wanted to try and learn funeral march but my mum tells me off as the intro chords make her cry 😂. Probably too hard and long anyway, going to look to learn game of thrones or a prelude by choppin (the short one) or you've got a friend in me which I heard for you sounds so beautiful, maybe a slight easier version we will see. I am starting to a better understandin on my level. Happy practicing Norma.
Thank you, I do enjoy practicing! I have a huge pile of music that I want to learn and I know that it will always be that way with so much great music available to us. A lifelong musical journey and that's a good thing! Norma
Norma I have great news my friend. I know this is random and irrelevent to your video, but I am exited and thought I'd share this with you as I have told you my story. I have learned the first page of prelude in c#Minor 😆 From moonlight sonata to this piece, this is the hardest piece I have ever attempted. I look at the chords and purly rely on memorizing them. I can almost play the first page without mistakes just working on the last line. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
I can only play Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, Cannon in D lev 2 and that jazz c minor what ever that is called and a few jazzy pieces that was taught such as girl from ipnaema but some chords are not correct as it was learned by ear but still sounds good.
Congratulations!!! I assume that you are referring to the Prelude in C# minor by Rachmaninoff? If so, that is a very difficult advanced piece that I would place at a Level 9-10. And memorizing it will probably be your best method since the notation is quite complex. The 2nd page will be an excellent technical exercise for you that will simply require an excessive amount of repetition to bring up to tempo. The last section will not be so difficult since you've already conquered the 1st page which is similar. You obviously enjoy a challenge! I've had students learn a song that is beyond their current level if they were highly motivated and willing to practice it an excessive amount. So it can be done, you just have to work really hard. Keep me posted on your progress, Norma
92PianoKeys Thanks a lot and YES NORMA THATS THE PRELUDE! 😆😆😀😀 yes I am aware it is very difficult but didnt think it was level 9 or 10. I am exited because I love the piece and got confidence I can tackle this thing if I can tackle 1 page and if this progress keeps up I feel I only need 4 months. This is the most advanced page I played. It is crazy as I have good hand eye coordination memory my hands take over when changing chords and my memory kicks in.
It is crazy I jumped up a high level, also i can play the first 45 seconds of the 3rd movement, not full speed obviously 😂😂 but steady and accurate.
I used to play piano when I was 3 to 13. 23 now. I only passed grade 1 and 2
Strange other pieces lower level seem impossible but wish me luck in mastering this master piece.
God bless
The hand/eye coordination and good memory will definitely help you a great deal! Especially with this song. And yes, that is amazing progress in such a short amount of time! Good for you!! Keep it up!!
Are you referring to the 3rd movement of the Moonlight Sonata? That is a bear! I struggled with that one for a long time.
92PianoKeys Yes I was it is such difficult piece due to the speed, fingering and stretching. Takes someone tallented, skillful and experience,I didn't think my small hands could play those broken chords but practicing daily my hands feel more flexible playing the broken chords still at a reasonable speed and it is a good exercise.
That must take years to develop that piece.
I have good memory and some ability to play but my sight reading is on the low side.
Yes, it is good exercise, and yes, your hands will get more flexible and be able to stretch out and reach a bit more. I have small hands too and sometimes have to finger things differently or drop a note here or there if I just can't reach it or sometimes I'll see if I can pick-up a note in my other hand. I find that more often with Rachmaninoff, Brahms, or Liszt since they all had very large hands and composed their music for their hand-span. Beautiful music though and worth the effort and accommodation of occasionally adjusting it to be playable for those of us who can barely reach a 9th. Turning the thumb sideways and playing two consecutive notes black or white is sometimes useful too.
You can improve your sight reading by sight reading. It works well to choose some music books that are below your playing ability and just read through several songs each time you practice. Playing them 1-3 times each and then moving on. There are even "Sight-Reading" series that provide many levels of books just for that purpose. One of my students really enjoyed using the "Improve Your Sight-Reading" series by Paul Harris Volumes 1-8. They are available on Amazon.com or SheetMusicPlus.com. But you can use any music that you can get your hands on. You just start with music that is relatively easy for you to read and then gradually move up a level.
Keep up the good work! Norma
I can't learn this song. It make me feel so desperated
Can you play the first 4 measures?
The last two lines of this movement are tricky:)
Yes they are, along with the top half of the 3rd page. Everyone struggles through those sections. Norma
92PianoKeys the last page in general I find to be the most difficult. As I've learned this piece I keep saying to myself "what a maniac" for the way he composed. Your videos has been a great help though the Alfred series and I thank you :)
You are very welcome! I'm so glad that you've found the videos helpful on your musical journey! Aloha to you from Hawaii, Norma
Here's me playing it:) Let me know what you think if you get a chance:)ruclips.net/video/LIX4H5wkJw8/видео.html
would anyone recommend something a little bit harder then this song, but not too hard?
Did you want something specifically by Beethoven or simply in the classical category or pop/broadway or jazz, etc.? Norma
something just simply in the classical category, like an early advanced or late intermediate
You may want to look at "Solfeggietto" or "Gertrude's Dream Waltz" or "Sonata in G, K. 431, Scarlatti" or "Sonata in G, C. 34, Cimarosa" or "Italian Song, Tchaikovsky". They are in my Classical playlist:
ruclips.net/p/PLIx-hGjmqNJFOc9SpcMA820dZIuZOZEFd
Here are some books that you may want to look at:
Alfred's Masterwork Classics Level 5 - goo.gl/jmXjlW
Essential Piano Repertoire Level 5 - goo.gl/Edxkb8
Encore! Book 1 - goo.gl/LCMfxp
Let me know what you end up finding that appeals to you. Norma
Thank you :)
Trying to learn this thing right now...keep messing up on the first page. Irritating like a mother****** but I'll keep pushing.
Yes, keep at it. It's worth the effort. Take it slow and in small sections. --Norma
Well played. Very beautiful. But why refer to it as a song. It is a piece.
Yes, you are absolutely correct! It is a "piece", not a song, since there aren't any lyrics. In my descriptions about the videos, I often use the word "song" because most people don't know the difference between a "song" and a "piece". You are one of the rare few. --Norma
I have just been skipping between 1st and 2nd books. They arent that hard but maybe i shouldnt skip pages
Just depends on your ability level and background, but if something's really too hard or not making sense, you might want to go back and read the theory pages and play through the songs that you skipped. It is a progressive "method" course, with songs building on the knowledge gained with each piece. Different from a songbook that doesn't contain instruction. --Norma
I only came here just to ask a question about this song. The question is, if this song were to be transposed from c# minor to a parallel major key, should it be transposed to C# major or Db major?
The parallel key for C# minor would be C# major. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 the confusing thing is most composers prefer to use Db major instead of C# major since C# major has 7 sharps including B# and E# when on sheet music.
@@MatthewTheMusicAndHotWheelsFan Yes, that is so true! I mentally prefer the key of Db as well. It's just easier for me to decipher. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 same with most composers preferring bb minor over a# minor, B major over Cb major, and g# minor over ab minor.
@@MatthewTheMusicAndHotWheelsFan Yes!
I don't understand this 'Adult Level'. Prodigies and very advanced students may be able to play this piece.
The notation of this piece is quite difficult with the key signature and all of the accidentals. I actually think it is harder to read than it is to play. But you have to be quite comfortable with octaves in both hands. If you do levels 1 - 10, with 1 being the easiest and 10 the most difficult, this song ranks in at about a 6. They included it in this book as a challenge. They don't expect students at this level to just breeze through it. My students spend a long time working on this song. I personally find the Bach Toccata in Dm to be the most difficult in this book. Not sure if you've tried that one yet? --Norma
+92PianoKeys I agree that these pieces take practiced skill, however that still doesn't mean only an adult could accomplish a piece like this.
I completely agree! I have a 10 year old student working on it right now and I learned it at about the age of 12. --Norma
Also, this song is simply one of the many included in a series of method books produced by Alfred's intended for Adult beginners. Children and adults have to learn the same concepts, but the adults don't want to have cutesy pictures and are generally able to learn at a more rapid pace. --Norma
dam i am on book one page 40 =(
Just keep at it!! You'll get there!! Piano is a marathon, not a sprint, it's more about perseverance and just regularly plodding along. Enjoy the journey and celebrate the wins along the way! --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 Marathon, more like discovering a vaccine at this stage lol i average a page a day if lucky. Half the time i think im playing it wrong but i get the notes so i kinda cheat and move on to the next section.
@@firstphoton655 😁👍
@@92pianokeys40 page 60
@@firstphoton655 Making Progress!! --Norma
One of my favourites! Thanks for sharing the story behind this piece in the video description!
Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment and even read the description. I find the history behind songs to be quite fascinating and often surprising. Norma
Got the first 2 pages done!!! 😆😆
Half way there!! 😃 can play till 2:45
Yeah!!! Congratulations!! You'll get there. Norma
Guybrush Threepwood congrats! Im at book 1 rip
Do you have any suggestions for what to do when fingers don't reach the octave plus? My fingers won't reach :-(
When I was younger and first learned this song, my fingers couldn't reach a 9th either. An octave was my max. I used to arpeggiate or "roll" the 9th. But I really don't think that sounds very good. I think it's better to play an octave based upon the melody (or upper note) and have a solid sound. I even have a student playing this who is maxed at a 7th. We edited all of the octaves and just made them single notes. It still retains the essence of the song and everyone recognizes it as Moonlight Sonata even though it is missing some notes. Sometimes we simply have to sacrifice a few notes in order to accommodate our hand size. It is still worth it and the song can still be beautifully played and enjoyed. --Norma
When you stub your pinkie toe walking towards your piano for practice
my goal is to play this piece like you, beautifully done!!
Thank you so much!! --Norma
Interesting, in my book there is an impossible hard version of charpentiers te deum
I'm finally on this song now!
Hurray!! Celebrating with you!! --Norma
can't wait for level 3 ^^
Level 3 has some great songs in it! It's worth the work to get there. Norma
Beautiful!!!
Thank you so much! --Norma
Piano 92..i know now why and how you can play so WELL..
You HAVE long fingers..
A blessing❤
I think my hand looks larger in the videos than they actually are. I can comfortably reach an 8va, and barely play a 9th. All of my adult students, except one have a larger hand than me. So if your hand is on the small side, don't be discouraged, as you develop more flexibility between the fingers you'll be able to reach more notes. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 thanks Norma, mine is small hand,short fingers.. good for ukulele 😺
To reach 8va..I need to stretch my fingers,hand from heaven to earth barely touching the end tips of the keys 😢
In that case, please don't ever feel like you have to play all of the notes that are on the page. It is perfectly all right to alter or drop notes as needed in order to still play a piece that you love. I often will adjust something to fit a student's hand while still retaining the essence of the piece and the most important melody or harmony notes.
Also, very generally, you may find keyboard music from the baroque and classical era better suited to your hands than music from the Romantic/Modern era that has been composed by Rachmaninoff, Liszt, or Brahms who all had very large hands and composed music accordingly. Also music from that more recent era is typically thicker harmonically and more challenging for smaller hands. I also appreciate that living composers such as Wendy Stevens of composecreate.com are very cognizant of students with smaller hands and are providing us with lovely compositions with options notated to easily adjust the music to better fit hand size. --Norma@@jackiewong2900
Thank you 👍 💕 from Malaysia Borneo
This is both beautiful and completely frightening. Did you learn to play just by the books or did you have other training? Because the sound is completely mindblowing and I am so looking forward to play like this.
Thank you! Yes, I started playing the piano at age 7 and took piano lessons for over 30 years. So I do have time on my side. I first played this piece in my early teens and I was a "modest" practicer. Adults learn more quickly than children and have the hand capacity to play this piece much sooner. I've had piano students reach this one in approximately 2-5 years. It varies tremendously depending on their other musical experiences and how much they practice. If you read the comments below, you can see other student's journeys to this piece. --Norma
Beautiful. I am anxiously waiting to attempt to play in another year of learning to play the piano. I did hear the uno cords at the end. Thanks for publishing this beautiful music.
You are very welcome! NM
...👏👏👏... *¡¡¡SÛPER!!!* ...👏👏👏...
Thank you so much!!! --Norma
I'm doing my best to learn this piece, I'm teaching myself to play it, it's quite hard
Yes, the notation for this song with the key signature and accidentals make this one challenging, but it's worth the effort. Just keep at it. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 Thank you! I will do it!
Dudw
Appergios are a lil too complicated for my rookie level I think. After one month of piano, I can play well Purcell - Minuet in A minor, with the good tempo and rythmes. Do you also think it's too early for me to take this piece up?
Great recording, and great piano as well!
That's great that you can play well the Purcell Minuet in A minor after only one month. That is very rapid progress. The notation in Moonlight Sonata is quite complex which is why it is placed at the end of the Alfred's Adult Level 3 book. There are 4 sharps in the key signature and there are also lots of accidentals and even double sharps which make the note-reading aspect a challenge. However, it is not that difficult to play as far as technical skill is concerned with the slow tempo and repetitive pattern. I would recommend that you wait a while, but you will definitely be able to play this song sooner than most people with the pace at which you are moving along. Thank you for listening and commenting! NM
After taking a look at the sheet I realize how hard it is for me to read, especially when I have to remember the notes altered in the key signature. So maybe at the end of the year, when I will get used to the lecture of music. Meanwhile I have to look for another piece as challenging as Purcell Minuet in A minor.
Thank you! That is very motivating.
You might enjoy the Masterwork Classics or Essential Piano Repertoire series. Both are available in Levels 1 -10 on Amazon.com. The Purcell Minuet in Am is approximately Level 2-3. In my playlists below you will find a sampling from those series Levels 1-5 so far. We have included the difficulty level in the title of the song, and a link to the music in the description below the video. You might find your new "challenge" amongst them. NM
Masterwork Classics:
ruclips.net/p/PLIx-hGjmqNJGZ_sznyMBBXTqQouoJ1OFx
Essential Piano Repertoire:
ruclips.net/p/PLIx-hGjmqNJFIZKRxNyUUInDnoN3UuWOO
Oh great, that's very helpful. I was looking for that kind of books. I think I'll buy one of both in the next weeks.
Thanks again!
There are some duplicate songs in each series, but enough different that they are both worth having. I have some favorites in each set. You can usually "preview" a few pages of the books on Amazon.com or on SheetMusicPlus.com before purchasing to see what best meets your current needs. Enjoy! NM
Great job. The fingering looks so difficult. How long did it take you to learn this piece?
Thank you, Southwest Johnny! The fingering is particularly challenging on the top of the 3rd page, measures 32-37. I've seen it fingered differently on that section in different editions. Try what's written there, but if you come up with something that works better for you, that's fine too.
I actually first learned this song when I was in Jr. High many years ago and I don't remember exactly how long it took me to learn it. I had probably been playing the piano for about 6 years at that point. I would rank this song as the 2nd most difficult song in this book, with the Bach Toccata in Dm ranking as the most difficult.
It generally takes students quite a while to learn this song, so be patient with the process. The challenge isn't so much in the technical skill since the tempo is slow but in reading the notation of 4 sharps and accidentals and then finding the correct notes, but it's worth the effort. Norma
Good to know. I've only been playing for 2.5 years, so I think this piece is still a bit out of my reach, but someday I hope to get to your level of playing. Keep up the great work.
I'd like to share my thoughts since I am *kind of* intermediate and working on this piece right now. It has taken me 3 weeks to become very proficient at the first 2 pages. My piano teacher thinks I'm learning it pretty fast but I work on it everyday for as long as I have time. I think it will take me at least 2 more weeks (probably more) to learn the second half and play the entire piece but the second half is definitely more difficult. I'm 53yo and have been taking lessons for exactly one year. However, I took lessons for 2 years as a child and never forgot how to read music. I started my current lessons at the end of Alfred's Adult Piano Course level one and moved pretty quickly through levels 2 and 3 because of my prior knowledge. I was excited to recently learn Fur Elise, also in the Alfred's Adult level 3 book, which is much less difficult IMHO. Moonlight Sonata takes patience. And is pushing the limits of how far my fingers can stretch. But, it's worth it. You should go for it!
Southwest Johnny - my experience is very similar to Maryellen Nowlin… I learnt piano as a child, reached about grade 3, didn’t play for about 35 years then restarted just over 1 year ago. I remembered nothing when I restarted - I knew middle C on the staff and keyboard but nothing else. Couldn’t read music, couldn’t tell you how many sharps or flats in any scale except C major, etc. It all came back though surprisingly quickly and I was back to where I was after about 3 months. I’m currently practicing grade 4 pieces and just started on some grade 5 pieces (Australian AMEB).
Moonlight Sonata is a bit beyond me. I can play the notes (slowly with lots of micro-hesitations) but the difficultly with this piece is getting it to sound good. The arpeggios in the right hand need to be quiet and even and you need to bring the melody out with the pinky (at full stretch). I think it will take me at least another year to gain this level of control. AMEB have this piece at grade 7 (Bach Toccata is grade 8). 92PianoKeys estimate of 6 years sound about right.
This is intermediate!?! I never knew! I learned it in level 2! Omg
Well, good for you learning this when you were in level 2! Wow!! --Norma