The examples weren't always directly applicable to what was being taught. A bit confusing tbh.
Piano and Keyboard Essentials: Play by Ear, Chords, and Improvisation
Start your musical journey from absolute scratch by mastering core chords, reading music notation, and learning to play your favorite songs by ear.
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About this course
Course contents
7 modules · 29 lessons · 3h 6m
1
Keyboard Geography and Fundamentals
To navigate the keyboard and understand the physical concepts of sound.
- Welcome and Posture
Correctly positioning your body and hands to avoid tension.6 min - White and Black Keys
Recognizing key groups and mapping note names onto the keyboard.6 min - Tones and Semitones
Understanding the smallest distance between notes as the foundation of theory.6 min - Octaves and Registers
Exploring the keyboard's range from low to high.6 min
2
Reading Music Without Fear
To decode the written language of music in a simple way.
- The Staff and Treble Clef
Reading notes for the right hand.7 min - The Bass Clef
Reading notes for the left hand.7 min - Note Values and Basic Rhythm
Understanding note durations (whole, half, and quarter notes).7 min - Reading Your First Melodies
Combining pitch and rhythm to play a written sequence.7 min
3
Chords and Practical Harmony
To build the harmonic structure needed to accompany any song.
- The Major Triad
Using the 4+3 semitone formula to create bright-sounding chords.7 min - The Minor Triad
Using the 3+4 semitone formula to create melancholy chords.7 min - The Art of Inversions
Rearranging chord notes to minimize hand movement across the keyboard.7 min - Accompaniment Patterns
Creating a sound bed with the left hand and rhythmic chords with the right.7 min - The Circle of Fifths (Intro)
Understanding how chords are related to each other within a key.6 min
4
Developing Your Musical Ear
To stop relying on paper and start trusting your hearing.
- Recognizing Intervals
Distinguishing the distance between two notes by ear.6 min - Finding the Melody
Reproducing a sung melody by finding the notes on the keyboard.6 min - Major or Minor?
Distinguishing the color of chords by listening to them.6 min - Common Chord Progressions
Identifying the most common harmonic progressions used in pop and rock.7 min
5
Technique and Coordination
To make your hands independent and fluid.
- Finger Independence
Targeted exercises to strengthen the weaker fingers (4th and 5th).6 min - Coordinating Both Hands
Playing different rhythms simultaneously with the right and left hands.7 min - Advanced Rhythmic Patterns
Applying syncopation and modern rhythms to your accompaniment.6 min - Simple Arpeggios
Breaking up chords to create a smoother sound.6 min
6
Improvisation and Creativity
To express yourself freely without sheet music.
- The Major Pentatonic Scale
Using five magic notes that always sound good.6 min - The Minor Pentatonic and the Blues
Adding a soulful touch to your improvisations.6 min - Improvising Over a Progression
Creating an impromptu melody over a chord progression.7 min - Modern Chords (Sevenths)
Enriching harmony with four-note chord structures.7 min
7
The Modern Digital Setup
To integrate the keyboard with current technology.
- Types of Digital Keyboards
Differences between digital pianos, synths, and MIDI controllers.6 min - MIDI Protocol Basics
Understanding how the keyboard communicates data to a computer.6 min - Virtual Instruments (VST)
Turning your keyboard sound into an orchestra or a vintage synth.6 min - Recording Your First Track
An overview of how to capture your performance digitally.6 min
Your First Full Performance
Choose a simple song you love. Identify the melody by ear, build the accompaniment using chord inversions, and include a short improvised solo using the pentatonic scale.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
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Short & focused
3h 6m of practical content
Certificate of completion
Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.
Reviews (4)
Hmm, I'm not sure this is for beginners. Some parts skipped over foundational concepts too quickly for my liking.
This course delivered exactly what I needed. The explanations were clear and concise. Big thumbs up!
Hmm, it was okay. Some of the explanations were a bit vague, and I had to rewatch sections a few times. Not sure if it's for absolute beginners.
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Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
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Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
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Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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