Piano Basics: Mastering in March.3

Author: Liu Tianli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Over the years, I have received numerous letters from friends across various regions, hoping that I would compile a piano self-teaching textbook that is easy to understand and concise yet effective. Due to my busy schedule with other teaching responsibilities, I was only able to complete this book now. I sincerely apologize to my friends for the delay. This is a piano textbook designed for beginners. When learning this textbook, please note the following tips:
This is a quick-learning textbook, aiming for a "two birds with one stone" learning effect. It enables beginners to play pieces in the shortest possible time and build confidence. The principle of this textbook's arrangement is to achieve ideal musical effects with the simplest techniques, thereby avoiding continuous difficulties or complications for beginners during the learning process.
To master improvisational accompaniment techniques, all pieces in this textbook use only two accompaniment methods: flowing chords (playing chord tones in sequence) and non-flowing chords (playing chord tones simultaneously). Mastering these two methods means mastering the essence of improvisational accompaniment.
For ease of memorization, pedal markings are not indicated in this textbook. When playing flowing chord accompaniment, press the sustain pedal once for each chord change, such as in "Long Lasting Friendship"; when playing non-flowing chords, do not press the sustain pedal, such as in "Dance of Youth."
Except for pieces with tempo markings, all others should be played at a moderate speed. During the practice phase, all pieces should be played slowly, with both hands' fingers and wrists remaining natural and relaxed.
On the piano, the finger numbering for both hands is the same: the thumb is 1, the index finger is 2, the middle finger is 3, the ring finger is 4, and the pinky is 5, all marked with Arabic numerals. When practicing, it is essential to follow the fingerings strictly. Only by fixing the fingerings can proficiency be achieved. Changing fingerings each time will hinder mastery.
The order of pieces in this textbook is generally arranged based on their technical difficulty. During practice, you may make minor adjustments according to the pieces you are familiar with or prefer. The first three or four pieces should be practiced to a high level of proficiency before moving on. For example, spend ten days refining each of the first three pieces, while subsequent pieces may take only one day to master.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or requests during your learning process, please feel free to write to me so that I can improve my teaching methods.