Lesson 1: Your First Notes — B and A
- Play clear, steady B and A without squeaking.
- Play clear, steady E and D (on your alto staff) without squeaking.
- Change notes while keeping a steady beat.
Whisper, don’t blow.
Start with the clear B from Lesson 0, then add one finger for A. Listen to each pattern before copying it; reading music comes in Lesson 6.
Start with the clear E from Lesson 0, then add one finger for D. Listen to each pattern before copying it; reading music comes in Lesson 6.
B
E
Cover the thumb hole with the flat pad of your left thumb and the first front hole with your left index finger. Say “too” and hold the note.
Cover the thumb hole with the flat pad of your left thumb and the first front hole with your left index finger. Say “too” and hold the note.
A
D
Keep the thumb and first finger where they are, and add the second finger. Only the middle finger moves between B and A.
Keep the thumb and first finger where they are, and add the second finger. Only the middle finger moves between E and D on your alto staff.
Listen, then copy
Hold open notes without stems for four counts and open notes with stems for two; breathe between bars.
Filled notes with stems last one count; use a soft “too” for each and breathe between bars.
No song in the library uses only B and A; the next lesson adds G, and with it your first songs.
No song in the library uses only these two notes; the next lesson adds the third fingering (soprano G, alto C), and with it your first songs.
When you can play the rocking melody above three times in a row without squeaking or stopping, move on to Lesson 2.
Stuck on the sound? See troubleshooting. Build a short daily routine.