It isn’t too much of a stretch to name the piano as a musician’s formative instrument. Regardless of your musical inclinations, the piano functions as the foundational stepping stone to truly understanding music as not just an auditory pleasure, but as a theoretical discipline.
Featuring a newly renovated area, Yamaha Music School at SAFRA Punggol has also adopted the use of the new Yamaha logo. Introduced globally to coincide with the brand’s 70th anniversary in 2024, the prominent use of Yamaha violet reinforces the brand’s legacy, while the accompanying symbol, the “Do-re-mi sprout” represents Yamaha’s dedication to nurturing minds through music education. Together, the logo and symbol convey Yamaha’s philosophy of making music accessible and enjoyable for all, ensuring the brand resonates with music lovers worldwide.
In the video below, an instructor from SAFRA Punggol’s Yamaha Music School shows us a simple way to start learning the piano with a classic favourite – Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
Learning your ABC’s with Yamaha
Like the English alphabet, there are various musical keys and notations on the piano that you will need to identify and understand before attempting to string together a harmonious melody. That said, once you have assimilated well to the basics, the possibilities are literally endless.
Lesson 1: Knowing the piano
The piano is defined by a repeating series of keys, which begins with the middle C. This order, better known as the C major scale, goes like this – C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Your right hand should be on the middle C.
Let’s play a few notes to hear how they sound! Begin at C and go all the way until you reach G.
Lesson 2: Putting together a simple melody
Here’s a simple tune to get you started – Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
First, begin with this order – C, C, G, G, A, A, G.
Move on to the second half of the chorus – F, F, E, E, D, D, C.
Put these two lines together and play!
Lesson 3: Both hands now!
Time to include some easy left-hand chords. For this song, we’ll utilise C major, G major and F major chords.
As you play the melody that was learnt in Lesson 2, the chords of C, F and G major can be used as accompaniment. It should go like this: C major > F major > C major > G major > C major > G major > C major.
Congratulations! You have just played your first song on the piano!
A cornerstone of music learning
Established in 1966, Yamaha Music School keeps its curriculum relevant and accessible for the contemporary piano enthusiast. Yamaha instructors hold certifications ranging from ABRSM Grade 8 to music degrees. They are required to pass an audition and are trained before they are licensed to teach. With 11 music schools located around Singapore, Yamaha offers classes for children as well as adults, catering to anyone who loves and wants to learn to play a music instrument.
SAFRA members enjoy a 3% discount when they sign up for any of Yamaha Music School’s courses and programmes. Additionally, they are entitled to a 10% discount on musical instruments purchased, as well as an 8% discount on music books. New learners are rewarded with a one-time fee waiver of $50 (all at SAFRA Punggol only). More information at safra.sg/yamaha-music
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