Intro to Piano Chords and Holiday Songs

First things first! Here is a simple list of things to consider as you begin watching the lessons. You've taken the first step into a whole new world. Don't be in a hurry, and enjoy the process!

In this lesson we work through the major, minor and diminished triads in C.

In this lesson we play a five note scale in C position, the C major and G major scale, and triads in G major

In this lesson we look at intervals and how to identify them. We also look at triads and their inversions (different chord shapes).

In this lesson we learn how to play "close" chords in the bass clef (left hand). You can also practice putting them into your right hand. These chords will be used in our first holiday song, "Up on the Housetop". Remember, we are only working on songs that are in the public domain in this series, as they are free to use for teaching purposes. You can always buy/download other songs you'd like to learn once you have some tools in your toolbox!

Today we learn how to play our first holiday song, "Up on the Housetop"! We are using the chords we have just been working on. Remember, it's sometimes a good idea to watch the video once or twice before trying it, unless you are totally secure and confident with playing the chords! I also encourage you to sing as you play, as this will help you become a better musician over time, and it will train your ear to find the harmonies (chords) for other melodies you love.

In this lesson we read in a new time signature, and play chords in the treble clef (with our right hand). We are getting ready to play and sing "Silent Night". Make sure you are playing and practicing with the correct fingering!! It will save you a time in the long run, and train your brain to find the chord shapes automatically over time!

We learn about time signatures, and practice playing and singing Silent Night in the treble clef.

We learn how to turn a triad into an open chord, playing in both treble and bass clef.

In this lesson we learn how to turn our open chords into "broken" chords. This is a wonderful way to "jazz" up any song we want to play in the future. The sheet music may look a little daunting at first, but I assure you it's nothing you can't do, and you already know how to play all these notes! Play the full chords a few times first as I break them up for you on screen, then go back and try to do what I am doing. A little practice always goes a long way!

In this lesson we will learn how to sing and play Angels we Have Heard on High in C major AND G major! This way you can begin to put your other songs into a different key depending on what works best for your vocal range, or for whomever you are accompanying.

In this exercise we will practice reading and playing open and close chords. Once you are familiar with them you will be able to use your ear to decide what works best for the songs you work on. As you get better at playing them, your fingers will begin to find the most comfortable and smoothest transitions automatically! Try using the version "without" the chord symbols when you feel ready, and work on reading the notes alone.

In this lesson we work on playing a new carol in two keys using open chords, adding creative chord patterns as we go!  The melodic range of the song is pretty wide but I know you can do it, just do your best and don't "over sing". If the key is wrong, try playing in G major when you've watched the video.

Here's a fun holiday song that was originally composed for Thanksgiving! We work on the chords we know, as well as a D7 chord. First we'll read the sheet music, then we'll play a new pattern guided by the chord symbols.

This is a challenging lesson for those who are inspired to keep working on something slightly harder once our lesson series is done. "O Holy Night" is in a high singing key (for me:) but you can at least work on practicing some new chords and reading the notes. Then I've also included one of my favorites, "The Ukranian Bell Carol" ("Carol of the Bells") for you to watch and attempt to play by ear. I have not included the sheet music, but I might add it to the series in a few months if it is something students feel they can benefit from.