Delta Charter Music

← Piano · Start here · about 15 min

Posture & hand position

Sit well, curve your fingers, and play your first five notes.

Sit well

  1. Bench height

    Sit near the front half of the bench. Your elbows should be about level with the keys.

  2. Feet flat

    Both feet rest flat on the floor. Keep your back straight but relaxed.

  3. Distance

    Sit so your arms bend a little when your hands are on the keys.

Hand shape

Pretend you are holding a small ball. Your fingers are curved, your wrists are level, and your hands feel loose.

  1. Finger numbers

    Each finger has a number. The thumb is 1, then 2 (index), 3 (middle), 4 (ring), and 5 (pinky). Both hands use the same numbers.

  2. Use your fingertips

    Play with the tips of your fingers, not the flat pads. Keep your thumbs relaxed and slightly bent.

C position

Put your right thumb (1) on middle C. Each finger rests on the next white key: C D E F G. That is your first five notes.

CDEFG

Play

  1. Up and down

    Play C D E F G, then back down. One finger per key. Count a steady beat.

  2. Skip around

    Play C E G E C. Notice how it sounds. Those three notes form a chord.

Can you…