Pieces › First steps

Whole, half, quarter

Counting beats with Au clair de la lune

A quarter note lasts one beat, a half note two beats, a whole note four beats: a full measure. In the falling notes, the length of the bar shows how long the note lasts.

Count “1, 2, 3, 4” out loud as you play: it’s the best way to keep the rhythm. Turn on the metronome if you need it.

Tips

• Hold the key down until the bar has completely gone by.
• Lower the speed (75%) for your first tries.

Counting beats

One whole note (4 beats), two half notes (2 beats each), four quarter notes (1 beat each).

Au clair de la lune

Quarter, half and whole notes in a single melody. It’s played twice.