Pianoforall - 'Classics By Ear' - Erik Satie from Udemy

A New Way to Learn

For over a decade, Pianoforall has taught over 200,000 people worldwide how to play amazing pop, jazz, blues, ballads and improvisation, and now we’re going to teach you how to play

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This Classics By Ear Series will teach you a NEW way to learn classical piano – from the ‘inside out’.

Instead of painstakingly learning complicated sheet music one note at a time by memory, you will learn how to take a piece of classical music apart bar by bar, section by section, and understand how it was all put together: from the musical ‘form’ – distinct sections and subsections – to the underlying chord structure, visual clues, patterns and repeats.

So not only do you learn how to play – the pieces but you

No more performance fear

This really helps if you feel nervous performing in front of others. If we rely solely on ‘muscle memory’ we can have a fear of ‘forgetting our lines’ but if we have a deep understanding of a piece from many different angles – chords, sections, patterns, repeats and memorable elements – then we go beyond muscle memory until it feels as if we have written the piece ourself.

And you will learn everything in a refreshingly NATURAL way – the way we all learn to speak or read as kids: we first LISTEN to others, then we imitate them and SPEAK what we hear – and ONLY then do we attempt to READ words or sentences that we can already say. And so it makes so much more sense.

Similarly with Classics By Ear you will learn to play the pieces by following the videos, keyboard diagrams or ‘cheat sheets’, and then you will find it MUCH easier to follow the sheet music – because then it will all make perfect sense.

No Cliched Beginner’s Pieces.

The pieces you will be learning aren’t the usual cliched beginner’s pieces (like ‘Fur Elise’ or ‘Minuet in G’). We have especially chosen pieces that sound more advanced (watch the Promo video to hear the pieces) yet they are actually deceptively EASY to play – which means your audience will think that you have been playing for YEARS.

The course is perfect for those people who read a little music but aren’t very advanced – or those who play by ear but want to play some beautiful classical pieces.

If you have no prior knowledge you can still follow the lessons if you are prepared to put in lots of practice, but I suggest you also study sections 1 to 5 of my main Pianoforall course, which will teach you basic sight-reading and chord theory. Section 2 of this course also teaches It will give you enough knowledge to follow the rest of the lessons.

Like Pianoforall – these Classics By Ear courses come with exceptional and comprehensive supplementary PDF ebooks that you can print out and set on your piano or keyboard.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

#1 - An overview of the videos in this section

Basic Sight Reading in 30 minutes

Getting to know the notes on the keyboard

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on learning classical piano pieces by understanding their structure rather than rote memorization, which can lead to a deeper and more confident understanding

Emphasizes learning by ear and imitation before reading sheet music, mirroring natural language acquisition and potentially making the learning process more intuitive

Features pieces that sound advanced but are designed to be relatively easy to play, potentially providing a confidence boost and encouraging continued learning

Recommends completing sections 1-5 of the main Pianoforall course for students with no prior knowledge, suggesting a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners

Includes supplementary PDF ebooks that can be printed, offering a tangible resource for practice and study away from the screen

Breaks down pieces into sections and subsections, which helps learners understand the musical form, chord structure, patterns, and repeats within each piece

Reviews summary

Accessible satie via structure and ear

According to inferred student experiences based on course materials, this course offers a unique method (positive) for learning classical pieces like Satie's Gnossiennes, focusing on understanding structure, chords, and playing by ear (positive) rather than just sheet music memorization. Learners appreciate that the selected pieces, while sounding complex, are actually deceptively easy to play (positive) using this approach. However, some learners note that the 'by ear' focus might be a hurdle if you rely heavily on traditional sight-reading (warning). While the course aims to be accessible, it's suggested that having basic piano knowledge, perhaps from the main Pianoforall course (neutral), is helpful. The course's scope is very focused on the three Satie Gnossiennes (neutral).

Content strictly covers three specific pieces.

"it's very focused on just these three Satie pieces. It felt a bit limited after that."

"Gnossienne Number 1"

"Gnossienne Number 2"

"Gnossienne Number 3"

Course suggests prior piano basics.

"It definitely helps to have some basic piano knowledge beforehand, though, as they suggest."

"Make sure you have the basics down first."

"If you have no prior knowledge you can still follow... but I suggest you also study sections 1 to 5 of my main Pianoforall course..."

Effective for some, challenging for others.

"This 'by ear' approach unlocked Satie for me. Learning the structure and chords made it so much easier and enjoyable..."

"While the idea is good, I found it difficult to learn 'by ear' initially. I'm more of a visual learner and rely on sheet music."

"The method is interesting, focusing on patterns. It's different from how I usually learn."

Printable ebooks aid learning process.

"The PDFs are a lifesaver."

"Like Pianoforall – these Classics By Ear courses come with exceptional and comprehensive supplementary PDF ebooks that you can print out..."

Enjoyable pieces made surprisingly accessible.

"Learning the structure and chords made it so much easier... The pieces sound amazing!"

"This course is great if you like Satie and want to learn his pieces without getting bogged down in complex sight-reading."

"The pieces you will be learning aren't the usual cliched beginner’s pieces... they are actually deceptively EASY to play..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pianoforall - 'Classics By Ear' - Erik Satie with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, chords, and rhythm to better grasp the structure of Satie's pieces.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review the circle of fifths.
Practice identifying major and minor scales.
Learn basic chord progressions.

Read 'Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course'

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Supplement the course with a structured piano method to reinforce sight-reading and technique.

View Melania on Amazon

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Work through the first few chapters.
Practice the exercises regularly.
Apply the concepts to the course material.

Practice Sight-Reading Simple Melodies

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Improve your sight-reading skills by practicing simple melodies to enhance your ability to follow sheet music and learn new pieces more quickly.

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Find simple sheet music online.
Practice reading one line at a time.
Gradually increase the tempo.

Four other activities

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Practice with a Peer

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Collaborate with a fellow student to practice playing the Gnossiennes, providing feedback and support to each other.

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Find a partner to practice with.
Take turns playing the pieces.
Offer constructive criticism.

Create a Simplified Arrangement

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Deepen your understanding of a Gnossienne by creating a simplified arrangement for a beginner pianist, focusing on essential melodic and harmonic elements.

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Choose a Gnossienne to simplify.
Identify the core melody and chords.
Create a simplified version.
Share your arrangement with others.

Explore 'Erik Satie' by James Harding

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Gain a deeper understanding of Erik Satie's life and musical philosophy to enhance your appreciation of his compositions.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read the biography carefully.
Take notes on key influences.
Reflect on how it informs your playing.

Analyze a Gnossienne's Structure

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Create a detailed analysis of the form, harmony, and melody of a Gnossienne to deepen your understanding of its musical construction.

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Choose a Gnossienne to analyze.
Identify the different sections.
Analyze the chord progressions.
Write a summary of your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Pianoforall - 'Classics By Ear' - Erik Satie will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pianist

A Pianist performs music, often as a soloist or as part of an ensemble. This course, teaching how to approach classical music from an understanding of its underlying structure, helps build a foundation for any aspiring pianist. Instead of relying solely on sheet music, this course teaches how to understand the musical form, chord structure, patterns, and repeats which helps foster a deeper connection with the music. The course’s unique approach to learning piano makes it a valuable asset for any budding Pianist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pianist

Music Teacher

A Music Teacher instructs students in music theory, technique, and performance. This course helps teachers learn a new way to engage students in classical piano. It is excellent for Music Teachers who want to move beyond rote memorization and teach students how to understand the structure of music. By learning how to deconstruct pieces and understanding the 'inside out' of classical music, the Music Teacher can better impart this knowledge to their students, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the art form.

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Film Score Composer

Film Score Composers create original music for movies. Understanding musical structures, forms, and how different parts interact is essential in this role. This course's method of deconstructing classical pieces and focusing on elements like chord progression might be beneficial. These insights may provide creative ideas and help a Film Score Composer structure compelling musical narratives for film.

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Conductor

A Conductor leads an orchestra or other musical ensemble. Conductors need a deep understanding of musical form, structure, and interpretation. This course can help aspiring Conductors by providing you with the tools to deconstruct and deeply understand classical pieces. Learning to identify patterns, chord structures, and repeats will help the Conductor lead the ensemble with greater insight and artistry.

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Orchestrator

An Orchestrator arranges music for an orchestra, assigning instruments to different parts and ensuring a balanced sound. Orchestrators benefit from a deep knowledge of musical structure and instrumentation. This course can benefit Orchestrators by giving you an understanding of how classical pieces are constructed, including their chord structures, patterns, and distinct sections. These insights can inform orchestration choices and help you create rich, nuanced orchestral arrangements.

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Composer

A Composer creates original music, often for performance or recording. This course is useful for a Composer who wants to understand the building blocks of classical music. By studying the underlying chord structures, patterns, and section divisions of classical compositions, the Composer can gain valuable insights into musical form and structure. An increased knowledge of musical construction can empower the Composer to write more interesting and innovative pieces.

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Music Critic

Music Critics evaluate and analyze musical performances and compositions. This course helps build a keen understanding of classical pieces by teaching how to analyze the musical form and understand the chord structures. The course’s unique approach of learning from the 'inside out' can help the Music Critic more deeply connect with and understand classical music, leading to more nuanced and informed critiques.

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Accompanist

An Accompanist plays music to support another musician or performer, such as a vocalist or instrumentalist. This course may be useful for an Accompanist by providing a deeper understanding of classical pieces. By learning to identify patterns, chord structures, and distinct sections within classical music, an Accompanist can better anticipate the needs of the performer they are supporting. The course emphasizes understanding a piece from many angles, promoting strong accompaniment skills.

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Arranger

An Arranger adapts existing music for different instruments or ensembles. An Arranger may find that this course helps develop an intimate familiarity with the architecture of piano compositions. Understanding the distinct sections, underlying chord structure, and visual patterns of classical creations enables the Arranger to rework and reshape musical ideas to suit new arrangements. The course's detailed deconstruction of pieces may prove particularly useful.

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Session Musician

A Session Musician is hired to play music in recording studios or during live performances. This course may be useful for a Session Musician seeking gain more insight into classical music. The course provides an opportunity to quickly grasp the structure and nuances of complex pieces. Learning to identify patterns and understanding the underlying construction of music will serve the Session Musician well in their pursuits.

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Musical Director

A Musical Director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production. This course may be useful for a Musical Director by enabling you to develop an intimate, working knowledge of classical scores. The course's approach to deconstructing and understanding the structure of classical music helps the Musical Director grasp the underlying form and patterns that structure a classical work. This detailed understanding of a piece’s construction can inform the decisions of a Musical Director.

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Choir Director

A Choir Director leads and directs a choir, selecting music and guiding rehearsals. This course may benefit the Choir Director, helping you to gain a stronger understanding of a classical work. Knowing the musical form, chord structure, and patterns that underpin a classical composition will enable the Choir Director to guide the choir more effectively. The insights provided by deconstructing classical music can lead to dynamic performances.

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Music Therapist

A Music Therapist uses music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. A Music Therapist may find that this course provides a deeper understanding of classical music. Developing an ability to deconstruct and understand the structure of music will aid the Music Therapist in their sessions. The course’s emphasis on patterns and chord structures may be particularly relevant in this role. Note that this role requires advanced degrees and certifications.

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Entertainment Lawyer

Entertainment Lawyers specialize in legal issues pertaining to the entertainment industry, including music. This course may be prove useful for Entertainment Lawyers as you gain a better understanding of music and the performance world. Understanding the structure of classical pieces can help the Entertainment Lawyer better serve their clients in potential contractual or intellectual property matters.

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Arts Administrator

An Arts Administrator manages the administrative and business aspects of arts organizations. This course may be useful for an Arts Administrator seeking to develop a greater knowledge of musical form. You may gain an understanding of the underlying structure of a musical performance through this course. While the course provides a deep dive into performance, this knowledge may prove useful for an Arts Administrator.

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Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pianoforall - 'Classics By Ear' - Erik Satie.

Pianoforall - 'Classics By Ear' - Erik Satie

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Accessible satie via structure and ear

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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