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Robin Hall

A New Way to Learn

For over a decade, Pianoforall has taught over 300,000 people worldwide how to play amazing pop, jazz, blues, ballads and improvisation, and now we’re going to teach you how to play

These courses are for

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

Read more

A New Way to Learn

For over a decade, Pianoforall has taught over 300,000 people worldwide how to play amazing pop, jazz, blues, ballads and improvisation, and now we’re going to teach you how to play

These courses are for

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

Instead of 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. 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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Basic Sight Reading in 30 minutes
Getting to know the notes on the keyboard
'Play First - Read Later'
Read more
What do all the lines, dots and symbols MEAN?
Some useful additional information
Page 1 of the Moonlight Sonata
First let's listen to the Moonlight Sonata
The opening 3 bars
Bars 4 to 6
How to Practice Effectively
Bars 7 to 9
Bars 10 to 12
Bars 13 to 15
Page 1 - Keyboard Diagrams with Sheet Music
Page 2 of the Moonlight Sonata
Bars 16 to 19
Bars 19 to 22
Bars 23 to 27
Bars 28 to 31
Page 2 - Keyboard Diagrams with Sheet Music
Page 3 of the Moonlight Sonata
Bars 32 to 37
Bars 35 to 37
Bars 38 to 41
Bars 42 to 51
Page 3 - Keyboard Diagrams with Sheet Music
Page 4 of the Moonlight Sonata
Bars 52 to 55
Bars 55 to 57
Bars 58 to 59
Bars 60 to 65
Bars 66 to 69
Page 4 - Keyboard Diagrams with Sheet Music
Complete Keyboard Diagrams with Sheet Music - All 4 pages
Adding Expression

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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' - Moonlight Sonata with these activities:
Review Basic Music Theory
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, chords, and key signatures. This will make learning the Moonlight Sonata by ear much easier.
Browse courses on Music
Show steps
  • Review the circle of fifths and key signatures.
  • Practice identifying major and minor chords.
  • Learn about rhythm and time signatures.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition
Use this book to gain a deeper understanding of music theory concepts related to the Moonlight Sonata. It provides a clear and accessible explanation of musical concepts.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on harmony and chord progressions.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Relate the concepts to the Moonlight Sonata.
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course
Use this book to supplement the course material and reinforce basic piano skills. It provides a structured approach to learning piano and can be helpful for those with limited prior musical experience.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Work through the first few chapters of the book.
  • Practice the exercises and pieces in the book.
  • Compare the book's approach to the course's approach.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Chord Progression Practice
Practice common chord progressions in the key of C minor (the key of Moonlight Sonata). This will improve your ear training and understanding of harmony.
Show steps
  • Find common chord progressions online.
  • Play the progressions in different inversions.
  • Try to identify the chords by ear.
Analyze Performances on YouTube
Watch videos of professional pianists performing the Moonlight Sonata and analyze their interpretations. Pay attention to their phrasing, dynamics, and tempo.
Show steps
  • Find several performances of the Moonlight Sonata.
  • Take notes on the different interpretations.
  • Compare and contrast the performances.
Record Yourself Playing
Record yourself playing sections of the Moonlight Sonata and analyze your performance. This will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
Show steps
  • Record yourself playing a section of the piece.
  • Listen back and identify areas for improvement.
  • Practice those areas and record yourself again.
Compose a Variation
Compose a variation on a theme from the Moonlight Sonata. This will challenge you to apply your understanding of harmony and melody.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme from the Moonlight Sonata.
  • Experiment with different variations on the theme.
  • Write down your variation and practice playing it.

Career center

Learners who complete Pianoforall - 'Classics By Ear' - Moonlight Sonata will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Piano Teacher
A career as a Piano Teacher involves instructing students of all ages and skill levels in piano playing techniques, music theory, and performance skills. This is a highly rewarding role for musicians and educators alike. The Pianoforall course, 'Classics By Ear' focusing on the Moonlight Sonata, directly helps you teach classical piano, especially using the 'inside out' approach. This course's method of deconstructing pieces bar by bar and section by section allows you to show your students how to dissect the music and the underlying chord structure. In addition, the course's comprehensive supplementary PDF ebooks would be useful for your students.
Private Music Tutor
As a Private Music Tutor, you provide personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels in a particular instrument or musical discipline. This role requires strong teaching skills, patience, and the ability to tailor your approach to meet the individual needs of each student. This course on learning Moonlight Sonata by ear can help you teach students how to play piano by ear and learn the chords and structure of the piece. This 'Classics By Ear' course can enhance your teaching repertoire and methods.
Accompanist
An Accompanist provides musical support to vocalists or instrumentalists during rehearsals, performances, and recording sessions. This collaborative role requires excellent sight-reading skills, a strong understanding of music theory, and the ability to adapt to different musical styles. This 'Classics By Ear' course, centered around Moonlight Sonata, could be helpful to an accompanist who may have to fill in on short notice. The course focuses on understanding music from the 'inside out' and learning to play by ear, which develops the ability to quickly learn and adapt to different pieces. Its emphasis on chords, sections, patterns and repeats lets you quickly familiarize yourself.
Arranger
Arrangers adapt existing musical compositions for different instruments, ensembles, or performance styles. This role requires a strong understanding of music theory, orchestration, and the ability to creatively reimagine existing works. This 'Classics By Ear' course centered around the Moonlight Sonata provides a unique approach to understanding classical music. You get insight into the musical form, chord structure, visual clues, and patterns within the piece, as well as the tools to deconstruct and analyze musical compositions, to help you to rearrange and adapt different musical arrangements more effectively.
Session Musician
Session Musicians are freelance musicians who are hired to perform on recordings, in live performances, or for other musical projects. This versatile role requires excellent sight-reading skills, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to different musical styles, and a professional demeanor. The 'Classics By Ear' course, focusing on Moonlight Sonata, may be useful for session musicians to broaden their repertoire. The course teaches in a refreshing and natural way, first listening, then imitating, and only then attempting to read the sheet music. The course's method of learning from the 'inside out' allows one to go beyond muscle memory and learn the piece at a very deep level.
Music Director
As Music Director, you are responsible for the artistic direction and coordination of a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or opera company. This leadership role demands a deep understanding of music theory, conducting skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate musicians. The Pianoforall course, 'Classics By Ear' gives you a new approach to learning Moonlight Sonata from the inside out, offering valuable insights into classical music structure. By understanding the form, chord structure, and patterns within the pieces, you gain a deeper understanding of how music is constructed. This course is the way to go, as it helps music directors break down complex musical compositions, to enhance their own performance, and teach those under their direction.
Choir Director
A Choir Director leads and trains a group of singers to perform choral music. This role requires a strong understanding of vocal technique, music theory, and conducting skills, as well as the ability to inspire and motivate singers. This course will let you dive deep into the chord structure and patterns within a classical piece, through the course's dissection of the Moonlight Sonata. By understanding the form, chord structure, and patterns within the pieces, you gain a deeper understanding of how music is put together. This course is advantageous when it comes to directing the musical ensemble.
Band Leader
A Band Leader is responsible for directing and coordinating a musical ensemble, such as a jazz band, rock band, or concert band. This leadership role requires strong musical skills, organizational abilities, and the ability to motivate and inspire band members. The Pianoforall course gives band leaders a new approach to learning Moonlight Sonata from the inside out, offering valuable insights into classical music structure. By understanding the form, chord structure, and patterns within the pieces, you gain a deeper understanding of how music is constructed. This course will help band leaders break down Moonlight Sonata and other complex musical compositions.
Composer
Composers create original musical works for various mediums, including film, television, video games, and concert performances. This creative role requires a strong understanding of music theory, orchestration, and the ability to express emotions and ideas through music. Viewing Moonlight Sonata through this 'Classics By Ear' approach can help generate inspiration for new ideas. The course teaches one to understand how pieces are put together from musical form to underlying chord structure, visual clues, and patterns. This course may give you a deeper understanding of musical composition, which you can then apply when composing your own works.
Church Musician
A Church Musician provides musical leadership and support for religious services and other church-related events. This multifaceted role may involve playing the organ or piano, directing the choir, composing original music, and coordinating musical performances. This course's method of dissecting a piece bar by bar and section by section can help a church musician gain a deeper understanding of music, to help him or her to perform and lead more effectively. Moonlight Sonata may not be a typical piece for a church musician, but this Pianoforall course will give one the tools to analyze and understand music.
Music Journalist
A Music Journalist writes about music-related topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This role requires a strong understanding of music history, theory, and current trends, as well as excellent writing and communication skills. By learning classical music from the 'inside out' as this course teaches, one can provide a deeper and more insightful analysis to the readers. Also, by learning to play by ear, a music journalist increases their appreciation for the performance aspects of music. Analyzing the Moonlight Sonata in this course may also help with reviewing albums or live performances.
Musical Instrument Repair Technician
Musical Instrument Repair Technicians specialize in the maintenance, repair, and restoration of musical instruments. This skilled trade requires a deep understanding of instrument construction, acoustics, and repair techniques. 'Classics By Ear' may not seem relevant at first glance, but the course's emphasis on understanding how music is constructed, from musical form to underlying chord structure, can indirectly enhance your understanding of how instruments function and produce sound. This course is the one, as it takes you from the theory to practice.
Music Store Sales Associate
As a Music Store Sales Associate, you assist customers in selecting instruments, accessories, and other music-related products. This customer service role requires a basic understanding of music theory, knowledge of different instruments, and excellent communication skills. The comprehensive supplementary PDF ebooks of this course can be valuable resources for answering customer questions and providing guidance on choosing the right materials. While the 'Classics By Ear' centers around piano, the approach may be useful for understanding other instruments as well.
Music Librarian
Music Librarians manage and organize collections of musical scores, recordings, and other music-related materials in libraries or archives. This role requires a strong understanding of music history, theory, and library science principles, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills. The course emphasizes the importance of supplementary PDF ebooks that can be printed out and set on a piano or keyboard. The course teaches one to first listen, then imitate, and only then attempt to read the sheet music. This may give a music librarian an advantage when it comes to organizing the library.
Music Therapist
A Music Therapist uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals and groups. This helping profession requires a master's degree in music therapy and board certification. Although you'll need advanced training to become a music therapist, the Pianoforall course, 'Classics By Ear' can help better understand the Moonlight Sonata. This can then be used to create lesson plans to assist others. The course is useful for understanding the form, chord structure, and patterns within pieces.

Reading list

We've selected two 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' - Moonlight Sonata.
Provides a user-friendly introduction to music theory concepts. It covers topics such as scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony in a clear and accessible manner. It is particularly useful for beginners who want to gain a solid foundation in music theory. It can be used as a reference guide throughout the course.

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