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L1 · Absolute beginner piano resources

24 free resources for L1, absolute beginner level: pieces, scores, lessons and exercises that fit this point on the roadmap.

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Staff picks for this level, for when you would rather not choose.

VideoFinding your natural hand positionYouTube – InformanceL1 to L3about 10 min VideoPiano for beginners, lesson 1: the keyboardYouTube – Bill HiltonL1about 25 min VideoOde to Joy, easy arrangementLudwig van Beethoven · YouTube – Hoffman AcademyL1about 1 h VideoPiano basics: seating and postureYouTube – Pianist MagazineL1 to L2about 10 min

Everything at this level

VideoFinding your natural hand positionYouTube – InformanceL1 to L3about 10 min VideoOde to Joy, easy arrangementLudwig van Beethoven · YouTube – Hoffman AcademyL1about 1 h VideoPiano basics: seating and postureYouTube – Pianist MagazineL1 to L2about 10 min VideoPiano for beginners, lesson 1: the keyboardYouTube – Bill HiltonL1about 25 min Sheet music120 pieces for beginnersDaniel Gottlob Türk · IMSLPL1 to L3about 15 h VideoFinding C, D and E on the pianoYouTube – Hoffman AcademyL1about 15 min VideoFinding F and G on the pianoYouTube – Hoffman AcademyL1about 15 min VideoFinding the right bench heightYouTube – Pianist AcademyL1 to L2about 10 min Sheet musicFirst lessons, Op. 117Cornelius Gurlitt · IMSLPL1 to L2about 10 h VideoGentle warm-ups for beginnersYouTube – PianoteL1 to L3about 10 min VideoHow to count basic rhythmsYouTube – The Mento ZoneL1 to L2about 20 min VideoKeeping a relaxed wrist while playingYouTube – PIANO LABL1 to L4about 15 min AppKeyboard note identificationmusictheory.netL1 to L2about 30 min ArticleMeasures and time signaturesmusictheory.netL1 to L2about 10 min ArticleNote durationmusictheory.netL1 to L2about 10 min AppNote identification drillmusictheory.netL1 to L3about 30 min VideoOde to Joy, hands togetherLudwig van Beethoven · YouTube – Hoffman AcademyL1 to L2about 1 h VideoPiano exercises for beginnersYouTube – PianoteL1 to L2about 20 min VideoPiano for beginners, lesson 2: starting to read musicYouTube – Bill HiltonL1about 40 min Method bookPreparatory piano school, Op. 101Ferdinand Beyer · IMSLPL1 to L2about 25 h ArticleProper posture for piano practiceDummiesL1 to L2about 10 min VideoReading bass clef notes with guide notesYouTube – Hoffman AcademyL1 to L2about 10 min VideoReading notes with landmarks and intervalsYouTube – PianoteL1 to L2about 15 min ArticleThe staff, clefs and ledger linesmusictheory.netL1 to L2about 10 min

Steps in L1

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Video lessons for absolute beginner players

Other levels

L2 · Beginner