Piano
When practicing it is always advantageous to use a metronome. Although many believe that most people already have a good sense of timing, the metronome will be consistent and push you to be more consistent and accurate in your playing. Always start with a slow tempo, developing your ability to play the part you are working on and then once it is flawless, start to speed up the tempo. 60 bpm would be a good place to start.
Recommended Texts: John Thompson Piano Methods; Junior Hanon for the Piano; Hanon-The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises - Alfred Edition;
NOTE - There are MANY great books that have been written for the developing pianist. I have and can work with any of them.
Longtones should be always played at slower tempos: 50 - 70 bpm
Finding Middle C
When you look at the piano you will find that the black keys are grouped together in a pattern of 2, then of 3. Find these patterns on your piano and play them.
Once you have found all the patterns, find the center of your piano: You can use the name of your piano as a starting point (the label is usually placed in the middle) or you can extend your arms evenly to the ends of your piano, your face should now be in the center. Once you have found the center, find the group of 2 black keys that are in the center. Middle C is to the left of these black keys.
Middle C Position - Right Hand
First, we will learn Middle C position for the Right Hand. Line up your fingers starting with you thumb on the notes in the picture. Play through the notes up and down from C to G then back to C and stay the notes as you play them. Take your time and do this slowly; repeat the exercise until you have memorized the notes on the keyboard.
Middle C Position - Left Hand
Next, we will learn Middle C position for the Left Hand. Line up your fingers starting with you thumb on the notes in the picture. Play through the notes down and up from C to F then back to C and stay the notes as you play them. Take your time and do this slowly; repeat the exercise until you have memorized the notes on the keyboard.
C Position - Both Hands
Another position on the Piano is C Position. In this position your hands will be on keys with the same note names: C D E F G. However, in your right hand your thumb will be on C and your left hand pinky will be on C (opposite fingers). Play the notes in this position with both hands while saying the note names out loud. Go very slow with this exercise to make that both hands play the same notes at the same time. This will difficult at first, but with slow practice, it will get much easier.