Lesson 3: Basic Notes and Fingerings

How do I change the pitch on my instrument?

Which keys or fingerings produce which notes?

Note, pitch, fingering, key, scale, ledger lines, tone

NAfME 1.5: Perform simple melodic patterns using proper fingerings

NAfME 1.6: Identify and play basic notes on a staff

Students begin reading simple music and producing different pitches, building toward playing melodies.

Fingerings are the same for every note.

Louder notes are higher notes.

Use color-coded fingerings for beginners.

Advanced students play short two-note patterns or simple scales.

• Teacher checks correct fingerings and notes.

• Students perform a one-octave scale or short melody.