Learning music theory - How to learn to read music and play the piano intuitively like a pro at the same time
Do you want to learn music theory quickly? After this article, you will master all the notes and know how to use them efficiently.
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Gordon November
Gordon November
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Music theory. Some hate it. Others love it. But they are all united by their love of music.
Ha, now I see two big question marks in your eyes. Wait, let me explain.
There are pianists who want to play freely. At any time. On any piano. No matter where they are. They let themselves fall into the music, trust their intuition and simply play what comes to mind. Or they simply play by ear. This is the group of music lovers who hate music theory.
Then there’s the other side. Piano players who love music theory. They use it to play pieces by long-dead composers.
Be it a work by Mozart, Bach or Schumann. Although these luminaries of classical music passed away centuries ago, their pieces are as playable as they were in their time.
The sheet music for their works specifies exactly which key on the piano to press and when. This means that even today it is possible to play the pieces exactly as they were back then.
Which group do you belong to?
If you belong to the music theory enthusiasts, then this article is for you. It shows you how to learn and read music quickly.
If you want to not only read music, but also make music freely and intuitively, then wait. At the end of this article, I’ll tell you what your options are. And how to become a real Intuinaut.
Learn to read music now - Step by Step
Even if you are a complete beginner: In this article, I will take you by the hand and explain the music theory system step by step. I’ll tell you the note names. I’ll explain the staff lines. And help you find your way around a sheet of music.
Wow. It gets even better. With me, you will not only learn music theory, but also intuitive piano playing. The goal: to make you an independent piano virtuoso or an excellent improviser. So that you can play any song yourself without sheet music.
Music theory is just one way to get there. The classic way. But they are not the be-all and end-all. Nor are they the guide you should play by in the future.
Nevertheless, being able to read music has its advantages. If you have this know-how, your intuitive piano playing will be even better.
And you will eventually play as well as Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart combined. At least after this article you will have the potential to do so.
So, let’s get started and learn to read music together. Fight your way through this article. Stick with it. And soon you will be able to reap the rewards of your efforts.
What notes are there?
When reading music, you determine the individual notes by reading the noteheads on the staff lines or in the spaces between the lines. You may notice that some music systems have this symbol at the beginning:
In other systems this:
The treble clef and the bass clef
These are the treble clef – also called G clef. And the bass clef – also called F clef. Why G and F clefs? The two clefs are located at their starting point on the G and F lines, respectively.
Are you wondering why there are two clefs and what you need them for? I’ll tell you: With the help of the treble and bass clefs, you are able to determine the exact pitch of the notes on the following staff lines.
Depending on the clef, the staff system has different meanings for the noteheads. For an easy start, remember: The treble clef (G clef) is placed before high notes, and the bass clef (F clef) is placed before low notes.
But which notes are where?
To understand this, take a look at the following graphic:
Here you can see middle C. It lies between the bass and treble clef. Remember this C exactly. It is now your starting point. From it you will learn all the other notes – whoosh – in no time!
Staff system with treble clef
Can you do the alphabet? You are definitely nodding your head now. Then learning music theory will be child’s play for you.
The notes are named (almost) after our alphabet: A B C D E F G. There is only one small difference. The B in the German-speaking music system is the H. So A H C D E F G.
Super easy, right?
Now the question is where these notes lie on or between the staff lines in the staff system.
You just learned where C is. And you learned that C is our starting point for all other notes. So starting with C, our notes are C D E F G A H.
With these letters you can now name all the notes from C upwards. Our middle C is on the first ledger line below the staff system in the case of the G clef. From this starting point, you are now able to name all the other notes.
Perhaps you can already see it: After you arrive at C in the third space (viewed from below), the note names repeat again. As soon as the staff lines of the staff system are no longer sufficient, ledger lines – as with middle C – will help you.
Where are the notes on the keyboard?
Play Piano by Intuition
Great! You now know what the note names are in the staff system of the treble clef. In the next step, you will learn where these notes are located on the keyboard.
Do you notice anything? Exactly – we have only named white keys. What about the black keys? And above all: How can these be recognized in the staff system?
Sharps (♯) and flats (♭) are the magic words here. These are the accidentals that raise or lower notes by a semitone. They always stand directly to the left of the note to which they refer.
A ♭ lowers a note by a semitone. In addition, a ♭ changes the name of the notes:
G becomes G flat
D becomes D flat, etc.
Exceptions are: E becomes E flat, A becomes A flat and H becomes B flat.
If there is a sharp in front of the notehead, the note is raised by a semitone. The note name also changes here. An -is is added. So C becomes C sharp, D becomes D sharp, etc. There are no exceptions in the designation here.
Staff system with bass clef
The good news first: After you have learned the staff system in the treble clef, the staff system in the bass clef will be a home run for you.
In principle, everything here works like the treble clef. The only difference: Our starting point, the C, is in the second space from the bottom.
The game is the same as with the treble clef. The C is followed by the D. The D is followed by the E, etc.
Tip: If you ever forget where your starting point is on the bass clef, simply orient yourself on the two dots behind the clef. These always enclose the F.
As with the treble clef, the notes repeat again and again.
Great! Now you can read the notes in the treble and bass clef. That was quick, wasn’t it?
This is the best way to remember note names
Too many cooks spoil the broth. Or should I rather say: Too many mnemonic systems confuse the pianist? Never mind. I think you understand what I’m getting at.
Yes, there are many ways to remember note names. Mnemonic devices, sayings and co. But they are not really helpful. If you really want to learn to read music, you simply need a feel for where which note is in the staff system.
Good news: This will happen over time. And until then? Orientation notes will help you.
Orientation notes are the notes that you recognize at first glance in the staff system. And I dare say that in the treble clef these are C and G.
Use these notes as a starting point and keep your orientation when reading music.
You certainly remember. From C upwards – what comes next? Exactly, the D. And then the E. And how did it go on? The same game of course also works with the G. Above the G is the A. Then comes the H. And then?
There are of course also orientation notes in the bass clef. Here we choose the C and the F.
You will find the F immediately. It lies on the F line. And this between the two dots behind the bass clef. The C lies on the first ledger line above the staff system.
Now you know how to find your way around the staff system even better with the help of clefs.
Especially when playing from sheet music, you need auxiliary notes to know in a flash where to place your fingers on the keyboard. Or you can make it even easier for yourself.
Completely without staff lines and co. How does that work? You play by intuition! I’d be happy to show you how it works. On piano.university in the Masterclass Intuition. Sign up now and get a taste of the musical air of freedom.
Can you still learn to read music at 40?
The Inuinauts – i.e. the people who learn to play the piano intuitively with my help – are of all ages. Our piano-playing community is a colorful bunch. And yes, even people aged 40 or over are still learning to play the piano with my help. And with great success.
It is never too late to learn a new hobby or skill. Whether you are 40 years old or perhaps even retired: learning to play the piano is always an option.
However, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration if you don’t learn music theory and piano playing at the same time, but learn to play the piano directly by intuition. This way you can enjoy playing the piano immediately and not just in 15 years.
So, don’t worry. At 40, you have learned to be more productive than children. Use this experience advantage when learning the piano. Then all doors are open to you.
Where do I start?
There are many ways to learn to read music at 40. For example, through self-study with the help of books and videos. Or you can take professional music lessons.
Of course, you also have the option of combining both and taking lessons on reading music and playing the piano online. For example, via piano.university.
Here we focus on teaching basic knowledge of music theory. But the primary goal is to make you a confident pianist who interprets his songs independently and, in the best case, does not need any sheet music.
So: Free yourself from music theory and dry theory. Instead, get to know the piano as a whole. As an Intuinaut, you will soon be able to play your favorite songs by ear.
Long story short: Yes! It is possible to learn music theory and play the piano at 40 . However, I would not tackle both big topics at the same time. If you want to become a music theory professional, then learn music theory first.
But if your goal is to enjoy playing the piano and be yourself at the piano, then start with intuitive piano playing first. After 12 weeks, you will have internalized the system and can continue on your own – and also learn music theory if you want.
But the biggest hurdle is: getting started. If you have the courage to start and face the process, you will develop both technical and musical skills – no matter what age you are. So, let’s go!
Can you learn to play the piano without being able to read music?
Many people think that you have to be able to read music to play the piano. But is that really the case? Can you learn to play the piano without being able to read music?
My opinion is very clear: You don’t need music theory to play the piano. As soon as you play by intuition – and that is simply the most beautiful and free form of making music – music theory is just an annoying stone in your shoe.
BUT: Being able to do it doesn’t hurt. Because even the freest of free spirits sometimes needs a reminder for a song. And that’s where music theory can help.
On piano.university you will learn to play the piano without music theory by intuition – and you will also be provided with the necessary practical knowledge. If you are curious now, you have the opportunity to start a free workshop with me as an Intuinaut. Your scholarship for a musical future, so to speak.
How to: Read music
Let's get started together!
Reading music is not an art. It’s actually quite simple. But anyone who wants to be a real musician should not have to count note by note in the staff system. Music means freedom. And you only get freedom if you free yourself from music theory!
Huh? We’re learning music theory together here and then that?
Again: Mastering note names doesn’t hurt. It is a way to feel your way to the music. And to understand the whole concept behind note names in the first place. Ideally, however, you should use this knowledge as a springboard into the world of intuitive piano playing. Maybe you’ll even become an Intuinaut?
And until then, practice diligently, okay? How does that work? Name the respective note spontaneously – and without cheating. And find it on your keyboard. You will see how quickly you memorize the note names. And now: good luck!
Master Keys Without Sheet Music
With the new turbo training, you'll be proficient in every musical key within a few weeks.
(no sheet music knowledge required)
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Play Piano by Intuition
Master Keys Without Sheet Music
With the new turbo training, you'll be proficient in every key signature within just a few weeks.
(no knowledge of sheet music required)
