Starting to Play Tunes

Count slowly and evenly, tap your foot in time with the beat, and play the tune which follows. Notice how a thin line is drawn between each set of 4 beats to make the notes and counting easier to read. Do not slow down at these 'Bar-Lines', but count evenly 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 as if they were not there. Slowly count the extra eats at the beginning to set your speed.

Notice how a 'Double Bar-Line' ( ) marks the end of the music.
(Did you play the correct g and a? These notes are next to each other, as you will see on the keyboard drawing on the facing page.)

Some notes last longer than others in the tunes which follow. This is no problem if you count slowly and evenly, and play each note in time with the beat which is shown for it. (Keep the key for each note pressed down until the next note is to be played. Then, every note will last for the correct number of beats.)

SKIP TO MY LOU - An American Folk Song
You can see here how the words of the song fit the tune. Count the beat slowly, making each '1' a little stronger to set the rhythm.

(Notice that B is the note to the left of Middle C.)

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