Left-hand steps: read one measure at a time

Find the changing starting note

Hello, Piano’s ‘Left hand 1 · Five-note steps’ is eight measures in 4/4, marked quarter note = 66. The number after a note names its octave; C4 is middle C.

The left-hand staff has C3–D3–E3–F3 in measure 1 and D3–E3–F3–G3 in measure 2. All are quarter notes, one per beat. The whole group moves up one step in measure 2.

Practice changes of direction

Measure 3 goes E3–F3–G3–F3, rising and then falling. Measure 6 descends G3–F3–E3–D3; measure 8 ends G3–F3–E3–C3. Notice the larger move between the last two notes.

• Suggestion: say whether each note moves up or down before playing.
• Play measures 1–2 slowly, then connect 2–3 while keeping the count across the bar line.
• Compare the endings of measures 6 and 8 before playing the whole exercise. Start at a comfortable speed and use the printed tempo as a reference.

Score and scope

This guide uses the MusicXML for left-01, an original exercise created for Hello, Piano. The practice sequence is a suggestion, not a prescribed fingering or individual assessment.