Beginner Piano Lesson #22

Playing with Expression: Dynamics and Simple Chord Accompaniment

Goal: Learn how to make your music sound more expressive by using dynamics (volume changes) and adding simple left-hand chords.

Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Play these five-finger patterns slowly:

Right Hand (C Position)
C – D – E – F – G – F – E – D – C

Left Hand (C Position)
C – D – E – F – G – F – E – D – C

Keep your fingers curved and relaxed.

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New Concept: Dynamics

Dynamics tell us how loudly or softly to play.

Exercise

Play:

C – D – E – F – G

Start softly (p) and gradually get louder (crescendo).

Then play:

G – F – E – D – C

Start loud (f) and gradually get softer (diminuendo).

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Chord Practice

C Major Chord

Notes: C – E – G

G Major Chord

Notes: G – B – D

F Major Chord

Notes: F – A – C

Play each chord four times with your left hand.

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Simple Song Exercise

Right Hand Melody

C – C – G – G – A – A – G

F – F – E – E – D – D – C

Left Hand Chords

Play slowly and listen to how the chords support the melody.

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Practice Challenge

Try playing the melody:

• Once softly
• Once loudly
• Once with a gradual crescendo

Notice how the mood changes.

Homework

Practice 10–15 minutes daily:

1. Five-finger warm-up
2. C, F, and G chords
3. Dynamics exercise
4. Song exercise

Piano Tip: Great pianists don’t just play the correct notes—they tell a story through volume and expression.