The history of Hanon’s piano exercises

Charles-Louis Hanon (1819–1900) was a French piano pedagogue (teacher) and composer. He is most famous for his work “The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises,” which is still widely used today for piano instruction. Charles Hanon’s book and exercises were designed to address the many technical challenges that pianists face. It quickly became a foundational tool in piano education, and is still the most famous of technique books and methods.

Hanon’s exercises are designed to improve the strength, agility, and independence of the fingers, as well as increase speed and precision in piano playing. The Hanon exercises provide a systematic framework for aspiring pianists to achieve proficiency in these critical areas. Each exercise was carefully crafted by Charles Hanon, clearly demonstrating his attention to detail and rigor, and thus effectively yielding significant results.

Why Hanon’s exercises are so popular

Why are the Hanon exercises so popular? Simple — they work! The popularity of Hanon’s exercises in piano education is a strong testament to their effectiveness.

They rapidly gained recognition as a fundamental component of piano pedagogy, maintaining their status as among the most celebrated technique books and methods. Embraced by music conservatories and private studios worldwide, Hanon exercises have become synonymous with traditional piano technique mastery. They continue to shape the skillsets of pianists from all over the world today.

The benefits of Hanon’s exercises

The Hanon exercises excel in isolating and developing fundamental aspects of piano technique. They target crucial skills, focusing on improving finger strength, independence, and agility. Piano students’ improvement in these areas leads to the formation of a solid technical foundation, enabling them to tackle complex compositions with greater ease.

Structure of the exercises

“The Virtuoso Pianist” is methodically structured, beginning step-by-step with simple exercises and gradually progressing to more complex patterns. Each exercise is designed to target specific technical aspects, and together, all of the exercises ensure comprehensive development in dexterity and control.

The Hanon exercises in the “The Virtuoso Pianist” are arranged in a specific order that gradually increases in difficulty. This systematic progression is designed to sequentially build the pianist’s technical skills.

Example of a Hanon exercise

The first exercise from Hanon’s “The Virtuoso Pianist” focuses on finger independence and strength.

• The pattern starts on C with the right hand, using a five-finger ascending and descending motion (C-E-F-G-A, then back down A-G-F-E-D).
• The key is to play each note with equal force and maintain a steady tempo.
• The same pattern is then repeated up the keyboard, each time starting on the next white note(D-F-G-A-B, then back down B-A-G-F-E), and using the same fingering.
• The left hand performs the same pattern, starting on C and ascending then descending (C-E-F-G-A, then back down A-G-F-E-D).

Lesson #10 from Hanon’s “The Virtuoso Pianist” provides another good example of what you get with the Hanon exercises. This exercise focuses on developing finger independence, agility, and control utilizing a new pattern. Here’s a brief overview of what this exercise entails:

• The exercise involves playing a series of ascending and descending patterns that require crossing of the fingers and quick shifts in hand position.
• The right hand starts with a pattern that ascends the keyboard, using a combination of finger crossings and stretches.
• The left hand performs the same pattern and also moves ascending.
• Playing both hands together helps reinforce finger independence.

Tips for practicing Hanon exercises

• Start Slowly: Begin at a slow tempo that allows you to play each note evenly and with precision. Speed is not the initial goal; control and evenness are.
• Focus on Finger Strength and Independence: Make sure each finger is playing its note cleanly and with equal strength. Avoid letting stronger fingers dominate the weaker ones.
• Use Correct Fingering: Hanon exercises are designed with specific fingerings to maximize their technical benefits. Stick to these fingerings even if they feel awkward at first.
• Gradually Increase Speed: As you become more comfortable with an exercise, gradually increase the tempo. However, only do so as long as you can maintain accuracy and evenness.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension is the enemy of good piano technique. Keep your wrists flexible, your arms relaxed, and your fingers curved.
• Consistency is Key: Regular practice of these exercises is crucial for seeing improvement. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference.

Ready to try Hanon exercises for yourself?

Hanon’s exercises have been a cornerstone in piano technique for nearly 150 years. Our Hanon course at Playground Sessions is an excellent way to access these time-tested exercises. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or a performer, these exercises can elevate your piano playing. Dive in, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun on your musical journey!

To further explore Hanon’s exercises and learn more about practicing them effectively, you might find the following resources helpful:

• Hanon Online: This website provides an extensive range of Hanon exercises, including all 60 exercises from “The Virtuoso Pianist.” It’s a great resource for anyone looking to delve deeper into Hanon’s methodology and practice techniques.
• Hoffman Academy Blog: The Hoffman Academy blog offers a comprehensive overview of Hanon exercises, detailing their benefits and providing tips on how to incorporate them into daily practice. This resource is particularly useful for understanding the structured progression of the exercises and their impact on developing piano technique.

Playground Sessions also has a video-led course that walks you through the first 20 exercises, the most popular ones. Below are a few videos to help you see how they look and sound in practice.

Lesson 1 from Hanon’s “The Virtuoso Pianist”

Lesson 10 from Hanon’s “The Virtuoso Pianist”

Lesson 20 from Hanon’s “The Virtuoso Pianist”

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Major scales are foundational to Western music, forming the backbone for many songs, melodies, and harmonies. Their bright and joyful sound stands in stark contrast to the more melancholic minor scales.

Relationship between scales and keys

In music, the term “key” signifies the central note or tonic of a scale around which a piece is centered. When a song is described as being “in a major key,” its melody and harmony predominantly utilize notes from the relevant major scale. For instance, songs in C Major mainly feature notes from the C Major scale, while those in D Major draw predominantly from the D Major scale.

Major scales on piano for popular songs

Major scales on piano aren’t just academic exercises; they play a foundational role in many beloved pieces of music. Here are some popular songs in major keys to underscore the importance of these scales:

• “Happy” by Pharrell Williams (F Major)
• “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (D Major)
• “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven (D Major)
• “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (G Major)
• “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay (C Major)

All of the songs listed above are available in the Songs section of the Playground Sessions app.

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The structure of a major scale on the piano

Playing every major scale on the piano adheres to a specific pattern of whole and half steps. A “whole step” means moving two keys—counting both white and black—from your starting position, while a “half step” refers to moving just one key.

Major scale pattern: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

By understanding this pattern, you can start on any key and build a major scale. Let’s use this pattern to build a few major scales:

C Major scale on piano

Building the C Major scale on piano

1. Start on C — Whole step to D
2. D — Whole step to E
3. E — Half step to F
4. F — Whole step to G
5. G — Whole step to A
6. A — Whole step to B
7. B — Half step to C
8. C

D Major scale on piano

Building the D Major scale on piano

1. Start on D — Whole step to E
2. E — Whole step to F♯ (a black key)
3. F♯ — Half step to G
4. G — Whole step to A
5. A — Whole step to B
6. B — Whole step to C♯ (a black key)
7. C♯ — Half step to D
8. D

E Major scale on piano

For the E Major scale, we’ll begin the sequence, and you can try to complete it yourself.

• Start on E — Whole step to…

I invite you to pick a key on your piano and try constructing a major scale using the above approach. The more you practice, the more intuitive it becomes.

Practicing major scales on piano allows you to learn songs faster since so many songs are in major keys. Familiarity with these scales ensures you’re comfortable with the notes and typical fingerings, enhancing your playing efficiency.

Fingering patterns for major scales on piano

For many major scales on the piano, the standard fingering pattern for the right hand when ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5. When descending, it’s 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1.

Here are some examples:

C Major: Ascending (Right hand): 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 Descending (Right hand): 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1

D Major: Ascending (Right hand): 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 Descending (Right hand): 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1

E Major: Ascending (Right hand): 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 Descending (Right hand): 5-4-3-2-1-4-3-2

(1 = Thumb, 5 = Pinky finger. Variations might exist depending on the scale.)

There are other scales, like F and B♭ major, which have their own standard fingerings. 

F Major: Ascending (Right hand): 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 Descending (Right hand): 4-3-2-1-4-3-2-1

B♭ Major: Ascending (Right hand): 2-1-2-3-1-2-3-4 Descending (Right hand): 4-3-2-1-3-2-1-2

So while we always use the same 5 fingers, the patterns or sequences in which we use them can vary based on the scale.

The importance of practicing major scales for piano players

Scales are more than just sequences of notes; they’re foundational to the development of any pianist. Here’s why practicing scales is crucial:

• Finger Strength and Agility: Regular scale practice builds strength and dexterity in the fingers, enabling fluid movement across the keyboard.
• Technique: Practicing scales refines hand positioning, fingering, and touch, ensuring a better playing technique.
• Ear Training: Through scales, players can familiarize themselves with the sound of different sequences, aiding in pitch recognition and melody creation.
• Musical Foundation: Scales form the backbone of chords, melodies, and harmonies, equipping players with the tools they need for composition and improvisation.

By understanding and consistently practicing these major scales on piano, pianists lay a strong foundation for more advanced concepts and techniques. So, dive in, practice regularly, and watch your musical journey flourish!

Further information

Learning piano as an adult: Why it’s never too late

Easy piano chords you can play countless piano songs with

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Advantages of learning piano scales

Specifically, learning and practicing piano scales as a beginner can offer the following advantages…

Technique Development: Scales help develop proper piano technique, including finger independence, coordination, and strength. Playing a sequence of notes using different fingers promotes dexterity and control over the keyboard.

Finger Placement and Accuracy: Scales provide an opportunity to practice accurate finger placement on the keys, improving hand position and precision. This precision translates to more accurate playing in other musical pieces.

Musical Understanding: Scales form the foundation of music theory, offering insights into key signatures, tonalities, and the structure of melodies and harmonies. Understanding scales is crucial for improvisation, composition, and effective interpretation of musical pieces.

Warm-up and Technical Exercises: Scales serve as excellent warm-up exercises before practice or performance. They loosen up the fingers, warm up the muscles, and prepare the mind for focused piano playing. Incorporating scale practice into your regular routine helps maintain and improve your piano playing technique.

So, embrace the journey of learning scales with enthusiasm! They might seem small, but they have a big impact on your piano skills. Get ready to enjoy the process and let the scales guide you towards becoming a confident and accomplished pianist!

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Piano scales for beginners

We’ve included major scales, like C Major, G Major, D Major, and more, as they provide a solid understanding of tonalities and key signatures. Additionally, we incorporated minor scales, such as A minor, E minor, D minor, to introduce the concept of relative major and minor keys. Lastly, we included the chromatic scale, which allows beginners to practice all twelve pitches in an octave, further enhancing finger independence and coordination. 

Here are the 10 must-learn piano scales for beginners, along with their descriptions, fingering patterns, and key information.

C Major piano scale

The C Major scale is the most basic scale and is often the first scale that beginners learn. It is played on the white keys of the piano, starting from C and going up one octave to the next C. 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

G Major piano scale

Introducing one sharp (F#), the G Major scale expands the range and challenges finger dexterity by incorporating a black key. It is played on both white and black keys, starting from G and going up one octave to the next G. 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Practicing the G Major scale helps develop further coordination and strengthens the understanding of key signatures.

F Major piano scale

The F Major scale is played on the white keys, starting from F and going up one octave to the next F. It introduces one flat (Bb). 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4, and for descending is 4-3-2-1-4-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

D Major piano scale

The D Major scale is played on both white and black keys, starting from D and going up one octave to the next D. It introduces two sharps (F# and C#). 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Mastering the D Major scale further enhances finger dexterity and increases your familiarity with playing scales in different key signatures.

A minor piano scale

The A minor scale is played on both white and black keys, starting from A and going up one octave to the next A. It introduces no sharps or flats. 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Practicing the A Minor scale strengthens finger coordination and reinforces the understanding of playing in a minor tonality.

E Major piano scale

The E Major scale is played on both white and black keys, starting from E and going up one octave to the next E. It introduces four sharps (F#, C#, G#, and D#). 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Mastering the E Major scale challenges finger dexterity and strengthens the ability to navigate scales with multiple sharps.

D minor piano scale

The D Minor Scale is played on both white and black keys, starting from D and going up one octave to the next D. It introduces no sharps or flats. 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Practicing the D Minor scale helps develop finger coordination and provides an understanding of playing in a minor tonality.

A Major piano scale

The A Major scale is played on both white and black keys, starting from A and going up one octave to the next A. It introduces three sharps (F#, C#, and G#). 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Practicing the A Major scale strengthens finger coordination and reinforces the understanding of playing scales with multiple sharps.

E minor piano scale

The E minor scale is played on both white and black keys, starting from E and going up one octave to the next E. It introduces no sharps or flats. 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5, and for descending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, and for descending is 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5.

Practicing the E Minor scale further develops finger coordination and provides a deeper understanding of playing in a minor tonality.

Chromatic scale

The Chromatic scale includes all twelve pitches in an octave, moving up or down in half steps (one key at a time). Play it with both hands, starting from C and going up or down to the next C. 

The right-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-3-1-3 1-2-3 1-3-1-3 1-2, and for descending is 2-1 3-1-3-1 3-2-1 3-1-3-1. The left-hand fingering pattern for ascending is 1-3-1-3 2-1-3 1-3-1-3 2-1, and for descending is 1-2 3-1-3-1 3-1-2 3-1-3-1.

Practicing the Chromatic scale improves finger independence, coordination, and familiarity with all the keys on the piano.

 Piano Scales: How to Learn and Practice Them

Remember, piano scales are not just a series of notes to practice. They are the building blocks of your piano journey, empowering you with technique, dexterity, and musical understanding. Embrace the journey of learning scales with enthusiasm, for they might seem small, but they have a big impact on your piano skills.

As you dive into these 10 essential scales, let the music flow through your fingers and feel the joy of progress. Each scale you conquer brings you closer to becoming a confident and accomplished pianist. So, get ready to enjoy the process, overcome challenges, and let the scales guide you towards your musical aspirations.

If you’d like to see a demo of each scale being played by a teacher, check out Playground Sessions’ step-by-step Scales Course. Not only will a teacher guide you through each scale, demonstrating proper fingerings, but Playground also breaks down each scale into several parts. This allows you to learn a scale in smaller chunks before gradually playing up and down the scale with both hands, reaching the ultimate destination. Sign up for a free 30-day trial and give it a shot!

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That said, finding new and fun piano songs can sometimes feel like a chore. Many online piano lessons offer large libraries of songs to choose from but not everyone has access to these.

So if you’re in the piano-playing mood and looking for some fun songs to play, check out this list of 12 fun piano songs everyone should learn to play.

1. “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys

Fallin’ is from Alicia Keys’ debut album, Songs in A Minor. The song features a piano-driven melody with fun and easy-to-play ascending and descending runs. The whole song is essentially two chords: Em and Bm7 – but what makes this song special is what Alicia does with her right hand. 

You don’t need need to be an expert to play this relatively easy song on piano however it will take some practice to get right. 

Alicia Keys is without a doubt a talented pianist and vocalist so if you want to try your hand at both playing and singing Fallin’, consider taking some vocal lessons to help you get there.

2. “Vienna” by Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s song Vienna is a beautiful ballad that celebrates the city of Vienna and its rich history and culture. When the song starts, it is immediately recognizable thanks to the quick triplets that slightly somber tone. Joel is an incredible pianist and this song features many chord changes. That being said, the slow tempo of the song makes it easier to stay in control of the melody and is a super fun piano song to play. 

3. “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis

Great Balls of Fire is a classic rock and roll song written by Otis Blackwell and Jackhammer Moore. It was first recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957, and it quickly became one of his signature tunes. The song is built around a simple, catchy piano riff and Lewis’ signature wild vocals. 

If you play Great Balls of Fire with even half of the energy Jerry Lee Lewis does, there’s no doubt you’ll be having a blast.

4. “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John

Crocodile Rock was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. If you’re looking for a fun piano song to play at parties or family get together’s this one will definitely be a hit. Crocodile Rock takes some initial practice to get the right and left handwork down properly but the rhythm stays pretty consistent throughout the song so once you get the hang of it you should be able to keep up with the flow of this fun piano song.

5. “Let it Be” by The Beatles

The Beatles were one of the most successful and influential bands of all time, and Let it Be is one of their most iconic songs. Let it Be is one of those easy piano songs that sound complicated and most listeners are pretty impressed whenever they hear someone play it. Let it Be is a timeless classic that continues to inspire people all over the world.

6. “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby

Bruce Hornsby’s song “The Way It Is” is an ode to overcoming adversity and achieving success. The piano intro to this song is among one of the most memorable and fun to play piano parts ever. The verses are made up of an easy to follow 5-chord progression while the chorus brings in a little more right-hand work. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a real challenge try your hand at the piano solo. 

Overall, Bruce Hornsby’s signature piano style and soulful vocals make “The Way It Is” a timeless classic.

7. “Somebody to Love” by Queen

Somebody To Love was written by lead singer Freddie Mercury and released on the band’s 1976 album A Day at the Races. If you’re a fan of anthem rock and doing quick chords changes you’ll no doubt find this one fun to play.

8. “Cold Heart” by Elton John and Dua Lipa

Cold Heart is a song by Elton John and Dua Lipa and produced by Pnau. It has an 80’s disco beat to it and combines the lyrics of Elton’s songs Cold Cold Heart and Rocket Man. It’s the catchy bass line, driving kick drum, and subtle synth melodies that make this one so fun to play.

9. “Breakfast in America” by Supertramp

Breakfast In America is a classic pop song by the band Supertramp. With its catchy melodies, mellow rhythm, and medium tempo it is an instantly infectious tune. The piano sections in this song are easy, fun to play, and also sound great.  So if you’re looking for a fun piano song check out this rock classic.

10. “Hold the Line” by Toto

Hold the Line is a classic rock song with a fast-paced piano melody. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge and would like to test your speed skills, Hold the Line if a great option to try out.

11. “American Pie” by Don McLean

If you’re looking to test your piano playing endurance then Don Mclean’s American Pie is a 8-minute long song you shouldn’t miss. Not only is it filled with fast chord progressions and trills, but also a very catchy melody that you’ll find yourself humming for days after listening to it. It’s a fun piano song to play and a great choice to show off your skills, but also requires some serious stamina!

12. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Lean on Me is perhaps one of the greatest sing along songs every created. Its easy to play melody and simple lyrics make it perfect for beginning piano players. It’s also an instant hit when you’re with friends and family and are looking for a fun song to sing together.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting out on the piano or  are an experienced player, there is something for everyone on this list of 12 fun piano songs. So why not take some time to learn one or more of these great tunes? They are sure to bring you hours of enjoyment!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your piano, pull up a chair, and start playing one of these fun songs today!

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