Ridley Academy Book

The Complete Piano Masterclass
Exercise Pack & Additional Materials
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Table of Contents
Notes
page 3
Scales
page 9
Finger work
page 17
Rhythm
page 25
Reading and Writing Music

page 51
Circle of Fifths and Key Signatures

page 83
Learning Songs
page 87
Dynamics
page 89
Performance
page 91
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1. Notes Section: Extra Exercises
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Reference Keyboard
This is an awesome practise tool for learning note names. First watch the Notes section of your course.
If you’re still not certain of the note names then use this tool. Simply shout out a note name of your choosing, then
go and play it on the piano, and use this picture to check that you played the correct note.
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Semitone: The smallest movement possible on a keyboard
Semitone
Semitone Semitone
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Tone: a movement of 2 semitones
Tone
Tone Tone
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Tones vs Semitones Exercise
1. Start on E, move up 4 semitones what’s the note? _______ 16. Start on F, move up 11 semitones what’s the note? _______
2. Start on G, move up 2 semitones what’s the note? _______ 17. Start on C, move up 2 tones what’s the note? _______
3. Start on Bb, move down 3 tones what’s the note? _______ 18. Start on E, move down 6 tones what’s the note? _______
4. Start on F, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? _______ 19. Start on E, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? _______
5. Start on G#, move down 1 tone what’s the note? _______ 20. Start on Bb, move up 4 tones what’s the note? _______
6. Start on C, move up 3 tones what’s the note? _______ 21. Start on A, move down 4 semitones what’s the note? _______
7. Start on E#, move up 1 semitone what’s the note? _______ 22. Start on E, move up 9 semitones what’s the note? _______
8. Start on F, move up 4 semitones what’s the note? _______ 23. Start on F, move down 4 tones what’s the note? _______
9. Start on A, move down 2 semitones what’s the note? _______ 24. Start on F#, move up 1 semitone what’s the note? _______
10. Start on D, move up 4 semitones what’s the note? _______ 25. Start on C, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? _______
11. Start on Ab, move up 9 semitones what’s the note? _______ 26. Start on D, move down 7 semitones what’s the note? _______
12. Start on C#, move up 14 tones what’s the note? _______ 27. Start on D, move up 7 semitones what’s the note? _______
13. Start on E, move down 2 semitones what’s the note? _______ 28. Start on A#, move up 4 tones what’s the note? _______
14. Start on G, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? _______ 29. Start on Ab, move down 4 tones what’s the note? _______
15. Start on Db, move down 3 tones what’s the note? _______ 30. Start on E, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? _______
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Tones vs Semitones Answers
1. Start on E, move up 4 semitones what’s the note? Ab 16. Start on F, move up 11 semitones what’s the note? E
2. Start on G, move up 2 semitones what’s the note? A 17. Start on C, move up 2 tones what’s the note? E
3. Start on Bb, move down 3 tones what’s the note? E 18. Start on E, move down 6 tones what’s the note? E
4. Start on F, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? Bb 19. Start on E, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? A
5. Start on G#, move down 1 tone what’s the note? F# 20. Start on Bb, move up 4 tones what’s the note? F#
6. Start on C, move up 3 tones what’s the note? F# 21. Start on A, move down 4 semitones what’s the note? F
7. Start on E#, move up 1 semitone what’s the note? F# 22. Start on E, move up 9 semitones what’s the note? C#
8. Start on F, move up 4 semitones what’s the note? A 23. Start on F, move down 4 tones what’s the note? A
9. Start on A, move down 2 semitones what’s the note? G 24. Start on F#, move up 1 semitone what’s the note? G
10. Start on D, move up 4 semitones what’s the note? F# 25. Start on C, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? F
11. Start on Ab, move up 9 semitones what’s the note? F 26. Start on D, move down 7 semitones what’s the note? G
12. Start on C#, move up 14 tones what’s the note? F 27. Start on D, move up 7 semitones what’s the note? A
13. Start on E, move down 2 semitones what’s the note? D 28. Start on A#, move up 4 tones what’s the note? F#
14. Start on G, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? C 29. Start on Ab, move down 4 tones what’s the note? C
15. Start on Db, move down 3 tones what’s the note? G 30. Start on E, move up 5 semitones what’s the note? A
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2. Scales Section: Extra Exercises
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Learning Scale Patterns
Major Scale Pattern

TTS TTTS
(Keynote*) Tone Tone Semitone, Tone Tone Tone Semitone.
1. Play D major, one octave (up only), right hand
2. Play Eb major, one octaves (up only), left hand
3. Play G major, two octaves (up only), right hand
4. Play Ab major, two octaves (up only), left hand
5. Play B major, one octave (up and back down), right hand
6. Play F major, one octave (up and back down), left hand
7. Play C major, two octaves (up and back down), right hand
8. Play Db major, two octaves (up and back down), left hand
9. Play G major, three octaves (up and back down), right hand
10. Play D major, three octaves (up and back down), left hand
11. Pick any note you want, play the major scale of that note up and down four octaves, right hand
12. Pick any note you want, play the major scale of that note up and down four octaves, left hand
13. Repeat 11 & 12 as many times as necessary until this becomes very very easy
*Keynote is the note you start the scale on. It tells you “what key the scale is in”
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Minor Scale Pattern
TST TST T
(Keynote*) Tone Semitone Tone, Tone Semitone Tone, Tone.
1. Play E minor, one octave (up only), right hand
2. Play Bb minor, one octaves (up only), left hand
3. Play C minor, two octaves (up only), right hand
4. Play Gb minor, two octaves (up only), left hand
5. Play D minor, one octave (up and back down), right hand
6. Play F minor, one octave (up and back down), left hand
7. Play G minor, two octaves (up and back down), right hand
8. Play Eb minor, two octaves (up and back down), left hand
9. Play F# minor, three octaves (up and back down), right hand
10. Play A minor, three octaves (up and back down), left hand
11. Pick any note you want, play the minor scale of that note up and down four octaves, right hand
12. Pick any note you want, play the minor scale of that note up and down four octaves, left hand
13. Repeat 11 & 12 as many times as necessary until this becomes very very easy
*Keynote is the note you start the scale on. It tells you “what key the scale is in”
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Learning the rule base of each Scale
A scale is a rule base that tells you which notes you can and cannot play for a piece of music in that key.
For example C Major tells you that you can play any white note, and no black notes.
Question 1: Use your scale patterns to answer; what are the rules bases for each of the keys?
Write what note you are allowed to play
C Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C# Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C# Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eb Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eb Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
E Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
E Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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F Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
F Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
F# Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
F# Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
G Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
G Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ab Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ab Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bb Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bb Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B Major _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B Minor _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Question 1: Answers
C Major C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C F# Major F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F#
C Minor C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C F# Minor F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#
C# Major C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, C# G Major G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
C# Minor C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# G Minor G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G
D Major D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D Ab Major Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab
D Minor D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D Ab Minor Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab
Eb Major Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb A Major A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
Eb Minor Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb A Minor A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
E Major E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E Bb Major Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
E Minor E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E Bb Minor Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb
F Major F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F B Major B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
F Minor F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F B Minor B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B
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Scales Further Questions
Work answers to the following questions
1. How many sharps does D Major have?
2. How many flats does Bb Minor have?
3. How many sharps does C Major have?
4. How many of the notes in A minor are white?
5. How many sharps are in F# major? Which ones?
6. How many sharps are in E Major? Which ones?
7. How many flats are in Ab Major? Which ones?
8. Name the black notes in F major
9. Name the black notes in C minor
10. Name the black notes in E minor
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Scales Further Questions: Answers
Answers below
1. How many sharps does D Major have? 2
2. How many flats does Bb Minor have? 5
3. How many sharps does C Major have? 0
4. How many of the notes in A minor are white? All of them
5. How many sharps are in F# major? Which ones? 6. They are F#, G#, A#, C#, D#, E#
6. How many sharps are in E Major? Which ones? 4. They are F#, G#, C#, D#
7. How many flats are in Ab Major? Which ones? 4. They are Ab, Bb, Db, Eb
8. Name the black notes in F major Bb
9. Name the black notes in C minor Bb, Eb, Ab
10. Name the black notes in E minor F#
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3. Finger Work Section: Additional Materials
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The basic rules of finger work
Finger Work is the process of deciding which fingers to use to play each note
Finger Work exists purely so that you can play smoothly and comfortably.
Anything that achieves that is good Finger Work.
Anything that stands in the way of that is bad Finger Work.
Here are 5 basic rules for good Finger Work
1. Black notes should be played with your long fingers
2. When going from a black note to a white note, play the white note with your thumb (unless it’s the last note of the
phrase).
This will allow you to have the rest of your hand available for the notes to come!
3. The comfiest fingers to turn on are the 3rd finger (middle finger) or 4th finger (ring finger)
4. Aim to start the phrase on your thumb (unless it’s a black note), and end on your pinky, or as close as possible to this.
If you start on your thumb, you’re going to have the rest of your hand available to play the next notes up on the phrase.
5. Plan ahead. Always make sure you have enough fingers to finish the phrase, and if not, plan a turn at the comfiest place
possible, so nobody will hear it!
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Suggested Finger Works: Major Patterns
Whilst every hand is unique, there are some commonalities between our hand shapes.
Therefore for most people, they will find the following to be the most comfortable finger work patterns.
Index
1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger.
LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand
C Major E Major
Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C Notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E

Suggested Finger Work (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Suggested Finger Work (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Suggested Finger Work (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Suggested Finger Work (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
D Major F Major
Notes: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D Notes: F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F

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G Major B Major
Notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G Notes: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B

A Major C# / Db Major
Notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A Notes: Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db
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D# / Eb Major G# / Ab Major
Notes: Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb Notes: Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab

F# /Gb Major A# / Bb Major
Notes: F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F# Notes: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb

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Suggested Finger Works: Minor Patterns
See if you find these to be the most comfortable Finger Work patterns for your hand!
A Minor B Minor
Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A Notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B

A# / Bb Minor C Minor
Notes: A#, C, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A# Notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C
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C# / Db Minor D# / Eb Minor
Notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# Notes: D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#
D Minor E Minor
Notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D Notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E

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F Minor G Minor
Notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F Notes: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G

F# / Gb Minor G# / Ab Minor
Notes: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F# Notes: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#
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4. Rhythm Section: Extra Exercises
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Part 1: Counting exercises
Okay, for each of these count out loud, and clap on the circled beat.
Start at 60 beats per minute, and work up to 120 beats per minute on each.
You can also make your own on page 33.
Exercise A
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
Exercise B
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
Exercise C
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
Exercise D
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
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Exercise E
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
Exercise F
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
Exercise G - up to 160 beats per minute
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
Exercise H - up to 160 beats per minute
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
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Part 2: Note length exercises
Okay, for each of these count out loud, and play any note with the correct duration.
Start at 60 beats per minute, and work up to 120 beats per minute on each
Exercise A
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Exercise B
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
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Exercise C
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Exercise D
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
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Part 3: Rhythmic Subdivision
Okay, for each of these count out loud, and clap on the circled beat.
Start at 60 beats per minute, and work up to 120 beats per minute on each.
You can also make your own on page 33.
Exercise A
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + | 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + |
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + | 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ||
Exercise B
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + | 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + |
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + | 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ||
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Exercise C
1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a | 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a |
1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a | 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a ||
Exercise D
1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a | 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a |
1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a | 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a |
1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a | 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a ||
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Exercise F
1 po ta to 2 po ta to 3 po ta to 4 po ta to | 1 po ta to 2 po ta to 3 po ta to 4 po ta to |
1 po ta to 2 po ta to 3 po ta to 4 po ta to | 1 po ta to 2 po ta to 3 po ta to 4 po ta to ||
Exercise G
1 po ta to 2 po ta to 3 po ta to 4 po ta to | 1 po ta to 2 po ta to 3 po ta to 4 po ta to ||
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Part 4: Make your own
Let’s get creative! Make your own beats. Simply…

1. Print this page out as many times as you like.
2. Creative your own subdivisions
3. Circle the beats you want to play
4. Play!
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 ||
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Part 5: Reading Rhythm
Index
Name Note Rest Equivalent
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Exercise 1: Notation
Complete the following
1 x = _____ x 3 x = _____ x
1 x = _____ x 6 x = _____ x
3 x = _____ x 3 x = _____ x
4 x = _____ x 4 x = _____ x
7 x = _____ x 24 x = _____ x
1 x = _____ x 8 x = _____ x
2 x = _____ x 2 x = _____ x
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Exercise 1: Notation Answers
1 x = 4
_____ x 3 x = 6
_____ x
1 x = 4
_____ x 6 x = 1.5 x
_____
3 x = 6
_____ x 3 x = 1.5 x
_____
4 x = 16
_____ x 4 x = 16
_____ x
7 x = 28
_____ x 24 x = 3
_____ x
1 x = 0.25 x
_____ 8 x = 4
_____ x
2 x = 1
_____ x 2 x = 16
_____ x
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Exercise 2: Time Signatures and Bar Lines
Add the bar lines in the correct place
4
4
2
2
3
4
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4
4
2
4
3
2
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Exercise 2: Answers
How’d you do? If you didn’t get 100% rewatch the videos and have another go!
4
4
2
2
3
4
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4
4
2
4
3
2
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Exercise 3: Time Signatures and Bar Lines
Write the correct time signatures for each line of music
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Exercise 3: Answers
Some of these had two answers, either is okay!
3
4
or
2 4
2 4
or
2 4
2 4
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or
2 4
2 4
3
4
2
4
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Exercise 6: Dotted Notation
Complete the following
1 x . = _____ x 3 x . = _____ x
1 x . = _____ x 8 x . = _____ x .
2 x . = _____ x 3 x . = _____ x
2 x . = _____ x 9 x . = _____ x
3 x . = _____ x 10 x . = _____ x
2 x . = _____ x 2 x . = _____ x
1 x . = _____ x 1 x . = _____ x
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Answers
How did you do? This can be a brain melter!
Tip: work it out without the dot and multiply your answer by 1.5!
1 x . = 3
_____ x 3 x . = 9
_____ x
1 x . = 3
_____ x 8 x . = 6
_____ x .
2 x . = 6
_____ x 3 x . = 9
_____ x
2 x . = 12 x
_____ 9 x . = 54 x
_____
3 x . = 9
_____ x 10 x . = 15 x
_____
2 x . = 6
_____ x 2 x . = 3
_____ x
1 x . = 6
_____ x 1 x . =
1.5
_____ x
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Exercise 7: Translating Compound Time Signatures
Compound Time Signatures can appear complicated

To translate them is easy, simply divide the top number by 3, and half the bottom number
then adding a dot to signify it’s a dotted form (50% longer)
6 2 3 18
= = 2x . 8
= =
8
= =
8 4.
9 15 9
= = = = = =
8 16 4
6 12 9
= = = = = =
4 4 16
12 6 15
= = = = = =
8 8 8
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Exercise 7: Answers & Part II
Next, translate each answer into it’s undotted equivalent
Example: 6
=
2
= 2x . = +
8 4.
3 1 18 6
6
=
2
= 2x . = = 1x . = = 6x .
8 4. 8 4. 8 4.
9 3
= = 3x . 15
=
5
= 5x . 9
=
3
= 3x .
8 4. 16 8. 4 2.
6 2
= = 2x . 12
=
4
= 4x . 9
=
3
= 3x .
4 2. 4 2. 16 8.
12 4
= = 4x . 6
=
2
= 2x . 15 5
= = 5x .
8 4. 8 4. 8 4.
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Exercise 8: Compound Time Signatures
Draw the barlines for these compound time signatures
6 . . .
8
6 . . . .
4
9 . .
8
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Exercise 8: Answers
2 6 . . .
4. 8
2 6 . . . .
2. 4
3 9 . .
4. 8
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5. Reading and Writing Music Section Exercises
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Mnemonic Reference
Read from bottom line to top line as a memory aid
Friends
E
Deserves
C
Boy
A
Good
F
Every
Always
Grass
Fudge
Eat
Deserve
Cows
Boys
All
Good
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Note Index
Treble Clef
C D E F G A B C D E F G A
Bass Clef
E F G A B C D E F G A B C
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Exercise 1: Written pitch
Write the correct name of each note underneath it.

Tip: In the beginning, write the mnemonic memory aid next to the stave to help you work out each note.
Note:
Note:
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Exercise 1: Answers
How did you do?

If you struggled, you can do some more on the next page!
Note: G D C E F B D F G B E C G A F A
Note: E B F A F C G D G E A B C B F E
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Exercise 1: Continued
Repetition produces certainty
Note:
Note:
Note:
Note:
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Note:
Note:
Note:
Note:
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Exercise 1 Continued: Answers
Note: C A G G E F E D B D F C G F E D
Note: B F G F E C D A F E E B C E B G
Note: E G D C E E G G F F G C D C D E
Note: E D A E E A G F G D C E F A E C
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Note: E B C F G A E F G G B F A C D A
Note: B D B F C G F A F G G F B A E B
Note: E B A B D E G A E G C F A G B C
Note: G B D E F F C F B G A A B F D C
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Exercise 2: Picture time
For every line and every space, draw a picture of something beginning with the same letter of the note.
Tip: Make it funny! This will be more memorable!
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Exercise 3: Practise your pictures
Alright, write the note names, this time, don’t work them out with a mnemonic,
just use your pictures so you can do it instantly!
Note:
Note:
Note:
Note:
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Note:
Note:
Note:
Note:
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Exercise 3 Answers
Note: C A G G E F E D B D F C G F E D
Note: B F G F E C D A F E E B C E B G
Note: E G D C E E G G F F G C D C D E
Note: E D A E E A G F G D C E F A E C
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Note: E B C F G A E F G G B F A C D A
Note: B D B F C G F A F G G F B A E B
Note: E B A B D E G A E G C F A G B C
Note: G B D E F F C F B G A A B F D C
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Exercise 4: Write your own notes
Press any white key on the piano between D2 and A6 and then write that note on the stave
If you don’t know whether you got it right, you can check with the note index on page 53
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Exercise 5: Intervals
Name each interval below

Tip: remember the rule; same (both lines or both spaces)
means an odd number, different means an even number
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Exercise 5: Answers
Remember the rule; same (both lines or both spaces)

means an odd number, different means an even number
6th 4th 4th 7th 5th 6th 3rd 4th 7th 11th 7th 9th 8th 10th 7th 4th
7th 5th 7th 5th 8th 4th 2nd 12th 4th 8th 7th 5th 6th 5th 15th 8th
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8th 2nd 8th 7th 8th 6th 8th 4th 3rd 3rd 6th 4th 8th 8th 3rd 5th
4th 3rd 3rd 5th 6th 5th 7th 3rd 9th 6th 11th 3rd 6th 5th 5th 2nd
6th 5th 6th 3rd 5th 4th 2nd 6th 5th 13th 10th 7th 6th 5th 10th 3rd
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Exercise 6: Write these intervals
Okay, now you can do any combination of notes so long as the space between them matches the interval asked for!
Tip: Print this out multiple times and do it over and over, with different notes each time until you’re FAST
7th 4th 6th 3rd 6th 4th 2nd 8th 13th 10th 7th 6th 5th 10th 3rd
3rd 3rd 5th 5th 5th 7th 3rd 9th 6th 12th 3rd 6th 5th 5th 2nd
9th 8th 7th 3rd 4th 4th 2nd 8th 15th 11th 7th 6th 5th 3rd 16th
2nd 10th 6th 5th 5th 7th 3rd 6th 6th 14th 3rd 6th 4th 5th 8th
!72
Exercise 7: Write your own intervals
Press any two white key on the piano between D2 and A6 and then write that note on the stave
Then pick a number between 1 and 15 and draw that internal in!
!73
Exercise 7: Reading off the stave
Write the note names underneath each note

Tip: The first note might take time, then use relative reading to make this quicker!
Note:
Note:
!74
Note:
Note:
!75
Exercise 7: Answers
Note: Stay patient. This exercise always takes some time to crack!
Note: E F E B B G D A F G B A C D F G C B A F E C B
Note: G F E F A E D A G F E D G B D F E D C G A
!76
Note: D E G C G D A F D C D E A C E B B E D C
Note: B C B D E F A C E D F B D E F B D C
!77
Exercise 7: Continued
You guessed it! Now it’s time to draw some yourself!

Start by drawing some notes at random, then work them out and play them on your keyboard
Print this page and repeat daily until confident
!78
Exercise 8: The Black Keys
Make sure you’ve watched the relevant section in the Masterclass

then correctly identify each of the following notes.
If you’ve done the previous exercises thoroughly (especially the DIY sections)
this will be very easy!
Note:
Note:
!79
Note:
Note:
Note:
!80
Exercise 8: Answers
One common mistake to avoid is forgetting that a sharp/flat

remains sharp/flat for the remainder of the bar!
If you messed up, draw yourself some notes on the empty manuscript
on page 78 and have another go!
Note: G C F# B F# A B Bb C E B E BB E G A Bb C B C Eb Eb G# B D# F# F Eb F Eb F B E B
Note: F F# G F# Db E A# E G F B Gb D A C D G F E D E# Gb E# E# A Gb E Db E D E Gb Db B
!81
Note: Db Eb A D C# B C# Db F E D D G Ab F Eb D Eb D Eb F E Ab E D G Ab D C# C B C
Note: E C Ab Fb G A C# G C# C# B F A C CB A# C A# F Ab G D G A B C# D E F G# C
Note: C E D G# Eb G Eb C# A F Eb G Db G F C# C Bb D Bb B B Eb G# C Db E D Ab Bb C Bb
!82
6. Circle of Fifths and Key Signatures
!83
Exercise 1: Circle Of Fifths
The task is simple; have fun. Play with it!!

Become familiar with how this can help you as a writer,
and to learn the key signatures in the process!
Black notes Black notes

*note they’re also a 4th apart *note they’re also a 5th apart
(5 semitones) (7 semitones)
Bb F#
Bb, Eb F#, C#
Bb, Eb, Ab F#, C#, G#
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db F#, C#, G#, D#
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb F#, C#, G#, D#, A#
!84
Exercise 2: Understanding Key Signatures
Key signatures tell you the rule set of a song, or the ‘key’
Now, using your understanding of the circle of 5ths and scales, work out which 2 keys
(one major, one minor) each of these key signatures represents.
Check your answers using the Circle Of Fifths on Page 84
!85
Exercise 3: Understanding key signatures reversed
Now, you write the key signature for each of the keys asked for
You can check your answers against the Circle Of Fifths on page 84
G minor B minor C# minor Bb major F minor
A minor E major G major A major B major
D major Db minor Eb minor Ab major C major
!86
7. Learning Songs
!87
Exercise 1: Learn A Song
Get the sheet music for a simple song you like. Learn that song using the following steps;
Tip: The best way to learn a song is little and often rather than 7 hours sat at the piano!
1. Get a quick overview of how the song goes,

by quickly skimming through the part for each hand
2. Plan your finger work in the right hand
3. Work out any notes that are off the stave and mark them
4. Learn the right hand, slowly, using a metronome to

make sure you’re also learning the correct rhythm
(play at a speed so slow that you can do it without making
mistakes then increase speed after perfection achieved)
5. Gradually increase speed of right hand

until you’ve got it perfectly
6. Repeat steps 2-5 with the left hand
7. Now play both hands together, roughly 4X slower

than you were playing individually
8. Build up your speed gradually to performance speed
9. NOW you can start making it your own, by making the piece of music talk
YOUR way, making it say what YOU want it to say by the WAY you play it
(covered in depth in Artist Development Programme)
!88
8. Dynamics
!89
Exercise 1: Using Dynamics
Dynamics are the most important element in piano music.
It is literally the name of the instrument (piano+forte = soft+loud)
This exercise is simple;
1. Take a piece of music
2. Learn it, properly
3. Now only using dynamics and timing, play it in 5 different emotions*;
Happy
Sad
Angry
Reflective
Bored
*This is where you learn how to make a song talk, rather than sound robotic, don’t be afraid to really impinge!
!90
9. Performance
!91
Final Course Exercise
Take a song, learn it, make it your own,

And then play it to somebody!!
This is just like dancing; it may feel awkward at first, but if you are able to lose yourself in it,
By which is meant stop being self conscious
(i.e. get your attention off yourself and onto the song,
and the message you are communicating in the song)
it will be a transcending experience for everyone.
!92
A MESSAGE FROM STEPHEN RIDLEY
Congratulations on finishing The Complete Piano Masterclass.
This is a fantastic achievement and I commend you thoroughly for having the personal discipline
and responsibility to make it through this course in full.
This is not the end, but the beginning of your musical journey, now comes the fun part of
taking everything you have learnt here and applying it, such that you can have a much
more aesthetic life!! The doors are now open, and the world of music is yours to explore!
I would love to hear your success story, and all of the wins you got from the course.
I read this success stories to my team and it gives everyone the most tremendous pleasure.
Success@RidleyAcademy.com
We do this because we want to make artists.

This course is the first step on that journey.
The Artist Development Programme is your next step.
This is where we build on the technical skill you have now learned, and turn you into
an Artist in your own right; one who can speak to the world, and move them to greater futures.
To find out more visit www.RidleyAcademy.com
!93

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The Complete Piano Masterclass

Exercise Pack & Additional Materials

Reading and Writing Music

Circle of Fifths and Key Signatures

Major Scale Pattern

1. Play D major, one octave (up only), right hand

2. Play Eb major, one octaves (up only), left hand

3. Play G major, two octaves (up only), right hand

4. Play Ab major, two octaves (up only), left hand

1. Play E minor, one octave (up only), right hand

2. Play Bb minor, one octaves (up only), left hand

3. Play C minor, two octaves (up only), right hand

4. Play Gb minor, two octaves (up only), left hand

C Major C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C F# Major F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F#

C Minor C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C F# Minor F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#

C# Minor C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# G Minor G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G

D Major D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D Ab Major Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab

Eb Major Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb A Major A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A

Eb Minor Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb A Minor A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A

E Major E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E Bb Major Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb

E Minor E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E Bb Minor Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb

F Major F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F B Major B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B

F Minor F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F B Minor B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B

Work answers to the following questions

1. How many sharps does D Major have?

2. How many flats does Bb Minor have?

3. How many sharps does C Major have?

4. How many of the notes in A minor are white?

5. How many sharps are in F# major? Which ones?

6. How many sharps are in E Major? Which ones?

7. How many flats are in Ab Major? Which ones?

8. Name the black notes in F major

9. Name the black notes in C minor

10. Name the black notes in E minor

1. How many sharps does D Major have? 2

2. How many flats does Bb Minor have? 5

3. How many sharps does C Major have? 0

4. How many of the notes in A minor are white? All of them

8. Name the black notes in F major Bb

9. Name the black notes in C minor Bb, Eb, Ab

10. Name the black notes in E minor F#

Here are 5 basic rules for good Finger Work

1. Black notes should be played with your long fingers

Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C Notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E

Notes: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D Notes: F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F

Notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G Notes: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B

Notes: Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb Notes: Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab

F# /Gb Major A# / Bb Major

Notes: F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F# Notes: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb

Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A Notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B

Notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D Notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E

Notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F Notes: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G

Exercise G - up to 160 beats per minute

Exercise H - up to 160 beats per minute

Let’s get creative! Make your own beats. Simply…

Name Note Rest Equivalent

Complete the following

Add the bar lines in the correct place

Write the correct time signatures for each line of music