Quick Lesson:

Für Elise (1st Section) by Ludwig van Beethoven

The main theme of Für Elise is perhaps the most famous of all of Beethoven's music.

Structure:

The basic structure for this theme is ostinato (pattern) to a minor triad (2nd inversion) to E Major triad.

Note names:

Finger positions:

Tips to play:

1. To play the ostinato, place your right hand over A-B-C-D-E. Follow the finger positions, and watch out for the sharps () and the natural () that takes away the sharp.
2. Then, shift to C-D-E-F-G at the end of the ostinato. Remember to rest.
3. Then, shift again to E-F-G-A-B. Follow the finger positions.

Problems?

Problem: Not shifting positions fast enough.

Solution: To correct this problem, try moving your hands between octaves (i.e. from middle C to high C to higher C) and practice until you don't need to pause to think about the next note. The important thing is learning to feel (with your hands and fingers) the right note to play, not to think about the right note, because that takes too long.