The Octave
An octave is the range of eight notes of a major scale. The first note and the last note of a major scale always have the same name. In the C major scale, the distance from Middle C to the C note above it (or below it) is one octave (eight notes). All the songs you have studied so far, and the next song, use notes from the C major scale. Pay close attention to any fingering numbers near the notes. It is important to use the indicated fingering, as this will make the songs easier to play. Use this same fingering every time you play the songs.
Here is an example using the descending C major scale. It ends with an octave leap from middle C to the C at the top of the scale.
The Eighth Note
This is an eighth note. It lasts for half a count. There are eight eighth notes in one bar of * time. When eighth notes are joined together the tails are replaced by one beam.
Staccato
A dot placed above or below a note tells you to play it staccato. Staccato means to play a note short and separate from the other notes. To play a note short, lift your finger off the keys as quickly as possible.
There are two eighth notes on the second beat of the first bar of this example. Play the notes and chords in the second bar staccato.
