Piano Key Numbers

Piano key numbers can refer to different things. One use of the term is the practice of numbering the keys of the piano on the invisible side of the key. This is to make re-assembly easier and prevent confusion for repair people. These numbers (and letters) are found on the side of the piano key. They are invisible to the user unless the piano is dis-assembled.

The problem with the lettering method of keytop identification is that different manufacturers use different lettering systems to identify the keys. For this reason, it has become standard to simply number the keys starting with 1 on the bottom key, including the black keys. The total on any standard size piano is 88: there are 88 keys.

Number The Keys For Kids

But "numbering" can also refer to numbering the top surface of the piano keys. This is what we do in Piano By Number. See the drawing below. If you're familiar with "Solfege," the number one (1) represents "do." 

Putting a visual reference on the key surface makes it easier for kids to find the notes of the song they wish to play. Many methods use different devices, such as letters, colors or animals. But there are drawbacks to each of these methods. Letters are harder for kids to use because, while the ascending alphabet is easy to understand, A B C D, the descending version, D C B A, is much harder for kids to understand quickly.

Colors are irrelevant to future study of the piano, although they can be an easy way to get very young kids playing. Animals are equally irrelevant to music study. You may say that the “lion” represents Middle C, but another product may say that Middle C is a “chicken.”

Piano Is Easy

Printable PDF Download

Why Numbers Work For Kids

We chose numbers for several reasons. First, numbers are instinctive to kids. They can count up or down with equal ease. Thus they can make music immediately. Try playing on our online piano below.

Using Numbers On The Key Surface

It's easy for kids to see the direction of the music (up/down) using numbered stickers:

Numbers Are Relevant To Music Study

The basis of all musical construction is mathematical. For example, chords are referred to by means of Roman Numerals (1 = I, 2 = II.) The distance between any two keys is called an "interval" and is expressed as a number. Thus, the distance between C and G (1 and 5 in Piano By Number) is called a "fifth." There are countless other examples of the relevance of numbers to music.

Give Kids A Musical Language They Can Understand

Reading music is very difficult for kids. We use numbers to get kids started playing interesting, familiar music from the first day. This prevents frustration and confusion. Conventional methods all start with unfamiliar, boring exercise pieces designed to begin the difficult process of understanding sheet music. Once kids have discovered how fun the piano can be, we begin the lengthy process of learning to read music. 

BOOKS FOR YOUNGER KIDS

REFERENCES

Introductory

Playing Piano By Number

Playing Piano By Number – Complete

Starting To Play Piano By Number

Beginning Piano Music With Numbers

Beginner Piano Tutorial

Beginner Piano Books for Kids 

Introduction To Piano By Number

Music On The Mind: Newsweek Articles

Piano By Number Basics

Piano By Number Is The Missing Step

There Are Many Ways To Start Piano

A History of Piano and Numbers

Basic Piano Skills for Kids

Easy Piano Songs for Beginners with Letters

Easy Piano Notes for Popular Songs