Classics By Ear · J. S. Bach
Learn Bach’s Preludes in C major and C minor by ear
Bach’s Prelude in C major is one long chord progression played as a repeating broken-chord figure. Once you see the shape of each chord, you only need to learn the order, and the piece falls into place. The C minor prelude uses the same idea with more drive. Robin teaches both, a bar or two at a time.
- 48 lessons
- 5 hours of video
- No reading needed
- 60-day refund
Is this the right piece to start with?
A good first classical course. The C major prelude suits beginners who have learned a few chords.
What you’ll learn
- Both preludes, start to finish
- The chord progression behind every bar
- The broken-chord figure your hands repeat
- Memory tricks so you can play without the score
- How each chord looks in the sheet music
How the lessons work
Robin splits the piece into short sections. For each one you listen first, watch his hands on video, follow the keyboard diagram, then play. The annotated sheet music shows the same section, so you can see how the notes on the page match what your hands are doing.
Learn one section until it’s comfortable, then add the next. A few bars a day is plenty.
From students who’ve learned it
Reviews published on the Pianoforall Academy course page.
I have struggled with the Prelude for months and so I took advantage of this course. After a week, I could play the piece really well.
Robin Hall’s approach is brilliant – his starting point is how humans work (whereas most people’s starting point is how *music* works) – and then draws on that understanding to design his lessons.
$49, once
- 48 step-by-step video lessons (5 hours)
- Keyboard diagrams and annotated sheet music
- Online player and offline downloads
- The Piano Lounge community and help from Robin
- Lifetime access
Want all three pieces? The Classics By Ear bundle is $79, or $99 with Pianoforall included.
Try it for 60 days. If it isn’t for you, get your money back.
Email Robin or ask ClickBank directly within 60 days of buying. You don’t need to give a reason. Refund policy
Questions
Do I need to read music for Classics By Ear?
No. You learn each section by watching, listening and following keyboard diagrams. The written music is there alongside, so you can connect what you play to the notes on the page as you go.
Do I need to finish Pianoforall first?
No. Each Classics By Ear course stands on its own. If you’re new to piano, the Bach preludes and Satie’s first Gnossienne are gentler starting points than the Moonlight Sonata.
How do I access the lessons?
Straight after you buy, you get access to the online course player, where you can start the first lesson in minutes. You can also download the complete course as ebooks with the video and audio built in, for practising offline.
Do I need a piano, or will a keyboard do?
A keyboard is fine. Look for at least 61 full-size keys (76 or 88 if space and budget allow), touch-sensitive keys and a socket for a sustain pedal. Weighted keys are a bonus. An acoustic piano or digital piano works just as well.
How does the 60-day guarantee work?
If Pianoforall isn’t right for you, ask for a refund within 60 days of buying. Email Robin and he will set it up, or request it directly from ClickBank, the retailer that handles payments. You don’t need to give a reason.