Classics By Ear · Beethoven
Learn the Moonlight Sonata by ear
The first movement of the Moonlight Sonata looks frightening on the page: page after page of triplets. Underneath, it is a slow chord progression with a repeating triplet pattern on top. Robin teaches you that pattern first, then walks you through the piece a few bars at a time.
- 38 lessons
- 4 hours of video
- No reading needed
- 60-day refund
What you’ll learn
- The whole first movement, start to finish
- The triplet pattern and the chords underneath it
- Which bars repeat, so you only learn each idea once
- How what you play matches the notes on the page
- Fingering and memory tricks for the tricky passages
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.
Level: The hardest of the three Classics By Ear courses. Complete beginners have finished it, but most find the Bach or Satie course an easier first piece.
From students who’ve learned it
Reviews published on the Pianoforall Academy course page.
I always stared at the notes of Moonlight Sonata and tried to play, but I decided I needed 3 hands to play this song, which meant it was impossible for me! Till I met this course. … It took me about 2 months to complete the course (studying only on weekends and in the evenings) and finally today I could play the whole song without mistake.
I couldn’t possibly manage to learn this beautiful piece without this course, in only 28 days. (last time I wanted to learn it from sheet music and gave up at bar 5…) I played this piece in front of my family and got loads of praise.
Quite a fast start and fast playing for a complete beginner. I have to stop the videos and play bits many times … Nevertheless, overall really good and enjoyable course, and I learned to play the 1st movement of the Moonlight Sonata never having played piano and not been able to read notes.
Of course, this is a complex and fairly difficult piece, it is not for novices but with Robin Hall’s guidance, someone with a few years experience … can give it a go and with practice, the results will come. Also, a suggestion: if you find it difficult, do Robin Hall’s Bach Preludes course first or even his Satie course.
$49, once
- 38 step-by-step video lessons (4 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.