Note neighbours: A gentler start to learning note names
In my previous post, we explored why reading music can feel unexpectedly difficult for adult learners, and how it often has more to do with mental exhaustion than motivation!
In today’s video, I'll introduce you to a concept I use in all my beginner lessons: note neighbours!
It's a simple but powerful way to build your note-reading skills by starting small and expanding naturally. Let’s learn our way around the piano the same way we’d get familiar with a new city or community :)
Try it for yourself!
I’ve created a free Note Neighbours practice book to help you apply what we explored in the video! It includes eight short melodies — four in the treble clef, four in the bass clef — designed to support your growing fluency with treble F, middle C, and bass F.
Download the Note Neighbours Practice Sheets for free by clicking the Download button. No sign-ups or email list required! :)
Want to go deeper?
If you enjoyed this approach, you might also like my Note Neighbours Flashcards, a printable set that walks you through all the note neighbourhoods! They’re great for visual learners and anyone looking to build note-reading fluency from the ground up.
