| The prefix "oct" has something to do with the number | | | | C. As you move from one C to the next, you are |
| 8. An octagon has 8 sides, an octopus has 8 legs and | | | | moving up in octaves. |
| an octave is a distance of 8 notes. | | | | The white key to the right of C is D. D lies between |
| When you look at the layout of a standard piano you | | | | the 2 black keys. Play every D on the piano, this time |
| will see that the black keys are grouped in 2 then 3, 2 | | | | starting on the right hand side. As you move from right |
| then 3 over the entire keyboard. Find a group of 2 | | | | to left, you are moving down in octaves. |
| black keys and play the white key immediately to the | | | | A standard piano has a range of 7 octaves plus 2 |
| left. This note is C. Now find the next group of 2 black | | | | notes. The very first note is A. The very last note is C. |
| keys. The white key immediately to the left is also C. | | | | The piano has the largest range of notes of all musical |
| If you count the white keys between one C and the | | | | instruments. |
| next C you will discover it is 8. This is an octave. It is | | | | Practice rocking between C and C (8 keys apart) |
| the distance between C and C. It is like measuring 8cm | | | | using your thumb and little finger. Relax your wrists and |
| with a ruler. | | | | rock like a seesaw. |
| Start on the left hand side of the piano and play every | | | | |