Theory in Pop Piano Lessons
Rests, the natural minor scale and note repetition in Levitating by Dua Lipa are a really important characteristic of the song.
Dua Lipa said of the lyrics:
This is about me exploring happy songs and doing something that’s not ‘dance crying.’
It’s about having fun and meeting someone and falling in love and thinking, ‘You’ve probably met me at the perfect time, let’s just go for it.’ It’s the feeling when love makes you feel like you’re levitating. It’s otherworldly.
Pop Piano Technique and Note Repetition
Repeating the same note quickly is not as easy as you might think and yet it’s a key feature of this song. Dohnányi was a composer who invented some incredible piano exercises. I demonstrated a simplified version in this video that really makes a difference to your piano technique. You hold all of your fingers and thumb down on the keys and repeat one finger, not moving the others. This makes you move entirely from your knuckles, not your arm, and this exercise will not work if you have any excess tension anywhere.
Pop Piano Cover Improvisation and Rests
Rests are often overlooked in improvisation, piano covers and composition. In fact, I was only reading a book last night called “Healing with the Voice” by James D’Angelo, in which he discusses that the silence after a note is far more effective than the silence before it. It is amazing how much effect ‘gaps’ or ‘rests’ can have in a piece.
If you are interested in other lessons exploring rests, try my lesson on High Hopes by Panic at the Disco:
Natural Minor Scale in Pop Piano Improv
What else gives this song it’s flavour? The natural minor scale. For the simplest version of the natural minor, simply play from A to A on your white keys and there it is. It’s a very mellow sound don’t you think?
Want to try your Natural Minor Scale out in a different Rock Pop Piano Lesson?
Levitating Rock Pop Piano Cover
Finally, here’s my rock pop piano cover of Levitating by Dua Lipa.
Online Rock Pop Piano Teacher
Rock Pop Piano Courses
Have you seen the new subscription library? It’s full of pop piano and rock piano courses. There are also many more to come (and once a member you can request your own courses). www.the-maestro-online.com/music-courses-online They are digital magazines with embedded videos allowing you to improvise and develop your musicianship skills.
If you would like some rock pop piano lessons online, (or face-to-face (Yarm, Teesside, UK, near Middlesbrough, Stockon, Darlington)), singing lessons, organ lessons, vocal coach lessons or to make your own rock pop piano covers, visit
The Maestro Online: www.the-maestro-online.com/pianolanding.
Current offer: 25% off for new student bookings.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER OR GET IN TOUCH
Choose your plan
All Courses
-
All Piano Courses
-
All Organ Courses
-
All Singing Courses
-
All Guitar Courses
All Courses + Masterclass
-
All Piano Courses
-
All Organ Courses
-
All Singing Courses
-
All Guitar Courses
-
All Masterclasses
