Czerny op.599 for Solo Learners

The first 10 exercises in the book are more about reading the notes rather than working on technique but even in these very simple exercises we can focus on basic technical challenges such as key attack, chords, finger legato, even tempo and correct hand shape. In modern method books, we would never start reading notes in this manner. Multiple ledger lines are introduced much later on and learning intervallic reading is more beneficial than memorising every note. Nevertheless, the exercises are great to master the relationship between basic note values by counting evenly at a steady pulse. Try to play the melodies by looking at the intervals instead of the note names or finger numbers. There is no tempo mark for any of these exercises, therefore, speed is the last thing to worry about. Evenness and accuracy is our primary focus. Slow practice will lead to great results. The book doesn’t specify whether these exercises should be played legato or detached. It’s best to try both. Detached is easier but legato (connected) will allow these simple melodies to sound more musical. Play the melodies with curved fingers and a rounded, relaxed hand.