E major contains pitches E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, and D♯. Key signature has four sharps. Relative minor is C-sharp minor, parallel minor is E minor. Enharmonic equivalent F-flat major has six flats
Most Chopin's compositions are for solo piano. He wrote several pieces for piano and orchestra, including two concertos. Major works include sonatas, scherzi, ballades, and Fantaisie. Shorter pieces include polonaises, mazurkas, waltzes, and nocturnes
Pedals were first used by English builders in 1772. Early pianos had as few as one pedal and up to six. Hand stops were used for dampers until 1765. German builders continued using knee levers for dampers
Piano produces sound when keys are depressed, using hammers to strike strings. Modern pianos have 88 black and white keys tuned to chromatic scale. Two main types: grand piano (horizontal) and upright piano (vertical)
Sit on piano bench with feet flat, knees at right angles. Keep elbows slightly bent, forearms perpendicular to keyboard. Place thumb on middle C, fingers on white keys to right. Keep nails short to avoid clicking on keys
All piano keyboards follow same layout regardless of key count. Keyboard layout consists of alternating black and white keys. Notes repeat pattern: C, D, E, F, G, A, B