Classical Piano: How to Play Clair de Lune

Learn to play Claude Debussy's “Clair de Lune” and, in the process, develop a structured approach to practicing and playing with precision, control, and musical intention.

“Clair de Lune” is a widely studied and performed piece, known for its gentle lyricism and expressive depth. Learning it not only develops expressive touch and nuanced control, but also deepens a pianist’s sensitivity to color, timing, and phrasing—core elements of refined musicality.

This four-week course introduces a progressive method for learning the composition grounded in reflection, awareness, and deliberate practice. You’ll learn how to identify challenges clearly, isolate technical and musical problems through hands-alone work, and reintegrate them with mindful, layered repetition. You'll work on foundational drills and targeted warm-ups that emphasize finger mechanics, voicing, and physical alignment.Then, you'll move into deeper refinement, exploring impulse control, metronome strategies, and the use of mental “trigger cues” to map difficult passages.

The course then teaches you how to adapt, reframe, and reassemble your performance. Instead of playing through the piece passively, you’ll play “into” each gesture with deliberate focus. You’ll refine your movement and tone, and evaluate your progress with musical and physical insight. In the process, you'll create a sustainable, thoughtful practice you can apply to learn other piano compositions.

What you will learn:

Prerequisite Skills

• Completion of Piano & Keyboard Fundamentals 1 and Piano & Keyboard Fundamentals 2, or equivalent knowledge and/or experience.