^^ You've found the right person.

The word dolce means "sweet" in Italian.
The word legato means "to play smoothly" (as opposed to stacatto, "play shortly and sharply")

If one were to translate the former into music terms, well... on the piano, I guess that would mean not hitting the keys really hard and instead play the song gently, like a cute lullaby. And legato, that would probably involve using the pedal to keep the notes flowing seamlessly together.

Hope this helps a little bit ^_^ (by the way, Aeris' theme is very beautiful and a somewhat easy run-through on the piano. I prefer to play the FF7 theme, however. ^^ A bit more difficult, but incredibly fun)

~Shadowed Spirit Sage

thanks a lot!
and thats exactly why Im playing aeris' theme... its simple...

I tried playing julia from ff8 and eyes on me... but they where waaay to complex for someone who just began playing two days ago (just learned how to read music today!)

thanks again...

You're welcome ^^ It's always good to see more people learning about the wonderful language of music.

Oh wow, you just started two days ago and you're tackling Aeris' theme? I wish you luck ^_^ It gave me a bit of trouble when I first learned it, and I've been playing for nearly 12 years.

~Shadowed Spirit Sage

*gasp* AWESOME! I've been playing for just over twelve years! You must be really good, SSS. ^^ Been in competitions over the years?

I've used my knowledge of classical music to learn lots o' Zelda 'n Sonic 'n FF tunes by ear. Huzzah for my 15-minute-long Smash Brothers medley!

But dude, if you're looking to play music like FF music after only two days... Um, good luck with that. ^^; Unless you're Asian, I wouldn't expect to have any songs perfected until you've had at least a year or two of experience. Good piano consists of not only the notes, but feeling as well, so definitely keep that in mind.

Oh, and don't tackle the pedaling until you've learned the song with both hands together. Pedaling mushes up the sound and creates the illusion of playing legato, which has a negative impact on learning the song. Learn to play legato without the pedal first. The completed song will sound better. And don't forget to move your wrists and elbows in a slight flowing motion to cushion each phrase. This will create a nicer sound, and make you look more relaxed when performing.

^^; To be honest, I'm not all that good. Though I've been playing for 12 years, I've only taken lessons for 4 of those years. I've been teaching myself since 3rd grade. I like working by my own schedule, learning what I want to learn, playing whatever comes to mind, composing and arranging pieces of my own. I've never been in any real piano competitions, though I've performed as an accompanist for my chorus and been in a few vocal competitions (accompanying myself on piano).

^_^ Well, I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who arranges Zelda and Sonic songs for the piano. (Only reason I know the Final Fantasy songs is 'cause I was really bored and in desperate need of sheet music =3 ). The current piece I'm working on is the near-end song from the Princess Mononoke, when everything is growing back and such.

Good piano consists of not only the notes, but feeling as well, so definitely keep that in mind.

I think that can be said about any instrument.... or anything at all ^^ **recalls a time while singing a solo where by placing herself in the situation the song was telling about, the song turned out twenty thousand times better**

Very good tips though ^^ I shall have to try them sometime!

~Shadowed Spirit Sage

Glad I could help. ^^

I've been taking lessons non-stop since I was five, and have somehow managed to place as high as first in competitions against hordes of imported Asians. XD Of course, it was really only second place because there's also first with honors. Never been able to snag first with honors. International competitions are like life-and-death situations, man. X_X Parents glaring at each other 'n stuff.

Been using the Keyboard for about six years now, one of those years were pahtetic lessons I wasn't keen on. I found myself slowly teaching myself and apparently I'm not half bad with the piano according to some friends. Personally I could be better. I need to learn how to memmorize notes, play other songs besides my own, and heh. I've just started toying with a Acoustic guitar. =P

Anyway take note in what the previous have gave.