Piano/keyboards 1C

About this course

The course develops foundational piano skills through tutor explanations, demonstrations, group playing and individual demonstration tasks. Participants work on hand coordination, musical patterns, primary chords, minor scales, sight reading, rhythm and recurring fingering shapes. Further study covers key signatures, articulation, dynamics, time signatures, major and minor chords, melodies and playing scales one hand at a time. Learners also practise listening for and correcting mistakes in their own and others’ playing. Class materials, messages and homework are shared through Google Classroom.

What you'll learn

• Play simple pieces with both hands using legato, staccato and varied dynamics
• Read simple key signatures in music notation
• Recognise and play major and minor chords and melodies
• Apply simple time signatures and rhythms including quavers and dotted rhythms
• Play at least two major scales and one minor scale one hand at a time
• Identify and correct mistakes through listening to playing

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for improvers at the third level of the provider’s beginners’ piano programme. It suits learners who have completed Piano/keyboards 1B or equivalent and can read bass and treble clefs, play simple melodies with basic chordal accompaniment and follow basic rhythms. Regular independent practice and participation in group and individual tasks are expected.

• Previous piano study or equivalent skills are required
• Learners should be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and take part in class discussions
• A regular practice commitment of at least 20 minutes, four to five times a week, is expected
• The class combines group playing with individual demonstration tasks

Before you go

• Learners need access to a full-sized 88-note weighted digital or acoustic piano for practice.
• An appropriate course book is required, selected from the provider’s specified repertoire options according to the class.