Improvisation for pianists: level 2

For students from levels 3-5, develop your improvising with a more detailed study of technique, melodic and harmonic skills and compositional understanding, covering a wide variety of styles.

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Key course information

Dates
19/09/11 - 02/07/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
30 weeks

Time
18:15 - 19:45

Fees
Full fee: £305
Senior fee: £305
Concession: £92

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
ME261*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

To introduce the skills of improvisation to pianists who have little experience in this area, and to provide new ideas, structure and supervision for players used to improvisation.

What topics will we cover?

- How to create a satisfactory melodic shape and to understand and balance musical phrases
- Development of aural ability as an Aid to realising musical imagination
- Understanding of the function of key and of chord patterns within a key
- Understanding a simple structure as a basis for improvisation
- Ability to add rhythmic interest to your improvisation
- Different styles of music and improvisation.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Improvise a simple 8 bar melody
- Improvise using major scale modes as a tool
- Structure an improvisation and explore the harmony of a chordal accompaniment
- Play confidently without music.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Reasonable fluency at the keyboard is necessary. You should have had at least three years structured tuition and be able to coordinate both hands comfortably. A basic knowledge of key centres and chords is essential. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through class teaching on digital pianos, group work, pair or individual work. You will take it in turn to improvise as a soloist, and accompany others.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Tutor provides material. You may wish to record the class to aid your practice.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Continual informal verbal feedback. Individual work throughout the course.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Pop piano studies, appropriate level piano course.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Music

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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