What is the course about?
This course is the very first step in our beginners piano programme. It offers an introduction to the keyboard layout and basic keyboard skills, using five-finger patterns. You will learn the basics of music reading and develop your listening skills through practical application. This course is taught in the digital piano classroom with a maximum of 15 students per class. You will need access to a keyboard or piano outside class to practise between sessions. It continues with Piano/keyboards 1B.
What will we cover?
- Keyboard geography
- Posture and hand shape
- Basic fingering patterns for melodies and chords in ‘C position’
- Reading music from note-names A, B, C, D, E, F and G
- Music notation: pitch on treble and bass clefs, simple time signatures and rhythmic patterns
- Reading by shape, interval and pattern
- Aural awareness of pitch (high/low, intervals) in relation to the keyboard.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Understand the geography of the keyboard and be able to find and name specific keys
- Read and play a simple tune (in C position) in either the bass or treble clef
- Recognise and play at least two simple chords
- Understand basic rhythmic symbols and realise simple rhythmic patterns.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for absolute beginners: no previous musical experience of any kind is needed. If you already have experience of playing piano and reading music, you may wish to attend a music advice session to ensure that you enrol on a course at the right level for you.
You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice (using headphones so the tutor can check individual progress). Sessions will also include aural skills and theoretical study. To make good progress, you will need to practise regularly: preferably 20-30 minutes every day.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a notebook and pencil. Students should have access to a keyboard or piano for practice between classes plus material, usually one or two printed books (approx. cost £10 each).
For this course there are music books which you are asked to buy and bring to class. Please buy your own copy of:
Adult All-in-One Course: Lesson, Theory, Technique Level 1 (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course) [external website] Please email the music office music@citylit.ac.uk if you would like further details of how to purchase this book.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Piano/keyboards 1B.
If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes. You could also request an advice session where we can hear you play and help you choose the right course.
You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: Musicianship and music theory at City lit which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.
