Piano/keyboards 1B

What is the course about?

This course is the second step in our beginners piano programme.
The aim of the course is to move beyond playing pieces which are always in ‘C position’ (i.e. hand position based on middle-C). You will increase fluency at navigating the keyboard, develop your hand/eye coordination and your ability to recognise patterns and shapes in simple melodies.

You will focus on playing hands together, and extending beyond 5-finger patterns to explore a wider range of the keyboard. You will also develop your aural and keyboard skills to increase your fluency of playing and understanding of music, and develop your ability to evaluate music and recognise mistakes as an aid to effective practise.
You need access to a full-sized keyboard or piano for practice (and lessons if choosing the online option). This course continues to Piano/keyboards 1C.

What will we cover?

- Moving beyond ‘C position’ to ‘G position’
- Sharps and flats (accidentals)
- Playing a melody with simple chord accompaniment
- Increased fluency of reading at sight, and playing without looking at your fingers
- Reading and applying shapes and patterns at the keyboard
- Simple scale and chord patterns
- Reading and applying simple time signatures and common rhythmic patterns
- Aural skills, especially identifying and correcting mistakes in playing.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Co-ordinate hands to combine melodies with simple chords
- Read music within 2 octaves
- Perform a complete piece with confidence from the course repertoire
- Aural skills: remember and perform melodies or rhythms played by tutor of up to 2 bars in length.

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

You should have completed ‘Piano/keyboards 1A’, or equivalent (approximately 3 months' tuition). You must be able to play simple melodies with chord textures in major keys (hands together), follow basic rhythms, and read music notation in bass and treble clefs. You need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.

If you already have experience of playing piano and reading music, and are not sure about your level, you can download our: preparation piece for piano/Keyboards 1B . If you can play this piece confidently (with two weeks’ practice) then this class is the right level for you. We also recommend you study this music ready for the start of your class as it addresses many of the points already covered in the previous piano class.
If you need any further advice please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes and you can always contact the music department directly (music@citylit.ac.uk).

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

Please check carefully whether you are booking an online or an in-person course. Online runs via Zoom; in-person uses the digital piano classroom. All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.
You will learn through:
- tutor explanation and demonstration
- group playing and individual demonstration tasks
To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend a minimum of 20 minutes, 4-5 times per week.

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

To see the repertoire and any required music books you will need to bring to this course please refer to our list as follows: City lit piano repertoire books 2022-2023 [external website]
A notebook and pencil is also useful. 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).

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

This course leads to ‘Piano/keyboards 1C’
Please note: we have multiple courses at different times throughout the week.
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.