Piano/keyboards 1C

What is the course about?

What will we cover?

- Continued work on co-ordination: playing hands together in similar and contrary motion
- Reading and playing patterns and shapes in music
- Identification of primary chords
- Introduction to minor scales
- Development of sight reading and rhythmic vocabulary
- Recognising recurring fingering patterns in music (e.g. arpeggio shapes)
- Recognise Key signatures of 1 flat or 1 sharp.

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

- Play simple pieces hands together with fluency
- Read a simple key signature (G major or F major)
- Play with basic legato and staccato articulation
- Understand simple time signatures (2/4, 3/4, 4/4) and more varied rhythmic patterns: quavers and dotted rhythms
- Identify and play major and minor chords and melodies
- Play 2 or more major scales and one minor scale, one hand at a time
- Differentiate between loud and soft playing
- Hear and correct mistakes in your own and others' playing.

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

You should have completed ‘Piano/keyboards 1B’, or equivalent. You must be able to play simple melodies with basic tonic-dominant chord textures in C & G major (hands together), follow basic rhythms, and read music notation in bass and treble clefs. You will 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 1C . If you can play this piece easily (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?

For this online course you will need your own piano (or keyboard) with full-sized keys (preferrably 88 keys), a copy of the course text-book (see below) and a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection.
We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks.
We use ZOOM (video software) to meet for weekly classes via webcam.

Your tutor will teach though a variety of techniques:
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam
- short revision videos and audio files (posted in Google Classroom)
- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)
- group playing and individual demonstration tasks
Sessions will also include aural skills and theoretical study. To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend 20-30 mins daily.

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

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).
Please buy your own copy of: Adult All-in-One Course: Lesson, Theory, Technique Level 1 (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course) [external website] You can email the music office music@citylit.ac.uk if you would like further details of how to purchase this book.
A notebook and pencil are also useful.

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

This course leads to ‘Piano/keyboards 1D'
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.