Piano/keyboards 1C

What is the course about?

Our beginners programme of piano courses operates at a pre-grade1 standard. This course aims to increase your fluency and confidence at the keyboard, and develop aural skills and theoretical knowledge at every stage. We will focus on co-ordination, playing hands together and understanding increasingly patterns in music. We also encourage critical listening so that you can learn independently by working out notes, rhythms, fingering, phrasing etc.
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 1D.

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 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 [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 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.