Piano/keyboards 1D

What is the course about?

The course continues on from the first year of our beginners piano programme and develops greater fluency at the keyboard: hand/eye co-ordination, reading music notation and understanding keyboard harmony. It also explores rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts.
You need access to a full-sized keyboard or piano for lessons and practice.
This course continues to Piano/keyboards 1E.

What will we cover?

- Extended work on rhythmic patterns, including shorter note-values and dotted notes.
- Development of legato technique
- Development of finger staccato
- Theoretical and practical of understanding of major keys in pieces and technical studies
- Harmonisation of simple melodies: You will learn to recognise and play chords I, IV and V in major keys.
- Aural skills: develop your understanding of keyboard harmony alongside playing and theoretical work.
- Over the course of the three terms, Piano/keyboards 1 course repertoire works towards an approximate grade 1 standard.
- Scales (for the whole year): C, G and F majors and A minor (harmonic and melodic, one octave).
- Arpeggios in the same keys as the scales (1 octave, hands separately).

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

- Play and recognise basic chords I, IV and V chords
- Play a major scale hands separately
- Recognise forte and piano dynamics
- Play with basic finger staccato
- Play melodic lines with basic legato technique
- Play rhythms with quavers.

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

Students need to have been playing for one year or have completed Piano/keyboards 1C and you will need 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 1D . 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?

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 20-30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.

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).
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). A notebook and pencil are also useful.

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

This course leads to Piano/keyboards 1E.
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.