This is the final term of our beginners piano programme. For pianists who can play tunes and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The course continues from ‘Piano/keyboards 1E’ and continues to develop greater fluency at the keyboard, with music notation and keyboard harmony. It also explores rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts using ABRSM Grade 1 standard repertoire. You will extend your knowledge of major and minor keys.
What will we cover?
- Extended work on rhythmical patterns - Development of legato technique - Development of finger staccato - Theoretical and practical of understanding of major and minor keys in pieces and studies - Harmonisation of simple melodies - Aural skills: develop your keyboard harmony skills alongside playing and theoretical work - Understanding different chord positions (inversions). - Level 1 course repertoire will work towards an approximate grade 1 standard. - Scales (over the year): C, G and F majors and A minor (harmonic and melodic, one octave). - Arpeggios in the same keys as 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 3 major and 1 minor scales and arpeggios, 1 octave hands separately - Play and recognise forte and piano dynamics - Play with finger staccato - Play melodic lines with reliable legato technique - Play rhythms with quavers - Play simple tunes hands together with confident co-ordination and fluency.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students need to have been playing for over a year or have completed Piano/keyboards 1E 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 1F .. 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?
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?
A notebook and pencil are useful for this class and 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 2A’.
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.
Simon has been working as a musician for nearly forty years, initially solely as a performer with occasional composition, and then more latterly in education. After a mainly classical music training, he studied music at Goldsmiths College. His first job was at the Laban Dance School as an accompanist for contemporary dance, which required extensive improvisation, an experience that proved very useful training for his subsequent work as a keyboard session player in live performance and recording studios. In 2000, Simon became involved with adult education, and started working at City Lit teaching jazz, pop and classical piano and theory, and also as a community musician and workshop leader for Trinity College of Music, working with all ages. He has taught on Jazz Summer Schools for the Workers Music Association and Music for People, worked as accompanist and workshop leader for Mbawula, a South African Township choral project, and set up a weekly Jazz club in Hackney. Simon runs a successful private teaching practice in addition to his City Lit classes.
Elli TsampaSee moreSee less
Elli is a classically trained pianist and piano tutor from Greece, based in London. She holds an MA in Piano Performance and the LRAM piano teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Music, a Bachelor's degree in Musicology from the University of Athens and degrees in Advanced Music Theory (Counterpoint and Fugue). She has performed professionally as a solo pianist and as part of ensembles and orchestras in the UK, USA and many European countries. Her concerts have included lectured recitals, all-Chopin recitals and all-Bach recitals. Elli is passionate about education and believes that music should be taught and enjoyed at any age. She has been teaching piano and music theory to students of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced, in various schools in London for the past 10 years. She has also given piano masterclasses in Greece and in the USA.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/piano-keyboards-1f-online3038839Piano/keyboards 1F onlinehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-7-1024.jpg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Piano/keyboards classes/Courses/Online courses228513141351136017311228513141351This is the final term of our beginners piano programme. For pianists who can play tunes and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music.003015403Piano/keyboards 1F online249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-7-1024.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026Performing artsME219F249249Piano/keyboards 1F online249174249Simon Atkinspiano-keyboards-1f-online/me219f-2526This is the final term of our beginners piano programme. For pianists who can play tunes and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music.0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00The course continues from ‘Piano/keyboards 1E’ and continues to develop greater fluency at the keyboard, with music notation and keyboard harmony. It also explores rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts using ABRSM Grade 1 standard repertoire. You will extend your knowledge of major and minor keys.This is the final term of our beginners piano programme. For pianists who can play tunes and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music.- Extended work on rhythmical patterns<br/>- Development of legato technique<br/>- Development of finger staccato<br/>- Theoretical and practical of understanding of major and minor keys in pieces and studies<br/>- Harmonisation of simple melodies<br/>- Aural skills: develop your keyboard harmony skills alongside playing and theoretical work<br/>- Understanding different chord positions (inversions).<br/>- Level 1 course repertoire will work towards an approximate grade 1 standard.<br/>- Scales (over the year): C, G and F majors and A minor (harmonic and melodic, one octave). <br/>- Arpeggios in the same keys as scales (1 octave hands separately).- Play and recognise basic chords I, IV and V chords<br/>- Play 3 major and 1 minor scales and arpeggios, 1 octave hands separately<br/>- Play and recognise forte and piano dynamics<br/>- Play with finger staccato<br/>- Play melodic lines with reliable legato technique<br/>- Play rhythms with quavers<br/>- Play simple tunes hands together with confident co-ordination and fluency.Students need to have been playing for over a year or have completed Piano/keyboards 1E and you will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you already have experience of playing piano and reading music, and are not sure about your level, you can download our: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zp2XpHkfPJWiWgQnlmRmkc4XgCCky4Bz/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> preparation piece for piano/Keyboards 1F </a> .. 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. <br/><br/>If you need any further advice please take a moment to read our blog: <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Choosing a piano class at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of piano classes and you can always contact the music department directly (music@citylit.ac.uk).<p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.<br/>You will learn through:<br/>- tutor explanation and demonstration<br/>- group playing and individual demonstration tasks<br/>To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend a minimum of 20 minutes, 4-5 times per week.</p>A notebook and pencil are useful for this class and 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).This course leads to ‘Piano/keyboards 2A’.<br/><br/>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: <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.MusicPiano/keyboards classesvirtual3039424Piano/keyboards 1F online299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/piano-workshop-7-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-04-15T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2027Performing artsME209F299299Piano/keyboards 1F online239209299Elli Tsampapiano-keyboards-1f-online/me209f-2627<p>This is the final term of our beginners' classical piano programme. For pianists who can play pieces, scales and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music with a relative degree of fluency.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-15 00:00:00<p>The course continues from Piano/keyboards 1E and continues to develop greater fluency at the keyboard, with music notation and keyboard harmony. It also explores more complex rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts using ABRSM Grade 1 standard repertoire. You will extend your knowledge of major and minor keys.</p><p>This is the final term of our beginners' classical piano programme. For pianists who can play pieces, scales and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music with a relative degree of fluency.</p><ul><li>Extended work on rhythmical patterns</li><li>Development of legato technique</li><li>Development of staccato technique</li><li>Theoretical and practical of understanding of major and minor keys in pieces and studies</li><li>Harmonisation of simple melodies</li><li>Aural skills: develop your keyboard harmony skills alongside playing and theoretical work</li><li>Understanding different chord positions (inversions).</li><li>Level 1 course repertoire will work towards an approximate grade 1 standard.</li><li>Scales (over the year): C, G and F majors and A minor (harmonic and melodic, one octave).</li><li>Arpeggios in the same keys as scales (1 octave hands separately).</li></ul><ul><li>Play and recognise basic chords I, IV and V chords</li><li>Play 3 major and 1 minor scales and arpeggios, 1 octave hands separately</li><li>Play and recognise dynamics between the range of forte and piano </li><li>Play with good staccato technique</li><li>Play melodic lines with reliable legato technique</li><li>Play rhythms with quavers and semiquavers</li><li>Play pieces hands together with confident co-ordination and fluency.</li></ul><p>Students need to have been playing for over a year or have completed Piano/keyboards 1E and you will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you already have experience of playing piano and reading music, and are not sure about your level, you can download our: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zp2XpHkfPJWiWgQnlmRmkc4XgCCky4Bz/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> preparation piece for piano/Keyboards 1F </a> .. 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.</p><p>If you already have experience of playing piano and/or reading music, please visit the <strong><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City Lit Piano Department Page</a></strong> to help you choose the right level. If you need any further advice, please email <strong><a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">music@citylit.ac.uk</a></strong>. </p><p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.<br/>You will learn through:</p><ul><li>tutor explanation and demonstration</li><li>group playing and individual demonstration tasks</li></ul><p>To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend a minimum of 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.</p><p>Most of our beginners classes use <strong><a href="https://pianoadventures.com/product/adult-piano-adventures-all-in-one-course-book-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adult Piano Adventures, all-in-one piano course (Faber) Book 1</a></strong>, which you will need to purchase your own copy of. All of our tutors have different teaching styles, and occasionally choose to use different books. Please check the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0zAXTERFh-iDm-UaX50OdGAXx3FbwyKHwx8vK2PPSg/edit?tab=t.0#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>City Lit Piano Repertoire Books Page</strong></a> to make sure that you obtain the correct book for your class. If you are unsure, please <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>contact the music department</strong></a> for further advice. </p><p>This course leads to Piano/keyboards 2A. 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: <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.</p>MusicPiano/keyboards classesvirtual249,239249,299174,209ME219F,ME209FNONEMon,Thu20/04/26 - 13/07/2618:15 - 19:4518:1519:4511 sessions (over 13 weeks)1111 weeks or longerEvening,DaytimeWeekdayOnlineOnlineSimon Atkins,Elli TsampaSome experienceAvailable courses2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-15T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026,Apr 2027Performing arts249249,299Piano/keyboards 1F onlinepiano-keyboards-1f-online/me219f-2526,piano-keyboards-1f-online/me209f-2627This is the final term of our beginners piano programme. For pianists who can play tunes and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music.,<p>This is the final term of our beginners' classical piano programme. For pianists who can play pieces, scales and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music with a relative degree of fluency.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00The course continues from ‘Piano/keyboards 1E’ and continues to develop greater fluency at the keyboard, with music notation and keyboard harmony. It also explores rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts using ABRSM Grade 1 standard repertoire. You will extend your knowledge of major and minor keys.,<p>The course continues from Piano/keyboards 1E and continues to develop greater fluency at the keyboard, with music notation and keyboard harmony. It also explores more complex rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts using ABRSM Grade 1 standard repertoire. You will extend your knowledge of major and minor keys.</p>This is the final term of our beginners piano programme. For pianists who can play tunes and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music.,<p>This is the final term of our beginners' classical piano programme. For pianists who can play pieces, scales and chords in simple keys, play legato and staccato and read music with a relative degree of fluency.</p>- Extended work on rhythmical patterns<br/>- Development of legato technique<br/>- Development of finger staccato<br/>- Theoretical and practical of understanding of major and minor keys in pieces and studies<br/>- Harmonisation of simple melodies<br/>- Aural skills: develop your keyboard harmony skills alongside playing and theoretical work<br/>- Understanding different chord positions (inversions).<br/>- Level 1 course repertoire will work towards an approximate grade 1 standard.<br/>- Scales (over the year): C, G and F majors and A minor (harmonic and melodic, one octave). <br/>- Arpeggios in the same keys as scales (1 octave hands separately).,<ul><li>Extended work on rhythmical patterns</li><li>Development of legato technique</li><li>Development of staccato technique</li><li>Theoretical and practical of understanding of major and minor keys in pieces and studies</li><li>Harmonisation of simple melodies</li><li>Aural skills: develop your keyboard harmony skills alongside playing and theoretical work</li><li>Understanding different chord positions (inversions).</li><li>Level 1 course repertoire will work towards an approximate grade 1 standard.</li><li>Scales (over the year): C, G and F majors and A minor (harmonic and melodic, one octave).</li><li>Arpeggios in the same keys as scales (1 octave hands separately).</li></ul>- Play and recognise basic chords I, IV and V chords<br/>- Play 3 major and 1 minor scales and arpeggios, 1 octave hands separately<br/>- Play and recognise forte and piano dynamics<br/>- Play with finger staccato<br/>- Play melodic lines with reliable legato technique<br/>- Play rhythms with quavers<br/>- Play simple tunes hands together with confident co-ordination and fluency.,<ul><li>Play and recognise basic chords I, IV and V chords</li><li>Play 3 major and 1 minor scales and arpeggios, 1 octave hands separately</li><li>Play and recognise dynamics between the range of forte and piano </li><li>Play with good staccato technique</li><li>Play melodic lines with reliable legato technique</li><li>Play rhythms with quavers and semiquavers</li><li>Play pieces hands together with confident co-ordination and fluency.</li></ul>Students need to have been playing for over a year or have completed Piano/keyboards 1E and you will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you already have experience of playing piano and reading music, and are not sure about your level, you can download our: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zp2XpHkfPJWiWgQnlmRmkc4XgCCky4Bz/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> preparation piece for piano/Keyboards 1F </a> .. 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. <br/><br/>If you need any further advice please take a moment to read our blog: <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Choosing a piano class at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of piano classes and you can always contact the music department directly (music@citylit.ac.uk).,<p>Students need to have been playing for over a year or have completed Piano/keyboards 1E and you will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.<br/><br/>If you already have experience of playing piano and reading music, and are not sure about your level, you can download our: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zp2XpHkfPJWiWgQnlmRmkc4XgCCky4Bz/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> preparation piece for piano/Keyboards 1F </a> .. 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.</p><p>If you already have experience of playing piano and/or reading music, please visit the <strong><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/choosing-piano-class-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City Lit Piano Department Page</a></strong> to help you choose the right level. If you need any further advice, please email <strong><a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">music@citylit.ac.uk</a></strong>. </p><p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.<br/>You will learn through:<br/>- tutor explanation and demonstration<br/>- group playing and individual demonstration tasks<br/>To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend a minimum of 20 minutes, 4-5 times per week.</p>,<p>All courses use Google Classroom to share materials and messages, including any homework tasks.<br/>You will learn through:</p><ul><li>tutor explanation and demonstration</li><li>group playing and individual demonstration tasks</li></ul><p>To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend a minimum of 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.</p>A notebook and pencil are useful for this class and 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).,<p>Most of our beginners classes use <strong><a href="https://pianoadventures.com/product/adult-piano-adventures-all-in-one-course-book-1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adult Piano Adventures, all-in-one piano course (Faber) Book 1</a></strong>, which you will need to purchase your own copy of. All of our tutors have different teaching styles, and occasionally choose to use different books. Please check the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0zAXTERFh-iDm-UaX50OdGAXx3FbwyKHwx8vK2PPSg/edit?tab=t.0#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>City Lit Piano Repertoire Books Page</strong></a> to make sure that you obtain the correct book for your class. If you are unsure, please <a href="mailto:music@citylit.ac.uk?subject=Piano%20Classes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>contact the music department</strong></a> for further advice. </p>This course leads to ‘Piano/keyboards 2A’.<br/><br/>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: <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.,<p>This course leads to Piano/keyboards 2A. 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: <a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Musicianship and music theory at City lit </a> which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.</p>MusicPiano/keyboards classesconfigurable
