Piano/keyboards 1F online

This is the final term of our beginners' classical piano programme and is suitable for students working towards ABRSM Grade 1. 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.

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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.

  • Start Date: 15 Apr 2027
    End Date: 01 Jul 2027
    Thu (Daytime): 12:30 - 14:00
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 12 sessions (over 12 weeks)
    Course Code: ME209F
    Tutors:  Elli Tsampa
    Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £209.00
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Any questions? music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0412

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.

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In stock
SKU
251446
Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £209.00

What is the course about?

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.

What will we cover?

  • Extended work on rhythmical patterns
  • Development of legato technique
  • Development of staccato technique
  • 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 dynamics between the range of forte and piano
  • Play with good staccato technique
  • Play melodic lines with reliable legato technique
  • Play rhythms with quavers and semiquavers
  • Play pieces 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 already have experience of playing piano and/or reading music, please visit the City Lit Piano Department Page to help you choose the right level. If you need any further advice, please email 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 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.

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

Most of our beginners classes use Adult Piano Adventures, all-in-one piano course (Faber) Book 1, 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 City Lit Piano Repertoire Books Page to make sure that you obtain the correct book for your class. If you are unsure, please contact the music department for further advice.

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.

Elli Tsampa

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.