What is the course about?
Achieve greater confidence in co-ordination of hands, rhythmical work and a range of dynamics. Improve your musicianship, keyboard harmony skills and aural awareness. You will extend your theoretical knowledge in order to fully understand the pieces you are playing. This course is taught in a friendly and supportive environment.
What will we cover?
- Developing dynamic range
- Developing co-ordination skills in variety of articulations i.e. play one hand legato and one staccato.
- Technical problems, style and performance skills will be discussed
- Develop practice strategies.
- Level 3 course repertoire will work from grade 2 towards an approximate grade 3 standard (over the course of the year)
- Scales (over the year): C, G, F, D and A majors and A, E, D and B minors (harmonic and melodic, 2 octave hands together).
- Arpeggios in the same keys (2 octaves, hands separately).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Perform at least 3 pieces on the piano from the class repertoire
- Be able to use gradual dynamics
- Perform 4 major scales and 3 minor scales suitable for the level
- Play using staccato in one hand and legato in the other
- Develop technical exercises to deal with a number of technical problems.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students should have completed ‘Piano/keyboards 3A’ or have equivalent experience as this course draws on material of an approximate Grade 2/3 standard. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes. You could also drop in to one of our advice sessions where we can hear you play and help you choose the right course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classes are taught through tutor explanation and demonstration, group playing and individual practice (using headphones so the tutor can check individual progress). Sessions will also include aural skills and theoretical study.
To make good progress, you will need to practise regularly: preferably 30 minutes every day.
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; one or two printed books as decided in class (approx. cost £10 each).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to ‘Piano/keyboards 3C’.
If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please take a moment to read our blog: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes. You could also request an advice session where we can hear you play and help you choose the right course.
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.
