What is the course about?
Consolidate your skills at a grade 3 standard and gain experience by playing in front of others. Achieve greater confidence in hand co-ordination, rhythmical work and a dynamic range. Improve your musicianship, keyboard harmony skills and aural awareness. You will also develop your theoretical knowledge in order to fully understand the pieces you are playing. This course is taught in a friendly and supportive environment in the digital keyboard classroom.
What will we cover?
- Developing dynamic range
- Developing co-ordination skills in a variety of articulations i.e. play one hand legato and one staccato.
- Technique, style and performance skills will be discussed
- Developing a practice routine and strategies for effective practice.
- Course repertoire will be of an approximate grade 3 standard
- Scales: C, G, F, D and A majors and A, E, D and B minors (harmonic and melodic, 2 octaves hands together).
- Arpeggios in the same keys as scales (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 3 major scales and 3 minor scales from the selection for this level
- Play using staccato in one hand and legato in the other
- Use 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 a City Lit Piano/keyboard 3 class or its equivalent as this course draws on material of Grade 3 standard. You need to be able 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 (on acoustic and digital pianos). Sessions will also include aural skills and theoretical study.
A regular practice routine is essential to progress on this course.
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 by the students (approx. cost £10 each). Music may be purchased new or second-hand and/or borrowed from local libraries. Westminster Central Music Library (Victoria) and the Barbican Music Library have very comprehensive collections.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to: Piano/keyboards 4C
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.
