Piano/keyboards 1B

What is the course about?

This course is the second step in our beginners piano programme.
The aim of the course is to move beyond playing pieces which are always in ‘C position’ (i.e. hand position based on middle-C). You will increase fluency at navigating the keyboard, develop your hand/eye coordination and your ability to recognise patterns and shapes in simple melodies.

You will focus on playing hands together, and extending beyond 5-finger patterns to explore a wider range of the keyboard. You will also develop your aural and keyboard skills to increase your fluency of playing and understanding of music, and develop your ability to evaluate music and recognise mistakes as an aid to effective practise.

You will need access to a keyboard or piano to contribute to and practise between sessions.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- Moving beyond ‘C position’ to ‘G position’
- Sharps and flats (accidentals)
- Playing a melody with simple chord accompaniment
- Increased fluency of reading at sight, and playing without looking at your fingers
- Reading and applying shapes and patterns at the keyboard
- Simple scale and chord patterns
- Reading and applying simple time signatures and common rhythmic patterns
- Aural skills, especially identifying and correcting mistakes in playing.

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

- Co-ordinate hands to combine melodies with simple chords
- Read music within 2 octaves
- Perform a complete piece with confidence from the course repertoire
- Aural skills: remember and perform melodies or rhythms played by tutor of up to 2 bars in length.

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

You should have completed ‘Piano/keyboards 1A’, or equivalent (approximately 3 months' tuition). You must be able to play simple melodies with chord textures in major keys (hands together), follow basic rhythms, and read music notation in bass and treble clefs. You need to be able 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 1B . 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?

For this online course you will need your own piano (or keyboard) with 88 full-sized keys, a copy of the course text-book (see below) and a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection.
We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks.
We use ZOOM (video software) to meet for weekly classes via webcam.

Your tutor will teach though a variety of techniques:
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam
- short revision videos and audio files (posted in Google Classroom)
- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)
- group playing and individual demonstration tasks
Sessions will also include aural skills and theoretical study. To make good progress a regular practice routine is essential. We recommend 20-30 mins daily.

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) -
Adult All-in-One Course: Lesson, Theory, Technique Level 1 (Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course) Please email the music office music@citylit.ac.uk if you would like further details of how to purchase these books.
A notebook and pencil is also useful.

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

This course leads to ‘Piano/keyboards 1C’
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.