Piano/keyboards 1F

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 rhythmic vocabulary and dynamic contrasts using ABRSM Grade 1 standard repertoire. You will extend your knowledge of major and minor keys.

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?

- 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?

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?

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’.
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.