Piano and Keyboard Techniques
Develops intermediate piano skills and music reading.
Description : Students enhance their piano playing through structured exercises, sight-reading practice, and performance of classical and contemporary pieces.
Category : Music
Age : 10+
Difficulty Level : Normal
Curriculum :
Module 1: Foundations of Piano Playing Section 1.1: Introduction to the Piano - Lesson 1: History and Structure of the Piano Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Explore the origins of the piano, its evolution, and understand its basic structure. - Lesson 2: Basic Components and Sound Production Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learn about the keys, hammers, and pedals, and how sound is produced. Section 1.2: Posture and Hand Positioning - Lesson 1: Proper Sitting and Bench Adjustment Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understand correct sitting posture and adjust the bench for optimal playing. - Lesson 2: Fundamentals of Hand and Finger Placement Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learn the basics of hand positioning and finger curves for effective technique. Section 1.3: Introduction to Keyboard Layout - Lesson 1: Navigating the Piano Keyboard Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Get familiar with the layout of white and black keys and note identification. - Lesson 2: Recognizing Musical Symbols on the Keyboard Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learn to associate musical symbols with their corresponding keys. Section 1.4: Basic Music Theory Essentials - Lesson 1: Musical Alphabets and Note Names Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Discover the musical alphabet and the names of the notes on a piano. - Lesson 2: Understanding Rhythm and Tempo Fundamentals Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Introduction to the concepts of rhythm, beat, and tempo in music. Section 1.5: First Exercises and Warm-ups - Lesson 1: Simple Finger Exercises and Scale Introduction Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Practice basic finger exercises and play a simple scale to build dexterity. - Lesson 2: Hand Coordination Drills Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Develop hand coordination through simple, targeted exercises. Module 2: Essential Technique Development Section 2.1: Warm-up and Finger Mobility - Lesson 1: One-Hand Scales Practice Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Begin with simple scales played with one hand to build finger strength. - Lesson 2: Basic Finger Strengthening Exercises Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Engage in exercises focused on increasing finger speed and control. Section 2.2: Introduction to Arpeggios - Lesson 1: Learning Simple Arpeggios Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understand and play straightforward arpeggio patterns. - Lesson 2: Practicing Arpeggios in C Major Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Apply arpeggio techniques in the key of C Major for fluid playing. Section 2.3: Coordinating Both Hands - Lesson 1: Right-Hand Melody Practice Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Focus on playing simple melodies using the right hand. - Lesson 2: Left-Hand Accompaniment Patterns Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Introduce basic accompaniment and coordination with the left hand. Section 2.4: Dynamics and Expressive Touch - Lesson 1: Introduction to Piano Dynamics Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn the basics of soft and loud touches to create dynamics. - Lesson 2: Expressing Emotion Through Touch Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Practice playing with varied pressure to convey emotions in music. Section 2.5: Playing Simple Pieces - Lesson 1: Learning a Basic Classical Piece Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Start with a well-known simple classical piece to apply learned techniques. - Lesson 2: Exploring a Contemporary Piece Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice a straightforward contemporary piece that reinforces coordination. Module 3: Musical Reading and Theory Section 3.1: Introduction to Sight-Reading - Lesson 1: Reading Basics on the Staff Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn to read music notation and understand the staff. - Lesson 2: First Sight-Reading Practice Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Engage in simple sight-reading exercises to build confidence. Section 3.2: Understanding Rhythm Notation - Lesson 1: Note Values and Rests Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Get familiar with whole, half, quarter notes, and rests. - Lesson 2: Counting Beats and Clapping Rhythms Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practice rhythm by counting beats and clapping simple patterns. Section 3.3: Recognizing Intervals and Patterns - Lesson 1: Identifying Intervals on the Keyboard Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Understand intervals and their positions on the keyboard. - Lesson 2: Recognizing Simple Melodic Patterns Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practice spotting basic patterns in music pieces. Section 3.4: Linking Notation to Finger Movement - Lesson 1: Coordinating Sight and Play Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn to match the notation with the correct finger movements. - Lesson 2: Simple Reading and Playing Exercises Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Practice exercises that combine reading skills with playing. Section 3.5: Two-Hand Sight-Reading - Lesson 1: Introduction to Two-Hand Coordination in Reading Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Learn to read music that involves both hands simultaneously. - Lesson 2: Beginner Duet Exercises Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice playing duet exercises designed for beginners. Module 4: Building Repertoire and Performance Section 4.1: Selecting Beginner Pieces - Lesson 1: Choosing Familiar Classical Works Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn how to select simple classical pieces that suit your level. - Lesson 2: Deciding on Pieces for Practice Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Understand the criteria for selecting pieces that aid fundamental skills. Section 4.2: Phrasing and Musical Expression - Lesson 1: Basics of Musical Phrasing Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Introduce the concept of phrasing to give pieces a musical narrative. - Lesson 2: Exercises in Expressive Playing Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practice phrasing techniques to enhance musical expression. Section 4.3: Introduction to Performance Skills - Lesson 1: Preparing for a Small Performance Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn the basics of performance preparation and overcoming stage fright. - Lesson 2: Developing Stage Confidence Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practice techniques to display confidence and presence at the keyboard. Section 4.4: Practice Strategies and Self-Review - Lesson 1: Creating an Effective Practice Routine Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Understand how to plan a practice session that reinforces learning. - Lesson 2: Self-Assessment and Feedback Techniques Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn how to evaluate your own performance to foster improvement. Section 4.5: Recital Preparation and Final Run-Through - Lesson 1: Combining Pieces for a Mini Recital Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Prepare a simple program that includes practiced pieces. - Lesson 2: Tips for a Successful Final Performance Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Review final performance tips and strategies for a confident finish. Module 5: Integrating Theory and Practical Skills Section 5.1: Merging Technique With Musicality - Lesson 1: Revisiting Scales With Dynamic Touch Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Combine basic scales practice with dynamic expression. - Lesson 2: Adding Musical Dynamics to Repetition Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Practice scales with varied dynamics to enhance expressiveness. Section 5.2: Understanding Basic Chords - Lesson 1: Introduction to Chord Structures Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learn the basic structure of chords on the piano. - Lesson 2: Practicing Simple Chord Progressions Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practice common chord progressions using familiar keys. Section 5.3: Harmonization Techniques - Lesson 1: Basics of Accompaniment Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Discover simple techniques to accompany a melody. - Lesson 2: Creating Basic Harmonies Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Experiment with ideas for harmonizing a tune. Section 5.4: Integrating Rhythm With Melody - Lesson 1: Combining Rhythmic Patterns With Tunes Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn to merge a steady rhythm with a melodic line. - Lesson 2: Timing and Sync Exercises Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Engage in exercises designed to improve timing and synchronization. Section 5.5: Course Recap and Integrated Play - Lesson 1: Review of Key Techniques and Concepts Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Revisit all fundamentals learned throughout the course in a comprehensive review. - Lesson 2: Open-Ended Play and Creativity Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Apply integrated skills in a creative session that encourages exploration and personal expression.