Class Piano



Topics Covered Throughout the Year how to sit at the piano hand position at the piano finger numbers tunes on the black keys for rhythmic reading and development of finger skills low and high sounds left and right hand recognition basic notation -- quarter, half, whole, dotted half, and eighth notes dynamics Middle C position time signatures C Postion reading notes on the staff -- lines notes, space notes, bass and treble clef notes the Grand Staff legato and staccato playing interval identification -- 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th quarter, half, and whole rests phrasing G position sharps and flats duet and solo playing how to practice
Topics are covered with a variety of methods including group games, activity sheets, singing, movement, performance in front of groups, and individual instruction with the teacher. Dance steps and movement to all types of music are used to enforce the steady beat. Listening exercises are used regularly to introduce and reinforce the musical concepts of melody, harmony, style, form, rhythm, tone color, and dynamics. Rhythm reading is practiced with clapping games, rhythm instruments, written work, and finger exercises on the keyboard. All activities are kept low key with very positive and encouraging atmosphere. The goal is for students to find success at whatever level they are at in their musical ability and training. Then we hope to bring them to a level where they are comfortable and ready to move on to a more advanced keyboard training.