Bastien Piano Players Level 1!

Students will learn how to play the piano using the Bastien Piano Basics method book, level 1. We will cover topics such as note reading, note identification, dynamics, intervals, hand positions, and music theory. The classes will be kept small and are designed to be flexible to students' needs. If students need more time on a particular subject matter, we will spend the time to solidify their understanding. This particular course will advance from the previous week, so students would do best if they joined every class. There will be a short review of the previous week at the beginning of each lesson, which will include students performing their practiced pieces, as well as answering any questions or concerns that may have come up. We will then move on to new material if basic understanding of the previous material is reached. Each week, students will have one to two pieces from each of the four method books that are required. These pieces will be discussed, demonstrated and taught during the class time and will be practiced by the student throughout the week. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend class with the student at the beginning levels of instrumental learning to aid in material retention from week to week. Learning a new instrument is similar to learning a new language, there is a lot of material that is covered and until you have a basic understanding, it can be very overwhelming and confusing. I teach based off of the students' needs and how well they are progressing, so flexibility is key. There will be modeling and demonstrating used during the class to allow students to hear and understand what is expected of them for the next week. When particular subjects are reached, such as music theory, worksheets and games may be used to help aid understanding. The method books that are used are available from multiple different online venues as well as any music store that may be in your area. They are very common method books and have been used for years. They also have wonderful visuals to help aid students in their retention from week to week. As stated before, this class will progress based off of the previous classes learned information so it is important to join every week for class. 

Week 1: Review of "primer book", C major position
Week 2: Sharps and Flats
Week 3: Accompaniment in C
Week4: Staccato
Week 5: Tempo Marks - andante, moderato, allergretto, allegro
Week 6: F major position
Week 7: Accompaniment in F
Week 8: Dynamics - mp, mf