What's included
3 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. I will assign some things to practice on their own, between lessons. I will post any videos or written materials into the classroom, for the student to access.Assessment
Informal assessment and communication as to how the student is doing. Parent may request a written assessment, if desired.Class Experience
This is a beginner level course, so no prior experience is necessary. We will start with some fun exercises , that will get the students playing right away. I welcome learners of all identities and backgrounds into my classes. I will post a diagram and instructions for labeling some of your piano keys. The students will learn to play some beginner songs on the piano. My song sheets are written for students who do not read music yet. They are simple and easy to follow. I will begin by familiarizing the students with the piano, and getting used to moving around on the keys. We will go over correct hand positioning, finger numbers, and finding the notes on the keyboard. (The students will need 11 keys labelled) Musical elements, such as tempo, steady beat, and form will be learned along with the songs. We will learn a five note scale, and start with some songs that use those notes. I will have my own electric piano, and the students will be able to see what I am playing, so they can imitate what I am showing them. You will need "gallery view" in Zoom, in order for the student to be able to see my fingers on the piano. Weekly Breakdown - Week 1 - We will begin by getting a feel for how the piano is set up, and learning how the black and white keys are organized. Then we will do some experimenting and improvising on the black keys. I will have the students find middle C on their keyboard and we will learn a five note scale. We will go over the finger numbers on the right hand, and practice using all five fingers on the piano. I will have the students clap a rhythm pattern and then play it on their piano. We will learn a fun way of understanding quarter notes and eighth notes, using word rhythms for each pattern. Week 2 - We will review how to find middle C and then go over the notes C, D, E, F, G and A. We will review the finger numbers, and learn a song on those notes, with the correct fingerings. I will have the students practice different finger combinations, using rhythm patterns. We will learn one or two simple songs that they will be able to play. The students will do some improvising on the white keys. Week 3 - The students will learn a couple of new songs. We will review all of the rhythms and notes that we have learned so far, and then move forward to add a couple of new notes. I will have the students experiment with different melodies and rhythms. I will teach the students how to create some beautiful sounds, using double notes and how to space them on the keyboard to get the most harmonic sounds. We will do an exercise with the double notes. This is preparation for learning to play chords. My teaching style is casual and I focus on self esteem and on building self confidence. I am keeping the class size very small, so that each student has a chance to get some individual attention. I will post the song sheets for the songs we practice during class. You will be able to access them in the classroom. You are welcome to print out the song sheets for the student to practice at home. If you are unable to print them out, you can show them on the computer screen, so that the student can practice.
Learning Goals
Gain confidence about playing an instrument and learning music
Be able to play some simple songs
Learn the keys on the keyboard
Practice keeping a steady beat
Be able to perform some basic rhythms
Develop an interest in learning music
Gain self confidence in their playing
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I will ask that you label 11 keys on your piano
keyboard, based on the instructions and diagram that will be posted in the classroom.
A Laptop is best for piano class -
If it's possible for you to use a laptop or a pc for class, those work the best. It is easier to "enable original sound/audio" on those devices, so that I can hear the piano. (I'll show you how to enable original sound at the class)
The zoom default setting has a filter which filters out the sound of music.
Also, it is easier to get Gallery View on the laptop, so they can see my second device (to show my fingers on the piano keys)
Supply List
Piano or electronic piano / keyboard. For electronic instruments- A place to plug the instrument in, or batteries as needed. A way to set up the keyboard so that the device that zoom is open on can be seen.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Towson University
I have been an Outschool teacher since May of 2020. I love teaching on Outschool and sharing my love of music and art with the students.
I have 20+ years experience, as a music teacher. I have taught for a over a year on outschool as a piano and guitar teacher<My My teaching experience includes piano, electric keyboard, guitar, and general music classes, in both the classroom and private settings.
My brick and mortar school teaching includes being head of the music department at a private high school in Maryland.
I taught private piano and guitar lessons at a guitar shop, for 5 years, in addition to my own private students in my studio.
I have a bachelor's degree in music education, from Towson University, plus graduate studies in music education.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$9
weekly or $27 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
30 min
Completed by 264 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
2-4 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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