Introduction to Playing the Piano

In this 12 week course, students will learn to play the piano in a fun and encouraging setting.  We will be using the Alfred Prep Course for the Young Beginner - Level A, and will expect to cover about the first half of the book, although pacing of the class may be adjusted as necessary.  No previous knowledge or music instruction is necessary!  

Week One:
Students will learn correct posture and hand position; quarter notes, half notes, and whole notes; and simple dynamics.  We will learn finger numbers and play simple melodies using only the black keys on the piano.  

Week Two:
Students will review concepts learned in lesson one and will have the option to perform a song of their choice for the class.  We will begin learning the letter names of the white keys in relation to the black keys and we will practice finding different pitches on the piano.  Students will learn simple melodies using letter names and white keys.

Week Three:
Students will review concepts learned so far and will again have the option to perform a song of their choice for the class.  We will learn Middle C Position, Time Signature, and the dynamic marking mezzo forte.  Students will learn simple melodies in Middle C Position.  

Week Four:
Students will once again review and have the option to perform.  We will learn C Position, 3/4 time signature, and the dotted half note.  We will continue to focus on reading music and playing with proper technique.  

Week Five:
Students will learn about the musical staff, line notes, space notes, the bass clef sign, and the pitches C, D, E, F, and G in bass clef.  We will learn simple melodies using the left hand.  

Week Six:
Students will review concepts learned in lesson one and will have the option to perform a song of their choice for the class.  We will learn about the treble clef sign and the pitches C, D, E, F, and G in treble clef.  We will learn simple melodies using the right hand.

Week Seven:
Students will review concepts learned so far and will again have the option to perform a song of their choice for the class.  We will learn about the grand staff and learn simple melodies using both hands playing in C position.

Week Eight:  
Students will once again review and have the option to perform.  We will learn more simple melodies using both hands playing in C position.  Supplemental songs in addition to those in the book will be provided.  

Week Nine:
Students will play several songs in C position.  We will learn legato playing, intervals, and tied notes.  

Week Ten:
We will learn more about intervals and begin playing harmonic intervals, and students will be introduced to rests.  Students will continue to learn new songs in C position.  Students will have the option to perform a song of their choice for the class.  

Week Eleven:
We will continue to learn new songs in C position while reviewing concepts learned in previous lessons.  Students will have the option to perform a song of their choice for the class.

Week Twelve:
Students will once again review and have the option to perform.  Supplemental songs in addition to those in the book may be provided.