What's included
8 live meetings
5 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will want to practice and perform the songs they learn in class. One to two hours of practice is recommended each week. It is best to divide this into 6 twenty-minute sessions. Visual aids will be available on the class page to be printed.Assessment
Each student will be assessed with a rubric following Week 8. This feedback will indicate areas of strength and weakness and recommend the appropriate next class.Class Experience
Week 1: Pick-Up Measure Level 9 begins with a review of previous levels. Students will be engaged in several activities to assess what they remember and how familiar they are with previous material. We will explore songs that do not begin on the first beat of a measure and learn "There is a Balm in Gilead." Week 2: 6/8 Time Signature Students will build on their knowledge of 3/8 time signature to understand 6/8 time signature. We will review "Pop Goes the Weasel" in 6/8 rather than 3/4. Students will also be given the opportunity to compose in treble clef Week 3: LH Chords In Week 3, we will continue working "Pop Goes the Weasel" by adding LH chords. Students will also review some of the black-key 5-finger patterns learned in Level 7 before improvising in 6/8. Week 4: Posture and Hand Position During Week 4, students will perform for each other and engage in musical discussion. Before performing, each student will assess their posture and hand position with feedback from Dr. Nathan. Students will also learn "The Bear Went over the Mountain" in 6/8. Week 5: Hand Crossing Students will review hand crossing while adding chords to "The Bear Went over the Mountain" We will also explore asymmetrical 5-finger patterns starting on a black key. Week 6: Tonic In Week 6, we will learn "Ruffs and Rhees" in 6/8 and build chords starting on Tonic. Students will improvise in 3/8 following a review of intervals. Week 7: Dominant During Week 7, students will have the option to learn parts 2 and 3 of "Ruffs and Rhees," add tonic and dominant, and/or add chords to any part. We will also compare rhythms in 3/8 and 6/8 Week 8: Scale Preview In Week 8, students will have another chance to perform for each other. The "Congratulations Song" will be changed to fit into 6/8 time signature. Students will also preview the C Scale, which will be learned in Level 10.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
1. Identify intervals by sight and by ear
2. Identify standard rhythmic notation
3. Copy rhythmic patterns with counting and clapping
4. Sight read simple rhythmic and melodic examples on the grand staff (including sharps and flats)
5. Discuss some of the historical context of the piano
6. Transpose pieces to different keys at the piano
7. Perform pieces for fellow students as well as friends and family
8. Compose their own pieces by manipulating previously learned patterns
9. Develop appropriate playing posture and hand position
Other Details
Supply List
Learners must have access to a piano or keyboard. A keyboard does not need to be full size (88-keys). Ideally it should have weighted keys, be velocity sensitive (the volume should change depending on how quickly you press the keys), and have a pedal. Visual aids for each class will be available before class begins. I recommend printing these and keeping them in a binder so that the learner can reference them both during class and throughout the week. No other materials are needed.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
weekly or $240 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
40 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
3-6 learners per class