$240

for 16 classes

Small Group Piano Course for Beginners

Completed by 10 learners

Ages 9-11

Live Group Course

In this 16-week course, students will learn the basics of reading music and how to apply these to the piano. The small group setting incentivizes learners and fosters community in a low-pressure, highly encouraging setting.

Genée Johns-Morrison

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(7 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week, 16 weeks

3-3 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

16 live meetings

12 in-class hours

Homework

1-2 hours per week. Homework here simply refers to the pieces students will be assigned to practice, as well as some pages in the Theory workbook. There are typically around 2-4 exercises or pieces to practice on piano each week. Some weeks we will work in our Theory books during class, so students won't be assigned Theory pages those weeks. Other weeks students may have 1-2 Theory pages to complete.

Certificate of Completion

1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6

Beginner Level

Students will learn through demonstration, verbal direction, body movement to the beat, and music games/activities. Learners will interact with the teacher through conversing, observing, and receiving individual feedback, and they will interact with each other by participating in games/activities, performing for each other and together, and providing positive feedback for one another. My teaching style is positive and encouraging with an emphasis on community-building. I want students to feel comfortable with the group so they can try new things without fear of making mistakes. Because learning to play piano requires persistence and practice, it is necessary that students practice the assigned pieces and theory worksheets each week in order to grow as musicians and to be able to progress through the material as a group.

Learning Goals

Students will learn basics of rhythm, finger numberings, and right and left hand positions on the keyboard. They will learn landmark notes on both the keyboard and on the written staff. They will learn to play and perform pieces on the piano!

Syllabus

16 Lessons

over 16 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Introductions

 The first class will focus on introductions to one another, as well as to the piano! Directing students to pages 4 and 5 in the Lesson book and page 2 in the Theory book, the teacher will demonstrate how to sit at the piano and how to position one's arms and hands. Students will play games regarding finger numbers and rhythm, explore the keyboard, discuss high and low sound production, and practice playing sets of two black keys. 
Homework: 
Technique book p. 4-5
Lesson book p. 8-9

45 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Bar Lines, Measures, Half & Whole Notes

 After reviewing the material students practiced during the week, they will learn about bar lines and measures, as well as playing sets of three black keys. Learners will practice playing notes and observing rests within bar lines, and we will play aural games to help students connect what they hear with the rhythms on the page before them.
Homework:
Technique book p. 6-7
Lesson book p. 10-11

45 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

Dynamics

 After reviewing the material students practiced during the week, they will learn to identify some dynamic signs and discuss and explore how dynamics help make music expressive.
Homework:
Theory book p. 13
Technique book p. 8
Lesson book p. 14-15

45 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Time Signature

 After reviewing the material students practiced during the week, they will be introduced to the 4/4 time signature. Learners will play aural games and work in their theory books to connect how the note and rest values they've learned thus far can fit into the 4/4 time signature.
Homework:
Technique book p. 9
Lesson book p. 16-17

45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List

Students will need a piano or keyboard to use during class, and the computer camera should be positioned so that the teacher can see both the student's face and hands on the keys. (Setting up the camera to the side of the learner is a good way to see both face and hands.) 
The class will be using Alfred's Premier Piano Course 1A Lesson, Theory, & Technique books; students will need to have their own copies of the books so they can practice during the week and use them during class. Used books are perfectly fine; just make sure the Theory book is marked “very good” or “like new” so students can write in the book. Students will also need to bring a pencil to class each week.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

Your students will need three books: Alfred’s Premier Piano Course 1A Lesson, Theory, & Technique books. (They have red covers.) You are welcome to order them used; just ensure the Theory workbook is marked “very good” or “like new” so its pages do not contain writing.

Meet the teacher

Genée Johns-Morrison

Joined April, 2020

4.9

7reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Master's Degree in Education from University of the Cumberlands

I am offering this class because teaching piano is an absolute joy. I love watching students begin connecting with music as they absorb content and apply learned concepts to the piano. I am thrilled when students can proudly perform a piece and when they excitedly tell their friends and family, "I take piano lessons!" I have a BA in music with an emphasis in piano performance. I completed some post-graduate work in music therapy, and I have recently completed a MAT in elementary education. I have taught dozens of piano students both individually and in group settings. I eagerly look forward to meeting your learner!