Week 1: Review Levels 1 - 7
Level 8 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 use both hands to learn "O Danny Boy."

Week 2: Chord Review
Students will review the chords learned during Level 7 and use them to accompany "O Danny Boy." During class, we will preview a change in standard notation (dotted half note vs dotted quarter note).

Week 3: Dotted Quarter Note
In week 3, we will return to the theme from Dvorak's "New World Symphony" using dotted quarter notes. Students will have the opportunity to add chords and/or improvise in 4/4 time signature. 

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 "Waltzing Chords" as a preparation for LH accompaniment patterns.  

Week 5: Accidentals
Students will review accidentals (sharps/flats) while learning the melody of "Beautiful Dreamer." We will also explore how 5-finger patterns can be played when starting on a black key.

Week 6: Accompaniment Patterns
In Week 6, we will add a LH accompaniment pattern to "Beautiful Dreamer." Students will improvise with each hand in 3/4 time signature.

Week 7: Hand Shifts
After reviewing the C major chord, students will practice playing it in various positions on the piano. This exercise will lead to the opening of the "Blue Danube Waltz."
 
Week 8: 3/8 Time Signature
In Week 8, students will have another chance to perform for each other. The "Congratulations Song" will be changed to fit into 3/8 time signature. Students will hear this change first and be asked to describe how it sounds different.