I am excited to offer this flex class for students that have completed the first half of   the Faber Piano Adventures Level 1 Lesson Book (either my Piano Class #6 or something comparable).  It is important for students to have learned notes on the staff as well as intervals prior to enrolling in this class. 

Each week, an assignment sheet will be uploaded into the classroom on Monday morning.  This assignment sheet will include at least two videos (approximately 3-10 minutes each  in length)  as well as additional assignments.  In these videos, I will be teaching the skills that they will be learning for that week.   Continuing music skills, such as using both hands at the same time, rests, accidentals, chords and playing the the C and G positions will be taught.  

Additional activities, such as piano melodies to play, and  written activities may be sent home to encourage their learning and review skills they have been taught each week. Students will be expected  to record and upload videos of themselves playing songs they have learned.  They are encouraged to share these with me, as well as the other students (if any) in this classroom.   Students will be asked to comment on other students' posts.  Students will be directed to only post positive comments, as we all understand that no one is perfect and mistakes in playing (and drawing) are expected.  

The videos that will be uploaded each week will be of me teaching the students each particular skill and how to perform that skill.  I will include plenty of repetition while performing that skill so that students can learn as they go.  The class videos include two camera views.  One of the views is from the end of the piano so that students can see from that angle.  The more important camera view will be from above the keyboard. Students will be able to see my hands on the keyboard so that it is clear which notes and which fingers they should be using.  Each week students will be given an assignment including pages in the book to practice.  It will also include at least one written, listening, or a performing activity, such as uploading a video showing what they have learned on the pages that week.  Students are encouraged to watch and  respond to other students posts (if applicable)  at least once throughout each week.  Additional songs may be sent home as supplementary songs that will reinforce the skills that they have learned in that particular lesson.


COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: 
Activities will be used throughout this course that require communication between students and the teacher.  Each week, the videos will be uploaded on Monday.  Along with these videos, an assignment will be listed as well.  Part of the assignment may be a question for the students to answer such as telling me what they think is the most challenging skill in their lesson this week. Students can answer the teacher question, as well as respond to other student responses.  It will be useful for students to know that sometimes, other students may also be having problems (or successes) with the same skills. One week, student will be given a list   of items  to find on this piece of music.  They can use the classroom to ask other students about any items that they might not be able to find. Students will be expected to upload a short video each week playing one of the songs from their lesson that week.  These assignments are due by Saturday morning of each week. Teacher feedback and discussion will follow up each assignment. 

The basic weekly schedule will look something like this:


Week 1- This is an introductory week when the students will have an opportunity to share what they already know about music. 
              Questions will be asked through It the class to make sure that all students know the basic skills needed at this level of
               learning. “Legato” and “ staccato” playing will be reviewed and  1st and 2nd endings will be introduced.

Week 2- This week, students will learn about the musical “upbeat”. Students will also learn to counts the beats in a measure.
               They will practice naming notes on the staff as well as naming other musical symbols. 

Week 3- This week, students will learn about the “half rest” and the “whole rest”. They will also review “tied notes”. 

Week 4- This week, students will learn about musical “sharps”. They will also continue reviewing and drawing notes on the staff. 

Week 5- This week, the student will review the skills they have learned so far. They will continue writing counts under notes in each measure. 

Week 6- This week, students will learn about musical “flats”. They will review “repeats” and “1st and 2nd endings”. 

Week 7- This week, students will review flats and will practice using them in a variety of activities. 

Week 8- This week, students will learn about the “fermata”. “Flats” and “sharps” will be reviewed.  Review activities will be added to make sure they remember all of the skills that have been taught in this class.