Please note: This class picks up where Beginning Piano Level I leaves off. Prospective students should be able to read standard notation in C position and G position, be able to identify accidentals in music, understand how to use dynamic contrast (crescendo, diminuendo etc), and have an understanding of articulation markings. Sight reading music is essential to this class so prospective students should be comfortable with reading music in the Level 3A Piano Adventures series (material from Level I). In this class, students will continue to develop their sight-reading skills, learn how to play more expressively, read and play in different time signatures and continue to develop dynamic control and phrasing. 

Please note: We will be using Piano Adventures Lesson Book Level 3A (2nd Edition) for this class. It is a required text for the class. 

Week One: Learn about tenuto or stress mark; explore a piece outside of a major or minor tonality; new time signatures 3/8. 

Week Two: Review rhythmic exercises. Play a piece in minor key in 3/8 time. Explore 6/8 time. Begin a new piece in 6/8 time.

Week Three: Review 3/8 and 6/8 exercises. Explore fortissimo. Expand dynamic range. Continue exploring pieces in 6/8 time signature. 

Week Four: Review exercises and pieces from previous weeks. Discuss eighth note triplets and learn a variation with eighth note triplets. 

Week Five: Continue developing pieces from previous weeks. Learn an arrangement of Amazing Grace and discuss D.S. al fine. 

Week Six: Review pieces from previous weeks. Explore ledger line notes above and below the staff. Play a theme by Tchaikovsky using new ledger line notes. 

Week Seven: Review previous material. Explore swing rhythm for 8th notes. Learn a piece using swinging eighth notes. Ledger line note review. Start challenge piece: Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho

Week Eight: Review material from Level I. Prepare a piece of your choice to present to the class.