In this class, students will learn skills to create independence in music making on instruments that use keyboards such as electronic keyboards and acoustic or electric pianos. Skills include reading, listening, thinking, and creating music, and are all contextualized within experiences of music literature from diverse cultures and world regions.

Class activities may include, but are not limited to, reading rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic notation; playing chord progressions; how to use pre-programmed accompaniment tracks; fingering techniques; creating harmonic progressions; reading lead sheets; and creating melodies. Students will also be supported in developing appropriate playing position and independence.

The semester target specific skills in through four instructional modules:
 Module I: (Songs in C positions)
 - Introductory concepts and class procedures, including inventory of any prior keyboard/piano experience of participating learners.
 - Hand positions that utilize contrary motion on the keys
 - Registers on the keyboard (both piano and electronic keyboard) 
 - Hand positions that utilize parallel motion on the keys
 - Registers on the grand staff
Module II: (Songs in G positions)
 - quarter notes and half notes
 - rests
 - 4/4 and 2/4 meters
 - 3/4 meter
Module III: (Songs in F positions)
 - eighth notes in 4/4, 2/4, 3/4 meters
 - eighth notes in 6/8 meter
 - introductions
 - codas
Module IV: Introduction to arranging
 - Review of all parallel hand positions (C, G, and F)
 - Left-hand harmonies (I, IV, and V chords)
 - Right-hand pentachord movement (melodic composition and improvisation)
 - Musical form and creating a personalized arrangement of a song from this semester

Please keep in mind that each learner progresses at their own unique pace. As one-on-one classes, each lesson will be customized for the needs of the learner within the scope of the materials. 

PARENTS: 
 - Please be certain your learner has access to the instrument DURING class. 
 - Please make sure your learner knows how to mute/unmute in Zoom so that s/he can immediately try any idea presented in class or ask questions as needed
 - If your learner is using an electronic keyboard, please be certain that there is sufficient battery power or (preferred) the keyboard's power supply is plugged into the wall. 
 - Please check notes below regarding camera placement