Level 1 – Beginner I
- Technique: 5-Finger scales (C, G, F), hands separately. Hanon Exercises #1–5 (practiced for evenness of tone). Simple broken chords (C major, A minor). Finger independence drills (Czerny Op. 599, Etudes 1–5).
- Theory: Treble clef note reading (Middle C to G). Basic rhythms (quarter, half, whole notes). C major scale, triads, and tonic-dominant (I−V) harmony. Introduction to dynamics (p,f) and articulation (staccato, legato).
- Practical Musicianship:
- Sight-Reading: Bastien Piano Sight Reading Book 1 – Weeks 1–4. Alfred Premier Sight Reading Level 1A – Ex. 1–10. Daily flashcard drills.
- Aural Skills: Interval recognition (2nds and 3rds). Play C–E–G, singing each note. Call and response clapping/singing.
- Creative Application & Artistry: 1-chord grooves in C major (RH improvises with C-D-E-G-A). Improvise over a C–G–C bass line.
- Music History & Literature: Introduction to the concept of musical eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic). "Composer of the Month" study.
- Performance & Examination: Perform one piece from memory in a studio recital. Pass the Level 1 assessment.
Sample Repertoire: Beethoven – Ode to Joy; When the Saints Go Marching In; The Beatles – Let It Be (simplified).
Level 2 – Beginner II
- Technique: Hanon #6–10. Major triads in root position (LH/RH). Introduction to legato pedal usage. Contrary motion exercises (C major).
- Theory: Bass clef reading (F to C). G and F major scales. Tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords (I,IV,V). Eighth notes, ties, rests.
- Practical Musicianship:
- Sight-Reading: Bastien Sight Reading Book 1 – Weeks 5–8. Alfred Premier Sight Reading Level 1B – Ex. 11–20.
- Aural Skills: Recognize intervals up to a perfect 4th. Identify high/low and same/different pitches. Sing-back 3-note melodic phrases.
- Creative Application & Artistry: 2-chord vamp (C–G7), RH improvised lines. Basic rhythm-based improvisation.
- Music History & Literature: Introduction to key composers like Bach and Mozart.
- Performance & Examination: Perform two contrasting pieces in a formal academy recital. Pass the Level 2 Academy Examination.
Sample Repertoire: Petzold – Minuet in G; Ellington – C Jam Blues; Coldplay – Clocks (simplified).
Level 3 – Beginner III
- Technique: Hanon #11–15. 2-octave major scales (C, G, F), hands together. Broken chords in both hands. Simple arpeggios (1-octave).
- Theory: Key signatures (C, G, F major). Introduction to the Circle of Fifths. Cadences: Authentic (V–I). Simple composition in A–B form. All theoretical concepts must be identified in repertoire.
- Practical Musicianship:
- Sight-Reading: Piano Adventures Sight Reading 2A. Rhythm clap-alongs including triplets.
- Aural Skills: Melodic dictation (3–4 notes). Interval ID up to a perfect 5th.
- Creative Application & Artistry: I–IV–V improvisation patterns (C–F–G). Use pentatonic scale in simple improv.
- Music History & Literature: Understanding the difference between Baroque and Classical styles.
- Performance & Examination: Introduction to piano duets. Prepare one etude and two repertoire pieces for the Level 3 Academy Examination.
Sample Repertoire: Bach – Musette in D; Autumn Leaves (simplified); River Flows in You (easy version).
