Beginning Piano & Music Theory (4th-8th Grade) (Fall)(1/2 Credit) – 1 Semester Course, 12 Weeks
Teachers: Elisabeth Coon & Julia Coon
A Beginning Piano and Music Theory class for 4th-8th graders is a fantastic way to introduce students to the fundamentals of piano playing and music theory. This 12-week course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in piano skills and a basic understanding of music theory concepts. The class will incorporate both theoretical knowledge and practical application through hands-on piano lessons.
Week 1: Introduction to the Piano
- Orientation to the piano keyboard and its layout.
- Introduction to proper hand positioning and posture.
- Basic finger exercises and techniques.
Week 2: Reading Sheet Music
- Introduction to musical staff notation.
- Learning the names of the notes on the staff.
- Practice reading simple melodies and rhythms.
Week 3: Basic Music Theory
- Understanding musical symbols and notation (e.g., note values, time signatures).
- Introduction to musical terms and vocabulary.
- Exploring the concept of pitch and the musical scale.
Week 4: Rhythm and Timing
- Practicing rhythm exercises and counting beats.
- Learning to play different rhythmic patterns on the piano.
- Exploring various time signatures and their significance.
Week 5: Chords and Harmony
- Introduction to basic piano chords (e.g., major and minor triads).
- Understanding chord progressions and their role in music.
- Exploring the concept of harmony and playing chords in different positions.
Week 6: Melodies and Phrasing
- Learning to play simple melodies using both hands.
- Understanding musical phrasing and dynamics.
- Exploring techniques to bring expression and emotion to a piece.
Week 7: Scales and Key Signatures
- Introduction to major and minor scales.
- Learning the construction of scales and their patterns.
- Exploring key signatures and their relationship to scales.
Week 8: Musical Forms and Styles
- Exploring different musical forms (e.g., verse-chorus, ABA) and styles (e.g., classical, jazz, pop).
- Analyzing and playing examples from various musical genres.
- Understanding the characteristics that define different musical styles.
Week 9: Sight-Reading Skills
- Developing sight-reading skills to play music at first sight.
- Practicing reading and playing unfamiliar melodies and rhythms.
- Exploring strategies for effective sight-reading.
Week 10: Musical Interpretation
- Understanding the concept of musical interpretation.
- Exploring techniques to add personal expression to a piece.
- Analyzing and performing pieces with different moods and styles.
Week 11: Ensemble Playing
- Introduction to playing with others in a duet or ensemble setting.
- Learning to listen and respond to other musicians.
- Collaborative playing and exploring the concept of harmony within a group.
Week 12: Performance and Review
- Students showcase their progress by performing pieces learned throughout the course.
- Reviewing key concepts covered in the 12-week class.
- Encouraging continued practice and exploration of piano and music theory.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THIS COURSE
- Books: TBD by Teacher. Teacher will send the link to purchase the books
- Piano or Keyboard to practice at home
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