Piano and Keyboard

Become a Better Pianist with Berklee

Develop your piano or keyboard technique and gain a greater command of various musical styles including blues, rock, and jazz.

Courses

Courses are best for students who are looking to meet a specific need, or simply want to get started with Berklee Online. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 12 Weeks
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
OPERF-110
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Learn an approach to improvisation that applies to all styles and instruments by studying legendary players and finding your own style by learning to develop solos on the fly.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-100
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Master the basics of piano keyboard technique and chord voicings, and gain an understanding of more advanced concepts like interpretation of lead sheets and improv.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-150
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Build skills that will help you write, produce, and perform music using keyboards ranging from acoustic piano to modern controllers with virtual instruments.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-101
Private Piano Lesson Level 1 is an introduction to formal keyboard study and performance. The instructor will assess your skill level. Additionally, the instructor will assess the history of your piano training and technique in order to appropriately plan a course of study that will support your learning trajectory and goals.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-102
Private Piano Lesson Level 2 builds upon the skills developed in Level 1. You will learn major scales and major root-position triad arpeggios in the keys of F, B♭, E♭, and A♭, as well as triadic chord progressions in those keys. You will continue to work on new technique exercises and focus on hand position and posture. You will be introduced to the concept and application of tensions, which are additional notes added to chords to add harmonic richness.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-210
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
This keyboard course is designed for students who have some previous experience with this instrument, but want to take their skills to the next level. The course bridges the gap between entry-level keyboard courses and more advanced and challenging ones, covering a wide range of skill sets.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-245
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn how to construct, recognize, and musically use essential chords at the keyboard.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-240
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Piano Scales 101 will teach the working knowledge of the most essential scales for the piano.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-200
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
This course focuses on the basic tools for the piano player to be able to perform powerfully and confidently. We will discuss physical and technical practices that will reinforce and improve your performance skills.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-201
Private Piano Lesson Level 3 builds upon the skills developed in Level 2. You will be introduced to major scales and major root-position triad arpeggios in the keys of B, F♯, and C♯, as well as triadic chord progressions in those keys. You will continue to work on technique exercises as well as hand position and posture. You will be introduced to the concept and application of altered tensions, which are additional notes added to chords to add harmonic richness.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-202
Private Piano Lesson Level 4 builds upon the skills developed in Level 3. Previously covered major scales will now be performed in four octaves in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 at 72 BPM. Previously covered major root-position triad arpeggios will now be performed in four octaves in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-203
Private Piano Lesson Level 5 builds upon the skills developed in Level 4. You will be introduced to natural, harmonic, traditional, and real melodic minor scales and arpeggios in the keys of G♭, B, E, A, D, and G hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in several rhythmic groupings. You will also be introduced to minor triadic chord progressions in those minor keys.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-220
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Explore the piano and keyboard techniques and improvisation styles associated with common blues and rock styles. Explore theory, harmonic concepts, patterns, and more.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPERF-312
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn the art of jazz improvisation from Gary Burton, one of the most renowned improvisers in the jazz world.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-315
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn jazz piano by strengthening your command of the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that make up this rich art form.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-300
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
This course will explore the wide variety of styles in Latin American music, from the perspective of the piano. We will focus intensely on rhythmic elements, but also explore harmonic and melodic elements, as well as the historical and social context that led these styles to be developed and become popular.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-305
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
This course is the continuation of the material presented in Piano Technique 101, and will give you the opportunity to apply techniques and concepts you explored previously, along with new and deeper material to develop a more powerful proficiency on the piano.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-310
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
The role of keyboards in recorded music is vast and diverse; from acoustic piano ballad playing to synthesis, sound design and beat making in modern pop music. This course will focus on the role of “piano-based” keyboards in various styles of music through the lens of recording and technology.
  • Credit: $1,245
  • Non-Credit: $1,090
OPIAN-230
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn to play authentic keyboard parts in a wide range of pop/rock styles, including rock, R&B, dance pop, classic rock, country, and more.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-301
Private Piano Lesson Level 6 builds upon the skills developed in Level 5. You will be introduced to major and minor pentatonic scales and root position dominant 7th arpeggios in 12 keys, hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, as well as diatonic 7th chord progression in 12 keys.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-302
Private Piano Lesson Level 7 builds upon the skills developed in Level 6. You will be introduced to blues scales in 12 keys performed hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1. You will be introduced to root position diminished 7th chord arpeggios in 12 keys hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, as well as secondary dominant 7th chord progression in 12 keys.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-400
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
In Advanced Jazz Piano, you will be able to analyze, curiously reimagine, and perform songs in the advanced jazz piano styles covered in this course. A special emphasis will be placed on aspects of solo piano performance, group performance, chord voicings, creating lines, left hand/right hand independence, and Afro-Latin influence on jazz improvisation.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPIAN-405
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
The focus of this keyboard course is on live performance, providing students with software and hardware tools to achieve professional results in this particular setup. We will discuss different keyboard artists and their techniques, and keyboardist’s best practices for a successful professional career.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-401
Private Piano Lesson Level 8 builds upon the skills developed in Level 7. You will be introduced to diminished and whole-tone scales in 12 keys performed hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1. You will also work on major scales in 3rds or 10ths and 6ths in 12 keys performed hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPLPN-402
Private Piano Lesson Level 9 is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the skills you have developed in the piano program.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290

Certificates

Gain the professional credentials and marketable skills you need to succeed in your specific area of the music industry. Certificates range from foundational-skill building to graduate-level. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 3-18 Months
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
Advanced Professional
8 Courses · 24 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing eight courses from any interest area.
Advanced Professional
8 Courses · 24 Credits
This music theory certificate program will help you gain a professional command of the mechanics behind most of the contemporary music that you enjoy.
Professional
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Learn different keyboard performance styles, starting with signature riffs and licks of the masters, and then increase your repertoire and develop your improvisation skills.
Professional
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Gain a concrete foundation in music, from reading and writing music notation to advanced topics such as modal and pentatonic melodies and harmonic tensions.
Professional
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Explore the keyboard vocabulary common to blues and rock genres, then focus on solo improvisation. By the end of the program, you’ll take be a more confident and creative keyboardist.
Professional
4 Courses · 12 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn a Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing four courses from any interest area.

Degree Programs

Degree programs are the most affordable and flexible option for earning your music degree from Berklee College of Music. They are the best option for students who want a music education degree and the full Berklee experience.

  • Apply for June 24 semester start.
    • Get a decision within 2 weeks
  • Master's Degree: 1-3 Years
    Bachelor's Degree: 2-4 Years
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
36 Credits
Expand your knowledge and skills in four areas critical to advancing a career in the music industry: music business, music production and technology, songwriting, and film scoring.
120 Credits
This undergraduate degree program will empower you with the musical development and keyboard skills required of a modern musician in today’s industry.
120 Credits
“Build your own” music major by selecting coursework from a number of disciplines that align with your personal career goals.
45 of 120 Credits
This major is geared specifically for new and entering students who are not yet ready to declare their major.

New! Masterclasses

With Berklee Online’s new Masterclasses, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from Berklee's acclaimed instructors over the course of one live session for only $99.

Get Access to Free Handbooks

Gain access to real course content from Berklee Online's 12-week, instructor-led online courses. From foundational concepts to advanced techniques, these free handbooks cover a variety of topics, all designed to provide you with marketable skills in music.

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