Next Semester Starts
June 26, 2023

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.

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You will be introduced to the theoretical foundation of piano performance, which includes major scales, major root-position triad arpeggios, posture at the instrument, and more. You will learn songs in traditionally notated and chord-symbol improvisatory forms, and learn one piece in each notational style.

Technical exercises will help you develop rhythmic skill and awareness, muscle memory, and hand strength. You will also learn the piece from a specifically notated score and work with your instructor to adhere to all expressive, fingering, touch, and technical elements.

The harmonic texture required for Level 1 is to play the melody in the right hand and chords voice-led in the left hand. You will work with your instructor to arrange an approved piece employing proper voice leading, expressive elements, fingering, and technical elements.

By the end of Private Piano Lesson Level 1, you will be able to:

  • Play major scales hands together, two octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers at 72 BPM in the keys of C, G, D, A, and E
  • Play major triad root-position arpeggios hands together, two octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers at 72 BPM in the keys of C, G, D, A, and E
  • Perform triadic chord progressions I IV V I and I VI II V I in the keys of C, D, G, A, and E
  • Perform a technical exercise designed to develop rhythmic skill and awareness, hand strength, and muscle memory essential for conventional movement
  • Perform a piece in the traditionally notated style
  • Perform a piece in the chord symbol improvisatory style right-hand melody, left-hand chords voice-led
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Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

This course does not have any prerequisites.

Required Textbook(s)

Software Requirements

  • Students are required to create notation and submit it in PDF format. Options include:
    • Notation software such as Finale, Sibelius, MuseScore (free), Dorico, etc.
    • Handwritten notation captured by photo or a scanner

Hardware Requirements

  • Piano or keyboard instrument with 88 weighted action keys equipped with a sustain pedal
    • If using a MIDI keyboard controller, a sound source, such as a high-quality piano sample library on your computer, is also required.
    • If using a digital piano or keyboard workstation without built in speakers, an audio interface is also required.
  • Headphones

After enrolling, please check the Getting Started section of your course for potential deals on required materials. Our Student Deals page also features several discounts you can take advantage of as a current student. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu for any questions.


General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Chats. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

Mac Users

PC Users

All Users

  • Latest version of Google Chrome
  • Zoom meeting software
  • Webcam
  • Speakers or headphones
  • External or internal microphone
  • Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

You'll learn from the best, in an exclusive one-on-one session each week. Meet your Piano private lesson instructors.

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.

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