Piano Performance Bachelor's Degree Program

Private Piano Lesson Level 2

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♭, A♭, D♭, and G♭ 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 notes added to chords for harmonic richness. You will work on new technique exercises to continue developing rhythmic skill and awareness, muscle memory, and hand strength, and these exercises will reinforce the skills required for Level 2. You will work with your instructor to learn a traditionally notated piece in the style of your choice, adhering to all expressive, fingering, touch, and technical elements.

Read More

In Level 2, you will work on a Level 2 chord symbol improvisation piece, in any contemporary style, such as jazz, pop, R&B, rock, blues, gospel, and more. Regardless of genre, your Level 2 chord symbol improvisatory piece will introduce you to the concept and application of basic tensions. In this level, you will play the melody in the right hand and chords with basic tensions voice-led in the left hand, working with your instructor to arrange an approved piece employing proper voice leading, expressive elements, fingering, and technical elements.

In Level 2, you will be introduced to the concept of improvisation, with attention to appropriate melodic and harmonic vocabulary, rhythmic and phrasing principles, and technical considerations for various song styles. You will improvise on a 12-bar blues form and/or a diatonic chord progression in another style of your choice. Your instructor will help you apply the improvisational techniques developed through the 12-bar blues or diatonic chord progression to your approved chord symbol improvisation tune. No need to worry, improvisation will not be part of the final exam or final grade considerations.

By the end of Private Piano Lesson Level 2, you will be able to:

  • Play major scales hands together, four octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers in eighth notes at 65 BPM in the keys of F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, and G♭
  • Play major triad root-position arpeggios hands together, four octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers in eighth notes at 65 BPM in the keys of F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, and G♭
  • Perform triadic chord progressions I – IV – V – I and I – VI – II – V – I in F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, and G♭
  • Perform a technical exercise designed to develop rhythmic skill and awareness, hand strength, and muscle memory essential for conventional movement specific to Level 2 repertoire
  • Perform an approved piece using a “traditionally” notated score
  • Perform an approved piece in the chord symbol improvisation style right-hand melody, left-hand chords voice-led with basic tensions
  • Employ melodic and rhythmic improvisation concepts to a 12-bar blues or diatonic chord progression
Read Less
Overview Requirements Instructors
Log in to Schedule Piano Performance Degree Majors Only Request Info
Add to Favorites

Need guidance?

1-866-BERKLEE Int'l: +1-617-747-2146

Call, Text, or Email us

Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Private Piano Lesson Level 1 is required.

Textbook(s)

Software

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

Instrument

  • Piano or keyboard instrument with 88 weighted action keys equipped with a sustain pedal
    • If using a MIDI keyboard controller, a high-quality piano software instrument is also required.
    • If using a digital piano or keyboard workstation without built in speakers, an audio interface or amplifier is also required.

Hardware

  • Students are required to capture their instrumental performance, as well as monitor audio output. Options include:
    • Input (one required if not using MIDI and software instruments):
      • Keyboard connected directly to audio interface (recommended non-acoustic option; alternatively, the microphone options below can be used with amplified instruments)
      • XLR microphone and audio interface (recommended acoustic piano option)
      • USB microphone
      • Built-in computer/mobile device microphone
    • Output (one required):
      • Headphones (recommended option; required if multitracking and/or input monitoring a microphone)
      • Studio monitors and audio interface
      • Built-in or external computer speakers
  • Note: Depending on your setup, you may also need XLR/instrument cables and microphone stand(s).

Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. 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

  • macOS Monterey 12.0 or later

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.

 Get Info
Call
Text