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starts April 1


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  • Play major scales hands together, four octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers at 72 BPM in all 12 keys in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1
  • Play major triad root-position arpeggios hands together, four octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers at 72 BPM in all 12 keys in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 at 72 BPM
  • Perform natural, harmonic, traditional, and real melodic minor scales in the keys of C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭ hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1
  • Perform minor root-position triad arpeggios in the keys of C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭ hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1
  • Perform minor triadic chord progressions I IV V I and I VI II6 V I in C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭
  • Perform a technical exercise designed to develop rhythmic skill and awareness, hand strength, and muscle memory essential for conventional movement and movement specific to Level 4 repertoire
  • Perform a Level 4 classical piece
  • Perform a Level 4 piece in the chord symbol improvisatory style, right-hand melody harmonized using basic open-position voicings with chord tones and tensions
  • Employ melodic and rhythmic improvisation concepts to a 12-bar blues or diatonic chord progression
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Syllabus

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 65 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.

You will be introduced to harmonic, and jazz/real melodic minor scales in the keys of C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭ in four octaves and multiple rhythmic groupings at 65 BPM. You will also learn minor triadic chord progressions in these minor keys. You will continue to work on hand position and posture and delve into the concept and application of open-position chord voicing for comping and the harmonization of melodies.

You will be introduced to technical exercises to develop rhythmic skill and awareness, muscle memory, and hand strength, and these exercises will reinforce the skills required for Level 4.

You will be introduced to a Level 4 traditionally notated piece, which will be a classical piece from the standard classical repertoire canon. You will learn this from a specifically notated score, working with your instructor to adhere to all expressive, fingering, touch, and technical elements.

You will also be introduced to a Level 4 chord symbol improvisation piece, which can be in any contemporary style, such as jazz, pop, R&B, rock, blues, and more. The harmonic texture required for Level 4 is to play the melody harmonized using basic open-position voicing with chord tones and tensions. You will work with your instructor to arrange an approved piece employing proper harmonization and voice leading, expressive elements, fingering, and technical elements.

You will continue to study improvisation concepts, including appropriate melodic and harmonic vocabulary for specific song styles, rhythmic and phrasing principles, and technical considerations. You will begin by improvising on a 12-bar blues form and/or a diatonic chord progression in various styles. You will then apply improvisation concepts to your chord symbol improvisation tune. Improvisation will NOT be part of your final exam or final grade consideration. Grading considerations based on improvisation will not begin until Level 6.

By the end of Private Piano Lesson Level 4, you will be able to:

  • Play major scales hands together, four octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers at 65 BPM in all 12 keys in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1

  • Play major triad root-position arpeggios hands together, four octaves ascending and descending with the proper fingers at 65 BPM in all 12 keys in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 at 72 BPM

  • Perform harmonic and jazz/real melodic minor scales in the keys of C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭ hands together, four octaves at 65 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1

  • Perform minor root-position triad arpeggios in the keys of C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭ hands together, four octaves at 65 BPM in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1

  • Perform minor triadic chord progressions I IV V I and I VI II6 V I in C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭

  • Perform a technical exercise designed to develop rhythmic skill and awareness, hand strength, and muscle memory essential for conventional movement and movement specific to Level 4 repertoire

  • Perform a Level 4 classical piece

  • Perform a Level 4 piece in the chord symbol improvisation style, right-hand melody harmonized using basic open-position voicing with chord tones and tensions

  • Employ melodic and rhythmic improvisation concepts to a 12-bar blues or diatonic chord progression

Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Private Piano Lesson Level 3 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 Finale, Sibelius, Dorico, MuseScore (free), etc.
    • Handwritten notation captured by a digital camera or a scanner can be used in lieu of notation software.

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 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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