Piano Performance Bachelor's Degree Program

Private Piano Lesson Level 5

Private Piano Lesson Level 5 builds upon the skills developed in Level 4. In this level, you will be introduced to modal scales. Modal scales are different versions of the major scale that start on each of its seven notes. Even though the notes stay the same, each mode has its own flavor and mood, giving musicians new ways to create melodies, improvise, and explore different sounds. You will be introduced to Dorian, Phrygian, and Locrian modal scales, otherwise known as the minor modes; you will also be introduced to minor triadic chord progressions in those minor keys.

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In Level 5, you will learn and memorize a minimum of one chord symbol improvisatory piece in any style. This level will introduce you to the concept and application of intermediate open position, left-hand closed position with chord tones and tensions, basic upper-structure triad chord voicings for comping, and the harmonization of melodies. You will also learn and memorize a minimum of one specifically notated scored piece in any style, working with your instructor to adhere to all expressive, fingering, touch, and technical elements.

To continue developing rhythmic skill and awareness, muscle memory, and hand strength, you will be assigned two technical exercises to reinforce the skills required for Level 5.

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 also study improvisation on more difficult 12-bar blues, easier multi-key-center tunes, and/or a diatonic chord progression in various styles. You will then apply improvisation concepts to your chord symbol improvisatory piece. As a reminder, 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 5, you will be able to:

  • Perform Dorian, Phrygian, and Locrian modal scales in all twelve keys, hands together, for four octaves, at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1
  • Perform dominant seventh arpeggios in all twelve keys, hands together, for four octaves, at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1
  • Perform diatonic 7th chord progressions in all twelve keys
  • Perform a minimum of one technical exercise designed to develop rhythmic skill and awareness, hand strength, and muscle memory essential for conventional movement, and movement specific to your assigned repertoire
  • Learn, memorize, and perform a specifically notated (scored) piece in any style
  • Learn, memorize, and perform a chord symbol improvisatory style piece with right-hand melody, harmonized using intermediate open-position and upper-structure triad voicings
  • Employ melodic and rhythmic improvisation concepts to a 12-bar blues in more difficult keys, multi-key-center tunes, and/or diatonic chord progressions
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Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Private Piano Lesson Level 4 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.

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