Next semester
starts April 1

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.

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You will continued to work on rhythmic skill and awareness, hand position, and posture and you will also be introduced to voicing in 4ths and continued upper-structure triads as well as the concept and application of transposing standard repertoire, contemporary-style tunes into easier keys while utilizing all previous harmonization concepts.

You will be introduced to a Level 6 traditionally notated piece in any style, which you will learn 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 6 chord symbol improvisatory piece, which can be in any contemporary style, such as jazz, pop, R&B, rock, blues, and more. The harmonic texture required for Level 6 is to play the melody harmonized using more difficult open-position voicings, voicing in 4ths, left hand close position with chord tones and tensions, and upper-structure triad voicings. 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 study improvisation on more difficult 12-bar blues keys, more difficult multi-key-center tunes, and/or a diatonic chord progression in various styles. You will then apply improvisation concepts to your chord symbol improvisatory tune. Improvisation will now be required on your chord symbol improvisatory tune for the final exam.

You will continue to study and apply comping rhythmic and voicing techniques.

By the end of Private Piano Lesson Level 6, you will be able to:

  • Perform major and minor pentatonic scales in 12 keys hands together, four octaves at 72 BPM, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1
  • Perform dominant 7th, root-position 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
  • Perform diatonic 7th chord progressions in 12 keys
  • 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 6 repertoire
  • Perform a Level 6 traditionally notated piece in any style
  • Perform a Level 6 piece in the chord symbol improvisatory style, melody harmonized using more difficult open-position voicings, voicing in 4ths, left hand close position with chord tones and tensions, and upper-structure triad voicings
  • Perform comping techniques on the chord symbol improvisatory tune
  • Employ melodic and rhythmic improvisation on the chord symbol improvisatory tune
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Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Private Piano Lesson Level 5 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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