Piano Performance Bachelor's Degree Program

Private Piano Lesson Level 7

Private Piano Lesson Level 7 builds upon the skills developed in Level 6. You will be introduced to major and minor pentatonic scales and whole tone scales, in rhythmic groupings of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1. You will also be introduced to the concept and application of transposing standard repertoire, contemporary-style tunes into more difficult keys while utilizing all previous harmonization concepts, as well as diatonic 4ths voicings and inner voice movement for harmonization of melodies.

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As in all other levels, you will learn, memorize, and perform a notated piece in any style, which you will learn from a specifically notated score, as well as a chord symbol improvisatory piece, which can be in any contemporary style, such as jazz, pop, R&B, rock, blues, gospel, and more. For the chord symbol improvisatory piece, you will continue to work on comping, utilizing past voicing techniques in addition to diatonic 4ths voicings.

The harmonic texture required for Level 7 is to play the melody harmonized using more difficult open-position voicings, voicing in 4ths, left-hand close position with chord tones and tensions, upper-structure triad voicings. These previously covered techniques may be incorporated in addition to inner voice movement. You will work with your instructor to arrange an approved piece employing proper harmonization and voice leading, expressive elements, fingering, and technical elements.

In Level 7, you will also 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 is required on your chord symbol improvisatory tune for the final exam.

By the end of Private Piano Lesson Level 7, you will be able to:

  • Perform major and minor pentatonic and whole tone 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 a technical exercise designed to develop hand strength and muscle memory essential for conventional movement and movement specific to Level 7 repertoire
  • Perform a memorized piece from a specifically notated score in any style
  • Perform a memorized piece in the chord symbol improvisatory style with 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, diatonic 7ths, and inner voice movement
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Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Private Piano Lesson Level 6 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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