Private Piano Lesson Level 7

You will 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.

You will be introduced to a Level 7 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 7 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 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.

You will continue to work on comping, utilizing past voicing techniques in addition to diatonic 4ths voicings.

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 blues 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 diminished 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 secondary dominant 7th chord progressions in 12 keys
• 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 Level 7 traditionally notated piece in any style
• Perform a Level 7 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, diatonic 7ths, and inner voice movement