Piano Performance Bachelor's Degree Program

Private Piano Lesson Level 9

Private Piano Lesson Level 9 is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the skills you have developed in the piano performance degree program. Throughout your semesters of study, you have worked with your private lesson instructor(s) to formulate the repertoire for your performance to showcase your understanding and application of technique, harmonization, comping, improvisation, and interpretation while creatively applying them to musical settings.

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The final recital must be performed by the last lesson of the semester. You will receive constructive feedback from your instructor in the final lesson of the semester.

In this final level, you will review all techniques covered in Levels 1–8, including scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions. Technique drills will not be part of the final exam. Additionally, this semester offers you the opportunity to take a deep dive into all concepts covered in general and focus more closely on specific skills relevant to your performance goals.

Working with your instructor, you will choose a program of a minimum of 45 minutes and a maximum of 60 minutes of repertoire to perform in a video-recorded or livestreamed recital. Your recital program should be made up of pieces in a variety of styles covered in Levels 1–8, to be delivered or performed by week 11. The recital presentation may be completely solo or partially solo and accompanied by backing tracks or even live musicians. Your playing must be video-recorded live with a complete view of you at the keyboard. Each piece must demonstrate a range of techniques covered in Levels 1–8, including rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic improvisation on a minimum of three chord symbol improvisatory pieces.

By the end of Private Piano Lesson Level 9, you will be able to:

  • Perform a solo, track-accompanied, or live-band–accompanied recital consisting of 45–60 minutes of repertoire, demonstrating the range of concepts covered in Levels 1–8 and advanced stylistic awareness
  • Perform scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions in selected keys from Levels 1–8
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Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Private Piano Lesson Level 8 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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