Keyboard Syllabus: Ages 10 - 40

"Will be including Christian Songs and other common songs for tutoring any concept"

1. Introduction and Basics

Week 1-2: Introducing the Keyboard

• Keyboard Layout: Identifying keys, octaves, and note names.
• Basic Hand Positioning: Establishing finger numbers, posture, and hand shape.
• Simple Songs: Playing simple melodies and familiarizing with the keyboard.

Week 3-4: Exploring Basic Rhythms and Patterns

• Rhythmic Values: Introducing whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes using clapping exercises.
• Simple Time Signatures: Working with 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures using basic songs and exercises.
• Basic Beats: Playing simple rhythmic patterns with one hand while using the other hand for accompaniment.

2. Developing Technique

Week 5-6: Practicing Scales and Basic Chords

• Major Scales: Practicing the C major scale, focusing on finger technique and hand coordination.
• Basic Chords: Introducing major triads (C major, G major, F major).
• Exercises: Practicing scales and chords in simple patterns and songs.

Week 7-8: Working on Chord Progressions and Accompaniment

• Chord Progressions: Practicing basic I-IV-V-I progressions in C major.
• Simple Accompaniment Patterns: Playing chords with the left hand while playing melodies with the right hand.
• Improvisation: Experimenting with simple improvisation using basic chords and scales.

3. Expanding Skills

Week 9-10: Introducing Notation

• Basic Notation: Introducing note names on the staff (C, D, E, F, G, A, B).
• Simple Notation Exercises: Practicing reading simple melodies written in notation (using books or online resources).
• Visual Aids: Using flashcards and keyboard stickers for note identification.

Week 11-12: Exploring Advanced Rhythms and Dynamics

• Complex Rhythms: Introducing eighth notes and rests.
• Dynamics: Practicing dynamics (piano, forte) and articulation (legato, staccato) in exercises and simple songs.
• Sight Reading: Beginning sight-reading simple pieces with varied rhythms and dynamics.

4. Performance and Expression

Week 13-14: Developing Interpretation and Expression

• Phrasing and Dynamics: Practicing musical phrases and dynamic contrasts.
• Playing Expressively: Focusing on emotional expression in pieces.
• Performance Preparation: Working on preparing a piece for performance.

Week 15-16: Applying Practical Skills

• Mock Performances: Performing chosen pieces in a simulated performance environment.
• Feedback: Providing constructive feedback and practicing techniques to improve performance.

5. Intermediate Techniques

Week 17-18: Practicing Advanced Scales and Chords

• Minor Scales: Introducing natural minor scales (A minor).
• Seventh Chords: Gaining a basic understanding and practicing seventh chords.
• Chord Inversions: Practicing using different inversions of major and minor chords.

Week 19-20: Exploring Improvisation and Composition

• Improvisation: Applying basic improvisation techniques over simple chord progressions.
• Composition: Creating simple compositions using learned scales and chords.
• Application: Applying theory to create original melodies and accompaniments.