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An Overview For The Mature Student
At this level, you will be recognized as an Intermediate piano
player since you have completed numerous beginner books and have
a firm understanding of the basics. You will see a big difference
in the amount of pieces that you will be responsible for practising
in a week.
What Does It Mean To Be In A Grade Of Piano?
Earning a certain grade of piano means that a student has attained
a certain level of technical prowess, expressiveness and musical
knowledge in their playing. One organization that sets such standards
is The Royal Conservatory
of Music. The RCM is a respected institution
of music here in Canada in existence for over a century. Over
the years, they have created a grading system for a variety of
instruments including the piano. Having Grades from 1 to 10, they
have a Syllabus which lists the requirements needed to complete
each grade. Of course, as a student completes each grade, they
will notice the material gradually getting more difficult.
How Does A Student Complete A Grade Of Piano?
Many teachers have different systems of determining when a student
is ready to go on to another grade. I have successfully used a
set of requirements that when achieved, has seen my students master
the various elements needed to move on to another grade. This
includes being able to play a certain number of pieces from the
graded repertoire, master a list of scales and related technique,
and complete some finger exercises. A student has the choice of
taking an examination conducted by The Royal Conservatory
of Music,
but this is something that I don't recommend for students until
they reach the Grade 4 level.
Lesson Time: 1/2 hour per week
Books: To be supplied by the teacher. Student will reimburse
teacher at a later date.
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| Brown Scale Book |
a technique reference for the student,
detailing finger patterns and notes for all the keys;
can be used for Grade 1 to 10 |
Hanon Finger Exercise Book
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exercises that develop finger strength
and speed; usually used for Grade 1 to 4 |
| RCM Repertoire Album, Grade 1 |
songbook divided into historical
periods of music |
| RCM Studies Album, Grade 1 |
pieces in this book feature elements
of songs and exercises in one |
| Alfred's Jazz/Rock Course, Level 1 (optional) |
book which focuses on the fundamentals
of playing popular music including technique and improvisation |
| Fundamentals of Piano Theory, Prep Level |
written exercises to reinforce
principles encountered in performance |
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Practise Time: minimum 30 minutes a day. Spending 5 minutes
on each individual component is key. Unless otherwise stated,
the individual components include Scales, Finger Exercises, Pieces
and/or a Study. Practising a bit of everything rather than focussing
on one piece or exercise is very important.
Extras!
- Listen & Watch: Students will be given the opportunity
to borrow recordings that will enrich their understanding and
love for music.
- Ear Training & Sight Reading: Exercises to develop a student's
ear, these activities will be conducted occasionally within
the lesson.
- Composition: Using a step by step approach to help nurture
musical ideas and learn how to map them out on paper. Additional
book(s) may be required.
- Extra Pieces: Students will have an opportunity to pick extra
pieces to play which they enjoy and are of their level of difficulty.
- Adult Student "Get Together": These informal gatherings
held four times a year offers adult students the opportunity to perform
among peers and/or enjoy discussions on issues related to their
studies.
- Adult Student Recital: Held twice a year for family & friends, the adult-only recital gives students opportunities to share their music in a more formal setting.
In The Future...
You will move on to Grade 2 Piano as standardized by the Royal
Conservatory of Music. You will continue with the same structure
of practise except with new material that is slightly more challenging.
» Adult Chart
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