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An Overview For The Parent
In this grade, your child will be moving on to pieces which challenge
them both physically and mentally. They will be expected to perform
certain pieces at a very fast pace, which improves their technical
abilities, but at the same time as applying expressive qualities
such as dynamics. They will also be expected to figure out, independently,
how to improve the quality of their playing of pieces: Are they
playing too fast? Are they playing in small sections? Are they
going over parts hands separately before attempting it hands together?
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. Parent will reimburse teacher at a later date.
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| Student Notebook |
used to organize the student since
there are so many components that they will have to
remember to practise and study |
| 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 3 |
songbook divided into historical
periods of music |
| RCM Studies Album, Grade 3 |
pieces in this book feature elements
of songs and exercises in one |
| Alfred's Jazz/Rock Course, Level 3 (optional) |
book which focuses on the fundamentals
of playing popular music including technique and improvisation |
| Keyboard Theory, Prep Book C |
written homework to be completed
by the student |
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Practise Time: minimum 30 to 40 minutes a day. Practising
a bit of everything rather than focussing on one piece or exercise
is very important.
How Do I Know What They Are Supposed To Practise?
Pieces or exercises that are to be practised will be listed in
the student's notebook. Additionally, problem areas that need
to be worked on by the student will also be noted. Those pages
of theory homework that are to be completed will have their page
number circled and dated.
Extras!
- Practise Chart: This keeps track of practise habits since
the student has to check off a spot on the chart after they
practise. Students are rewarded with stars for their weekly
effort. When they complete this grade, they are given a special
prize for their hard work!
- 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.
- Recitals: Held twice a year (early December & early June)
for family & friends, these performances encourage students
to prepare a piece (or pieces) in great detail and by memory.
- Masterclass: At this informal gathering, held twice a year,
a week before the Recital, students play their pieces for each
other, make comments, and ask questions. Often, students feel
uncomfortable and nervous playing in front of others. The Masterclass
is an excellent way for the student to try out their piece(s)
in front of their peers in a less stressed atmosphere.
- Festival: A festival is a music competition where young musicians
gather and perform for a small audience and an adjudicator.
Like the recital, a festival can encourage students to prepare
a piece (or pieces) in great detail and by memory which greatly
improves their playing ability. Two festivals that I often suggest
that my students perform in are Contemporary
Showcase in late November and the Davenport
Festival of Music in April. Both
these events offer a very relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
- Duets & Ensembles: One of the many joys of playing the
piano is to play with other musicians. Frank welcomes the opportunity
to coach students in their duet, accompanying, or band projects.
In The Future...
Your child will move on to Grade 4 Piano as standardized by the
Royal Conservatory of Music. In that Grade, they will be prepared
to tackle their first formal piano examination. It will be recommended
that the duration of their lesson increase so they have enough
time to explore more challenging material.
» Child Chart
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