Chapter 1: Preparing to Play
In this chapter, students are introduced to the basics of playing the piano. They learn about proper posture, hand position, and finger numbers. Students are also taught how to use the black and white keys on the piano.
Example: The teacher demonstrates and explains the correct posture and hand position to the students using a poster of a pianist. The students then practice sitting at the piano and placing their hands on the keys with the correct finger numbers.
Chapter 2: Playing the White Keys
In this chapter, students begin to play simple melodies using only the white keys. They learn about whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes. They also learn how to count and clap rhythms.
Example: The teacher plays a simple song using only the white keys and asks the students to identify the notes and counts along with the teacher. The students then take turns playing the song on the piano, while the rest of the class claps the rhythm.
Chapter 3: Playing the Black Keys
In this chapter, students are introduced to the black keys on the piano, also known as sharps and flats. They learn how to play the black keys with their right and left hands and how to read notes on the treble and bass clef.
Example: The teacher shows the students how to play the black keys by using an example of a song that requires both the white and black keys. The students then take turns playing the song on the piano, with the teacher guiding them through the notes and finger numbers.
Chapter 4: Developing Musicianship
In this chapter, students learn about dynamics, tempo, and articulation. They are introduced to musical terms such as forte, piano, allegro, and staccato. They also learn how to play with expression and emotion.
Example: The teacher plays a song with different dynamics and articulations and asks the students to identify the changes and why they are important in making the music sound more expressive. The students then practice playing the song with different dynamics and articulations.
Chapter 5: Playing Chords with the Left Hand
In this chapter, students learn how to play chords using their left hand. They are introduced to the C major and G major chords and learn how to arpeggiate and play block chords.
Example: The teacher demonstrates how to play a simple song using the C major and G major chords with the left hand. The students then practice playing the song and the chords together, with the teacher guiding them through the proper hand position and technique.
Chapter 6: Playing Chords with the Right Hand
In this chapter, students learn how to play chords using their right hand. They are introduced to the F major and D minor chords and learn how to play these chords in different inversions.
Example: The teacher shows the students how to play the F major and D minor chords with their right hand and how to incorporate these chords into a song. The students then practice playing the song with the chords using the correct hand position and technique.
Chapter 7: Playing Scales
In this chapter, students learn how to play scales with both hands. They learn the C major, G major, and D minor scales and practice playing these scales with proper fingerings and technique.
Example: The teacher demonstrates how to play the C major scale with both hands and explains the importance of proper fingerings. The students then practice playing the scale with the teacher's guidance.
Chapter 8: Playing Hands Together
In this chapter, students begin to play with both hands together. They learn to coordinate their hands and play simple songs using chords and scales.
Example: The teacher shows the students how to play a song using both hands, incorporating chords and scales. The students then practice playing the song, with the teacher guiding them through the hand coordination and technique.
Chapter 9: Playing with Legato and Staccato
In this chapter, students learn how to play legato (smoothly) and staccato (short and detached) notes. They practice playing a song with both legato and staccato sections.
Example: The teacher demonstrates how to play a song with legato and staccato notes and explains the difference in sound between the two. The students then practice playing the song, focusing on the proper technique for each type of note.
Chapter 10: Playing with Dynamics
In this final chapter, students learn how to play with dynamics, differentiating between loud and soft sounds. They also practice playing with crescendos and decrescendos.
Example: The teacher plays a song with different dynamics and asks the students to identify the changes and why they are important in making the music sound more emotive. The students then practice playing the song with the dynamics, focusing on the nuances of each section.
