Technical Facility

• Understanding Piano Mechanics:

  Introduction to the mechanism of a piano, including the hammer-string movement.
• Scales and Arpeggios:

  Learning major scales (C, G, D, F) and minor scales (A, E, B, D) in natural and harmonic forms, hands together in similar motion. Practicing arpeggios of major (C, G, D) and minor (A, E, B) keys, hands separately.
• Finger Exercises:

  Incorporating finger exercises by Hanon to improve dexterity and agility.

Theory:

• Key Signature and Time Signature:

  Understanding the concept of key signatures with one sharp and one flat. Exploring time signatures in greater detail, including simple triple (3/4) and simple quadruple (4/4) time signatures.
• Notation Basics:

  Learning how to draw treble clef, bass clef, and position key and time signatures on the staff. Introduction to eighth notes/quavers.

Practical (Sight Reading and Ear Training):

• Reading Staff Notation:

  Teaching relative reading of staff notation rather than relying on memorization.
• Note Values:

  Clapping, tapping, and counting the note values of eighth notes/quavers.
• Expanding Note Reading:

  Further reading of staff notation beyond the initial five-finger position to encompass all notes on the 5-line stave.
• Articulation and Dynamics:

  Introducing the concept of articulation, including legato and staccato. Exploring dynamics such as pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo, decrescendo, etc.
• Playing Pieces with Expression:

  Playing pieces that incorporate required articulation, dynamics, and musicality at the required tempo.

Technical Facility:

• Correct Posture and Hand Position:

  Proper sitting position in front of the instrument to maintain comfort and prevent strain. Correct hand and finger positioning for flexibility and strength in finger movements.
• Introduction to Keys:

  Understanding the arrangement and alignment of black and white keys on the keyboard.
• Finger Exercises:

  Introduction to simple five finger exercises to develop finger independence and coordination. Then moving on to Hanon exercises.
• Understanding Piano Mechanics:

  Introduction to the mechanism of a piano, including the hammer-string movement.
• Scales and Arpeggios:

  Learning major scales (C, G, D, F) and minor scales (A, E, B, D) in natural and harmonic forms, hands together in similar motion. Practicing arpeggios of major (C, G, D) and minor (A, E, B) keys, hands separately.

Practical (Sight Reading and Ear Training):

• Middle C Identification:

  Recognising the location of Middle C on the keyboard.
• Note Values:

  Clapping, tapping, and counting the note values of whole, half, and quarter notes.
• Simple Melodies:

  Playing simple melodies hands together within the five-finger position, with the right hand thumb on Middle C and the left hand fifth finger on an octave lower C.
• Pitch Identification:

  Identifying differences in pitch between notes (high, low, or same).
• Reading Staff Notation:

  Teaching relative reading of staff notation rather than relying on memorization.
• Note Values:

  Clapping, tapping, and counting the note values of eighth notes/quavers.
• Expanding Note Reading:

  Reading of staff notation starting with the initial five-finger position and then progressing to encompass all notes on the 5-line stave.
• Articulation and Dynamics:

  Introducing the concept of articulation, including legato and staccato. Exploring dynamics such as pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo, decrescendo, etc.
• Playing Pieces with Expression:

  Playing pieces that incorporate required articulation, dynamics, and musicality at the required tempo.

Technical Facility

• Practice Techniques:

  Introduction to various practice techniques through short etudes and finger exercises to improve technical proficiency.
• Expanded Scales and Arpeggios:

  Practicing major scales (A, E, B, Ab, Db, Gb) and minor scales (F#, C#, F) hands together in similar motion, including those covered in previous courses. Mastering arpeggios of major (A, E, B, Ab, Db, Gb) and minor (F#, C#, F) keys hands together.

Practical (Sight Reading and Ear Training):

• Playing Music Pieces:

  Learning to read, analyze, and play pieces of music from various styles and periods. Developing musical interpretation and expression through performance.
• Circle of Fifths:

  Mastering the complete circle of fifths and understanding its significance in music theory. Practicing all major and minor scales in all 12 keys to build fluency and familiarity.
• Basic Chord Progressions:

  Learning a variety of basic chord progressions and exploring different ways to play them based on the time signature and musical style.
• Melody and Chord Progression Analysis:

  Developing the ability to figure out melodies and chord progressions by listening to simple songs, enhancing ear training skills and musical intuition.

Technical Facility

• Scales Mastery:

  Mastery of all scales using different articulations (legato, staccato, etc.) and dynamics, spanning four octaves to enhance technical proficiency.
• Exploration of Modes:

  Deepening understanding and proficiency in different modes, including Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.
• Technical Exercises:

  Engaging in octave exercises, re-iterated notes, and other advanced technical exercises to further develop agility, strength, and control.

Practical (Sight Reading and Ear Training):

• Advanced Repertoire:

  Learning and analyzing pieces of music from Grade 6 and above, incorporating diverse styles and periods to broaden musical knowledge and interpretation.
• Holistic Musical Understanding:

  Developing a comprehensive understanding of the music learned and played, including historical context, stylistic interpretation, and emotional expression.
• Chord Progression and Harmony:

  Deepening understanding of chord progressions, background harmony, and layers within a piece to enhance musical interpretation and expression.

• Choosing the Right Guitar:

  Understanding the differences between Acoustic, Electric, and Classical Guitars Selecting the guitar that suits your playing style and preferences
• Anatomy of the Guitar:

  Identifying the different parts of the guitar: body, neck, headstock, frets, strings, etc. Understanding the function of each part and how they contribute to sound production
• Definitions We'll Need to Know:

  Introduction to terms like frets, strings, fretboard, bridge, nut, etc. Clarifying common guitar terminology for better understanding throughout the course
• Basic Picking Technique:

  Holding the pick correctly for optimal control and sound production Practicing basic picking exercises to develop precision and speed
• Basic Fretting Technique:

  Proper finger placement on the fretboard for clear and accurate notes Exercises to strengthen fingers and improve fretting accuracy
• Naming the Notes on the Fretboard:

  Learning the names of the notes on each string and fret Memorising essential notes to facilitate playing melodies and chords
• How To Read Staff Notation:

  Understanding the basics of musical notation: staff, clefs, notes, rhythms, etc. Applying staff notation to guitar playing for learning melodies and songs
• Tuning With A Tuner:

  Introduction to guitar tuners and their use Tuning the guitar accurately using an electronic tuner or tuning app
• Basic Chord Technique:

  Learning common open chords (e.g., C, G, D, E, A, Am, Em) Practicing chord changes to develop muscle memory and fluency
• Changing Chords - Transitions:

  Techniques for smooth and efficient chord transitions Exercises and drills to improve chord change speed and accuracy
• Basic Strum Technique and Exercises:

  Understanding different strumming patterns (e.g., downstrokes, upstrokes, strumming direction) Practicing basic strumming exercises to develop rhythm and dynamics

• Dexterity Exercises:

  Advanced finger exercises to enhance coordination and agility Incorporating chromatic runs, scale sequences, and arpeggios for improved dexterity
• Hand Skills:

  Refining finger independence and strength through specialized drills. Developing control over individual fingers for intricate playing techniques.
• Chord Shapes:

  Exploring advanced chord voicings and inversions across the fretboard. Learning extended chords, sus chords, and altered chords for richer harmonies.
• Octave Technique:

  Understanding octave shapes and intervals on the guitar Applying octave technique to enhance melody lines and create depth in playing
• Introduction To The Metronome:

  Utilizing the metronome to develop timing, precision, and rhythmic accuracy Practicing scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions with various metronome settings
• Fretting Hand Muting:

  Mastering the art of muting unwanted string noise and fret buzz Incorporating palm muting and fretting hand muting techniques for cleaner playing
• Fingerpicking Guitar - An Introduction:

  Exploring fingerstyle patterns and techniques such as Travis picking and arpeggio rolls Learning fingerpicking exercises to strengthen finger control and independence
• Power Chords:

  Understanding the construction and application of power chords Incorporating power chords into rock, punk, and metal rhythm playing
• Major, Minor, Pentatonic Scales:

  Expanding scale knowledge beyond basic major and minor scales Exploring the versatility of pentatonic scales for improvisation and soloing

• Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Modes:

  Delving into advanced scales including the Harmonic Minor and Melodic Minor scales Exploring the modes derived from the major scale: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian
• Construction of Triads: Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented, Suspended 4th:

  Understanding the construction and theory behind various types of triads. Exploring inversions and extended chords to add color and complexity to chord progressions.
• Using the CAGED System:

  Mastering the CAGED system for chord and scale visualization across the fretboard. Applying the CAGED system to unlock new chord voicings, scales, and improvisational techniques.
• Introduction To Palm Muting, Tremolo Picking, Vibrato, Trill:

  Refining advanced techniques to add dynamics and expressiveness to your playing Practicing palm muting for tight rhythm playing, tremolo picking for speed and intensity, vibrato for emotive phrasing, and trills for ornamentation
• Alternative Tunings:

  Exploring alternative tunings such as Open D, Open G, Drop D, and DADGAD. Learning the unique chord voicing, melodic possibilities, and stylistic characteristics of each tuning.

• Introduction of Swaras:

  Overview of Swaras: Understanding the fundamental building blocks of Hindustani classical music. Explanation of Seven Swaras: Introduction to Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni and their significance.
• Pure Note (Sudhha Swar) and Impure Note (Komol Swar):

  Concept Clarification: Explaining the distinction between Sudhha Swar and Komol Swar. Audio Demonstrations: Providing audio examples to illustrate the characteristics of both pure and impure notes.
• Introduction of Raag:

  Raag Definition: Understanding the concept of Raag and its role in Hindustani classical music. Raag Structure: Explaining the Aroha (ascent), Avroha (descent), and Pakad (characteristic phrases) of a Raag.

• Alankar/Palta:

  Understanding Alankar (ornamentation) and Palta (musical patterns) as fundamental elements of Hindustani classical music. Exploring different types of Alankars and Palta to develop agility, precision, and creativity in musical expression.
• Introduction of Raga:

  Definition and significance of Raga in Hindustani classical music. Learning about the melodic framework, emotional mood, and characteristic phrases of different Ragas.
• Making Palta with Various Taals:

  Understanding the role of Taal (rhythm cycle) in Hindustani classical music. Exploring different Taals and their compositions to create rhythmic variations while practicing Palta.
• Practicing Palta in Various Ragas:

  Practicing Palta systematically in Ragas of varying complexity to develop fluency and improvisational skills.

• Basic Concepts:

  Understanding beats, rhythm, pitch, and tempo as fundamental elements of music.
• Clefs and Notation:

  Introduction to treble and bass clefs and their respective roles in music notation. Learning about leger lines, bar lines, measures, and the stave.
• Note Drawing and Time Signatures:

  Drawing notes including semibreve, minim, crotchet and quavers.
• Key Signature and Time Signature:

  Understanding the concept of key signatures with one sharp and one flat. Exploring time signatures like 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4.
• Notation Basics:

  Learning how to draw treble clef, bass clef, and position key and time signatures on the staff.

• Key Signatures:

  Understanding key signatures of C, G, D, A, E, B, and F majors and their relative minors. Exploring the relationship between major and minor keys.
• Time Signatures:

  Introduction to compound time signatures including 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8, understanding their rhythmic patterns and subdivisions.
• Notation Concepts:

  Learning how to draw major and minor scales (natural and harmonic) on the staff. Introduction to sixteenth notes (semiquavers) and their rhythmic values. Understanding beaming and grouping of notes for clarity in reading music.

• Advanced Theory Concepts:

  Expanding on concepts learned at the intermediate level, diving deeper into harmonic progressions, modulation, and complete analysis of musical pieces.
• Complete Analysis:

  Thorough analysis of a piece, including form, harmony, melody, rhythm, and structure, to gain deeper insight into musical composition.
• Harmonic Progression and Modulation:

  Understanding complex harmonic progressions and the concept of modulation to explore different tonalities and keys within a composition.
• Composition:

  Exploring composition techniques and guidelines in theory to create original pieces, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, and form.

Description: This course introduces the basics of Western vocal technique, covering anatomy, breathing, posture, resonance, pitch, and performance skills. Students develop fundamental vocal abilities for various styles.

• Breathing:

  Explore the anatomy of the vocal mechanism. Learn proper breathing techniques for singing.
• Posture and Alignment:

  Understand the significance of posture in vocal production. Develop proper alignment for optimal vocal performance.
• Pitch and Intonation:

  Develop skills for precise pitch and intonation. Engage in ear-training exercises to improve pitch accuracy.
• Vocal Registers and Transitioning:

  Identify different vocal registers (chest, head, mixed). Learn techniques for smooth transitioning between registers.
• Performance Techniques:

  Explore stage presence and audience engagement. Develop expressive techniques for compelling performances.

• Enhancing Vocal Flexibility and Agility:

  Techniques to extend vocal range and agility through scales, arpeggios, and interval exercises.
• Refining Breath Control and Support:

  Advanced breath management techniques for sustained phrases, dynamics, and control during complex passages.
• Developing Proficiency in Vocal Improvisation and Ornamentation:

  Introduction to improvisational techniques and ornamentation styles across various genres.
• Expanding Repertoire Knowledge across Western Vocal Styles:

  Exploration of diverse repertoire including classical and contemporary genres.
• Cultivating Stage Presence and Artistry in Performance:

  Techniques for engaging audiences, conveying emotion, and communicating effectively on stage.