Beginner Piano: Foundation & Discovery

Duration: 28-36 weeks
Ages: 3–8 (flexible)
Objective: Build familiarity with the keyboard, rhythms, and basic music reading.

Key Components:

• Posture & Hand Shape: Bench height, curved fingers, relaxed wrists and arms
• Keyboard Awareness: Groups of black keys, low/high, finger numbers
• Note Reading: Middle C position, basic notes in treble/bass clef
• Rhythm Skills: Quarter note, half note, whole note, simple rests
• Songs: Folk tunes, rote pieces, simple duets (e.g. “Hot Cross Buns”)
• Aural & Games: Echo clapping, pitch matching, call-and-response

Outcome: Students play simple melodies with steady beat, correct fingering, and dynamic contrast (p, f).

Grade 1: Reading & Coordination

Duration: 30–48 weeks
Objective: Hands-together playing and formal repertoire reading.

Key Components:

• Scales: C, G major (1-2 octaves, separate hands and together)
• Repertoire: Short classical, folk, and beginner jazz pieces
• Sight Reading: Simple 4–8 bar hands-together patterns
• Theory: Note values, time signatures, dynamics
• Technique: Finger independence, legato/staccato basics
• Aural: Melodic direction, dynamic recognition

Outcome: Play basic pieces with dynamic shaping and develop hands-together coordination.

Grade 2: Fluency & Musical Shape

Duration: 34–42 weeks
Objective: Strengthen reading skills, musical expression, and hand balance.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: C, G, D major/minor (2 octaves)
• Repertoire: Two contrasting styles (Baroque, Classical, Modern)
• Technique: Evenness in fingers, control of tone, balance RH/LH
• Theory: Treble/bass clef fluency, accidentals, repeat signs
• Aural: Tempo recognition, phrasing awareness

Outcome: Perform music with confidence, rhythmic clarity, and expressive phrasing.

Grade 3: Expressive Playing & Control

Duration: 34–42 weeks
Objective: Develop articulation control, phrasing, and style sensitivity.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: Up to 4 major/minor keys (hands together)
• Repertoire: Pieces showing contrast in mood, tempo, and articulation
• Sight Reading: More complex rhythms, syncopation
• Theory: Key signatures (up to 4 sharps/flats), articulation terms
• Technique: Simple legato pedal, hand rotation, phrasing breath
• Aural: Identify cadences, melody vs accompaniment

Outcome: Students control tone, balance, and phrasing with stylistic awareness.

Grade 4: Performance Readiness

Duration: 34–42 weeks
Objective: Prepare musically and technically for mid-level recitals or exams.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: Up to 4 octaves, major/minor, hands together
• Repertoire: Early sonatina forms, modern lyrical works
• Technique: Legato pedal, phrasing contrast, dynamic nuance
• Theory: Basic modulation, phrase structure, syncopation
• Aural: Identify rhythmic/melodic differences, cadences

Outcome: Perform intermediate works with polish, control, and developing artistry.

Grade 5: Technical Mastery & Musical Interpretation

Duration: 36–42 weeks
Objective: Solidify technique and interpret expressive works with depth.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: All major/minor keys (4 octaves), varied articulations
• Repertoire: Classical sonatina, Romantic and Impressionist works
• Technique: Chord voicing, phrasing through arm weight
• Theory: Basic harmony (I-IV-V), ornaments, modulations
• Aural: Sight-singing, harmonic identification, stylistic awareness

Outcome: Students show expressive maturity, technical fluency, and refined musical choices.

Grade 6: Advanced Repertoire & Style

Duration: 38–46 weeks
Objective: Expand stylistic awareness and polish upper-intermediate works.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: 4 octaves, extended fingerings, chromatic scale
• Repertoire: Classical sonatas, Romantic miniatures, jazz elements
• Technique: Finger strength, rubato control, expressive pedal use
• Theory: Chord inversions, non-chord tones, musical forms
• Aural: Modulations, style identification, melodic memory

Outcome: Confidently interpret and perform advanced intermediate-level repertoire with musical maturity.

Grade 7: Virtuosic Foundations

Duration: 38–46 weeks
Objective: Master high-level technical work and stylistic interpretation.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: 4 octaves, contrary motion, chromaticism
• Repertoire: Advanced works (e.g., Chopin, Debussy, Prokofiev)
• Technique: Octaves, leaps, voicing inner lines
• Theory: Functional harmony, modulation types, formal analysis
• Aural: 4-part harmony, chord recognition, phrasing awareness

Outcome: Students interpret complex repertoire, balance technical command with personal expression.

Grade 8: Independent Artistic Expression

Duration: 48–58 weeks
Objective: Prepare for professional-level performance, competitions, or higher studies.

Key Components:

• Scales/Arpeggios: Full advanced scale set, varying tempi & dynamics
• Repertoire: Full recital program across historical periods
• Technique: Tone color, advanced pedal control, expressive rubato
• Theory: Roman numeral analysis, modulation pathways, ornamentation
• Performance: Memorization, stage presence, program building
• Aural: Complex chords, modulation tracking, stylistic detail

Outcome: Students perform advanced works with technical fluency, expressive confidence, and artistic identity.

Optiona Add-Ons:

• Exam Alignment: Compatible with ABRSM, Trinity, RCM structures
• Video Assessments: Term-end recitals or mock exams
• Enrichment Modules: Composition, Improvisation, Aural, Sight – Reading skills