Piano Adventures
Piano Adventures is a piano method based on discovery and creativity through music making. The Academy currently offers 6 levels in this course - Pre-primer, primer, level 1, level 2A, Level 2B and Level 3A
Why Piano Adventures
1. A step-by-step approach with constant review. The materials are organized
into units which represent the major concepts and skills. As new units are
introduced, earlier concepts and skills continue to be reinforced.
2. A wide range of styles in the musical material. This helps develop
musicianship and encourages personal expression. Fanciful lyrics add enjoyment.
While teacher duets and MIDI accompaniment provide rhythmic vitality and
sonority.
3. A strong foundation in reading that builds successful musical performance of
pitches and rhythms. As 5 finger positions are learned, students are sometimes
directed to start on different fingers than those normally used for the pattern.
This unique feature avoids equating a particular note with a certain finger.
4. A sense of adventures, brought about through Creativity and Discovery
activities. An optional composing project is offered for each unit as well as
frequent Discovery questions. The Discovery questions provide review and
increase student's awareness of musical concepts. Students also participate in
singing, rhythm ensemble, keyboard ensemble, games, solfege, ear training, sight
reading and orchestration project.
Pre-Primer and Primer
Introduces the keyboard, note values, and the grand staff. Students play Middle C Position and C Position through recognition of steps and skips, and learn letter names independent of finger number. Musicianship is build through the use of dynamics and coloristic experimentation with the pedal. Elementary composition, singing, creative movement, technique, rhythm and keyboard ensemble are incorporated in this level.
Level 1
Level one introduces all the notes of e grand staff, elementary chord playing, and the concept of tonic and dominant notes. Students play in varied position, reinforcing reading skills and recognizing intervals. Musicianship is built with the introduction of legato and staccato touches. Topics such as harmonization, composition, improvisation and music appreciation are integrated in weekly lesson
Level 2A
Includes learning all five finger position in major and minor position, introduces eighth notes and sixteenth notes. Transposition and functional harmony skills are presented in highly musical settings. Introduction to the literature of master composers and intermediate composition skills are incorporated
Level 2B
Level 2B presents arpeggios and the full major scale of C, G, F, D, A and E Major. Use of connected pedal and a variety of repertoire keep students musically engaged as they explore I, IV and V7 chords.
Level 3A
Level 3A introduces all time signatures and the triplet. Students lean the chromatic scale, one octave arpeggio and exploring the key of B, D flat, E flat, F sharp, A flat and B flat major. 12 major and minor triads, triad inversions and an introduction to more complex jazz rhythm and harmony.