Fundamentals

• Learn fundamental scales with finger patterns including major, minor, pentatonic, modes, blues, etc.

• Learn the intervals which provide the foundations for melody and harmony. 

Music Theory

• Learn chord theory for triads and extensions, including inversions.

• Develop an understanding of functional harmony and voice leading using musical examples to provide context.

Repertoire Development

• Develop strategies for learning music from a range of musical genres.

• Analyze the scales, chords, and theoretical concepts used to construct the repertoire being studied 

Music Reading

• Develop the ability to read music from the grand staff, lead sheets, and chord charts.

Improvisation

• Develop the ability to improvise music within a structured framework utilizing theoretical knowledge and musical intuition. 

• Practice improvising duets to build collaboration skills, aka jamming. 

Performance/Recording

• Record professional-sounding recordings of repertoire, original songs, and improvisations.

• Develop the skills required to prepare a performance-ready piece of repertoire for a recital or other performance setting.

Collaboration 

• Develop skills for collaborating with other instrumentalists/vocalists by practicing ensemble play during lessons.

Ear Training

• Practice the ability to learn music by ear by recognizing scales, chords, and melody lines through listening and recreating them on the keyboard.

Music History

• Develop an understanding of the cultural and musical landscape in which the music being studied was created and the unique features of the songwriter/composer’s life and musical intent.

Songwriting/Composition 

• Students are encouraged to further explore concepts from the lesson and their own musical and lyrical ideas through songwriting and music composition.

• Learn principles for writing effective melodies and harmonies.