Level I
Course description: Work based around Piano Level I program: all knowledge acquired and work proposed in Piano I is immediately applied in trio format with bass and drum backing tracks. Regular focus placed on tempo and rhythmic accents, acquiring a sense of the cycle and listening (to oneself and to others) and, in particular, on learning the left-hand voicings needed to read standards at sight.
Course objective: Introduction to improvisation through the study and aural discovery of certain modes
Level required: Minimal piano technique
Level II and III
Course description: Consolidation and development of techniques and skills acquired in Level I
Course objectives:
- Phrasing the principle cadences using different modes
- Comping excercises
- Applying the techniques acquired to a variety of standards and playing in different tempos with a view to developing improvisation skills in trio combos
Level required: open to students having completed level I