Depending on student age, a typical beginning lesson is focused on becoming familiar with the layout of the keyboard, memorizing middle C, practicing the 5-Finger Pattern, and discussing good posture and the correct height for the piano bench. We may also introduce the book (of the “Piano Pronto” series) with some music theory and beginning songs.
This will depend on how much practicing happened, but the student will typically start a new book with more challenging pieces, and/or choose from a set list in repertoire from their Certificate of Merit level. Certificate of Merit is the Music Teachers Association of California’s piano standards, which is the basis for student technique, sight-reading, repertoire, music theory, etc.
This set will be focused on developing technique (early major/minor scales, arpeggios, triads, and sight-reading), as well as more challenging pieces in the book, incorporating dynamic changes and implementing articulation . We may also begin improvisation and dive into the relationships between chords in a given key.
These lessons are for developing what was practiced the week(s) prior and focused on playing the 5-Finger Pattern, Arpeggios, and Triads all hands together, and hopefully progressing to the 8-Note C Major scale with correct crossings in the right hand. It will also include a number of more songs in the book.