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Level Descriptions
Need some assistance in choosing a starting level for your student?
Please use the descriptions and overviews below to determine the correct starting level for your student.
Level 1A | Level 1B | Level 2A | Level 2B | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6
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To view Level 1A sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 1A develops reading skills based on identifying landmark notes. Fixed hand positions are not used. The
bass clef is introduced first to help students become strong bass-clef readers. Rhythms are read in multiple-note patterns, utilizing quarter, half, and whole notes. Technique principles are presented equally in both hands.
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To view Level 1B sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 1B students gradually expand their reading range and learn melodic and harmonic intervals of 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths. Other new concepts include sharps, flats, ties, staccato, and legato. The technical focus of this level is the development of the skills necessary for playing hands together.
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To view Level 2A sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 2A students expand their note-reading skills to
include treble notes E, F, and G. Melodic and harmonic 6ths are used to help the student move freely around the keyboard. Eighth-notes are introduced for the first time in rhythm patterns of gradually increasing complexity.
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To view Level 2B sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 2B includes melodic and harmonic 7ths and octaves to aid the student with moving freely around the keyboard. New items include the introduction of C and G major scales, as well as three-note V7 chords in C and G. Dotted quarter and eighth-note rhythm patterns are added.
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To view Level 3 sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 3 students play syncopated, dotted and swing rhythms with ease. Up-tempo, original pieces incorporate new concepts including: pass-under and cross-over scale fingerings; the chromatic scale; IV chords in C, G, F, D; 1st and 2nd endings; and ledger lines above and below the staff.
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To view Level 4 sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 4 students explore the full range of the keyboard, playing styles ranging from jazz and ragtime to original pieces by master composers. New concepts including triplets and sixteenth notes, natural and harmonic minor scales, one octave arpeggios and chord inversions are skillfully woven into intriguing pieces.
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To view Level 5 sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 5 lets students develop their rhythm skills using sixteenth notes in 3/8 and 6/8 time. A special focus is a
stylistic introduction to the Baroque and Classical masterworks. New concepts introduced include augmented triads, grace notes, and additional scales and keys.
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To view Level 6 sample pages, Click Here. |
Level 6 lets students develop their rhythm skills using mixed meter. A special focus is a stylistic introduction
to the Romantic and Contemporary masterworks, as well as popular music. New concepts introduced include diminished triads, the ii-V7-I chord progression, and additional scales and keys.
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