Church Piano: LEVEL ONE

Church Piano – Level 1

Course Overview:

Welcome to Church Piano – Level 1, where you’ll embark on a foundational journey into the world of church piano playing. This level introduces beginners to essential piano techniques, basic music theory concepts, and beginner repertoire, setting a strong groundwork for future musical endeavors in a church setting. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your piano skills, this course provides structured guidance and hands-on practice to help you become a proficient church pianist.

Course Objectives:

• Introduction to Music: Understand the fundamentals of piano layout, practice routines, and musical memory.
• Western Staff Notation: Learn to read and interpret Western staff notation, identifying notes and rhythms.
• Note Value and Time Value: Master rhythm and timing through an exploration of note and time values.
• Finger Exercises: Strengthen dexterity and agility with targeted finger exercises.
• Basic Repertoire: Learn to play a variety of beginner-friendly songs and hymns, applying learned techniques in a musical context.

Course Structure:

1. Introduction to Music:

   • Learn piano basics including hand positioning and practice routines.
   • Understand the importance of musical memory and retention.
   • Explore introductory concepts of music theory.

2. Western Staff Notation:

   • Introduction to reading and interpreting Western staff notation.
   • Identify notes on the staff and understand their corresponding musical alphabets.
   • Explore beginner-level classical and hymn repertoire.

3. Note Value and Time Value:

   • Dive into rhythm and timing, understanding note and time values.
   • Practice clapping exercises to internalize rhythm and develop a sense of timing.

4. Finger Exercises:

   • Engage in targeted finger exercises to improve dexterity and finger independence.
   • Apply finger techniques to beginner-level repertoire.

5. Basic Repertoire:

   • Learn to play a selection of beginner-friendly songs and hymns, including:
     • “Jingle Bells”
     • “God Is Good”
     • “Amazing Grace”
     • “Holy, Holy, Holy”
     • “This Little Light of Mine”
     • “How Great Thou Art”
     • “Blessed Assurance”

Who Should Enroll:

• Beginners with little to no experience in playing the piano.
• Individuals interested in learning piano specifically for church settings.
• Musicians seeking to build a strong foundation in piano playing and music theory.

Prerequisites:

• No prior musical experience required.
• Willingness to learn and practice regularly.

Materials Provided:

• Access to instructional videos covering each lesson topic.
• Sheet music for beginner-level songs and hymns.
• Practice exercises and supplementary materials.

Outcome:

Upon completing Church Piano – Level 1, students will have acquired essential piano skills, basic music theory knowledge, and the ability to play a variety of beginner-level songs and hymns commonly heard in church settings. This level serves as a solid foundation for continued growth and advancement in church piano playing.