Intermediate Piano Techniques

This course is designed for students who have a basic understanding of piano playing and are looking to advance their skills. The course focuses on improving technical proficiency, expanding musical repertoire, and developing a deeper understanding of music theory and interpretation. Through structured lessons, practice exercises, and performance opportunities, students will enhance their piano techniques and musical expression.

Course Outline

1. Advanced Finger Exercises and Techniques
   • Advanced scales and arpeggios
   • Finger independence and strength exercises
   • Techniques for playing faster and more accurately
   • Practice routines for daily technical improvement
2. Intermediate Music Theory
   • Understanding key signatures and chord progressions
   • Introduction to more complex time signatures
   • Advanced rhythms and syncopation
   • Harmonic analysis of intermediate pieces
3. Expanding Repertoire
   • Learning intermediate-level classical pieces
   • Introduction to jazz and blues standards
   • Exploring popular music and contemporary pieces
   • Techniques for interpreting and performing different styles
4. Sight-Reading and Ear Training
   • Improving sight-reading skills with progressively challenging pieces
   • Ear training exercises to recognize intervals, chords, and melodies
   • Playing by ear and improvisation basics
   • Techniques for learning music more efficiently
5. Advanced Chord and Harmony Techniques
   • Exploring extended chords and inversions
   • Harmonic analysis of complex pieces
   • Techniques for smooth chord transitions
   • Accompaniment patterns for various musical styles
6. Dynamics, Articulation, and Expression
   • Mastering dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo
   • Exploring articulation techniques (staccato, legato, accent, etc.)
   • Techniques for phrasing and musical expression
   • Exercises to improve emotional and dynamic expression in playing
7. Pedaling Techniques
   • Understanding and using the sustain, soft, and sostenuto pedals
   • Pedaling techniques for different musical contexts
   • Exercises to practice proper pedaling
   • Integrating pedaling smoothly into performance
8. Performance Practice and Stage Presence
   • Preparing for solo and group performances
   • Techniques for memorizing music
   • Overcoming performance anxiety
   • Developing stage presence and communication with the audience
9. Music Interpretation and Stylistic Awareness
   • Analyzing and interpreting musical pieces
   • Understanding historical and stylistic contexts of different genres
   • Techniques for stylistic accuracy in performance
   • Listening and learning from professional recordings
10. Final Recital Preparation and Performance
    • Selecting pieces for the final recital
    • Intensive practice and refinement of chosen pieces
    • Mock performances and constructive feedback
    • Final recital and awarding of completion certificates