Piano for Trinity Grade 1

This 18-hour beginner-friendly online course offers one class per week, taught by our most experienced and qualified teachers. Get personalized guidance and start your certification journey with assurance!

1. Repertoire

• Perform three contrasting pieces focusing on phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.
• Learn to interpret and perform pieces with appropriate articulation, dynamics, and phrasing. 
• Focus on tempo consistency and stylistic understanding.
   

2. Scales and Technical Work


Focus: 

• Legato technique for smooth, connected playing. 
• Precision and evenness in finger movement.


Scales (legato): 

• F Major, G Major (hands separately, 1 octave). 
• D Minor, E Minor (hands separately, 1 octave).


Arpeggios: Above-mentioned scales (hands separately, 1 octave).


Chromatic Scale: C Major in contrary motion (legato).


Practice Tips: 

• Begin slowly, focusing on accuracy and finger positioning.
• Gradually increase speed with a metronome while maintaining legato.
   

3. Sight-Reading

• Play short excerpts emphasizing rhythm, pitch accuracy, and dynamics.
   

4. Music Theory
 

• Note and Rest Values: Semibreves, dotted minims, minims, crotchets, and quavers. 
   
• Time Signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 (common time). 
   
• Notation: Notes in treble and bass clefs (to one leger line above or below).
   
• Accidentals: Flats, sharps, and naturals.
   
• Tones and Semitones: Recognize and apply in exercises.
   
• Key Signatures: C, F, and G Major, including scales, tonic triads, and arpeggios.
   
• Circle of Fifths: Understanding relationships between C, F, and G Major keys.
   

5. Aural Skills

• Identify dynamics, tempo changes, and simple rhythms by ear.
   

6. Practice Tips and Performance Skills

• Use slow practice to build accuracy.
• Gradually increase speed using a metronome.
• Incorporate dynamic contrast and musicality.
• Develop finger strength and evenness using Hanon No. 1, focusing on relaxed hand position.
   

7. Mock Exams


• Simulated exam experience:

✓ Perform three selected pieces.

✓ Demonstrate scales and arpeggios.

✓ Complete sight-reading and aural exercises.


• Feedback and Improvement:

✓ Identify strengths and areas for improvement.

✓ Practice exam timing and stage presence.