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Duration: 6 Months
Lesson Length: 1 Hour per session
Review of Fundamental Techniques
Reviewing posture, hand position, and finger technique
Recap of major scales (C, G, D, A, E) hands together
Revisiting basic chord progressions (I-IV-V-I)
Sight-reading warm-up exercises
Expanding Scales & Arpeggios
Introduction to minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic)
Practicing arpeggios (major and minor) in different keys
Exploring finger independence exercises
Playing a simple classical or contemporary piece
Chord Progressions & Inversions
Understanding and playing chord inversions
Common chord progressions (I-V-vi-IV, ii-V-I)
Introduction to seventh chords (dominant, major, minor)
Harmonizing a simple melody with chords
Week 4: Dynamics and Articulation
Practicing legato, staccato, and accent techniques
Expressive playing: crescendo, decrescendo, rubato
Applying articulation to a piece of music
Sight-reading with different dynamic markings
Expanding Repertoire
Learning a piece from the Classical period (Mozart, Beethoven, etc.)
Introduction to Romantic and Impressionist styles
Exploring a contemporary piece (pop, jazz, or film music)
Hands-together coordination exercises
Sight-Reading & Ear Training
Sight-reading a new piece each lesson
Ear training: recognizing intervals and simple melodies
Transcribing a short melody by ear
Improvising simple left-hand accompaniments
Pedaling Techniques
Introduction to damper (sustain) pedal techniques
Learning proper pedaling for legato phrases
Practicing half-pedaling and syncopated pedaling
Applying pedal techniques to current repertoire
Playing with Expressiveness
Understanding phrasing and musical interpretation
Experimenting with different tempos and rhythms
Analyzing the emotional character of a piece
Refining expressive performance of learned pieces
Advanced Chord Progressions & Voicings
Expanding harmonic vocabulary (sus chords, diminished, augmented)
Learning jazz-influenced voicings and progressions
Playing chord substitutions in known songs
Creating richer harmonies in accompaniment
Introduction to Improvisation & Composition
Basic improvisation techniques using scales and chords
Creating variations on a simple melody
Writing a short piano piece or accompaniment
Exploring blues and jazz improvisation patterns
Performance Preparation
Refining technical aspects of learned pieces
Playing pieces fluently from memory
Overcoming performance anxiety with mock performances
Understanding stage presence and musical expression
Recital & Final Review
Performing one or two polished pieces
Reflecting on progress and setting future goals
Introducing next steps (advanced repertoire, theory, technique)
Celebrating achievements and discussing long-term musical growth
Additional Notes:
Encourage daily practice (30-60 minutes per day)
Introduce more challenging repertoire gradually
Use metronome for rhythm precision
Adjust pacing based on student progress
This syllabus provides an intermediate-level pianist with the skills and techniques to develop confidence, musicality, and technical ability at a higher level.
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