Start Date
29 April, 2025
There will be 10 weekly meetings on Tuesday 10am - 12pm, starting from 29 April.
Overview
Always wanted to learn to play the piano? This course has been designed as an informal and relaxed session where you will learn to read music, master the art of playing the piano, listen to piano classics and meet new people. As we’ve named the course “Keyboard Café” there will also be time for a cup of tea or coffee whilst you are learning.
This course is suitable for total beginners but also for students who want to refresh their existing skills. Having a piano or keyboard at home to practice on between sessions is highly recommended. All music and keyboards will be provided (you will need to provide your own headphones).
Each week the 2 hour session will be divided into 3 sections: The theory of music notation, listening/aural skills and practical piano skills. There will also be time for independent practice on the keyboards too.
You will learn how to read piano/keyboard music, learn to listen with a deeper understanding and knowledge to piano music from different periods and styles and finally, every session shall introduce a new piece (or piano skill) to learn and practice (music shall be differentiated to accommodate different levels of ability).
This is an overview on what will be covered in the sessions, but the course will be student led and the planning will be determined by the students' ability and progress and also what they want to achieve from their 10 weeks of piano playing.
Syllabus
Each session will be divided into three learning threads: Music Theory, Listening Skills and Practical Skills (with the emphasis being on the practical element which I have listed as the session title).
Each session shall also include listening to piano music from different eras and styles, and a study of music theory to assist with the practical skills of reading music and playing it on the piano/keyboard.
Session 1: Mastering playing right hand melodies in a static hand position.
Session 2: Playing right hand melodies with hand position changes.
Session 3: Introducing the left hand (chords)
Session 4: Putting hands together.
Session 5: Introducing further chords to the left hand
Session 6: How do I play from the bass clef in the left hand?
Session 7: Playing hands together, reading both the treble clef and the bass clef.
Session 8: How are we doing? Optional performances. Discussion on repertoire going forwards.
Session 9: Free choice music.
Session 10: Optional performances plus analysis of a piano musical score.
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
This course is not taking place on the University Campus, the location is detailed above.
Course Lecturer: Debbie Adewale
Debbie began her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music Junior Department. She then went on to study the flute and piano at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she studied with Jonathan Rimmer, Colin Lilley and Elena Duran, attaining a First Class Honours Degree. Since graduating, Debbie has combined a varied career of teaching and performing professionally. Debbie has previously taught lectures in Music Theory for University of Liverpool Continuing Education and her other teaching has spanned primary, secondary, GCSE, A Level teaching and teaching the flute to degree level. She is a freelance flautist, performing as a chamber musician and soloist, most notably as the second member of the Melandra Flute and Harp Duo.
Courses fees: Full fee £155/Concession £80.
Back to: Continuing Education