Introduction
Theme’s Adult Beginner Course (TAPC) is a revolutionary hybrid solo plus group piano learning program for students aged 18 and above, focussed on beginner and intermediate levels.
TAPC is a 4 level program built around the concept of preparing students towards independent playing, reading and performance, constructing a strong repertoire across various genres of music, inculcating skills that prepare students to be able to play the music that they enjoy. The objective of the course is to enable students to learn the piano formally and gain performance expertise alongside assessments. Each level of the program is devised keeping in mind the London College of Music Examination benchmarks.
Each level consists of 45-minute solo sessions plus 1-hour group sessions, progress analysis classes, recital classes, special performances and concerts and provides every student with an equal opportunity to perform and get assessed at the highest international standards.
Program Levels
Students enrol as beginners entering the program into one of the following levels. Each batch consists of students of a similar age and playing level. Students can opt to appear for LCM examinations or internal assessments if they wish to not pursue examinations.
| TJPC Level | Sessions in Level | Equivalent LCM Examination/Internal Assessment Level |
| Level 1 | 45 (35 solo lessons + up to 10 group lessons) | Practical – Step 2 Theory – Step Theory |
| Level 2 | 45 (35 solo lessons + up to 10 group lessons) | Practical – Grade 1 Theory – Grade 1 |
| Level 3 | 45 (35 solo lessons + up to 10 group lessons) | Practical – Grade 2 Theory – Grade 2 |
| Level 4 | 45 (35 solo lessons + up to 10 group lessons) | Practical – Grade 3 Theory – Grade 3 |
Class Specifications
All TAPC lessons are a hybrid model of 3 solo lessons plus one group lesson per 4 classes. There will be a group lesson after every 3 solo lessons (or according to the level plan of the course). All solo lessons are 45 minutes and group lessons are 1 hour in duration with a maximum of 6 students in the batch. The Group classes enable ensemble playing and group learning for certain concepts. Students also prepare for performance events in a group.
Each level has a certain number of buffer lessons included that enable teachers to revise concepts, cover-up missed lessons*, prepare students for recitals and examinations and allocate additional time to all students as required.
All classes consist of structured lesson plans and homework material. A monthly report is sent to students detailing class performance and areas of improvement.
*Conditions Apply. Please refer to Rules and Regulations
**Class timings available:
Weekdays: 3 pm to 7 pm
Weekends: 11 am to 6 pm
(**Subject to slot availability, timings may vary by branch)
Curriculum
Level 1:
- Introduction to the Piano:
- Getting to know the instrument: Piano Keys, Layout, Parts & Pedals
- Difference between Piano & Keyboard Playing
- Touch-Response & Key Action
- Correct Playing Posture
- Finger Exercises
- Staff Notations:
- Note Values
- Rest Values
- Middle C
- Time signatures:
- 4/4, 3/4,
- First 5 notes on Treble Clef & Bass Clef:
- Exercises – Left & Right Hand Separate, Reading & Playing
- Sight Reading:
- Short-cuts to remember the notes on lines & spaces
- Worksheets to spot notes & play on the piano
- Intervals:
- 2nds, 3rds, 4ths & 5ths
- Tied Notes & Slurs
- Scales:
- How to Play and Practice Scales
- C major, G major, F major – 2 Octaves – Hands separate + Together
- Sharps, Flats & Naturals
- Quavers, Dotted Crotchets
- Western Classical and Modern Repertoire
- Supporting Theory
- Study about Composers & their Compositions
The TYAC Level 1 curriculum covers all the concepts and content required for the repertoire & technical requirement of the London College of Music Examinations – Step 2 Piano Level. It also covers the theoretical concepts and exercise work required at the London College of Music Examinations – Step Theory Level.
Level 2:
- Introduction to Sharps, Flats & Naturals:
- E sharp, B sharp, C flat, F flat
- Sign behaviours within a bar
- New Time Signatures:
- 2/4, 2/2
- Minor Scales & types:
- Natural, Harmonic & Melodic
- Major Scales – Minor Scale Key relation:
- C, G, F, D, B flat
- Chords:
- Primary chords
- Derive minor chords from major chords
- Exercises to improve Finger Independence
- Arpeggios & Broken Chords
- Intervals 1 to 5 including Minors
- Western Classical Composers & Compositions
- Chord Inversions
- Sight Reading:
- Upper & Lower Staff
- Each Exam piece for 3-4 classes, at least 6 to be completed from the LCM Handbook
- Practice sheets signed by parents monitoring the hours of practice
Level 3:
- New Time Signatures:
- 6/8
- Secondary Chords
- Intervals:
- Maj 6, Octave
- New Scales:
- C, G, F, D, B flat, E flat, A
- Am, Em, Dm, Gm, Cm
- Scale Technique
- Introduction to Chord Progressions
- I-IV-VI-V in the key of C
- I-VI-IV-V in the key of C
- Accompaniment Patterns:
- Learn to accompany your favourite songs
- Learn to pedal the right way:
- Exercises to work on Pedal movements
- Music Listening & Appreciation
- Preparation to play in front of the Audience:
- Playing for the class on the Teacher’s piano
Level 4:
- Circle of Fifths:
- Relationship between All Major Scales & Minor Scales
- Evolution of Piano
- Videos & Materials
- Basic Transposition
- Transpose the first few bars of an exam piece to the next easiest key
- Pedal Exercises
- Interval training up to an Octave:
- Major & Minor intervals except diminished 5
- Exercises to strengthen 4th & 5th fingers:
- Custom exercises plus exercises from Schmitt 5 Finger Exercises
- New Scales:
- E major, B minor, F# minor , C minor
- Pentatonic Scales
- Dominant 7th and Maj 7th chords:
- Backing track alternating Dominant 7th and Major 7th chords
- More Insights to Live Playing
- Western Classical/Modern Repertoire:
- Popular classical and contemporary pieces developing a repertoire
- 6 pieces to be covered from the LCM Grade 3 Practical Handbook
Features
- Focus on all round musical development, including repertoire work, playing technique, scales, sight-reading, aural training and music theory.
- Individual class plans charted out for each session. Required practice and homework are treated as an integral part of the learning system.
- Concepts are taught through activities and practical work that are constantly innovated upon by the faculty, ensuring updated curriculum.
- Constant feedback and reporting on every student per month including objective grading as well as subjective teacher feedback.
- Exclusive performance opportunities, both internal and external that culminates in an annual concert and an external annual showcase.
- Assessments and International Examination syllabus integrated into class plans.
- A special focus on improvisation and composition.
- A hybrid format of learning that includes the benefits of both solo and group, including greater time flexibility, ensemble playing and building a community of people to play with. Students are of a similar age group and learning levels with a maximum student-teacher ratio of 6:1
- Class recitals and testing is integrated into the curriculum as part of a student’s learning goals.
