Gigajam : Keyboard course lesson contents. Level 1 to 3 equivalent to Grade 1 to 5

Lesson 1: Keyboard Orientation

This lesson will start by familiarising you with the layout of the keyboard, then proceed to introducing how to form chords. You will be playing the chords of A and G by the end of you first session with a variety of rhythms incorporating Whole, Half and Quarter notes.

Lesson 2: Introducing Scales

In lesson 2 we will introduce the scales of A and G and show you how to play scales with the correct fingering technique.

Lesson 3: Developing Scales and Triads

We will develop the skills learned in lessons 1 and 2 to build Triads and scales for the chords of C and D, whilst learning to play with the left hand and develop an understanding of the Bass clef as well as the Treble Clef.

Lesson 4: Developing Two Hand Coordination

In lesson 4 we are bringing both hands together playing chords supporting scales so as to be able to play melodies over chords. Furthermore we will be introducing Eighth notes and developing greater control of finger and hand coordination.

Lesson 5: Introducing Inversions

In this lesson we are looking to increase your understanding of the chords you have learned so far so that you can develop a greater control of the keyboard by playing inversions of your chords. Additionally, you will be able to play chord progressions with an economy of movement.

Lesson 6: Chord and Scale Syllabus

Here we review all material learned so far and end the first part of our study of major chords and scales. We use the knowledge and skills we have developed to learn to play all Natural major chords and Scales by specifically adding the chords of F, E, and B to our library.

Lesson 7: Introducing Minor Triads

In this introductory lesson to minor chords, we study the differences between minor and major whilst learning how to play A minor as right and left hand triads and arpeggios with a variety of rhythms.

Lesson 8: Introducing Minor Scales

Here we introduce the minor scale for A and then learn how to transfer the knowledge gained to create minor scales for all Natural notes.

Lesson 9: Develop Minor Triads

Lesson 9 takes the knowledge acquired in lesson 8 and uses it to develop the formation of minor triads. By the end of this lesson you will be able to play all major and minor triads and scales with both hands on all Natural notes.

Lesson 10: Performing a Song

Learn how to play with a professional band, whilst reading a Keyboard chart. This lesson can go towards your Level One in Essential Keyboard Skills with Gigajam Keyboard School.

Lesson 11: Introducing Rests

This lesson begins our study of rhythm incorporating Rests. We will begin to study their appearance, note values and how they are played to create and enhance rhythms. At the end of this lesson you will be able to play a variety of rhythms incorporating Quarter notes rests.

Lesson 12: Introducing Melody

In this lesson we will introduce the concept of Melody and begin to play simple Melody lines using Quarter notes. The use of Melody will require you to develop greater two-hand co-ordination and we will also build upon rhythm by incorporating Rests. We will also include a brief introduction to the use of Keys and Keys Signatures to develop your theory and reading skills.

Lesson 13: Developing Rests

Lesson 13 builds upon the skill developed in Lesson 11, except here we introduce Eighth note rests. As a result, you will develop greater skill in being able to understand, read and play rhythm.

Lesson 14: Developing Melody

Here we are going to build upon our introduction to Melody in lesson 12 and move the ideas on by incorporating more rhythm and more reading, by specifically incorporating a variety of rests into the exercises. Lesson 12 uses Major scales. In this lesson we shall look at Minor scales for our Melodies.

Lesson 15: Introducing Triad Arpeggios

In this lesson we are going to look at how to play different arpeggio patterns using Triads. This will develop strong two- hand co-ordination and also the technical ability with which to play Melodies.

Lesson 16: Developing Triad Arpeggios

This lesson builds on the use of Arpeggios and brings in the use of Eighth notes. The focus is on strong co-ordination, timekeeping, fluency and remembering the Triad shapes and notes.

Lesson 17: Introducing Dotted Notes

This part of the course is attempting to develop your reading and musical knowledge to a level that will provide a great deal of the foundation skills essential to becoming a proficient musician. In this lesson you will learn anmd understand the role of Dots in music, how they appear, how they are used and how you read them, play them and understand their value in terms of note lengths.

Lesson 18: Developing Dotted Notes

Having introduced the concepts of dots in the previous lesson we now progress through a series of sophisticated rhythm exercises, utilising many different combinations of note vales including dotted notes and rests. The exercises focus on developing these newly acquired skills, along with using Melody.

Lesson 19: Introducing Power Chords

Here we are preparing for the performance piece and need to be able to understand and play Power Chords. The application of the skills learned through this Level will come strongly into play when developing power chords and there is a strong use of two-hand co-ordination in the exercises.

Lesson 20: Performing a Song

Play with a professional band, whilst reading a Keyboard chart. This lesson can go towards your Level Two in Essential Keyboard Skills with Gigajam Keyboard School.

Lesson 21: Introducing Intervals

In this lesson there is a close look at intervals. You will learn to play melodic intervals and thirds throughout the lesson. The 16 exercises take you through a step by step approach to ensure that you have both an understanding of intervals and also the ability to play them with both hands using a variety of scales.

Lesson 22: Developing Intervals

Lesson 22 builds upon the knowledge and skills introduced in Lesson 21 and moves on to introduce harmonic intervals. In this lesson there are 14 exercises which will help you develop your understanding and physical ability to play intervals comfortably. You will also be able to transfer the skill using a variety of scales.

Lesson 23: Minor Thirds

As we take stock of the new information introduced at the beginning of level 3 we consolidate and develop intervals by introducing minor thirds. The 17 exercises ensure that you are comfortable playing minor thirds and are able to transfer the skill using a variety of scales.

Lesson 24: Developing Intervals

Building directly upon the skills developed in Lesson 23 you will learn to be able to play minor thirds as harmonic intervals. You have 14 exercises that will help you develop your performance of the scales and rhythms whilst further improving hand coordination.

Lesson 25: Introducing Ties

This lesson turns to the development of your rhythmic playing with the introduction of ties. By the end of Lesson 25 you will understand what ties are, what they look like and how they affect a note and the rhythm it creates. You will also develop ways if reading ties effectively. Over the lesson’s 10 exercises you will have a good opportunity to practise playing ties in both melody and chords.

Lesson 26: Developing Ties

Building directly on from Lesson 25 this lesson develops ties by introducing eighths notes into the rhythms. The lesson will combine dots and ties to help develop your understanding of the creation of rhythm using different notation and help your reading. Lesson 26 contains 10 exercises focused on developing the new skills you are learning.

Lesson 27: Introducing Triplets

Lesson 27 is focused entirely on developing the rhythmic side of your playing with the introduction of triplets. You will understand how triplet eighth notes divide the beat and be able to count and play triplet eighth notes.

Lesson 28: Extending Arpeggios

This lesson introduces the idea of using broken chords and open voicing to develop your sound as well as helping you create fluency in your playing. This builds upon many elements introduced through the course but specifically develops your ability to play arpeggios with great effect with both hands.

Lesson 29: Creating a Keyboard Part

This lesson is very practical and shows some of the steps you could take to create a keyboard part. Building upon the use of a 12 bar progression you will develop your keyboard playing using a variety of developed skills and different rhythms.

Leasson 30: Performing a Song

In Lesson 30 we have a song to play which as always is designed to build upon many of the skills learned through the course. You will be able to play along with a professional band, whilst reading a keyboard chart. This lesson can go towards your level three in Essential Keyboard Skills with Gigajam Keyboard School.

Keyboard Course Content