Berklee
Piano Techniques for Modern Music
Berklee

Piano Techniques for Modern Music

10,800 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
5.0

(12 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
5.0

(12 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Develop proper technique to play the piano

  • Maintain healthy playing habits

  • Apply proper piano technique while playing modern/contemporary music

Details to know

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Assessments

9 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

Welcome to Piano Techniques for Modern Music! Before you begin, we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

In this first lesson, we will begin with the fundamentals of healthy piano playing, starting with proper posture and breathing, finger placement and hand position, before moving on to the C major scale and popular cadences. We will begin to build a healthy practice routine and have some fun with improvisation.

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

In lesson 2, we will start to add greater finger independence to our practice and learn to shift our hands across the keyboard in order to play a wider range of notes with minimal tension in our hands and arms. We will also look at expanding our dynamic range on the piano and applying these techniques to several contemporary music examples.

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review

In lesson 3, we will begin to advance our harmonic techniques by expanding our chord knowledge and increasing our playing speed. We will also identify proper wrist technique to minimize tension while playing. We will continue to play through popular tunes and focus on building hand independence.

What's included

6 videos1 reading2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

In lesson 4, we will combine all of the hand techniques we have been developing with pedaling. This will require coordinating our hands and feet. We will practice these techniques using classical music and contemporary tunes. We will also identify what pedaling techniques are common in contemporary music and how to develop virtuosity on the piano. We'll finish by discussing how to organize practice time to learn difficult pieces and why using a practice journal and recording practice session can lead to bigger improvements at a faster rate.

What's included

7 videos4 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
Berklee
1 Course10,800 learners

Offered by

Berklee

Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

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MV
5

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2023

SL
5

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2024

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