QUARTZ & KEYS

Syllabus · Piano Track

Piano Lessons Syllabus for Kids in Grades 1–4

The Piano Track helps young beginners find their way around the keyboard, build gentle finger strength, and start reading music one small step at a time. It runs as 16 sessions over an 8-week semester, with lessons of 30 or 45 minutes.

How each lesson flows

Every session follows the same four phases, so your child always knows what comes next.

When each phase happens in a 30- or 45-minute Piano Track lesson
Phase30-minute lesson45-minute lesson
Phase 1Warm-Up & Scales0–5 Mins0–10 Mins
Phase 2Method & Core Tech5–15 Mins10–25 Mins
Phase 3Repertoire Focus15–25 Mins25–40 Mins
Phase 4Wrap-Up & Logic25–30 Mins40–45 Mins

Semester plan

Sessions come in pairs, and each pair builds gently on the one before.

Sessions 1–2: Launch

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Establish "apple hands" posture; navigate black key groups of 2s & 3s.
  2. Method & Core Tech Read landmark Middle C & Treble G; clap quarter vs. half note rhythms.
  3. Repertoire Focus Map starting hand placement for Song 1; play RH opening phrase.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic 2-minute note-card game; set home practice goal (5 mins/day).

Sessions 3–4: Hands Together

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Play C Major pentascale (1-2-3-4-5) with curved fingers & wrist drops.
  2. Method & Core Tech Read Bass Clef C anchor; practice 2-note Left Hand chords (C–G).
  3. Repertoire Focus Combine LH bass anchors with RH melody on Song 1 verse.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Rhythm clap-back drill; record 1 clean line in practice log.

Sessions 5–6: Articulation

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Run C & G Major pentascales; practice Junior Hanon #1 wrist lifts.
  2. Method & Core Tech Isolate Legato (smooth) touch in RH vs. Staccato (bouncy) in LH.
  3. Repertoire Focus Add dynamics (p vs. f) to Song 1 chorus.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Note-reading flashcard race; check finger numbers.

Sessions 7–8: Song 1 Polish

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Speed-check C, G, & F Major pentascales with steady metronome beat.
  2. Method & Core Tech Run sight-reading drills involving stepwise shifts and 3rd skips.
  3. Repertoire Focus Polish Song 1 end-to-end with smooth dynamics and steady tempo.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Record complete run of Song 1; celebrate mid-summer milestone!

Sessions 9–10: Song 2 Launch

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Introduce A Minor pentascale; practice 1-octave scale thumb tucks.
  2. Method & Core Tech Practice hand shifts beyond 5-finger position without losing posture.
  3. Repertoire Focus Map RH melody & LH chord patterns for Song 2 (Showcase Piece).
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Ear training game (identify steps vs. skips by ear).

Sessions 11–12: Pedal & Texture

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Run A Minor & C Major 1-octave scales; drill finger 3–4 lifting.
  2. Method & Core Tech Master "Up-Down" sustain pedal timing (change pedal on chord shifts).
  3. Repertoire Focus Integrate sustain pedal into Song 2 for rich resonance.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Ear training game (identify 3rd vs. 5th intervals by ear).

Sessions 13–14: Memory & Flow

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Run full scale routine from memory without looking down at hands.
  2. Method & Core Tech Practice the "No-Stop" drill (playing through slips without pausing).
  3. Repertoire Focus Run Song 1 & Song 2 from memory back-to-back.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Structure A/B section memory map; assign showcase costume/attire.

Sessions 15–16: Showcase Ready

  1. Warm-Up & Scales Light wrist stretch; quick 1-octave scale touch-up.
  2. Method & Core Tech Execute clean starting positions and silent pedal resets.
  3. Repertoire Focus Final polish run-through of both showcase pieces with expression.
  4. Wrap-Up & Logic Formal stage walk-on, bench height adjustment, bow, and bow exit.

Repertoire & resources

Resources: Faber Piano Adventures (Primer/Level 1), Alfred's Basic Piano Prep, A Dozen a Day (Mini), Junior Hanon, Faber ChordTime (Popular), Hal Leonard Big-Note Piano

Song selection

Stepwise & Smooth

Best for beginners / Middle C position

  • Lover (Taylor Swift)
  • Perfect (Ed Sheeran)
  • Beauty and the Beast (Disney)

Dramatic & Minor

Cinematic / Moody hits

  • Drivers License (Olivia Rodrigo)
  • Viva La Vida (Coldplay)
  • Hedwig’s Theme (Harry Potter)

Rhythmic & Upbeat

High energy & catchy hooks

  • As It Was (Harry Styles)
  • Shake It Off (Taylor Swift)
  • Super Mario Bros. Theme (Opening Hook)

A note to parents

This syllabus is intended as a reference guide. The actual pace and content covered will be dynamically adjusted based on your child's individual aptitude, engagement level, and consistency with home practice.

The song options provided are choices for the student. We will select pieces that best fit the student's voice/hands and interests; we do not cover all listed songs in a single semester.

Parent Intake & Application Form

Reserve a spot for the upcoming semester. Complete the form below and Spatika will reach out with scheduling details.

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