Early Beginner

Months 3–6: sharps and flats, faster rhythms, slurs, and the high E and F.

10 lessons in this level.

1. 11. F-sharp and Cross-Fingerings Learn low F-sharp on soprano, or B natural on alto, and keep the new fingering clear in a melody.
2. 12. Eighth Notes and Faster Rhythms Eighth notes — two per beat — and the pieces that live or die by their evenness.
3. 13. Dotted Rhythms The dot adds half.
4. 14. B-flat and the Key of F Major Learn B-flat on soprano or E-flat on alto, then practise a major scale and the opening of Deck the Halls.
5. 15. Slurs and Legato Playing Slurred notes — many pitches under one breath — and the lyrical pieces that need them.
6. 16. Introduction to Scales Review a major scale and two shorter patterns, then hear their half-steps in Ode to Joy.
7. 17. Rests and Silence The silences in music count.
8. 18. High E and F Two more notes in the second octave.
9. 19. Music from Around the World Compare the 1888 Sakura sung line with two original scale and rhythm studies.
10. 20. Early Beginner Review Record three prepared pieces in three keys and listen for clear starts, full rests and a steady beat.