At Piano Lab, we believe achievements should be clear and measurable for both parents and students. That is why we created our Scaling Up guide. Each student receives their foldout guide at the time of their FIRST achievement. They are then invited to continue gaining signatures on each of the 88 keys until they have arrived at music literacy and piano proficiency!
Below is the growing list of evaluations with instructions and materials for each. Typically students and classes will be alerted when they are ready to begin work on a particular achievement but should a student want to progress beyond any particular assignments, that is welcome and MAY lead to a student being placed in a more accelerated class.
1. Tech Master:
To pass this level, students must demonstrate their knowledge of the “in class” keyboards. They must know how to turn on their electric piano, switch it from headphone for speaker mode and change the voice or instrument. Students can watch this video tutorial and are invited to pass this achievement in class.
2. Keyboard Geography CDE:
To complete this achievement, students must demonstrate master of the keys, C, D, and E on the piano. They will do this by performing three pre-staff songs that use only those three keys. The songs can be accessed by clicking the link…
https://freepianomethod.com/
The songs to be performed are:
- Ticking Clock
- School Bells
- Green Toad Boogie
Students MUST perform these songs confidently with the metronome set to 100 BPM. Please feel free to practice at slower tempos before increasing to 100 and then submit your final performance (playing along with the metronome) via video. Upon review, your student will receive approval or additional notes to help them continue to master the level!
3. Keyboard Geography FGAB:
To complete this achievement, students must demonstrate master of the keys, F, G, A and B (as well as Bb) on the piano. They will do this by performing three pre-staff songs that use only those three keys. The songs can be accessed by clicking the link https://freepianomethod.com/assets/level-1-lesson-3-pages-25-to-32.pdf
The songs to be performed are:
- Butterfly
- Autumn Waltz
- Mary Had a Little Lamb
- September Morning
Students MUST perform these songs confidently with the metronome set to 100 BPM. Please feel free to practice at slower tempos before increasing to 100 and then submit your final performance (playing along with the metronome) via video. Upon review, your student will receive approval or additional notes to help them continue to master the level!
4. Theory Level 1:
Students will be tested on their knowledge of theory terms and symbols. Click through guide for review guide and examination. (Under construction – will be complete by 12/4)
Student must score 100% to pass and can retake the test once/day.
5. Rhythm Reading Level 1 :
For this achievement, you will visit SightreadingFactory.com. Each student will need to register on the site using this link https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/student/vd7dgu
Once logged in, you will select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Rhythm Read Level 1’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
6. Staff Reading Level Level 1:
For this achievement, you will revisit SightreadingFactory.com. Select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Sight Reading Level 1’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
7. Rhythm Reading Level 2 :
For this achievement, you will visit SightreadingFactory.com.
Once logged in, you will select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Rhythm Read Level 2’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
8. Staff Reading Level Level 2:
For this achievement, you will revisit SightreadingFactory.com. Select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Sight Reading Level 2″. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
9. Rhythm Reading Level 3 :
For this achievement, you will visit SightreadingFactory.com.
Once logged in, you will select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Rhythm Read Level 3’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
10. Staff Reading Level Level 3:
For this achievement, you will revisit SightreadingFactory.com. Select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Sight Reading Level 1’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
9. Rhythm Reading Level 4 :
For this achievement, you will visit SightreadingFactory.com.
Once logged in, you will select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Rhythm Read Level 4’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
10. Staff Reading Level Level 4:
For this achievement, you will revisit SightreadingFactory.com. Select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Sight Reading Level 4’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
9. Rhythm Reading Level 5 :
For this achievement, you will visit SightreadingFactory.com.
Once logged in, you will select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Rhythm Read Level 5’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.
10. Staff Reading Level Level 5:
For this achievement, you will revisit SightreadingFactory.com. Select the class, ‘Piano Lab Students’ and assignment ‘Sight Reading Level 5’. You can practice variations by clicking ‘Try Again’ after each attempt. Once you are satisfied with a performance, you will submit that recording for review.