Piano

The Walter Johnson Piano program offers a home for students of all levels of piano playing experience, from true beginners to advanced players. Students are able to take Piano classes for all fours years if they wish, or just once. Course descriptions can be found through the links below.

Piano 1

Designed for students who are new to playing piano or students who have played before but have gaps in music reading and theory knowledge. The vast majority of students in the piano program begin here, and this is the recommended starting point for all 9th graders and most 10th-12th graders who are new to piano.

Designed for students who have piano experience either through Piano 1 or private lessons. Knowledge of hand position, scale technique, and traditional music notations is necessary. Students study intermediate rhythm and keyboard techniques, and discuss preliminary music theory concepts. This course is generally made up of 10th-12th graders, though 9th graders with piano experience are open to enroll for the class.

Piano 3

Designed for students who have completed Piano 2 and wish to continue advanced study of the piano. Study of specific genres and styles can vary according to student interest, but generally include blues, Classical, and elementary jazz. This course also provides a foundation for AP Music Theory. This course is generally made up of 11th and 12th graders. This course is not open to incoming 9th graders and only open to 10th graders who have successfully completed Piano 2.

Piano 4

Open only to students who have completed Piano 2 and 3, Piano 4 allows students to focus their continued study of piano in the direction of their choice. Many students choose to take this course concurrently with AP Music Theory, or while serving as a teacher assistant in Piano 1.

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