Skill Maps

I Just Want You To Know Who I Am

If you have reached here, we have got your interest. We will give you all the technical spiel on what you will get from professional training with us. You can find lessons on YouTube, but can YouTube tell you that you are good, or off-key, or laugh at your joke? Information is free. Inspiration is where the magic lies.

We Inspire.

Skill Maps

For all our One on One Online classes, we believe in giving our faculty a lot of leeway; this way, they are able to customize lessons to the student’s particular requirement, choose different songs/styles, and experiment with various teaching methods. Skill Map is a tool that allows us to clearly define the particular requirements at every playing level while allowing teachers a lot of flexibility.

All students are assigned Playing Levels within their age bracket and they move up the ladder after having mastered the tasks at their given level. Much like life.

Ear Training: Learn to pick up melodies & harmonies by ear. Develop the functional knowledge to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Muscular Training: Develop the strength and co-ordination to play, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn staff notation and TAB; go in-depth into scale/chord study (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your instrument – from posture and fingering to specific articulations, from tone and dynamics to amps, FX, and beyond.

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

BEGINNER B-1 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names and ability to find notes on a keyboard
Guitar string note names
Conceptual knowledge of whole, half & quarter notes

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch
Ability to sing at least 3 distinct notes within one octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play chromatic 2-finger exercises using quarter notes, with a metronome between 60 – 80 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation
Reading ‘notes on first string’ (e.g. from ‘Mel Bay’s Guitar Method 1’)

SONG LEARNING

1-string or 2-string simple melodies
Ability to pick up nursery-rhyme type melodies and play ‘by ear’

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Depending on ability, a Taaqademy Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, RSL Awards/Trinity Debut Grade Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-1 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names and ability to find notes on a keyboard
Guitar string note names, guitar tuning concept
Conceptual knowledge of whole, half & quarter notes
Major scale concept, first position C Major Scale

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch
Ability to sing at least 5 – 6 distinct notes within one octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play chromatic 2-finger and 4-finger exercises using quarter notes, with a metronome between 60 – 90 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation
Reading notes on first string, notes on second string (e.g. from ‘Mel Bay’s Guitar Method 1’)

SONG LEARNING

1-, 2- or 3-string simple melodies
Ability to pick up simple melodies, or parts of melodies and play ‘by ear’

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Depending on ability, a Taaqademy Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, RSL Awards/Trinity Debut Grade Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-2 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to tune the guitar with a reference note only for the first string
Note names for first 3 frets on the guitar, all strings
Understanding of note/rest values (whole/half/quarter/eighth), time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 2/4) and other staff markings
C Major Scale – ‘Open’ position, 1 Octave
A minor Scale – ‘Open’ positions, 1 Octave
Pentatonic Scale – 1 position, 2 Octaves
CAGED open-string major & minor chords and understanding of movable chord shapes

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing a Major or minor scale in a comfortable key
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear and play them on the instrument in open positions
Ability to pick up simple major/minor chords by ear
For Electric Guitar – basic understanding of tone and guitar pickups/controls

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking, 2-, 3- and 4-finger chromatic exercises with metronome: quarter notes at 70 – 90 bpm
Alternate picking, 1-octave major, minor and pentatonic scales with metronome; quarter notes at 70 – 100 bpm
Chord changes with metronome – open string chords (1 chord/bar) at 70 – 90 bpm
Knowledge of at least 2 – 3 variations of strength, accuracy and articulation exercises

SIGHT READING

Book Examples – Mel Bay Guitar Method Grade 1, up to notes on 4th string
Ability to fluently read and play melodies using first 4 strings, in first position

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play 3 – 4 melodies on 4 strings; ability to play accompany 2 – 3 songs (perhaps from Mel Bay book) with open-string chords in time
Ability to play e.g. RSL Awards or Trinity Debut pieces in time with backing track

LIVE PERFORMANCE

1 Taaqademy Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards/Trinity Debut or Grade 1 Examination (based on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10+ mths

BEGINNER B-2 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to tune the guitar with a reference note only for the first string
Note names for first 5 frets on the guitar, all strings
Understanding of note/rest values (whole/half/quarter/eighth/sixteenth), time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 2/4) and other staff markings
Major Scale – ‘Open’ and ‘Movable’ positions, 2 Octaves
Minor Scale – ‘Open’ and ‘Movable’ positions, 2 Octaves
Pentatonic Scale – 3 positions, 2 Octaves
Basic understanding of chord families – 3-chord theory, harmonized major scale
CAGED open-string major & minor chords, half-barre chords and understanding of movable chord shapes

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing a Major or minor scale with only the root as a reference
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear and play them on the instrument in open and ‘movable’ positions
Ability to pick up simple major/minor chords by ear, using the understanding of chord families/harmonized major scale
For Electric Guitar – good understanding of tone and settings – pickups, controls, amp settings, basic FX pedals, etc

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking, 2-, 3- and 4-finger chromatic exercises with metronome: quarter notes at 70 – 100 bpm, eighth notes at 50 – 80 bpm
Alternate picking, 2-octave major, minor and pentatonic scales with metronome; quarter notes at 70 – 100 bpm; eights notes at 50 – 80 bpm
Chord changes with metronome – open string chords (1 chord/bar) at 80 – 100 bpm, barre chords at 60 – 80 bpm
Knowledge of at least 3 – 4 variations of strength, accuracy and articulation exercises

SIGHT READING

Book Examples – Mel Bay Guitar Method Grade 1, up to ‘First Duet’
Ability to fluently read and play melodies using all 6 strings, in first position

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play 5 – 10 melodies; ability to play 3 – 5 songs with chords changing in time
Ability to play e.g. RSL Awards Grade 1 or Trinity Grade 1 pieces in time with backing track

LIVE PERFORMANCE

More than 2 Taaqademy Recitals
At least 1 Taaqademy Live performance

IMPROVISATION

Knowledge of simple pentatonic licks that can be used to play spontaneously over I-IV-V ‘Blues’ -type changes

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards/Trinity Grade 1 or Grade 2 Examination (based on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	4 mths (16 classes)
2 hrs/week	6 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-1 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

2-Octave Maj & min scales using movable shapes
5 Pentatonic Scale shapes across the neck
Maj, min, 7th, sus, and add9 chords, open-string and movable barre shapes (CAGED). All chords learnt with ‘spellings’
Understanding Intervals
Using intervals to harmonize scales and generate ‘chord families’
Understanding basic cadences and resolutions
For Electric Guitarists – good grasp of tone setting and understanding of elements of a signal chain’. Acoustic guitarists – good grasp of tone and dynamics

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing major, minor and pentatonic scales with only root as reference
Ability to pick up melodies/simple solos and chords for pop songs by ear
Understanding non-diatonic chord progressions and beginning to develop the ability to work them out by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking: 1/4 notes at 90 – 110 bpm; 1/8 notes at 70 – 90 bpm (at a minimum)
Technique – palm muting, sliding, string bending, double stops, basic vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs
Technique – finger-picking, acoustic muting, percussive rhythms

SIGHT READING

Book Examples – Mel Bay Guitar Method Grade 1, up to Duets, simple bass + chord accompaniment. RSL Grade 1 pieces
Ability to read chord charts fluently for accompaniment

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 10 pop-style songs and a few solos as well
Ability to play RSL Grade 1 or Grade 2 pieces fluently and well

LIVE PERFORMANCE

2-3 Taaqademy Recitals, 1 Taaqademy Live performance, participation in 1-2 Taaqademy ‘Jam-Bands’

IMPROVISATION

Knowledge of simple pentatonic licks that can be used to play spontaneously over static harmony

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards Grade 1 or 2 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 2 – 3 (depending on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hrs/day	6 mths (24 classes)
2 hrs/week	8 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	12+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-1 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

2-Octave Maj & min scales using 2 different movable shapes
5 Pentatonic Scale shapes across the neck
Maj, min, 7th, sus, and add9 and 9 chords, open-string and movable barre shapes (CAGED). All chords learnt with ‘spellings’
Understanding Intervals, harmonizing scales and chord families, cadences and resolutions
Understanding rhythm patterns for at least 3 different genres/styles
For Electric Guitarists – good grasp of tone setting and understanding of elements of a signal chain’. Acoustic guitarists – good grasp of tone and dynamics

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing major, minor and pentatonic scales with only root as reference
Ability to sing chord tones for major and minor chords
Ability to pick up melodies solos and chords for pop songs by ear
Understanding non-diatonic chord progressions and beginning to develop the ability to work them out by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking: 1/4 notes at 100 – 120 bpm; 1/8 notes at 80 – 100 bpm; 1/16 notes at 60 – 80 bpm (at a minimum)
Technique – palm muting, sliding, string bending, pre-bends, double stops, vibrato, hammer-ons, pull-offs, legato, etc
Technique – finger-picking, acoustic muting, percussive rhythms

SIGHT READING

Book Examples – Mel Bay Guitar Method Grade 1, up to Duets, simple bass + chord accompaniment. RSL Grade 1 pieces
Ability to read chord charts fluently for accompaniment

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 15 pop-style songs and a few solos as well
Ability to play RSL Grade 1 or Grade 2 pieces fluently and well

LIVE PERFORMANCE

2-3 Taaqademy Recitals, 1 Taaqademy Live performance, participation in 1-2 Taaqademy ‘Jam-Bands’

IMPROVISATION

Knowledge of simple pentatonic licks that can be used to play spontaneously over static harmony and I-IV-V Blues progressions

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards Grade 2 or 3 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 3 – 4 (depending on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	6 mths (24 classes)
2 hrs/week	8 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

3 Major Scale Modes with movable 1 and 2-octave shapes
Constructing chords from intervals; understanding of chords such as 9ths, 11ths and 13ths
Understanding inversions (1st & 2nd); knowledge of shapes across the neck; also knowing when and how they are used. Understanding different chord voicings and usage
Transposition – understanding how to move a song to a different key
Modulation – understanding key changes and usage
Introduction to alternate tunings
Rhythm studies – introduction to compound time, odd-meters, syncopation and usage
Introduction to composition – building melodies over simple chord progressions
Electric Guitar – ability to customize tone using pedals/processors and a variety of amps/guitars
Basic understanding of acoustics, recording gear and recording process/technique

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing major, minor, pentatonic scales and 3 major scale modes with only root as reference
Identify Octave/unison, 3rd and 5th Intervals by ear
Ability to pick up more complex melodies, solos and chords for pop songs by ear
Understanding non-diatonic chord progressions and beginning to develop the ability to work them out by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking: 1/8 notes at 120 – 150 bpm; 1/16 notes at 100 – 130 bpm
Technique -good grasp of selective muting (LH & RH) bending, vibrato, tapping, harmonics, legato, whammy/tremolo, octave playing, large voicings, etc
Acoustic Technique – finger-picking, flatpicking, intro to hybrid picking

SIGHT READING

Book Examples – Mel Bay Guitar Method Grade 1, RSL Grade 2/3 pieces
Ability to read chord charts fluently for accompaniment

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 20 pop-style songs; at least 10 guitar solos with fluent technique
Ability to play RSL Grade 3/4 or Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 4/5 pieces fluently and well

LIVE PERFORMANCE

5-6 Taaqademy Recitals, 2-3 Taaqademy Live performance, participation in 1-2 Taaqademy ‘Jam-Bands’

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise over Blues, diatonic and very simple non-diatonic chord progressions, with mostly pre-rehearsed ‘licks’

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards Grade 4 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 4/5 (depending on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1-2 hrs/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 12 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	12+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-3

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

All Major Scale Modes with movable 1 and 2-octave shapes. Blues Scale shapes across the neck
Augmented and Diminished chords, theory and usage
Chord voicings, inversions and usage based on style and ensemble
Simple alternate tunings and usage
Deeper understanding of tone and articulation – steps to creating a personal ‘voice’ on the instrument
Rhythm Studies – odd-meters, syncopation, techniques and approaches across different genres
Basic understanding of composition – working with melodies and chord progressions
Functional understanding of acoustics, recording equipment and recording process/technique

EAR TRAINING

Sing the scales and modes learned with only root as reference
Ability to sing chord tones for major, minor, 7th, add9, 9th chords
Ability to pick up more sophisticated melodies, solos and chords / songs by ear
Ability to identify 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th intervals by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking: 1/8 notes at 150 – 170 bpm; 1/16 notes at 100 – 120 bpm
Comprehensive grasp of various techniques – large bends, tapping, vibrato, tremolo/whammy usage, artifical harmonics, trills, legato, sweep picking, etc
For Acoustic Guitar – finger-picking independence (ability to play bass lines along with melody/chords etc)

SIGHT READING

Book Examples – Mel Bay Guitar Method Grade 1; RSL Grade 3 – 4 pieces
Ability to read chord and rhythm charts fluently for accompaniment

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 30 songs from different styles/genres
Ability to play at least 15 – 20 guitar solos with fluent technique
Ability to play RSL Grade 5, Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 6 pieces fluently and well

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Several Taaqademy Recitals, Taaqademy Live performance, participation in 3 – 4 Taaqademy ‘Jam-Bands’

IMPROVISATION

Ability to use pre-rehearsed licks and phrases as well as create spontaneous melodic lines to improvise over Blues, diatonic pop and simple non-diatonic chord progressions

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards Grade 5 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 6 (depending on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1-2 hrs/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 12 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14+ mths

ADVANCED A-1

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to the Harmonic & Melodic Minor, Whole-Tone, Dim, and other exotic scales
Understanding Chord Voicings in context to the musical style/ensemble, and the ability to spontaneously use voicings
A basic understanding of Jazz Harmony & relevant resolutions, as well as chord substitutions
Exploration of advanced rhythm studies including groove, pocket, playing ‘ahead’/’behind’ the beat, odd meters, syncopations & polyrhythms
Developing the appropriate use of scales/modes to play from while improvising
Developing the student’s ‘unique voice’
Introduction to composition: putting together melodies & chord progressions, and working with other instrumentals to create ensembles
Developing a good understanding of the music recording process, with an introduction to Mixing

EAR TRAINING

Ability to identify all the intervals within an octave by ear
Ability to pick up harmonically & rhythmically sophisticated music by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking: 1/16 notes at 160 bpm
Comprehensive Guitar Technique including – bends, double-stops, sweep picking, two-hand multi-finger tapping, whammy, ‘harp harmonics’
Acoustic Guitar Technique – a demonstration of good finger-picking independence & hybrid picking

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading pieces from RSL Grade 5

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 40 songs in a variety of styles, with an in-depth understanding of genre-specific technique
Ability to play RSL Grade 6 pieces fluently and well
Ability to transcribe 15-20 guitar solos with accuracy

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fluently with Blues, Diatonic and moderately complex non-diatonic and jazz chord progressions, in a variety of styles and feel
Ability to ‘jam’ with other musicians, picking up chords and melodies quickly; while also being able to accompany and provide solid rhythmic foundation to a singer, for example

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards Grade 6/7 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 7 (depending on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1-2 hrs/day	8 – 10 mths (32 – 40 classes)
4 hrs/week	10 – 13 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14+ mths

ADVANCED A-2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to the Modes of the Harmonic/Melodic Minor scales, & other exotic scales; and the usage of phrasing, improvisation, and building melodic lines
An understanding of Jazz Harmony & relevant resolutions, chord substitutions, and altered harmony
Developing in-depth knowledge of scales/modes and their uses
Deep knowledge of tone – both acoustic and electric – and all the components of producing great tone for a variety of styles and musical situations.
The ability to produce a recording – either as a solo or an ensemble
Developing the tools and techniques in composition, to write in different genres, and the development of a compositional style

EAR TRAINING

Ability to identify complex chords, inversions & voicings with accuracy
Ability to work in solo/duo/trio and ensemble formats, with the flexibility to accompany, lead, solo, comp, etc., with fluency, sensitivity and dynamics

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Alternate picking: 1/16 notes at 180 & 200 bpm; flexibility to work with various finger combinations at varying tempos, rhythmic subdivisions, swing, etc
Comprehensive grasp of techniques on both acoustic and electric guitar

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading pieces from RSL Grade 6

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 50 songs in a variety of styles, with an in-depth understanding of genre-specific technique
Ability to play RSL Grade 7/8 pieces fluently and well
Ability to transcribe at least 30 guitar solos with accuracy

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fluently through simple and complex changes in a variety of musical styles – from pop and rock to blues and jazz and beyond, with the right sensitivity, dynamics and ‘feel’
Ability to build coherent, spontaneous solos and harmony/revoicing while playing with ensembles

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Awards Grade 7/8 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 8 (depending on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1-2 hrs/day	10 – 12 mths (40 – 48 classes)
4 hrs/week	14 – 17 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	18+ mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music.

Ear Training: Learn to pick up melodies & harmonies by ear. Develop the functional knowledge to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Muscular Training: Develop the strength and co-ordination to play, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn staff notation and TAB; go in-depth into scale/chord study (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your instrument – from posture and fingering to specific articulations, from tone and dynamics to amps, FX, and beyond.

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

DEBUT D-1 (4-7 yrs)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Familiarity with the instrument
Basic playing posture, hand positions, finger assignments

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch; ability to recognize octaves
Ability to sing at least 3 distinct notes within an octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play the white keys with the correct wrist position
Simple finger exercises using a metronome, between 60-70 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation
Reading the notes on the staff: C-E on the Treble clef & G-B on the Bass clef

SONG LEARNING

Nursery-rhythm type melodies & melodic fragments, while keeping time

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-1 (6-12 yrs)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names – naturals & accidentals
Basic playing posture, hand positions, finger assignments, etc

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch; ability to identify octaves
Ability to sing at least 3 – 4 distinct notes within an octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play chromatic 3-finger exercises, simultaneously with both hands, using quarter notes at 60-80 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation from John Thompson’s Easy Piano Book
Reading notes on both Treble and Bass Clefs

SONG LEARNING

Pieces from John Thompson’s Easy Piano Book
2 – 3 simple melodies using just the right hand

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-1 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names – naturals & accidentals
Basic playing posture, hand positions, finger assignments

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch, ability to identify octave intervals
Ability to sing at least 5 distinct notes within an octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play chromatic 3-finger exercises, simultaneously with both hands, using quarter notes at 60-90 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation from John Thompson’s Easy Piano Book
Ability to read notes on Treble and Bass Clefs, basic knowledge of note and rest values and time signatures

SONG LEARNING

Pieces from John Thompson’s Easy Piano Book
Pieces from the RSL Debut book
4 – 5 simple melodies with just right hand

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Debut for Piano/Keys (based on ability/practice)
Trinity (Classical) Debut
Trinity (Rock & Pop) Debut

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-2 (6-12 yrs)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding of scales; ability to play the Major, Minor and Pentatonic scales in at least 3 Keys, with each scale played using both hands simultaneously
Understanding of harmony, ability to play basic Major & Minor chords; ability to ‘work out’ chords in unfamiliar keys

EAR TRAINING

Singing the Major & Minor scale in 1 – 2 comfortable keys, ideally with only root note as reference
Ability to learn and play simple melodies by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Practice of scales & arpeggios using quarter notes between 70-90 bpm, in staccato & legato
Chord changes at 70-90 bpm

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading exercises from the Easy Piano Book – Part 2

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 pieces from John Thompson’s Easy Piano Book
2 – 3 contemporary/pop songs with chords

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation in 1 Taaqademy Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Grade 1
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 1
Trinity Classical Grade 1

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	4 mths (16 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 – 7 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	7 mths

BEGINNER B-2 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding of scales; ability to play the Major, Minor and Pentatonic scales in at least 4 Keys, with each scale played using both hands simultaneously
Understanding of harmony, ability to play basic Major & Minor chords; ability to ‘work out’ chords in unfamiliar keys

EAR TRAINING

Singing the Major, Minor and Pentatonic scale from memory, with only the root note as reference
Ability to learn and play simple melodies & identify major/minor chords by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Practice of scales & arpeggios using quarter notes between 70-100 bpm and eighth notes between 50-70 bpm, both in staccato & legato
Chord changes between 80-100 bpm

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading exercises from the Easy Piano Book – Part 2
Sight-reading exercises from RSL/Trinity R&P Grade 1

SONG LEARNING

A minimum of 5 pieces from John Thompson’s Easy Piano Book
A minimum of 1 song from RSL/Trinity R&P Grade 1
3 – 4 Contemporary/pop songs with chords and simple melodies

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation in 1 Taaqademy Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards/Trinity R&P Grade 1 (based on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	4 mths (16 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 – 7 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	7 mths

INTERMEDIATE I-1 (6-12 yrs)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play Major, Minor and Pentatonic scales, using both hands simultaneously, over 2 octaves, in 5 or more keys
Knowledge of and ability to play Major, Minor, 7th, Sus & Add9 chords
Understanding of the ‘Harmonized Major Scale; ability to Harmonize Major scales using 3rds
Conceptual understanding of dynamics

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major, Minor & Pentatonic scales with only root as reference
Ability to learn and play melodies & simple pop songs by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Practice of scales & arpeggios using quarter notes between 90-110 bpm and eighth notes between 90-100 bpm, both in staccato & legato

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading RSL & Trinity Debut/Grade 1 pieces

SONG LEARNING

RSL Grade 1 pieces
At least 10 contemporary pop songs mainly for accompaniment

LIVE PERFORMANCE

1 Taaqademy Recital & 1 Taaqademy Live performance
Participation in 2 Taaqademy Jam Bands

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards Grade 1/2
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 2
Trinity Classical Grade 1/2

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	6 mths (24 classes)
2 hrs/week	7 – 8 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10 mths

INTERMEDIATE I-1 (TEEN – ADULT)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play the Major, Minor and Pentatonic scales, using both hands simultaneously, over 2-3 octaves, in at least 5 Keys
Ability to play Major, Minor, 7th, Sus, Add 9 & 9th chords, with a basic understanding of inversions
Understanding of Intervals, Diatonic Harmony, and the Harmonized Major Scale; ability to harmonize any major scale using 3rds.
Conceptual understanding of cadence & resolution
Understanding tone-setting (specific to the keyboard)
Basic knowledge of rhythm standards across at least 3 genres
Understanding dynamics and usage

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major, Minor & Pentatonic scales with or without root as reference; ability to sing Major/Minor chord tones
Ability to learn play melodies & pop songs by ear, even those with nondiatonic chord progressions
Ability to play simple solos by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Practice of scales & arpeggios using quarter notes between 100-120 bpm, eighth notes between 80-100 bpm, and sixteenth notes between 60-80 bpm, both in staccato & legato

SIGHT READING

Sight reading RSL & Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 1 pieces

SONG LEARNING

RSL or Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 1/2 pieces
At least 15 contemporary/pop songs, either only accompaniment or chords & melody

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Taaqademy Recitals & Live performances
Participation in 2 Taaqademy Jam Bands

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards Grade 2
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 3
Trinity Classical Grade 2

IMPROVISATION

Ability to use Pentatonic & Major/Minor scales to build simple phrases that can be used to play spontaneously over static harmony

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	6 mths (24 classes)
2 hrs/week	7 – 8 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10+ mths

INTERMEDIATE 2 (TEEN – ADULT)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to the modes of a Major scale, and the ability to play 3 Major scale modes
Constructing chords from intervals
Basic understanding of 9, 11 & 13 chords
Ability to transpose a song to different keys
Understanding chord voicings
Rhythm studies: Rhythm standards used in various genres
Introduction to odd meters & syncopation
Introduction to composition, and the ability to create melodies over a simple chord progression

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major, Minor & Pentatonic scales from memory, and 3 Major scale modes
Ability to easily recall more complex melodies, chords & songs by ear
Ability to identify 3rd, 5th and 7th intervals by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Practice of scales using quarter notes at 170 bpm, eighth notes at 150 bpm, and sixteenth notes at 130 bpm, both in staccato & legato
Improving the finger-stretch, by arpeggiating notes over large chord voicings

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading RSL Grade 2/3 pieces
Sight-reading Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 3/4 pieces
Sight-reading Trinity Classical Grade 2/3 pieces

SONG LEARNING

At least 20 contemporary/pop songs, both for accompaniment and solo chords & melody
RSL Grade 3-4 pieces; Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 3-4 pieces, Trinity Classical Grade 3 pieces
A minimum of 10 solos with the demonstration of technique/stylistic awareness

LIVE PERFORMANCE

3 Taaqademy Live performances
Participation in 3 Taaqademy Jam Bands

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards Grade 3/4
Trinity Rock &Pop Grade 4-5
Trinity Classical Grade 3/4

IMPROVISATION

Knowledge of approaches to improvisation – shape, landing notes, repetition, etc
Study of improvisation across 2 – 3 different styles/genres
Ability to use Scales known to spontaneously play over simple Blues, Diatonic or simple non-Diatonic chord progressions
Practice of simple phrases that can be used to play spontaneously over simple Blues, diatonic & simple non-diatonic chord progressions

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	7 – 10 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	12+ mths

INTERMEDIATE 3 (TEEN – ADULT)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play all the modes of the Major scale
Understanding of modes of Harmonic Minor & Melodic Minor Scales
Ability to play Aug & Dim chords, and use chord voicings and inversions based on style
Rhythm studies: use of odd meters, syncopation, techniques, and approaches across different genres
Introduction to composition: creating melodies and chord progressions

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major, Minor, Pentatonic scales and Major Scale Modes with or without root as reference
Ability to identify the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th intervals by ear
Ability to learn and play more complex songs & solos by ear; ability to quickly ‘jam’ with an ensemble

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Practice of scales using quarter notes at 190 bpm, eighth notes at 170 bpm, and sixteenth notes at 150 bpm, both in staccato & legato
Ability to play arpeggios between 100-120 bpm

SIGHT READING

Sight reading RSL Grade 4 pieces
Sight reading Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 5 pieces
Sight reading Trinity Classical Grade 4 pieces

SONG LEARNING

Familiarity and ability to perform at least 25 – 30 songs across a variety of contemporary music and classical (if that is the focus)
RSL Grade 4 pieces, Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 5 pieces, Trinity Classical Grade 4 pieces
Demonstration of technique/stylistic awareness

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards Grade 4/5
Trinity Rock &Pop Grade 5/6
Trinity Classical Grade 4/5

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fluently over Blues, diatonic & simple non-diatonic chord progressions

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	8 – 10 mths (32 – 40 classes)
2 hrs/week	10 – 13 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	Oh well, who knows!

ADVANCED 1

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

EAR TRAINING

Ability to identify all the intervals within an octave by ear
Ability to sing most scales in common usage by ear; ability to work out new scales given only the step-patterns/scale degrees
Ability to pick up harmonically & rhythmically sophisticated music by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play all scales using semi-quavers at 160 bpm, and all arpeggios at 130, both in legato & staccato, and played with both hands simultaneously

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading pieces from RSL Grade 5/Trinity Grade 6 fluently

SONG LEARNING

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards Grade 6/7 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 7 (depending on ability/practice)

IMPROVISATION

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	8 – 10 mths (32 – 40 classes)
2 hrs/week	10 – 13 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14+ mths

ADVANCED 2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to the Modes of the Harmonic/Melodic Minor scales, & other exotic scales; and the usage of phrasing, improvisation, and building melodic lines
An understanding of Jazz Harmony & relevant resolutions, chord substitutions, and altered harmony
Developing in-depth knowledge of scales/modes and their uses
The ability to produce a recording – either as a solo or an ensemble
Developing the tools and techniques in composition to write in different genres, and the development of a compositional style

EAR TRAINING

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play all scales using semi-quavers at 180-200 bpm, and all arpeggios at 150-160, both in legato & staccato, and played with both hands simultaneous

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading pieces from RSL Grade 6/7, Trinity Grade 7/8

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 50 songs in a variety of styles, with an in-depth understanding of genre-specific technique

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

MUSIC EXAMINATION OPTIONS

RSL Awards Grade 7/8 (depending on ability/practice)
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 8 (depending on ability/practice)

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fluently through simple and complex changes in a vareity of musical styles – from pop and rock to blues and jazz and beyond, with the right sensitivity, dynamics and ‘feel’.
Ability to build coherent, spontaneous solos and harmony/revoicing while playing with ensembles

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	10 – 12 mths (40 – 48 classes)
4 hrs/week	14 – 17 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	18+ mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music.

Ear Training: Learn to pick up melodies & harmonies by ear. Develop the functional knowledge to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Vocal Training: Develop the right breathing, vocal support, tone, projection and diction to perform, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn staff notation and sight-singing; go in-depth into scale/chord study (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your voice – from posture and breathing to understanding resonance, from working on ‘head’ and ‘mix voice’ and ‘passaggio’ to cracking ‘melisma’; using mics and FX and much more!

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

BEGINNER 1

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names, and the ability to map the notes on a keyboard
Knowledge of whole, half, quarter and eighth notes
Introduction to Vocal Registers: Chest voice & Head voice

EAR TRAINING

Recall of single notes and simple melodies
Ability to recognize the Major scale, when played using an instrument
Ability to identify and sing the intervals of Perfect 5th, Major 2nd and Major 3rd

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

The practice of good singing posture and breathing
The practice of articulation, and emphasis on vowel-phonetics
Ability to hold the note beyond the usual capacity, practiced with a metronome at 75 bpm
Ability to sing the Major scale and Major scale arpeggios

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation – staves and the Treble & Bass clefs
Ability to sight-read a 4-bar melody in the key of C major, with a range up to the 3rd

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 4 songs in the original or comfortable keys

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS
RSL Debut/Grade 1
Trinity Rock & Pop Debut/Grade 1

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER 2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Knowledge of tones & semitones
Understanding the difference between the Major & Minor scales
Introduction to the 4/4 time signature; as well as whole, half and quarter rests
Understanding Legato and Staccato
Functional knowledge of the Keyboard/Piano – its History, Parts & Working

EAR TRAINING

Ability to recognize the Major & Minor scales, when played on an instrument
Ability to identify and sing the intervals of Perfect 5th, Major 3rd, minor 3rd
Ability to pitch the highest note of a given chord (major or minor triad), when played on an instrument

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

Ability to sing the Minor scale, and Minor scale arpeggios
The practice of keeping consistency in tone
Demonstration of basic control of Chest & Head voices
Demonstration of good breath control
The practice of exercises in diction and dynamic variations
The ability to improvise a simple tune over a chord sequence in the key of C/Am, with a metronome at 80-90 bpm

SIGHT READING

Ability to sight-read an 8-bar melody in a major key, ranging up to the 5th
Ability to sight-read a 4-bar melody in a minor key, up to the 3rd
Sight-reading pieces from John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course
Sight-reading simple rhythm patterns with the optional rests

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 6 songs in their original keys

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 2 Recitals

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS
RSL Grade 1/2
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 1/2

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

INTERMEDIATE 1

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding key signatures, with the examples of G & F
Understanding the 4/4 time signature, repeat marks, and whole, half, quarter & eighth rest values
Understanding whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet-eighth, and sixteenth note values
Knowledge of crescendo & diminuendo
Functional knowledge of the Guitar (Acoustic & Electric) – its History, Parts & Working

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major & Minor scales from memory, with the root note played for reference
Ability to identify and sing most intervals in the Major Scale – 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Ability to pitch any two notes of a given chord (major or minor triad), when played on an instrument
The practice of rhythmic recall, with patterns using whole, half, quarter and eighth notes & rests

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

Ability to sing the Major & Minor scales, and Major & Minor scale arpeggios
The ability to sing the intervals up to the 5th, for a given root note
The ability to demonstrate good rhythm sense when using rests (whole, half, quarter & eighth rests)
The practice of vocal transition from Chest voice to Head voice
Demonstration of good posture & breathing
The ability to identify and incorporate quick dynamic changes
The ability to improvise a simple tune over a chord sequence, e.g. in the key of G/Em, with a metronome at 80-90 bpm
Demonstration of the use of a dynamic microphone

SIGHT READING

Ability to sight-read a 4-8 bar melody in easy Major/minor keys, ranging up to the 5th interval, and including rests
Sight-reading pieces from John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course
Sight-reading simple rhythm patterns with rests

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 10-12 songs in their original keys
Ability to match transposed keys when singing
Demonstration of vocal ad-libbing for 2-4 bars, and reworking 4 bars of the melody for a given song

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Recital, 1 Live performance & 2 Jam Bands

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Grade 2/3
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 2/3

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	4 – 5 mths (16 – 20 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 – 6 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	8 – 10 mths

INTERMEDIATE 2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to the Major Pentatonic scale & its construction
Ability to identify all key signatures containing sharps
Introduction to odd time signatures – 3/4, 5/4 & 7/4
Understanding dotted notes, ties, and note value combinations
Knowledge of Tempo markings (Adante, Allegro, Moderato, and Presto), and Dynamic markings (Mezzo Forte to Pianissimo)
Conceptual knowledge of vocal harmony Introduction to Modal & Mixed Voices

EAR TRAINING

Ability to differentiate between the Major, Minor & Major Pentatonic scales
Ability to identify and sing all intervals.
Ability to pitch the highest and lowest notes of a chord (major or minor triad), when played on an instrument

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

Ability to sing the Major Pentatonic scale from memory, with the root note played for reference
Ability to sing the arpeggio pattern of A major ascending with E7 descending
The ability to sing the Major & Perfect intervals up to the 8th, for a fixed or movable root
Ability to sing the major thirds over a melody, in vocal harmony The practice of transitioning between the Chest voice & Head voice, and the Mixed voice & Modal voice
Demonstration of vibratos, breathy tone, slides, and trill downs
Demonstration of good use of phrasing & breath control
The ability to improvise a simple tune over a chord sequence over 8 bars, e.g. in the key of D/Bb/Dm/Am, with a metronome at 80-90 bpm
Demonstration of the use of a dynamic microphone

SIGHT READING

Ability to sight-read an 8-bar melody in any major or minor key, ranging up to an octave, and including dots & ties, as well as the lyrics
Ability to sight-read simple rhythmic patterns with rests, dots & ties

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 15-20 songs in their original keys
Ability to match transposed keys when singing
Demonstration of vocal ad-libbing for 4-8 bars, and reworking 4-8 bars of the melody for a given song

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise or ‘jam’ fluently over static harmony, simple I-IV-V chord progressions

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 2 Live performance & 3 Jam Bands

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Grade 3/4
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 4

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	6 mths (24 classes)
2 hrs/week	7 – 8 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10 mths

INTERMEDIATE 3

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to name the notes in a Minor Pentatonic scale, for any given root
Ability to identify all the key signatures
Introduction to 4-note chords – Dominant 7, Major 7 & Minor 7
Ability to name the notes in an augmented triad, and identify the triad by its sound
Conceptual knowledge – an introduction to diatonic vocal harmony – 3rds & 5ths
Introduction to Modal/Mixed Voices, Vocal Fry, Falsetto & the Whistle Register

EAR TRAINING

Ability to differentiate between the Major & Minor Pentatonic scales
Ability to pitch the notes of, and identify the arpeggios (and chords) by ear- Augmented triad, Maj7 & Min7
Ability to identify and sing all intervals
Ability to pitch/sing the chord tones of Major, minor, and 7th chords

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

Ability to sing the Minor Pentatonic scale & the Minor scale arpeggios
The practice of backing vocals, melismas, and scoops
Ability to harmonize a diatonic third, over a melody
Demonstration of vibratos and articulation as stylistic details
The ability to improvise a simple tune over a chord sequence of 8 bars, e.g. in the keys of D/Bb/Em/Dm, with a metronome at 90-100 bpm
In-depth knowledge of the usage of dynamic microphones and monitoring on stage. Functional understanding of condenser microphones and usage

SIGHT READING

Ability to sight-read an 8-bar melody in any major or minor key, ranging up to the octave, and including dots & ties, as well as the lyrics
Ability to sight-read simple rhythmic patterns along with the lyrics

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 20-30 songs in their original keys
Ability to match transposed keys when singing
Demonstration of vocal ad-libbing for 4-8 bars, and reworking 4-8 bars of the melody for a given song

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise or ‘jam’ fluently over static harmony, simple I-IV-V, and Blues chord progressions, with specific stylistic touches as required
Ability to ‘interpret’ songs learned, to try and create a more ‘personalized’ version – steps to building ‘your own voice’

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

RSL Grade 4/5
Trinity Rock & Pop Grade 5

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	6 mths (24 classes)
2 hrs/week	7 – 8 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10 mths

ADVANCED 1

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to Blues Music: Scale & Form
Ability to name the notes of the Harmonic & Melodic Minor scales, for any given root note
Introduction to 7th chords: Dom7, Dim7 & HalfDim7
Understanding the musical styles of Pop & Musical Theater, Soul & R’n’B, Jazz & Blues, and Rock & Indie

EAR TRAINING

Ability to identify and sing the intervals of M7, m7, M6, m6, tritone & m2
Ability to pitch all the notes in a given chord (triads & 7th chords), when played on an instrument
Ability to identify and pitch the notes of the chords: Dim7, Dom7, HalfDim7

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

The ability to sing the Blues scale at 100 bpm, and the C maj w/ C dim arpeggio at 100 bpm
The ability to sing the Harmonic & Melodic Minor scales at 100 bpm
The ability to perform exercises associated with the stylistic studies of Pop & Musical Theater, Soul and R’n’B, Jazz & Blues, and Rock & Indie
The practice of vocal resonance & articulation
The ability to harmonize a diatonic third or fourth, over a given melody
The ability to improvise a simple tune over a 12 Bar Blues & Diatonic 7th chord sequence
Demonstration of the use of a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading a 12 bar melody, featuring the intervals of m7 & M7, ranging over 2 octaves, and including rests, dots & ties
SONG LEARNING

Ability to perform songs using a style-based approach
Inclusion of vocal ad-libbing over 8-12 bars, and the reworking of melody lines over 8 bars

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fluently with Blues, Diatonic and moderately complex non-diatonic and jazz chord progressions, in a variety of styles and feel

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 6/7
Trinity Grade 7 (based on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	8 – 10 mths (32 – 40 classes)
4 hrs/week	10 – 12 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14 + mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music

ADVANCED 2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction to the Chromatic scale
Study of the Harmonic & Melodic Minor scales
Understanding the musical styles of Pop & Musical Theater, Soul & R’n’B, Jazz & Blues, and Rock & Indie

EAR TRAINING

Ability to identify and sing the intervals of a M7, m7, M6, m6 & m2
Ability to pitch all the notes in a given chord (triads & 7th chords), when played on an instrument
Ability to identify and pitch the notes of the chords: Aug, Sus2, Sus4, Dim7, Dom7, HalfDim7 & minmaj7

TECHNICAL EXERCISES

The ability to sing the Chromatic scale over 2 octaves, at 100 bpm
The ability to sing the Harmonic & Melodic Minor scales, and the Cdim7 arpeggio at 100 bpm
The ability to perform exercises associated with the stylistic studies of Pop & Musical Theater, Soul and R’n’B, Jazz & Blues, and Rock & Indie
The practice of mixed/modal voices, melismas, vocal resonance & articulation
The ability to harmonize a diatonic third or fourth, over a given melody The ability to improvise a simple tune over Harmonic Minor & Diatonic 7th chord sequences
Demonstration of the use of a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone

SIGHT READING

Sight-reading a 12 bar melody, featuring the intervals of m7 & M7, P5, m3 & M3, ranging over 2 octaves, and including rests, dots & ties

SONG LEARNING

Ability to perform songs using a style-based approach
Inclusion of vocal ad-libbing over 12-16 bars, and the reworking of melody lines over 8 bars

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fluently with Blues, Diatonic and moderately complex non-diatonic and jazz chord progressions, in a variety of styles and feel

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Regular performances at school/college/semi-pro/Taaqademy events

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 7/8
Trinity Grade 8 (based on ability/practice)

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	10 – 12 mths (40 – 48 classes)
4 hrs/week	14 – 15 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	18 + mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music

Ear Training: Learn to pick up grooves, beats and patterns by ear. Develop functional knowledge of melody and harmony as well, to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Muscular Training: Develop the strength, co-ordination and limb independence to play, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn drum notation; go in-depth into rhythm study (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your instrument – from posture, grip and stroke to specific articulations, from tone and dynamics to mics, recording and beyond.

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

DEBUT 1

GRIP & STROKE

Demonstration of the basic matched grip
Demonstration of the basic rebound stroke

FOOT TECHNIQUE

Ability to demonstrate the heel up technique

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play single strokes at 60, 80 & 100 bpm
Ability to play double strokes at 60, 80 & 100 bpm
Ability to play single paradiddles at 60, 80 & 100 bpm

DRUM KIT SETUP

Setting up the hi hat, throne, snare & kick pedal

RHYTHM NOTATION

Basics of notation: positions on the staff & their representations
Knowledge of quarter & eighth notes, and the ability to sight-read combination snare exercises

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play basic quarter note beats
Ability to play eighth note beats at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play-along track

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

DEBUT 2

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play single strokes at 100 & 120 bpm
Ability to play double strokes at 100 & 120 bpm
Ability to play single paradiddles at 100 & 120 bpm

DRUM KIT SETUP

Setting up the full drum kit

RHYTHM NOTATION

Knowledge of the rests corresponding to the different note values
Understanding semiquavers (sixteenth notes)
Sight-reading combination snare exercises using quarters, eighths & sixteenths

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play eighth-note Rest beats at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play along track
Ability to play eighth-note Hi-hat Gliss beats at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play-along track
Ability to play a 1-bar Rock fill

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Debut

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER 1

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play single strokes at 100 & 120 bpm
Ability to play double strokes at 100 & 120 bpm
Ability to play single paradiddles at 100 & 120 bpm Ability to play flams at 60 bpm

RHYTHM NOTATION

Sight-reading four-bar phrases with quarters, eighths & sixteenths, played on the snare drum using single and double strokes
Knowledge of, and sight-reading basic triplets

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play the Rock Shuffle beat at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play-along track
Ability to play 12/8 Blues beats at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play-along track

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 1

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER 2

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play flams at 60 & 80 bpm
Ability to play drags at 60 & 80 bpm
Ability to play four-stroke ruffs at 60 & 80 bpm

RHYTHM NOTATION

Knowledge of sixteenth-note beats & rests

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play Busier Rock beats A-C at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play-along track
Ability to play Complex Rock beats A-C at 60, 80 & 100 bpm, with a play along track
Ability to play Busier Rock fills & Complex Rock fills
Ability to play basic Tom Tom beats

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 2

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Jam Class & 1 Recital, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 2 for Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	4 – 5 mths (16 – 20 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 – 6 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	7 – 8 mths

INTERMEDIATE 1

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play the five-stroke roll
Ability to play the seven-stroke roll
Ability to play the nine-stroke roll

RHYTHM NOTATION

Counting the two variations of sixteenth notes (1e&, 1&a)
Sight-reading snare drum exercises and fills, using the two sixteenth-note variations

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play the Intermediate Rock Drum Beat Matrix
Ability to play the Basic Samba Ostinato Pattern, with the emphasis on foot technique
Ability to play Intermediate Tom Tom beats

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 3

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Taaqademy Live, either as a solo or band performance, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 3 in Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	4 – 6 mths (16 – 24 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 – 7 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10 mths

INTERMEDIATE 2

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play Flam Taps at 60 & 80 bpm
Ability to play Flam Accents at 60 & 80 bpm
Ability to play Flamacues at 60 & 80 bpm
Ability to play Flam Paradiddles, Double Paradiddles & Paradiddle-diddles

RHYTHM NOTATION

Counting the third variation of semiquaver (sixteenth-note) patterns in combinations of dotted quavers with semiquavers
Sight-reading snare drum exercises and fills, using combinations of dotted quavers and semiquavers

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play the Intermediate Rock Drum Beat Matrix
Ability to play the Basic Samba Ostinato Pattern, with the emphasis on foot technique
Ability to play the Clave drum beat in the styles of Son, Rumba & Bossa Nova
Ability to play Swing Rock exercises
Ability to play in the odd time signatures of 5/4 & 7/4

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 4

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fills, and come up with small variations of beats/grooves, especially when jamming with band/backing tracks

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Taaqademy Live performance, either as a solo or band performance, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 4 in Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	7 – 9 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	12 mths

INTERMEDIATE 3

RUDIMENTS

Ability to play the Drag & Stroke, Double Drag & Stroke, and the Drag Paradiddle
Ability to play Single, Double & Triple Ratamacues

RHYTHM NOTATION

Counting triplets, with the emphasis on the difference between counting triplets and counting semiquaver variations
Sight-reading snare drum exercises and fills using triplets

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play the Intermediate Rock Drum Beat Matrix
Ability to play the Basic Samba Ostinato Pattern, with the emphasis on foot technique
Ability to play the Clave drum beat in the styles of Son, Rumba & Bossa Nova
Ability to play the Cascara drum beat & Jazz Rhythms
Ability to play in the odd time signatures of 5/8, 7/8 & 9/8

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 5

IMPROVISATION

Ability to improvise fills, and come up with spontaneous variations of beats/grooves, especially when jamming with band/backing tracks
Ability to ‘interpret’ the beat/groove of a learned song, and add ‘personality’ to a performance

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Taaqademy Live performance, either as a solo or band performance, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 5 in Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30min – 1 hr/day	8 – 10 mths (32 – 40 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 11 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14 mths

ADVANCED 1

RUDIMENTS

Triple & Reverse Paradiddles

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Advanced Rock Drum Beat Matrix
Advanced Samba Pattern, with emphasis on foot technique
Jazz Comping Rhythm exercises
Advanced Tom Beats & Sextuplet Bass Drum Beats

SPECIALIZATION EXERCISES

Proper understanding and execution of Swing, Shuffle, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Metal, Latin, New Orleans, Jazz Shuffle, Jazz Waltz Rhythm Standards, etc.
Proper usage of Brushes

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 6

IMPROVISATION

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Taaqademy Live performance, either as a solo or band performance, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 6 in Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	8 – 10 mths (32 – 40 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 11 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14 mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music

ADVANCED 2

RUDIMENTS

Pata Fla Fla & the Swiss Army Triplet
Inward Paradiddle

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play Jazz Comping Rhythm exercises
Ability to play Rudiments around the kit, at an Advanced Level
Practice of 16th-Note Beats with 32nd-Note Rolls

SPECIALIZATION EXERCISES

Proper understanding and execution of Swing, Shuffle, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Metal, Latin, New Orleans, Jazz Shuffle, Jazz Waltz Rhythm Standards, etc.

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 7

IMPROVISATION

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Taaqademy Live performance, either as a solo or band performance, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 7 in Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 3 hr/day	10 – 12 mths (40 – 48 classes)
2 hrs/week	11 – 13 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	18 mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music

ADVANCED 3

RUDIMENTS

The practice of the Pata Fla Fla & the Swiss Army Triplet
Ability to play the Inward Paradiddle

DRUM KIT EXERCISES

Ability to play Broken Time exercises
Ability to play Rudiments around the kit, at an Advanced Level

SPECIALIZATION EXERCISES

The practice of Swing, Shuffle, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Metal, Latin, New Orleans, Jazz Shuffle, Jazz Waltz Rhythm Standards, etc.

SONG LEARNING

Completion of at least 3 songs from RSL Grade 8

IMPROVISATION

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Completion of 1 Taaqademy Live performance, either as a solo or band performance, to move to the next skill level

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Completion of RSL Grade 8 in Drums, to move to the next skill level

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 3 hr/day	10 – 12 mths (40 – 48 classes)
2 hrs/week	11 – 13 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	18 mths

If you reach this level, you KNOW it takes forever. And that is good. May you be a lifelong student of music

Ear Training: Learn to pick up melodies & harmonies by ear. Develop the functional knowledge to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Muscular Training: Develop the strength, co-ordination and independence to play, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn staff notation; go in-depth into scales/harmony (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your instrument – from posture and fingering to specific articulations, from tone and dynamics to recording and production.

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

BEGINNER B-1 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note-names and the ability to find notes on a keyboard
Violin-string note-names & recognizing the strings in their correct order
Ability to understand the 1st, 2nd & 3rd positions on the fretless fingerboard
The practice of basic posture (including the positioning of fingers, wrist, left hand, shoulders & feet)
Ability to play the D Major scale with the right fingering

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch
Ability to sing at least 3 distinct notes within one octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Placement of the thumb & support on the fingerboard while plucking
Bowing exercises: Balancing the bow, Frog-Tip, Tip-Frog & Straight Bows
Pizzicato: Plucking the notes with the fingers, while mostly keeping in time
Playing simple exercises between 45-60bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation – identifying the Treble Clef notes on the staff
Reading ‘notes on the strings’

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Debut/Initial violin books

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-1 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note-names, the ability to find notes on a keyboard, and a basic understanding of tuning
Violin-string note-names & recognizing the strings in their correct order
Ability to understand the 1st, 2nd & 3rd positions on the fretless fingerboard
The practice of basic posture (including the positioning of fingers, wrist, left hand, shoulders & feet)
Ability to play the D & A Major scales with the right fingering over 1 octave, and starting on open strings

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch
Ability to sing at least 5 distinct notes within one octave
Ability to recognize the interval of an octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation – identifying the Treble Clef notes on the staff
An understanding of basic time signatures
Ability to read & play simple exercises and pieces

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Debut/Initial violin books (Suzuki, Honeyman, etc.)
Ability to pick up and play simple 4/5-note melodies by ear

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Initial Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-2 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Familiarity with the parts of a violin & bow, and the ability to tune a violin
Ability to play the A, C & G major scales & arpeggios, with the right finger positions

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the major scale in a comfortable key

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Bowing exercises: up & down bows for each note within a given range
Scales & arpeggios played between 70-80 bpm

SIGHT READING

Understanding the 4/4 time signature Familiarity with crotchets & minims, and reading up/down bow markings
Ability to sight read a simple piece from Trinity Grade 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Trinity Grade 1

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Initial Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 – 4 mths (12 – 16 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 6 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-2 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Familiarity with the parts of a violin & bow, and the ability to tune a violin
Ability to play the C & G major, and D natural minor scales & arpeggios, with the right finger positions, starting from both – open strings & the third finger position

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the major & natural minor scales in a comfortable key

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Bowing exercises: up & down bows for each note within a given range
Slurring the notes of a major scale in pairs
Double stops with the open strings slurred
Scales & arpeggios played between 80-90 bpm

SIGHT READING

Understanding the 4/4 time signature
Familiarity with minims, crotchets & quavers
Up/down bow markings & reading slurs
Ability to sight read simple pieces from Trinity Grade 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Trinity Grade 1 with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing & articulation
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation in 1 Taaqademy Recital

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Grade 1 Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 mins – 1 hr/day	3 – 4 mths (12 – 16 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 7 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-1 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play the C & F major, and D & E natural minor scales & arpeggios over 1 octave, starting from the 1st finger position
Functional understanding of harmony – major and minor chords, and how they connect to scales

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing different major and minor scales with only the root as reference. Knowledge and awareness of pentatonic scales
Ability to identify octave and 5th intervals by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Bowing exercises to a rhythm, playing notes at crotchets/two quavers, with separate bows
Scales & arpeggios played between 40-50 bpm, with separate bows
Double taps on open strings

SIGHT READING

Understanding the 3/4 time signature
Familiarity with minims, crotchets & quavers
Up/down bow markings & reading slurs
Ability to sight read simple pieces from Trinity Grade 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Trinity Grade 1 with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing & articulation
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation in 1-2 Taaqademy Recitals

Participation in Taaqademy Live Events (depending on ability)

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Grade 1 Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 11 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	12+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-1 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play the C & F major, and D & E natural minor scales & arpeggios over 1 octave, starting from the 1st finger position
Functional understanding of harmony – major, minor chords and how they connect to scales

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing different major and minor scales with only root as reference
Ability to sing the major and minor pentatonic scales
Ability to identify Octave, 5th and 3rd intervals by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Bowing exercises to a rhythm, playing notes at crotchets/two quavers, with separate bows
Scales & arpeggios played between 40-50 bpm, with separate bows
Double taps on open strings

SIGHT READING

Understanding the 3/4 time signature
Familiarity with minims, crotchets & quavers
Up/down bow markings & reading slurs
Ability to sight read simple pieces from Trinity Grade 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Trinity Grade 1 with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing & articulation
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation at least 2 – 3 Taaqademy Recitals
Participation in a Taaqademy Live Event

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Grade 1 or Grade 2 Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 11 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-2

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play the Eb & F major, and A & G harmonic & melodic minor scales & arpeggios over 1 octave, starting from the 1st & 3rd finger positions
Ability to play the Dominant 7th Arpeggio in the keys of A & G

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the major & minor scales, as well as the Dominant 7th arpeggio
Ability to identify 2nd, 3rd. 4th, 5th & 6th intervals

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Bowing exercises using semiquavers, at 60 bpm
Major & minor scales & arpeggios played between 50-60 bpm
Arpeggios with 7ths at 76 bpm
Double stops over octaves, 6ths & 3rds

SIGHT READING

Understanding the 3/4 and 2/4 time signature
Familiarity with quavers, and half & quarter rests

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Trinity Grade 3 with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing & articulation
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation in 3 – 4 Taaqademy Recitals, participation in Taaqademy Live Events

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Grade 3 Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	6 – 8 mths (24 – 32 classes)
2 hrs/week	9 – 11 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	14+ mths

INTERMEDIATE I-3

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Ability to play the C, Bb & E harmonic minor scales and arpeggios over 2 octaves
Ability to play the Dominant 7th Arpeggio in C, D & Eb

EAR TRAINING

Ability to identify the tonality as either major or minor
Ability to identify a cadence as perfect or imperfect
Ability to identify m2, M2, m3, M3, P4, P5, m6 & M6 intervals

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Bowing exercises using dotted quavers at 50 bpm
Major & minor scales & arpeggios played between 70-80 bpm
Double stops played over octaves & a D major phrase

SIGHT READING

Understanding the 3/4 time signature
Familiarity with dotted crochets
Familiarity with quaver rests

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play simple exercises/pieces from Trinity Grade 4/5 with the appropriate dynamics, phrasing & articulation
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Participation in several Taaqademy Recitals and Live Events

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, Trinity/ABRSM Grade 4/5 Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
1 – 2 hr/day	10 – 12 mths (40 – 48 classes)
2 hrs/week	13 – 15 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	18+ mths

Ear Training: Learn to pick up melodies & harmonies by ear. Develop the functional knowledge to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Muscular Training: Develop the dexterity, co-ordination and ability to perform, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn staff notation and TAB; go in-depth into scale/chord study (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your instrument – from posture and fingering to finger-picking and percussive rhythms, and more.

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

BEGINNER B-1 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names and ability to find notes on a keyboard
Ukulele string note names

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch
Ability to sing at least 3 distinct notes within one octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play chromatic 2-finger exercises using quarter notes, with a metronome between 60 – 80 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation
Basics of reading ukulele tabs
Reading pieces from Ukulele Method Book 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play the easier pieces from RSL Debut

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-1 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Conceptual knowledge – pitch, duration, intensity, quality
Note names and ability to find notes on a keyboard
Ukulele string note names
Tuning the ukulele

EAR TRAINING

Knowledge of basic pitch
Ability to sing at least 5 distinct notes within one octave

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Ability to play chromatic 2- & 4- finger exercises using quarter notes, with a metronome between 60 – 90 bpm

SIGHT READING

Basics of staff notation
Basics of reading ukulele tabs
Reading pieces from Ukulele Method Book 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play at least 3 pieces from RSL Debut

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, RSL Awards Debut Grade Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	4 – 5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	6 mths

BEGINNER B-2 (6+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Tuning the ukulele
Naming the notes on the first 3 frets of all the strings
Playing the C & G Major scales
Playing C, F, G & D Major and A & D Minor chord

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major scale in a comfortable key
Ability to pick up simple melodies by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Playing the Major scales to a straight beat, with a metronome between 60 – 70 bpm
Changing between the chord shapes of a song, while keeping time

SIGHT READING

Reading examples from RSL Debut

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play chord progressions for at least 4 songs
Ability to play the melodies of at least 3 songs

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, RSL Awards Debut Grade Examination

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10+ mths

BEGINNER B-2 (13+)

MUSIC THEORY & FUNDAMENTALS

Tuning the ukulele
Naming the notes on the first 3 frets of all the strings
Playing the C & G Major scales and the C Major Pentatonic & A Minor Pentatonic scales
Playing C, F, G & D Major and A & D Minor chords
Playing C Major & A Minor arpeggios

EAR TRAINING

Ability to sing the Major & Minor scales in a comfortable key, from memory
Ability to pick up simple melodies, and major & minor chords by ear

MUSCULAR TRAINING

Playing the Major scales to a straight beat, with a metronome between 60 85 bpm
Changing between the chord shapes of a song, while keeping time
Playing the arpeggios to a straight beat, with a metronome between 60 – 85 bpm

SIGHT READING

Reading examples from RSL Grade 1

SONG LEARNING

Ability to play chord progressions for at least 8 songs
Ability to play the melodies of at least 6 songs

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Depending on ability, RSL Awards Grade 1 Examination

LIVE PERFORMANCE

1 Taaqademy Recital

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?

Practice	Mastery
30 min – 1 hr/day	3 mths (12 classes)
2 hrs/week	5 mths
Less than 1 hr/week	10+ mths

Bass

Ear Training: Learn to pick up melodies & harmonies by ear. Develop the functional knowledge to jam and work creatively with other musicians.

Muscular Training: Develop the strength and co-ordination to play, jam and improvise in different musical situations.

Theory/Reading: Learn staff notation and TAB; go in-depth into scale/chord study (and learn to apply the theory studied at every level); engage in focused / critical listening activity and more.

Technique: Learn to get the most from your instrument – from posture and fingering to specific articulations, from tone and dynamics to amps, FX, and beyond.

Song Learning/Transcription: Analyze, learn and transcribe songs from diverse artists, styles and genres.

Music Production

Acoustics: Understand the role played by spaces and acoustic environments in recording and production.

Signal Chain Fundamentals: From how microphones and amplifiers work; from analog mixing basics to digital audio workstations – get a ground-up perspective, knowledge and insight.

Music Fundamentals: Learn the essentials of melody, harmony, rhythm and groove; to produce music, it’s essential to have a sound understanding of these core attributes.

Projects: Learn by doing – hit the ground running and learn to use basic equipment to create great-sounding recordings; learn to improvise and adapt to various recording and mixing situations – and learn to put the music first.