The Preparation Program

1. The Newkeys Preparation Program is the middle module of our program set — focused mainly on piano technique, skill building and effective practice strategies to help prepare students for higher level performance, competition and AMEB examinations.

2. Ideal for students who have completed Exploration Program studies or with equivalent foundational proficiency.

3. AMEB Grade 4 –  Grade 7 exams

Program Details

• Part 1: Review & Consolidate:

  • Review and evaluate proficiency of fundamental concepts covered in Exploration Program.

  • Continual consolidation of basic technical skills through finger exercises, scales, and arpeggios.

  • Introduce new, diverse and more challenging pieces to further test technical abilities and musical expression.

  • Introduce new technical development methods to improve finger strength, agility, and control.

• Part 2: Building blocks for skill and technique:

  • Develop effective practice strategies including best practices for metronomes

  • Development of internal pulse to reinforce steady rhythm.

  • Introduction of technique for developing score memorisation skills.

  • Techniques for strengthening sight-reading skills.  

  • Deeper focus on developing expressiveness and building personal connection with music.

  • Emphasis on muscular system and best practices for injury prevention.

  • Insights into composer intentions through analysis of structure and form of studied repertoire.

• Part 3: Pathway to AMEB exams:

  • Expanding students knowledge of additional composers from different musical periods. (Difficulty level to be assessed on case-by-case basis)

  • Further study of relevant AMEB general knowledge questions.

  • Development of aural skills through listening and interval recognition.

• Part 4: Performance and competition opportunities:

  • Preparation for public performances — working on stage presence and showmanship.

  • Confidence-building and focus strategies for performance.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

• Weekly email reports delivered to student and/or parents.

• End-of-Term Reports to review students progress and assess readiness for Grade 4-7 exams.