Level 3 — Advanced 1 (Musical Expansion)

Technique

• Scales with correct fingering at developing tempos
• Hands-together coordination across wider ranges
• Broken chords and arpeggiated patterns
• Introduction to basic sustain pedal use
• Control of dynamics from soft to loud (pp–mf–ff)

Notes and playing

• Melodic phrasing with shape and direction
• Balance between melody and accompaniment
• Smooth hand shifts and position changes
• Articulation control (legato, staccato, accented notes)
• Scales (two octaves where possible; hands separately and hands together encouraged): D major, G minor (natural), F major (two octaves), E minor (harmonic), A♭ major, F♯ minor (natural)
• Seventh chords: major 7, minor 7 and dominant 7; broken chord accompaniments including Alberti bass patterns

Rhythm and coordination

• Triplets
• 6/8 time and other compound meters
• Rhythmic contrast between hands and tempo consistency with metronome

Repertoire

• Three contrasting pieces (including at least one requiring pedal use)
• One self-arranged or self-composed piece permitted
• Stylistic awareness and expressive intent assessed

Scales and functions

• Harmonic minor scales and their sound compared to major
• Scale degrees and their functional roles

Chords and harmony

• Construction of seventh chords
• Diatonic harmony in major and minor keys

Rhythm and form

• Compound meters
• Awareness of simple polyrhythms
• Binary, ternary and verse–chorus forms and phrase structure