- Review all notes learned (C4-D5)
- Practice sight-reading at absolute beginner level
- Play mixed-key songs requiring all fingerings
- Assess readiness for Early Beginner level
Introduction
Congratulations on completing the Absolute Beginner curriculum! This final lesson reviews everything you've learned and prepares you for the next level. You've come incredibly far—from your first notes B and A to playing over 2 octaves with chromatic notes!
Your Complete Note Range
Let's review ALL the notes you've mastered:
Low Register (Right Hand Engaged)
- C4 (all 8 holes including bell)
- D4 (all except pinky)
- E4 (all 7 finger holes)
- F4, F#4 (left hand + right fingers 4,5,6 or cross-finger for F#)
Middle Register (Left Hand Only)
- G4 (thumb + 3 left fingers)
- A4 (thumb + 2 left fingers)
- B4 (thumb + 1 left finger)
High Register (Thumb Half-Hole)
- C5 (thumb half-hole + 2 fingers)
- C#5 (thumb half-hole + 3 fingers)
- D5 (thumb half-hole + 1 finger)
Complete Range Exercise
Play every note you've learned, from lowest to highest!
Goal: Every note clear and in tune. No squeaks!
Review of Keys and Scales
The first scale you learned—still the foundation!
With F# and C#. Remember the key signature!
Song Medley Review
Play through your repertoire! Try to play each song from memory.
Sight-Reading Introduction
Sight-reading means playing music you've never seen before. This is an essential skill!
Sight-reading strategy:
- Look at the key signature—what sharps or flats?
- Check the time signature—how many beats per measure?
- Scan for difficult passages—any tricky fingerings or rhythms?
- Set a slow, steady tempo
- Keep going even if you make mistakes!
Try to play this simple melody without practicing it first!
How did you do? Don't worry about perfection—sight-reading improves with practice!
Another sight-reading challenge! Remember: F# and C#!
Mixed-Key Challenge
This melody changes keys! Start in C major, then move to D major.
(C major section)
(D major section - notice F# appears!)
Self-Assessment Checklist
Before moving to Early Beginner level, you should be able to:
- ✓ Play all notes from C4 to D5 clearly and consistently
- ✓ Execute the thumb half-hole technique for high C, C#, and D
- ✓ Cover all 7 holes properly for low E (and add bell for low C)
- ✓ Play F# with correct cross-fingering
- ✓ Perform C major and D major scales from memory
- ✓ Play at least 5 songs from memory
- ✓ Read simple melodies at sight (even if slowly)
- ✓ Understand sharps and key signatures
- ✓ Tongue notes clearly with "too" syllable
- ✓ Control breath for both high and low notes
What's Next?
In Early Beginner level (Lessons 11-20), you'll:
- Learn F natural and Bb (completing chromatic range)
- Master articulation (staccato, legato)
- Explore different time signatures (3/4, 6/8)
- Develop dynamic expression
- Play simple duets
- Extend high range (E5, F5)
- Build sight-reading skills
Final Practice Routine (30 minutes)
- Full chromatic range (Exercise 1) - 5 minutes
- Both scales (C major and D major) - 5 minutes
- Song medley review - 10 minutes
- Sight-reading practice - 5 minutes
- Your favorite song from the level - 5 minutes