College credit is now available with certificate programs! Enroll now before prices increase Oct. 26.
Piano & Keyboard Fundamentals 1
The piano is the perfect place to start your musical journey. This course will take you from being an absolute beginner to playing complete songs with both hands, exploring various musical styles along the way.
In this course, you will build the foundational skills needed to play some of your favorite songs. You’ll be able to play your first song within the first week, and as you progress, you’ll learn to read notes and identify efficient finger patterns. Throughout the four weeks, you will play pieces from a variety of musical styles, including classical, blues, and pop, leading up to a two-handed arrangement of Beethoven’s “An die Freude” (“Ode to Joy”).
Whether your goal is solo performance, accompaniment, ensemble playing, or simply developing new skills, this guided and hands-on course will lay the groundwork for a successful future in piano and keyboard performance.
What you will learn:
| ✔ | Recognize and apply basic music fundamentals (e.g., rhythm, intervals, expression markings) on the piano or keyboard |
| ✔ | Learn the basics of note reading |
| ✔ | Use appropriate body posture and hand positioning to play freely and avoid injury |
| ✔ | Play songs in a variety of styles, including pop, blues, and classical |
| ✔ | Create your own arrangements on piano or keyboard |
Tuition
$399
Save $100:
Lock in current rates before tuition increases on Oct. 26.
Ages
Teens: Grades 6-12
Adult Learners: 18+
 | Expert guidance Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist. |
 | Learn on your own schedule Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks. |
 | Collaborate Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes. |
 | Real growth Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days. |
- Computer or mobile device with Internet and camera. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
- Electric or acoustic keyboard/piano, minimum of 61-keys
- Sustain/damper pedal (an example can be found here)
No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).
Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.
This is one of three courses needed to complete the:
• Piano & Keyboard Fundamentals certificate program
• Musicianship Skills certificate program
After successfully completing all three courses in a certificate program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate.
Eligible students may also earn academic credit:
✔ Middle and high school students receive an official Interlochen transcript awarding 0.5 high school credit.
✔ Adults and high school students may request an official college transcript awarding 3 college credits.
High school credit is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), while college credit is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Credit may transfer to thousands of institutions nationwide.
What are students saying?
Students who enrolled in piano & keyboard courses rated their experience 4.9 out of 5.
Interlochen Online's Learning Experience
World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.
Questions? Speak with an Advisor.
Email: online@interlochen.org
Phone: 231.276.5990
You can also schedule an appointment.
Play Your Next Song with Confidence
Get access to Six Steps to Learning a New Song on Piano & Keyboard, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.
