Foundations: A Keyboard Musicianship Enrichment Program by Paul Sheftel and Phyllis Lehrer

Foundations derives from a larger project entitled Personal Trainer, a keyboard program offering musical workouts and enrichment activities for piano students of many ages and skill levels.

We felt that extracting the keyboard theory sections, Foundations, from Personal Trainer might serve the needs of certain players primarily interested in reinforcing their understanding of basic theory and, above all, in strengthening their knowledge of the piano keyboard. The keyboard can serve as an excellent map for helping to understand basic elements of theory. The term “keyboard geography” is often used in this regard. Relating keyboard patterns to theory is fundamental to relating the cognitive to the kinesthetic—the mind to the body.

Materials are presented sequentially. “Fitness Challenges” provide the player with carefully constructed drills that can serve the purpose of developing and increasing skills as well as for evaluating progress. Each challenge has a MIDI accompaniment specifically designed for that activity.