Checkpoint: Playing in C, F, and G
Updated: 2026-07-11By the end of this lesson, you will be able to perform a mini-recital of three complete original pieces in C, G, and F major, read all three key signatures, maintain three different meters, and assess pitch, continuity, position changes, and a clear return to each tonic.
Try now
Do not play yet. Read the three signatures in recital order: C has no sharps or flats, G has F♯, and F has B♭. Tap one lead-in measure for 4/4 and one for 3/4, then say “ONE-la-li TWO-la-li” for 6/8.
Prepare three maps before performing
This mini-recital tests deliberate changes of key. Before each piece, say the key, the accidental in its key signature, and the ending tonic. For C, expect white keys throughout this pitch collection. For G, locate F♯ before starting. For F, locate B♭ and remember that its one-octave right-hand scale uses a distinct fingering, although these pieces do not have to copy scale fingering.
As a map check, play each one-octave scale slowly with separate hands: C/G right hand 1–2–3–1–2–3–4–5; F right hand 1–2–3–4–1–2–3–4; all three left hands 5–4–3–2–1–3–2–1. These are standard one-octave pedagogical fingerings for this course, not the only choices for every musical phrase.
Three meters create three characters
Morning Light is in 4/4, using quarter and half notes across four steady beats. Three Steps Outside is in 3/4, with a clear first beat and a route through F♯. Shallow Water is in 6/8, with two large beats divided into three and B♭ supplied by the key signature. Do not turn its six eighth-note subdivisions into 3/4.
Contrast does not require pushing one piece too fast. Select a controllable tempo for each, count one lead-in measure, and begin. Between pieces, pause for about five seconds, release your hands, read the next key signature, and establish the new count. That reset is part of the performance process.
Performance mode and repair mode
In performance mode, continue through a small pitch error and finish all eight measures. In repair mode, record the measure number, isolate one measure before and after the error, and check its accidental or position change. Do not mix the modes by restarting during the recital.
Each piece has two four-measure systems. Connect them as one complete piece. The long final note is where you listen for tonic; it is not permission to release the beat early. Count its entire duration before lifting the key.
Exercise
Mini-piece 1: “Morning Light,” C major, 4/4
Play the C piece with an even sound and make the second phrase slightly lighter than the first. Prepare B3 before leaving D4 in measure 7. Choose fingering from the route, but do not let searching for B3 delay the beat. Sustain the final C4 for the complete measure.
Mini-piece 2: “Three Steps Outside,” G major, 3/4
Maintain a strong–light–light shape without losing beats 2 and 3. Look ahead to both F♯ notes: F♯5 in measure 3 and F♯4 in measure 6. The key signature gives them the same spelling even though they occupy different octaves.
Mini-piece 3: “Shallow Water,” F major, 6/8
Count “ONE-la-li TWO-la-li” while keeping six even eighth-note subdivisions. A quarter note occupies two eighth notes, not one large beat. Play B♭ on the correct key without accenting it. The piece ends with two dotted quarters, each lasting one complete large beat.
Level 4 checkpoint
Perform three complete eight-measure mini-pieces in C, G, and F major, with a short reset between pieces and no restarting for small errors.
- Pitch and key signatures: C has no sharps or flats; every F in G is F♯; every B in F is B♭ unless a local accidental says otherwise (none do in these pieces).
- Meter: maintain complete 4/4 and 3/4 measures and two large beats in 6/8; do not shorten the final notes.
- Movement: look ahead to B3, both octaves of F♯, and each B♭; landing notes do not interrupt the musical flow.
- Performance: complete all three pieces, record the measure containing each error, and name one specific repair action for each piece.
Common mistakes
- Symptom: You change pieces but keep the previous counting system. Correction: Pause, read the new key signature, and count one lead-in measure in the new meter.
- Symptom: F♯ or B♭ is correct in only one octave. Correction: Remember that the key signature applies to the note name in every relevant octave.
- Symptom: A small error interrupts the recital. Correction: Finish the performance pass, then isolate the two-measure area for repair.
Practice pack
1. Prepare
Read all three key signatures, play slow separate-hand scales, and mark target notes and accidentals in each piece.
2. Core drills
Practice each system, connect each eight-measure piece, and perform in C–G–F order with a lead-in measure.
3. Variations
Change the order to F–C–G to test resetting key and meter, but do not alter any written notes.
4. Self-check
Use all four rubric categories, record specific measure numbers, and pass only when all three pieces are completed without stopping.
5. 5-minute route
Spend one minute on key signatures, three giving each piece one pass, and one recording the most important repair.
6. 15-minute route
Spend three minutes on scales and signatures, six repairing three difficult spots, four on the mini-recital, and two scoring the rubric.
Frequently asked questions
Must all three pieces use the same tempo? No. Each may have its own controlled tempo. Its internal pulse and counting system must remain stable.
Does one wrong note fail the entire checkpoint? Not automatically. Along with accuracy, the rubric values continuing, identifying the correct measure, and naming a specific repair action.
Should I record the recital or play it live? Either works. Choose one unedited pass that reveals real continuity; no special device or software is required.
Ready to move on when
- You can establish the correct key signature and tonic for C, G, and F.
- You can complete three distinct eight-measure pieces in three different meters.
- You maintain F♯, B♭, and the full duration of each final note.
- You use the rubric to cite evidence of success and one next practice target.