Checkpoint: Playing in C, F, and G

By 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.

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.

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.

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.