MUSC175 Syllabus
CLASS PIANO: Elementary I
Required Text:
Hilley, M & Olson, L.F. (2002). Piano for the developing musician (PDM VI). Belmont, CA;Wadsworth/Thomson.
Alfred.Complete of Book of Scales, Chord Progressions, and Arpeggios. Alfred Publishing, CA.
Course Goals:
- Play all major and minor 5-finger patterns with chords, by memory.
- Play all major and minor arpeggios, hands over hand, 4 octaves, by memory.
- Play major and minor primary chord progressions, all keys, in closed position and inversions.
- Create and play harmonizations and improvisations.
- Sight-read and transpose piano pieces.
- Perform selected piano repertoire pieces with music and by memory.
- Perform ensemble pieces and continue part-reading.
- Play simple tunes by ear with accompaniments.
- Audiate the resting tone, keyality, tonality, and meter of pieces and songs at the Aural/Oral and Verbal Association skill levels.
These goals will be achieved through a balance of repertoire, technique, theory, harmonization, transposition, improvisation listening, and (sight) reading assignments.
Final Evaluation:
70% of your final grade will be determined from:
- Weekly quiz assignments
- Additional weekly assignments
- Class preparation
- Participation
10% of your final grade will be determined from:
- Midterm Exam
20% of your final grade will be determined from:
- Final Exam
Note: Failure to take the final exam will result in failure of the course.
Attendance:
Attendance is required, however, two absences are allowed. If more than 2 absences are accumulated, each additional absence will lower your final course grade by one letter grade. This is the Piano Department policy. Each section of Class Piano has the same attendance policy. Absences will be excused with proper documentation. This would include a doctor's note, funeral director's note, or professor's note. Copies of prescriptions from the pharmacy will not be accepted. Do not schedule doctor's appointments during Class Piano as this will not count as an excused absence.
Tardiness:
Students showing up ten minutes or more after the class has started will be counted tardy if this behavior becomes consistent. This will lower your final grade by a half (+/-).
Make-ups:
Quizzes will only be made up in the event of an excused absence and must be completed at the next class session. It is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements for a make-up.
Practicing:
Motor skill development is of utmost importance. Expect to practice outside of class. When class is not in session, Room 320 (Piano Lab) will be open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM for practicing Monday through Friday. Piano practice rooms are also available on the first floor of the music building with a refundable key deposit of $25.00.
E-mail:
On occasion, e-mail correspondence will be necessary. All students should have a UD e-mail account for this purpose. My UD e-mail account bounces directly to my personal account. This indicates that I will always have access to your correspondence.
Room 320:
The piano lab is a terrific resource for all of us. To keep it that way, do not bring food or drinks into the piano lab.
