Mary Kathleen Newell

MUSC275 Syllabus

CLASS PIANO: Elementary III

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:

Chapters 9-12
Continuation of the development of skills developed in Class Piano I and II

Technique

• Introduction to white key harmonic minor scales and arpeggios—4 octaves
• Introduction of black key harmonic minor scales
• Introduction to Lead Sheets
• Determining the keyality, tonality, meter, melody, and chord roots of songs and pieces at the Aural/Oral and Verbalization skill level
• Chord progressions: 3# AND 3b:
  • Supertonic:
    • I-IV6/4-ii-V6/5-I
    • i-iv6/4-ii?-V6/5-i
  • Submediant:
    • I-vi-IV-V-I
    • i-VI-iv-V-i
  • Supertonic:
    • I-ii6-I6/4-V7-I
    • Mediant: I6-iii-IV-V4/2-I6
  • Supertonic/Submediant:
  • I-vi-ii6/4-V7-I6/4
  • i-VI-ii?6/4-V7-i6/4
• Pedaling, balance, dynamics, articulation, style, expression, interpretation, fingering, posture, hands, shoulders, arms

Harmonization

• Tunes by ear and excerpts from text
• Modal folk songs provided by Ms. Newell—sing and play
• Develop both RH and LH for playing accompaniments
• Use of chord progressions
• Borrowed/altered chords
• Use of chord symbols—written in the music and/or supplied by student
• 2-hand “boom chick (chick)” while singing melody
• 1-hand “boom chick (chick)” while playing melody
• Octave “boom chick (chick)”
• Waltz
• Alberti bass
• Arpeggiated
• Broken chord and extended broken chord
• Walking bass

Improvisation

• Improvise melodies over accompaniment styles
• Change tonality from major to minor, minor to major
• Change meter from duple to triple, triple to duple
• Modes
• Walking bass
• Improvise melodies over the above chord progressions

Creativity

• Accompaniments
• Melodies for chord progressions including secondary chords
• Composition projects in textbook
• Arranging ensemble materials in small groups

Transposition

• Short pieces as found in the textbook
• Accompaniment pieces from the textbook

Repertoire & Reading

• Pieces from the textbook
• Sight reading excerpts
• Solo repertoire by memory
• Pieces representative of major periods
• Score reading/sing and play parts
• Conduct and play
• Stand and play

Ensemble

• Pieces from the textbook
• Create arrangements in small groups

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.