Class Piano 101 (1st semester)
TEXT: Chapters 1—4 of Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1, 8th edition, 2003
(Lyke, Caramia, Alexander, and Haydon) Stipes Publishing Co.
OBJECTIVES: a complete orientation to the keyboard for beginning pianists.
1) Technique:
- keyboard topography and orientation; proper posture and hand position
- focus on hand, outer fingers 2-3-4 first, then 1&5, using blocked 5ths
- all white key major and minor 5 finger patterns, tonic triads in root position
- multiple exercises in elementary level articulation; introducing coordination between hands
- selected etudes using pentachords
- scale preparation exercises
- all white key major scales in 8th notes, hands together, 2 octaves
2) Repertoire:
- many folk songs in a variety of settings: hands alone, hands together, solo, and duet
- solo and duet pieces in increasing difficulty; composers include Kabalevsky, Turk, Bartok, and Gurlitt
- selected outside material, especially accompaniments from student's major repertoire
3) Fundamental Skills:
- exercises in grand staff reading
- many sight reading examples ranging from single line melodies to independent voices within major and minor pentachord range
- harmonization using blocked and broken 5ths and 6ths, scale tones 1, 5, and 7 and single tones
- keyboard style texture; transposition of selected melodies
- lead sheet harmonization
- all key signatures and theory work
- improvisation using the technical and theoretical material of these chapters
1st day of classes: Monday, September 8.
CLASS PIANO 101
Course Outline
Chapter 1 (4 classes)
Test on Chapter 1, page 34
Chapter 2 (6 classes)
Test on Chapter 2, page 74
Chapter 3 (6 classes)
Test on Chapter 3, page 114
Chapter 4 (5 classes)
Test on Chapter 4, page 164
Final exam: tba
Grades
Grades are based more on progress in class than on exam performance:
- Attendance—NO MORE THAN 2 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES ARE ALLOWED.
- quality and quantity of work covered
- progress shown throughout the semester
- student’s playing relative to the requirements of the level
- class work including preparation for classes, labs, and lessons
- 4 Chapter tests
- quizzes at the discretion of the instructor
- input from the instructor, including daily assessment, evaluation of test performances, and other criteria as stated in individual policies
- Class Piano Final exam