Class Piano

Class Piano 101 (1st semester)


PLEASE NOTE: this class is for Eastman students only

TEXT: Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1, 11th edition, 2019:  Chapters 1—4
(Lyke, Caramia, Haydon, and Chioldi)
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

Course Outline

Chapter 1 (4 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 32

Chapter 2 (6 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 72

Chapter 3 (6 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 114

Chapter 4 (5 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 158

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

[back to top]