Class Piano for River Campus students
(non-music majors)

MUR 118: Fall semester only

Please note: this class is for UR students who have had
NO previous keyboard training.

TEXT: Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1, 9th edition, 2009
(Lyke, Caramia, Alexander, Haydon, and Chioldi)
Stipes Publishing Co.
Chapters 1—4

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
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
selected white key major scales in eighth notes, hands separate and together, 2 octaves

2) Repertoire:

folk songs in a variety of settings: hands alone, hands together, solo, and duet
solo and duet pieces
selected outside material

3) Fundamental Skills:

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