Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 1.00
- Lecture: 8.50 Contact hours/17.00 Out of class hours/25.50 Total hours/0.50 Unit(s)
- Lab: 25.50 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/25.50 Total hours/0.50 Unit(s)
- Total: 34.00 Contact hours/17.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: A first-level introductory course in piano, open to both music and non-music majors. This course provides instruction in elementary music-reading and beginning keyboard skills, including basic piano technique, major and minor five-finger patterns, major scales, keyboard harmony, and sight-reading through beginning piano repertoire. (C-ID MUS 170).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Interpret basic musical notation at the piano
- Play white-note major scales in one octave, hands together
- Create a chordal accompaniment for a given melody
- Illustrate proper keyboard techniques
- Prepare beginning piano repertoire for performance
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Introduction to the keyboard: posture and hand position. Basic notation: rhythm and music staff reading. | 1.50 |
I chord and harmonization with the 5ths. | 1.00 |
Beginning music writing/reading: dynamic, articulation, and tempo markings. | 1.00 |
All major pentascales and harmonization with emphasis on 3rds and 4ths. | 1.00 |
All minor pentascales. | 1.00 |
Harmonization: chord progression I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I in all white-note keys. | 1.00 |
White-note major scales in one octave: separate hands, and then together. | 1.00 |
How to perform beginning level pieces. | 1.00 |
| Total Hours: | 8.50 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Major five-finger patterns on black keys | 1.00 |
Minor five-finger patterns on white keys; triads; relative minor | 2.00 |
Minor five-finger patterns on black keys; triplets | 2.00 |
Chord qualities: augmented, diminished; dotted note values | 1.50 |
Tetrachords and major scales; octaves; the damper pedal | 4.00 |
Major scales, arpeggios; triads of the key | 2.00 |
Chord inversions; triads in all positions | 2.00 |
The dominant and dominant seventh chords | 1.00 |
Primary chords in major keys: I-IV-V chord progressions | 1.00 |
Tetrachords in minor scales; arpeggios | 1.00 |
Primary chords in minor keys: I-IV-V chord progressions | 1.00 |
Performance evaluation and analysis | 1.00 |
Major five-finger patterns in all white-note keys hands together | 2.00 |
Chord progression I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I in all white-note keys hands separate | 1.00 |
White-note major scales in one octave, hands together | 1.00 |
How to perform beginning level pieces | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 25.50 |
Methods of Instruction
- Demonstrations
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Lecture
- Problem-Solving Sessions
- Individual instruction
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Papers
- Class participation
- Performance Examinations
- In-class performance, Research paper or Concert report
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Go online and read a back issue of "Clavier" dealing with effective practicing techniques. Be prepared to demonstrate in class.
- Read in Grove's "Encyclopedia of Music" about a prominent piano performer. Be prepared to discuss in class.
Writing Assignments
- Attend a concert where the piano is the principal instrument or plays a substantial role in the performance, and write a 2-page paper detailing your experience.
- Write a 1500-word research paper about the development of the piano keyboard action and how this affected piano technique.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Practice technical exercises regularly.
- Listen to a recording where the piano is the principal instrument or plays a substantial role in the performance. Be prepared to discuss the piano techniques used in class.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Baker, K. (2005). The Complete Keyboard Player. Music Sales America, Omnibus Ed. 9780825633560.
Other Learning Materials
Handouts
Music and repertoire will be selected and provided by the instructor
Minimum Qualifications
Music (Masters Required)
Commercial Music