Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

MUS 41 - Piano II

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU/UC
Prerequisite
MUS 40
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 second-level introductory course in piano, open to both music and non-music majors. This course continues instruction in music-reading and keyboard skills, including piano technique, major scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, keyboard harmony, and basic transposition skills through upper-beginning piano repertoire. (C-ID MUS 171).

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Play all minor scales and arpeggios in one octave.
  2. Play all major scales and arpeggios in two octaves.
  3. Prepare upper-beginning piano repertoire for performance.
  4. Interpret upper-beginner musical notation on the piano.
  5. Play simple chord progressions in all major and minor scales.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Chord progression: I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I in all major scales.

1.00

Introduction of simple chord progressions in minor.

1.00

Select and demonstrate how to perform pieces at the upper-beginning/early intermediate level.

1.00

Review of keyboard basics and music notation.

1.50

All major scales and arppegios in two octaves.

1.00

Minor scales and arpeggios in one octave.

1.00

Harmonizing melodies using simple chord progressions in major.

1.00

Harmonizing melodies using simple chord progressions in harmonic minor.

1.00
Total Hours:8.50

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs

Triads of black-key major scales; the vi chord

3.00

Minor scales beginning on black keys; arpeggios

3.00

Triads of black-key minor scales; the iii chord

1.00

Modes related to major

2.00

Other scale structures

3.00

More advanced chord progressions in major keys

2.00

Major and minor five-finger patterns hands together

3.00

Chord progression I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I in all major keys hands separately

2.50

White-note major scales and arpeggios in two octave, hands together

2.00

Harmonize and transpose melodies using primary chords

2.00

Perform pieces at the upper-beginning/early intermediate level  

2.00
Total Hours:25.50

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  3. Lecture
  4. Problem-Solving Sessions
  5. Individual instruction.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Papers
  3. Class participation
  4. Performance Examinations
  5. In-class performance, research paper or concert report.

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read an issue of "Clavier" online dealing with fingering. Be prepared to discuss in class.
  2. Read Grove's "Encyclopedia of Music" or any reference work about the piano's history. Be prepared to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare a 1500-word research paper on a prominent piano performer and their technical contributions.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Practice technical exercises regularly.
  2. Listen to a recording of solo piano music. Pay particular attention to the soloist's use of dynamics, the pedal, and articulation.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Baker, K. (2005). The Complete Keyboard. Music Sales America, Omnibus Ed. 9780825633560.

Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. (2016). Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1. Faber Piano Advantures, 2nd ed. 9781616773021.

Other Learning Materials

Handouts

Minimum Qualifications

Music (Masters Required)

Commercial Music