Beginning Piano

Course Details

Course Number: MUSC 1111  Section Number: 201, 202

Spring 2011

Location: Instrumental Music Hall

Classroom Number: 105

Days & Times:

MW 3:00-3:50 pm

TTh 9:30-10:20 am

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Susan Harvey   
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Course Objectives

 

  1. To continue to develop keyboard technique including posture, hand position, and finger patterns
  2. To sight-read simple music using both hands (i.e. folk song)
  3. To develop musicianship skills including ear training and rhythmic reading
  4. To finish learning major and natural/harmonic minor scales two octaves with correct fingerings
  5. To finish learning all major arpeggios three octaves with correct fingering
  6. To harmonize and improvise accompaniment to simple songs (I, IV, V chords)
  7. To learn chord progressions (I-V, and I-IV-V7-I)
  8. To transpose simple songs
  9. To implement basic music theory into piano performance
  10. To pass sections of the keyboard proficiency exam (a minimum of 4 sections)

Course Expectations

 

Required Textbook

Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book 1second edition by E.L. Lancaster and Kenon D. Renfrow

The Rhythm Bible(without CD) by Dan Fox

As skills improve, additional literature is to be purchased as suggested by the instructor. 

 

 

Student Expectations/Conduct

Students are required to participate in all class activities and encouraged to practice daily for skill development and acquisition. Students are to conduct themselves in a professional manner so that all students may learn without distraction and disruption. This includes cell phones turned off and no texting.


Grading Standards

 

Course Evaluation

30%            Class Participation (Singing, solfeg, preparing assigned material)

10%            Rhythm Bible

30%            Weekly Performance Opportunities (Skill Proficiencies)

10%            Workbook and Written Assignments

10%            Midterm Exam (Performance)

10%            Final Exam (Performance, Skill Proficiency Completion, Piano      

                    Proficiency)           

The instructor reserves the right to cancel or adjust assignments as the course progresses. Students will be informed how this may effect grading.

Grading Scale

90-100                      A

80-89                        B

70-79                        C

60-69                        D

59-Below                 F


Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

Piano is a performance class. Students participate daily in individual and group activities. Activities are cumulative in organization, building on previously learned concepts. Therefore, attendance is required for skill development. Students may miss two times without a grade reduction. Each absence, after the two allotted, results in a grade reduction of ten points. Nonparticipation in class equals one absence. Class participation includes all class activities - singing, rhythm decoding, completing written workbook assignments, in class assignments, and preparing daily performance assignments.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.