Piano Class (Music Majors Only)

Course Details

Course Number: MUSC 1121  Section Number: 101, 102

Fall 2011

Location: Instrumental Music Hall

Classroom Number: 105

Days & Times:

SECT. 101: MW 1:00

SECT. 102: TR 1:00

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Gary Lewis   
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Course Objectives

This is the second year of study to enable music majors to complete their piano proficiency requirement and to begin to use this instrument as a tool in their own area of concentration.


Course Expectations

The text listed in the attachment is a requirement for the course.  Additional music may also be assigned and required during the course of the semester.

The semester's grade is determined by attendance, class preparation and participation, completion of assignments, and progress towards completion of the proficiency requirements (see attachment)  as demonstrated in class as well as on the proficiency exam. 

Each student enrolled in piano class is required to finish two pieces in addition to their proficiency requirements.  One piece must be finished and graded by mid-term, the other must be finished and graded by the last class day of the semester.  Further, there are often additional requirements and/or skills that must be developed before or at the same time that the proficiency skill is attempted.  Proficiency skills, repertoire and all additional assisgnments are a graded part of the course and will become part of the final grade

My own criterae for grading will be based on the following:

     A=completion of all assigned material, accurately, fluently, and with appropriate musicality

     B=completion of all assigned material, however lacking in accuracy, fluency, and/or appropriate musicality

     C/D=incomplete assignments, substantially lacking in accuracy, fluency, and/or appropriate musicality or excessive absences

     F=little or no demonstrated effort, progress over the semester or preparation or excessive absences

Proficiency Exam:

The final exam for the course will be a proficiency exam offered during final week and is graded "passed" or "not passed."  The student must sign up for this during the last week of the semester.  Generally, each proficiency skill should be completed fluently and musically to be passed.

The actual grade will be determined by attendance, class participation and work, completion of all assignments as well as the demonstration of proficiency progress.  Therefore, although a proficiency skill may be deemed "passed," an F for a final grade may be earned because of absences or incomplete or unsatisfactory work.  Despite efforts to be objective, evaluating performance remains subjective and is based on my opinion and the collective opinion of the piano proficiency faculty.


Grading Standards

see course requirements, above


Submission Format Policy

Approximately a week before the end of the semester, a sign-up sheet will be posted and all students must sign-up for a time to be heard during the proficiency exam. The exam will usually be held on the first two days of final week.

Proficiency hearings are also available during the week of advisement for those who have worked between semesters and, time permitting, during the middle of the semester. Check with the music secretary to verify the exact days when hearings are given and sign-up for a time on a sheet posted on the bulletin board next to the music office.  This is only an opportunity to pass-off one or more proficiency requirements; again no grades are recorded for these hearings.

 



Note: 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.

Late Paper Policy

No papers. 

Continual progress and consistent work on all assignments is expected throughout the semester.


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

"Students are expected to attend all meetings of the classes for which they are enrolled" (from MSU Student Handbook). Excused absences may be recognized for documented illness and family, personal, and business emergencies.  Other absences are unexcused.  Excused absence are only for class attendance; assignments, progress, and work is expected despite absences.

Unexcused absences above three is considered excessive and will result in lowering the final grade by one letter.

Unexcused absences above 8 will result in an F for the semester.


Other Policies

Disability Statement:

If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class and have registered with Disability Support Services on campus, please make an appointment with me to discuss your needs.

Privacy Statement:

Other than with another Midwestern music faculty or administrative office, if you wish to allow me to discuss your grades or academic progress with others (including your parents), you must sign a waiver stating your specific wishes.  Absences are specifically excluded from the protection of privacy and this statement because your attendance is public information rather than private.

Academic Changes:

The instructor reserves the right to adjust or to cancel assignments as the course progresses AND ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CLASS TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER THIS SYLLABUS


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.