I. Course Title: Beginning Class Piano I (GE)
II. Course Number: MUSC 130
III. Credit Hours: 2 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
This course is intended for non-music majors with little to no keyboard or musical background.
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the basic elements of music making, while developing a strong technical and theoretical foundation at the keyboard.
Students will gain skill and experience in sight reading musical notation, adopt a healthy physical approach to the keyboard, gain exposure to a variety of musical styles through listening and study, and collaborate effectively with their peers in a lab setting.
Through intense group study, class discussion, critical thinking, and individual practice, students will enrich their understanding and appreciation for the act of making music, the profession of music making through performance, composition, and teaching, the importance of collaborative thinking and discussion, and the relevance of music from different time periods and cultures.
Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Beginning Class Piano I is intended for non-music majors with little to no keyboard or musical background.
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the basic elements of music making, while developing a strong technical and theoretical foundation at the keyboard.
Students will gain skill and experience in sight reading musical notation, adopt a healthy physical approach to the keyboard, gain exposure to a variety of musical styles through listening and study, and collaborate effectively with their peers in a lab setting.
1. Basic notation
2. Rhythmic notation
3. Major triads and five-finger patterns
4. Arpeggios, blocked, broken chords
5. Minor triads and five-finger patterns
6. Augmented and diminished chords, accidentals, chromaticism
7. Major scales and arpeggios
8. Function harmony, inversions
9. Tonic, dominant, 7th chords
10. Subdominant, chord progressions, cadences
11. Accompaniment patterns
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
Class will meet twice per week in the keyboard lab.
Class will consist of lectures and demonstrations of new material, techniques, theoretical concepts, and performances by the instructor as well as individual and group practice time aimed at developing mastery of such skills through studying appropriate repertoire.
There will be regular opportunity for ensemble playing and listening, small group sessions, individual instruction time, creativity and improvisation exploration, as well as performance time in front of the class.
The schedule is structured so that students are able to prepare ahead for upcoming material, and be well aware of upcoming assignments and exams. Class time should be used to engage with the current period鈥檚 topic, ask insightful questions based on individual work done outside of class, and successfully progress through new material.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
By the end of the course, students will have gained proficient knowledge and skill in the following areas:
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Students will be assessed via their regular attendance, class participation, weekly assignments, class recitals and exams. Students will also be assessed every class period regarding preparation of assigned material and homework, continued technical and musical development, and internalization of concepts discussed in class.
Material on each exam will be clearly discussed in class prior to any exam, and will consist of technique, reading, and repertoire assignments already studied in the text.
Students will be asked to step out of the room and enter one at a time to minimize distractions during exams. Each exam will be performed and graded individually.
Other Course Information: None
Review and Approval
March 01, 2021