Class Piano

Getting Started

Here are a few ideas as you begin this year:

  • Be sure to access your rosters on Blackboard; do this FREQUENTLY!  Check the roster against who is /or is not attending the class. You will probably have names of students who are not in class, as well as students whose names are not on the roster.  The accuracy of your rosters is your responsibility.

ADDS/DROPS

  • 9/9: Last day for students to register without a $250 late fee

  • 9/9: Last day to add a course without permission of instructor.

  • 9/10-23: Instructor permission required to add a course.

Please note:  there are NEVER permission codes given in Class Piano.

First Day:

  • show students the Class Piano Website http://www.esm.rochester.edu/classpiano/

    • especially point out Info for PCL Students

  • verify from the students the information on the roster (id #, year and major)

  • get additional information from the “correct” students:

    • cell phone #

    • e-mail addresses

    • their major instrument and their teacher (very important!)

  • inform them how to reach you: e-mail address is recommended

  • tell them you’ll leave notes/assignments/etc.

    • in Announcements on the Blackboard course and under your name on the bulletin board near 443

  • repeat strongly the absence policy (no more than 2 unexcused)

  • present the syllabus and discuss your expectations regarding class participation and preparation, as well as practice suggestions

  • discuss grades; be specific, clear, strict

  • re: proficiencies—if a student wishes to test out and register for the next level, he/she must proficiency for me no later the end of September:  show them to the appropriate level on the Class Piano Website.  When they are ready, they need to contact me, through email or in person, to schedule the proficiency test.

for PCL 101

  • go over posture, and some preliminary reading/coordination exercises

  • IMPORTANT: have the students bring in their instruments the second class to perform an informal recital; this helps you gain their trust and for you to see them as musicians

for PCL 102-104

  • do some exploring: begin with laying down solid technical habits; review scales, hand position and posture, and other considerations appropriate to the level; MUI students have specific material to be covered.  Verify what chapters each student covered in PCL 101 (for returning ESM students) and evaluate what new students have covered.

for PCL 105-106

  • be sure to tell them that attendance is virtually mandatory:  only one (1) unexcused absence is allowed for the lab, and only one absence is allowed for the lesson, for a total of two absences altogether.  You’ll have to coordinate with the other teacher for the grade in December, so KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS.

  • in the lab:   focus on technique, sight reading and harmonization (MUE students have specific accompaniments).

  • in the lesson:  you’re responsible for reviewing the technique, and assigning the repertoire:  in PCL 105:  Baroque, Classic, and Romantic; in PCL 106:  Impressionistic; 20th and 21st Century

IMPORTANT!

After each class:

  • Turn OFF projector

  • Remind students to replace headsets on hook (if there is one) or

  • WITH MIC FACING UP on left side of keyboard

  • Replace keyboard dustcover

  • Move bench to underneath the keyboard