Class Piano 101 (1st semester)

PLEASE NOTE: this class is for Eastman students only

TEXT: Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1, 11th edition, 2019:  Chapters 1—4
(Lyke, Caramia, Haydon, and Chioldi)
Stipes Publishing Co.

OBJECTIVES:
a complete orientation to the keyboard for beginning pianists.

1) Technique:

• keyboard topography and orientation; proper posture and hand position
• focus on hand, outer fingers 2-3-4 first, then 1&5, using blocked 5ths
• all white key major and minor 5 finger patterns, tonic triads in root position
• multiple exercises in elementary level articulation; introducing coordination between hands
• selected etudes using pentachords
• scale preparation exercises
• all white key major scales in 8th notes, hands together, 2 octaves

2) Repertoire:

• many folk songs in a variety of settings: hands alone, hands together, solo, and duet
• solo and duet pieces in increasing difficulty; composers include Kabalevsky, Turk, Bartok, and Gurlitt
• selected outside material, especially accompaniments from student’s major repertoire

3) Fundamental Skills:

• exercises in grand staff reading
• many sight reading examples ranging from single line melodies to independent voices within major and minor pentachord range
• harmonization using blocked and broken 5ths and 6ths, scale tones 1, 5, and 7 and single tones
• keyboard style texture; transposition of selected melodies
• lead sheet harmonization
• all key signatures and theory work
• improvisation using the technical and theoretical material of these chapters

Course Outline

Chapter 1 (4 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 32

Chapter 2 (6 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 72

Chapter 3 (6 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 114

Chapter 4 (5 classes)
Suggested Playing Exam Topics, page 158

Final exam:  tba

Grades

Grades are based more on progress in class than on exam performance:

• Attendance—NO MORE THAN 2 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES ARE ALLOWED.
• quality and quantity of work covered
• progress shown throughout the semester
• student’s playing relative to the requirements of the level
• class work including preparation for classes, labs, and lessons
• 4 Chapter tests
• quizzes at the discretion of the instructor
• input from the instructor, including daily assessment, evaluation of test performances, and other criteria as stated in individual policies

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