MUS 12A: BEGINNING CLASS PIANO
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2021 |
| Units: | 2 |
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Concurrent enrollment in MUS 10; this course is included in the Piano Class Applied Performance family of activity courses. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU/UC |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- The student will be able to play easy songs and piano literature from a variety of cultures with hands together, accurately, with good tone.
- The student will be able to read and transpose simple piano music at sight in a variety of keys.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Play easy songs with hands together, accurately, with good tone.
B. Read simple piano music at sight.
C. Recognize and define basic musical terms as they apply to piano music.
D. Demonstrate technical skills and facility on the piano at an elementary level.
E. Apply functional harmony skills to harmonize melodies.
F. Utilize music vocabulary corresponding to notation, technique and theoretical concepts.
G. Articulate musical phrases with greater clarity.
Course Content
A. Technique skills
1. Two-octave major scales played hands separately
2. Hands together playing simple piano literature
3. Crossing hands and introductory arpeggios
B. Reading skills
1. Rhythmic exercises in simple duple, triple, and quadruple meters, and compound duple
2. Use of whole, half, quarter, eighth and some dotted notes
3. Grand staff for pitch
4. Ensemble literature introduced to develop rhythmic and melodic performance skills
5. Basic music terminology related to dynamics, tempo, and interpretation
C. Repertoire skills
1. Simple folk songs
2. Simple traditional classical pieces
D. Performance skills
1. Practice methods, correct interpretation and style
2. Ensemble repertoire
Lab Content
Supervised practice of skills related to technique, reading, theory, repertoire, and performance.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. Electronic piano laboratory plus acoustic pianos.
C. Staff-lined boards.
D. Computer terminals with internet connection.
E. Overhead projector and screen.
F. Audio equipment including a record, cassette, and CD player.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Performance of assigned technical exercises and repertoire with correct notes, rhythms, hand position, and good tone
Written exam to assess understanding of theoretical concepts and musical terminology
Ability to play beginning piano literature from a variety of cultures with increasing independence between hands, accurately, with good tone
Ability to accompany melodies with primary chords in several major keys
Method(s) of Instruction
Lecture presentations and instructor demonstrations
Individual and class performance of repertoire
Individual coaching in areas of technique, theory, and interpretation
Summative performance as demonstrated mastery of selected piano literature
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Agay, Denes. The Joy of First Year Piano. 1972.
Brimhall, John. John Brimhall's Theory Notebook Complete. 1969.
Although these texts are older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, they remain seminal texts in this area of study.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Weekly textbook reading assignments.
B. Practice and rehearsal of selected repertoire.
C. Review of handouts.
D. Written exercises in music fundamentals and theory.
E. Piano recital at the end of each quarter.