Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 40B with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of the instructor
Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Description: Continuation of MUS 40B, with music drawn from intermediate levels. Ensemble playing, sight-reading and harmonization skills and knowledge. Individual needs and interests considered. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Play major, minor, augmented and diminished triads and a variety of chord progressions.
  • CSLO #2: Perform C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab major and relative harmonic minor scales with appropriate fingerings, spanning two octaves with both hands.
  • CSLO #3: Create a harmonization of simple melodies from a lead sheet with chord symbols.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

54

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

LECTURE OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand correct phrasing, balance, shifting hand
positions, broken chord patterns, legato double-note
patterns, arpeggio preparation, hand crossings, and
correct use of damper pedal.
2. Create and write a harmonization of simple melodies from a lead sheet with chord symbols.
3. Transpose and play simple melodies at sight.
4. Critique a piano performance and the interpretative choices of both performer and composer using standard musical terminology.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills through reflection on progress in practicing scales and analyzing repertoire.
6. Identify and analyze keyboard literature in different historical periods.
LABORATORY OBJECTIVES:
1. Perform early to intermediate level classical literature
by major composers with a knowledge of individual
composers, and their styles.
2. Exhibit correct phrasing, balance, shifting hand
positions, broken chord patterns, legato double-note
patterns, arpeggio preparation, hand crossings, and
correct use of damper pedal.
3. Perform hand coordination drills, steadiness of
tempo, finger control, parallel scale playing.
4. Play major, minor, augmented and diminished triads and a
variety of chord progressions.
5. Play scales in all keys, both major and harmonic minor
scales, hands together for two octaves at a steady tempo.
6. Sight-read and play short two-part texture pieces.
7. Analyze and transpose and play simple melodies at sight.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: 1. Define various terms relating to expression that appear in a piano piece. 2. Define the difference between a harmonic minor and melodic minor scale.
        • Problem Solving Examinations
          • Example: 1. Given a major triad students will write the minor, diminished, augmented forms of the triad. 2. Given a short piano piece, identify the primary chords and chord qualities of major, minor, augmented and diminished.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. Perform a solo piano piece with correct fingering, balance of right hand/left hand, rhythmic accuracy and expression. 2. Perform scale playing of a major scale, hands together for two octaves, then its relative minor harmonic scale.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Instructor will assign short pieces for students to sight-read and prepare for performance in a limited amount of time in class. Students will prepare and perform the short piece noting challenges.
        2. Instructor will assign a lead sheet to students for harmonization is a limited amount of time. Students will perform by harmonizing the melody of the lead sheet with chords indicated in an appropriate piano style.

        Lecture:

        1. The instructor will demonstrate how to play a B-Minor Scale and provide an example of a piece of music in the scale. Students will be placed in pairs to practice with one another as the instructor works with pairs as requested. The instructor will then have the students demonstrate their skill in individual performances and discuss challenges and successes.
        2. The instructor will pass out an article on stage fright to students to read and discuss based on their most recent performance experience.

        Distance Learning

        1. The above lecture/discussion activities will be presented via video lectures posted on Canvas and/or Collabra. Students will individually demonstrate skills by posting videos on Canvas and/or Collabra. Students will participate in Canvas discussion forums based on assigned readings.
        2. The above laboratory activities will take place via Collabra and/or Canvas. Instead of performing live for class, students will record themselves playing scales and musical selections assigned by the instructor.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1) Read an article on performance anxiety, take notes of observations in one's own experience in a journal and reflect on the semester's progress through a three-page paper. 2) Read a biography of a composer, their contribution to piano literature and present findings in class as well as handing in a three-page paper with appropriate citing of sources.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1) Perform a memorized piano piece in class. 2) Investigate the development of the piano from its origins, place in society over the centuries and write a five-page paper with appropriate bibliography.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        1) Attend a piano recital or musical performance featuring a piano and write a three-page paper reflecting one's perceptions.

        Required Materials

        • Piano Masterworks: Intermediate Level
          • Author: G. Schirmer Library of Musical Classics
          • Publisher: Hal Leonard
          • Publication Date: 2016
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Scales and Finger Exercises Upper Elementary to Early Intermediate
          • Author: G. Schirmer Library of Musical Classics
          • Publisher: Hal Leonard
          • Publication Date: 2015
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Musical Impressions Book 2
          • Author: Martha Meier
          • Publisher: Alfred
          • Publication Date: 2016
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.