Catalog Description

Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Description: Beginning instruction in the fundamentals of playing piano. Note reading and basic playing techniques are introduced. Designed to develop musicianship and facility. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Accurately read musical notation at the beginning level and perform simple pieces with correct notes and rhythms.
  • CSLO #2: Demonstrate through performance a musical piece that utilizes thumb underscales.
  • CSLO #3: Identify and evaluate individual progress in practicing scales and analysis of repertoire.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

54

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

LECTURE OBJECTIVES:
1. Name the piano keys that correlate with notation.
2. Identify major and minor key signatures.
3. Prepare and perform elementary level repertoire.
4. Trace the origins and historical development of the piano.
5. Critique a piano performance and the interpretive choices of both performer and composer using standard musical terminology.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills through reflection on progress in practicing scales and repertoire. 

7. Identify thumb under scales utilizing correct fingerings and scale construction.

LABORATORY OBJECTIVES:
1. Play rhythms correctly at a steady tempo.
2. Play 5-finger patterns, 24 keys (major and minor).
3. Perform scales, all majors in tetrachords.
4. Apply thumb-under scales: C, G, F majors spanning one octave using both hands with proper hand position and correct fingerings.
5. Play fingering patterns of major and minor chords and
I-IV-V-V7-I chord progressions with proper hand position.
6. Prepare and perform elementary level repertoire.
7. Demonstrate level appropriate fluent sight-reading.

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. Students will define a list of terms. 2. Students will write out a major scale for two octaves with correct accidentals and fingering.
        • Problem Solving Examinations
          • Example: 1. Students will be asked to perform a particular scale with both hands together for two octaves followed by the correct chord progression I-IV-I-V7-I. Pass/Fail Grading 2. Students will perform a piano solo as part of their mid-term and final exams.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. Explain and demonstrate proper posture, fingering and hand position when playing a G major scale. 2. Demonstrate the fingering patterns for major and minor chords and identify each when played.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Instructor will assist students with fingering concerns as needed during a practice session. At the end of this process students will successfully perform C and G major scales individually and as a class with the instructor providing an accompaniment.
        2. Instructor will present short music reading selections for students to discern patterns melodically and rhythmically. Students will spend 5-10 minutes learning the short music reading selection and then perform for the class.

        Lecture:

        1. In learning how to play scales, concepts of scale construction are introduced on the white board and on the keyboard. Students play tetrachords (two parts of a scale) starting on C with two hands initially to realize the half-step/whole-step construction of the scale. Playing the tetrachords starting on any note is demonstrated to further understanding of the major scale.
        2. Instructor presents playing a C major scale thumb-under with correct fingering, hands separately is introduced. To reinforce the kinesthetic understanding of scale playing as well as the intellectual understanding, various rhythmic drills are used as well as verbally spelling specific major scales on specified starting notes. Students will practice for accuracy and fluidity.

        Distance Learning

        1. The above lecture/discussion activities will be presented via video lectures posted on Canvas and/or Collabra.
        2. The above laboratory activities will take place via Zoom, 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 the chapter text on primary chords, answer the evaluation questions at the end of the chapter and prepare to play. 2) Research a well-known performer of piano music and report observations of their development as a pianist.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1) Perform a memorized piano piece in class. 2) Interpret how dynamic markings and other expression markings affect the performance of a piece of music. 3) Sight-read an eight measure elementary level piece. 4) Keep a practice journal recording achievements and experiences through the semester to share with the class.

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

        Required Materials

        • Introduction to Piano: Class Piano for Adult Beginners
          • Author: Donna Grielow McFarland
          • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishers Platform
          • Publication Date: 2013
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Contemporary Class Piano
          • Author: Elyse Mach
          • Publisher: Oxford University Press
          • Publication Date: 2023
          • Text Edition: 9th
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Piano Scales, Chords and Arpeggios Lessons
          • Author: Damon Ferrente
          • Publisher: Steeplechase Arts
          • Publication Date: 2013
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

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