Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 40A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill with permission of instructor
Hours: 54 (36 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Description: Continuation of MUS 40A using more advanced materials. Developing skills in harmonizing a melody, playing scales, sight-reading, chord inversions and repertoire. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Select appropriate primary chords to harmonize a diatonic melody.
  • CSLO #2: Perform C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab scales with appropriate fingerings, spanning two octaves with both hands.
  • CSLO #3: nalyze the inversions of primary triads in a given piece.

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. Select appropriate primary chords to harmonize a diatonic
melody.
2. Create an accompaniment for a blues progression.
3. Analyze the inversions of primary triads in a given piece
of music.
4. Identify and play three forms of a minor scale.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills through reflection on progress in practicing scales and analyzing repertoire.
6. Trace the origins and historical development of the piano and piano notation.
7. Critique a piano performance and the interpretive choices of both performer and composer using standard musical terminology.
LABORATORY OBJECTIVES:
1. Review and play the 5-finger patterns and Primary Triads
in any given major key.
2. Perform C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, scales with
appropriate fingerings, two octaves with both hands.
3. Create an accompaniment for a blues progression in a given key.
4. Perform major and relative minor scales in C, G, D, A, E,
B, F and Bb, Eb, Ab.

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. Notate major scales in various keys for two octaves with correct fingering. 2. Define various expression terms for tempo and dynamics.
        • Problem Solving Examinations
          • Example: 1. Create specified major key signatures and their relative minors. 2. Identify and/or create various chords in inversions with correct figured bass symbols.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. Demonstrate the harmonization of each tone in a major scale using only primary triads. 2. Perform two minor scales in a specified key. Show which notes are altered in the melodic minor and harmonic minor forms of those scales.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. Instructor will demonstrate correct fingering for B major scale, isolating correct fingering and thumb crossings. Students will practice in class for 5 minutes, then perform.
        2. Instructor will demonstrate arpeggios for right hand and left hand in two octaves in various sharp keys with correct fingering. Students will practice in class for 10 minutes to perform arpeggios in sharp keys on demand hands separately.

        Lecture:

        1. The instructor will discuss primary chords, and will demonstrate how to use them when transposing a piece of music from one key to another. Examples and uses of transposition for piano, voice and other instruments will be discussed. Students will practice examples of transposition from various pieces, both individually and as a group. The instructor will interact with individuals as requested and lead the group as a whole. Students will prepare for a test on transposition by writing out pieces in different keys for homework. Through using an understanding of keys and intervals students will be able to play simple transpositions at the keyboard and develop sight-reading and critical thinking skills simultaneously.
        2. Instructor will present a piano piece with students watching the score as it is played. Instructor will ask questions to reveal patterns perceived melodically and rhythmically. Instructor will then assign specific short musical pieces for students to analyze and discuss in class.

        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 Collabra and/or Canvas. Instead of performing live for class, students will record themselves playing scales and arpeggios assigned by the instructor.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1) Read about triads and analyze chord types in a piece currently being studied. 2) Read a selected article about a piano technique for playing scales and report observations.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1) Perform a memorized piano piece in class. 2) Keep a journal to record practice history and thoughts about the practice process.

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

        1) Attend a public piano performance and/or faculty recital and write a report of observations.

        Required Materials

        • Introduction to Piano: Class Piano for Adult Beginners
          • Author: Donna Geilow 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: 2015
          • Text Edition: 8th
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Piano Scales, Chords and Arpeggios Lessons, Beginner to Advanced
          • Author: Damon Ferrante
          • 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.