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MUS 0040A - Beginning Piano I

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/mus-0040a/

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 proficiency in playing selected one octave, thumb-under major scales. CSLO #3: Demonstrate critical thinking skills through reflection on individual progress in practicing scales and repertoire. Effective Term Fall 2025 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. Develop piano skills and technique through practicing scales and other assigned exercises.    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. Play thumb-under scales: C, G, F majors spanning one octave using both hands with proper hand position at a steady tempo. 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: 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. 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: 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. 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 Instructor will post a video in which they play a C major scale with correct fingering, showing the hands separately. Then, students will practice playing the C major scale, and complete a video assignment in which they accurately play the C major scale in both hands. 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 Easy to play Piano/Keyboard Music for Adult Beginners Author: Martin Woodward Publisher: Martin Woodward Publication Date: 2023 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: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.