MUSC 131

I. Course Title: Beginning Class Piano II (GE)

II. Course Number: MUSC 131

III. Credit Hours: 2 credits

IV. Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or higher in MUSC 130: Beginning Class Piano I or audition and instructor permission.

V. Course Description:

This course will continue the development and skill acquisition introduced in Beginning Class Piano I.

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to intermediate elements of music making, while continuing to develop a strong technical and theoretical foundation at the keyboard.

Students will study more advanced concepts and techniques, continue to develop sight reading in intermediate repertoire, perform more advanced ensemble pieces with classmates in a lab setting, and advance their technical and theoretical knowledge.

Through intense group study, class discussion, critical thinking, and individual practice, students will enrich their understanding and appreciation for the act of making music, the profession of music making through performance, composition, and teaching, the importance of collaborative thinking and discussion, and the relevance of music from different time periods and cultures.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Beginning Class Piano II will continue the development and skill acquisition introduced in Beginning Class Piano I.

Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in Beginning Class Piano I to enroll in Beginning Class Piano II.

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to intermediate elements of music making, while continuing to develop a strong technical and theoretical foundation at the keyboard.

1. Minor scales

a. Transposition from major to minor
b. Theory of minor scales and chords
c. Review of accidentals, five-finger patterns, arpeggios

2. Minor chords and arpeggios

a. Review accompaniment patterns, transpose to minor keys
b. Blues scales and chords
c. Harmonization in minor

3. Minor harmonic progressions and cadences

a. i – iv64 – i – V65 – i progressions
b. Minor tonality

4. Advanced minor scales and arpeggios

a. Chord inversions
b. Exceptions to scale fingering rules

5. Minor chord realizations

a. Harmonic and tonal analysis
b. Review major scales and arpeggios

6. Midterm Exam

a. Review period during first class of the week
b. Individual exam appointments during second class of the week

7. Chromatic scale

a. Review sharps, flats, naturals, enharmonics
b. Build diminished, augmented triads
c. Chromatic harmony

8. Chromatic reading and harmonization

a. Chord function, improvisation, sight reading incorporating chromatic pitches and harmonies
b. Transposition to distant keys

9. Large ensemble playing

a. Quartet repertoire
b. SATB choral score reading and realization
c. Advanced listening and collaborative skills

10. Introduction to composition

a. Basics of musical notation writing
b. Introduction to notation software
c. Connection of playing by ear to theoretical knowledge through writing

11. Stylistic exploration

a. Listening and assimilation of variety of musical styles at the keyboard
b. Jazz, folk, classical, Broadway, pop, country, latin, contemporary
c. Accompaniments, chord voicings, prevalent stylistic elements

12. Final review and class recital

a. Cumulative review of material, concepts, technique, repertoire, theory from start of Beginning Class Piano I
b. Class recital for peers on studied repertoire in preparation for final exam

13. Final Exam

a. Review period during first class of the week
b. Individual exam appointments during second class of the week

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Class will meet twice per week in the keyboard lab.

Class will consist of lectures and demonstrations of new material, techniques, theoretical concepts, and performances by the instructor as well as individual and group practice time aimed at developing mastery of such skills through studying appropriate repertoire.

There will be regular opportunity for ensemble playing and listening, small group sessions, individual instruction time, creativity and improvisation exploration, as well as performance time in front of the class.

The schedule is structured so that students are able to prepare ahead for upcoming material, and be well aware of upcoming assignments and exams. Class time should be used to engage with the current period’s topic, ask insightful questions based on individual work done outside of class, and successfully progress through new material.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

By the end of the course, students will have gained proficient knowledge and skill in the following areas:

Performing intermediate level compositions at the keyboard
Proficiency in all major and minor scales
Harmonizing intermediate level melodies
Sight reading intermediate level compositions with both hands
Improvising in a variety of style and keys
Creating unique individual compositions at the keyboard

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Students will be assessed every class period regarding preparation of assigned material and homework, continued technical and musical development, and internalization of concepts discussed in class.

Students are expected to come to class well practiced and having sufficiently studied any assigned pieces, technical exercises, reading examples, and concepts assigned in previous classes to the point of proficiency and fluency. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their achievements in the following class and will be assessed according to their success in accurately performing their assignment.

Lack of regular growth and development is not acceptable.

Other Course Information: None

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021