HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
MUSI 1181 – Piano Class I
Syllabus

Course Description
   
    This course is designed to impart basic keyboard-playing skills.  It will also introduce
        you to music notation and music theory, and will reinforce that information
        through application at the keyboard.  You are not expected to have any of these
        skills, but it is expected that your ability to play the keyboard and to read music
        will improve, and that you will gain a better understanding of music theory.

Course Objectives
   
*  Students will accurately read music notation, including single-line melodies and
piano scores.
*  Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of rhythm, meter, keys, and
key signatures.
*  Students will demonstrate finger dexterity, hand independence and proper
execution of dynamics and articulation.
*  Students will demonstrate skill in harmonization of melodies.
*  Students will demonstrate skill and fluency in transposing simple melodies
and accompaniments.
*  Students will demonstrate the ability to improvise simple melodies and
accompaniments.
*  Students will demonstrate solid musicianship through the mastery of at least
four prepared solo pieces agreed upon by the instructor and the student.

Required Text

    Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd ed.




Course Requirements
       
*  Weekly assignments will be given covering topics listed under Course Description.
*  Students must attend an approved piano performance concert and turn in a report
evaluating the concert.  The paper should address technical aspects of the
performance discussed in class.  The student must turn in the program from the concert along with the report.
*  There will be four exams given during the semester.
*  Students are required to practice a minimum of three hours per week outside of class.
Ideally, this should be divided over six days, thirty minutes per day.


HCCS Policies

*  Plagiarism or other academic dishonesty will result in a zero for the assignment
in question.
*  It is against HCCS policy to bring children to class.
*  Guests and observers tend to be a distraction to class.  Please obtain permission before
bringing a guest to class.
*  If you have any disability that might interfere with your participation or performance
in this course, please make an appointment with Dr. Becky Hauri, Disability
Counselor for the Southwest College, 713-718-7909.  The counselor will
Inform the instructor as to the recommended accommodations.
*  HCCS policy stipulates that the student may be dropped after accumulating absences in
excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction.  This equals four class sessions.
*  NOTICE:  Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant
tuition/fee increases at HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities.
If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing
grades, confer with your instructor/counselors as early as possible about your
study habits, reading and writing homework, test-taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.


Grading

*  Weekly assignments, class preparation and participation, progress        50%
*  Recital attendance, program and report                    10%
*  Four exams                                    40%






Course Outline

    Week 1    Keyboard basics, rhythm, note values, identifying keys on the
                keyboard, finding white keys, key groups, dynamic
                signs, sharp signs, natural signs, flat signs, half steps,
                whole steps

    Week 2    Chromatic scale, staff, treble clef, bass clef, grand staff, melodic
                patterns

    Week 3    Rhythm, 6/8 time, dynamic signs, key signatures, solo repertoire, rhythm
                reading, reading, harmonization, technique, review

    Week 4    EXAM 1; Major 5-finger patterns, major triads

    Week 5    3/8 time, technique, transposition, duet repertoire

    Week 6    Ensemble repertoire, improvisation

    Week 7    Review

    Week 8    EXAM 2; Minor 5-finger patterns, minor triads

    Week 9    Relative minor keys

    Week 10    5-finger improvisation, major and minor scales and arpeggios
   
    Week 11    Review

    Week 12    EXAM 3; Augmented and diminished chords

    Week 13    Tetrachords, Major scales, intervals, pedal

    Week 14    Major and minor scales and arpeggios, review

    Week 15    Present material for final exam, review

    Week 16    FINAL EXAM