PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
CLASS PIANO I MUS 1610
Class Hours: 0.0								Credit Hours: 1.0
Laboratory Hours: 3.0								Date Revised: Spring 99
Catalog Course Description:
	Class instruction in basic techniques for students with no prior training in piano.  Daily practice required.
Entry Level Standards:
	The student should display a sincere desire to perform at the piano on a level consistent with his/her  background and potential.  While music reading skills are helpful, previous training is not required.
Prerequisites: None
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:
	Lancaster, E.L. and Renfrow, Kenon D.,  Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults,  Book I - most recent edition
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
	Week					Topic
	1					Keyboard Basics
	2					Keyboard Basics
	3					Keyboard Basics
	4					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on White Keys
	5					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on White Keys
	6					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on Black Keys
	7					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on Black Keys
	8					Review and Midterm exam
	9					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on White Keys
	10					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on White Keys
	11					Major Five-finger Patterns Beginning on Black Keys
	12					Chord Outlines
	13					Major Scales
	14					Triads of the Key
	15					Review for Final Exam
	16					Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
	A.			Demonstrate a knowledge of playing the piano at a level consistent with the student’s background and potential.  I, II, III, IV
	B.			Evidence an understanding of music notation, the basic elements of music, and related terminology.  III, IV
	C.			Acquire an appreciation for quality piano performance and literature.  I, II, III
	D.			Experience the humanizing effect of music and examine its capacity for   affecting personal development and self-expression.  I, II, III
	E			Apply a disciplined method of approach in the pursuit of long- term goals. II, IV
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the Fine and Appied Arts department.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
	1.				Master appropriate repertoire and assigned technical materials, applying the skills developed in classes and in outside practice to actual musical performances. Problem Solving and Decision Making,  Active Learning Strategy,  Transitional Strategy
	2.				Interact with the instructor and classmates in evaluating technical skills and in discussing emotional content and personal reactions to the music being studied. Communication Outcome,  Personal Development Outcome,    Active Learning Strategy
	3.				Be involved in independent projects of preparing assigned repertoire, emphasizing the correlation between information covered in class and the observation of principles in actual practice.  Communication Outcome,   Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation,  Active Learning Strategy,  Transitional Strategy
	4.				Keep a daily journal of practice time spent outside the studio and will, in conjunction with the teacher, continually monitor it as to quality and quantity of time spent in preparation for lessons.  Personal Development Outcome
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
	1.			Demonstrate technical fluency in the performance of selected repertoire.   A, B, C, D, E
	2.			Recognize artistic excellence in music heard at recitals and in portions of his/her own assigned music.  C, D
	3.			Apply knowledge, terminology, and technical skills learned in class to   actual performance.  A, B
	4.			Plan and monitor the effectiveness of personal practice schedules.  D, E
	5.			Recognize the emotional effect(s) of musical experiences.  C, D
	6.			Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in piano performance.  B, C
	7.			Enjoy the personal accomplishment of achieving a quality performance of selected repertoire pieces.  C, D, E
	8.			Analyze works from piano literature by comparing and contrasting forms, styles, and ideas.  B, C
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
	A. Testing Procedures: 50% of grade
			Students will be given a midterm examination, which determines 20% of the final grade.  It will consist of written questions (short-answer) and the demonstration of practical keyboard skills. Students will be given a final examination, which determines 30% of the final grade.  It will consist of written questions (short-answer) and the demonstration of practical keyboard skills.
	B. Laboratory Expectations: 50% of grade
		Three hours of outside practice per week are a minimal requirement for this course.  At each class during the semester the student is required to perform assigned projects, demonstrating improvement and mastery of concepts.  The average of these performance experiences constitutes 50% of the total grade.
VI. Policies:
	Attendance Policy:
		REQUIRED!  Roll will be taken.  Excused absences will be at the discretion of the instructor.  Students are responsible for work missed due to absence. College policy states that if a student misses more than 25% of regular class meetings, he will automatically receive a failing grade for the course.  This applies to BOTH excused and unexcused absences.