PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
CONTEMPORARY PIANO STYLES/NONMAJOR (1 HOUR LESSON) MUS 1781
Class Hours: 0.0							Credit Hours: 2.0
Laboratory Hours: 1.0							Date Revised: Fall 06
Catalog Course Description:
		Private instruction in keyboard jazz, blues, pop and rock for students with intermediate piano skills. Daily practice and workbook assignments are required. May be repeated for credit.
Entry Level Standards:
		Student should have basic skill level in reading treble and bass clefs and be familiar with the major scales.  A strong desire to learn to perform is essential.
Prerequisites:
		Consent of instructor; audition may be required.
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
		Coker, Jerry. Jerry Coker’s Jazz Keyboard for Pianists and Non-Pianists (most recent edition).  Instructor may assign other materials as needed.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
		Week				Topic
		1-14				Students will learn triads and 7th chords in all keys, chord symbol interpretation, and voice leading.  These techniques will be applied throughout the semester to several pieces in various contemporary styles.  The emphasis will be on mastering the fundamentals necessary for improvisation.
		15				Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
		A.			Demonstrate knowledge of playing the piano at intermediate level.  I.6, II.6
		B.			Evidence an understanding of music notation, the basic elements of music, and related terminology. I.6, II.6
		C.			Acquire an appreciation for quality performance relating to contemporary styles. II.1, II.6
		D.			Experience the humanizing effect of music and examines capacity for affecting personal development and self-expression.  II.1, II.2, II.3
		E.			Apply a disciplined method of approach in the pursuit of long-term goals.  I.4, I.6
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference TBR’s general education goals.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
		1.			Master appropriate repertoire and perform selected pieces as a final project, applying the skills developed in lessons to an actual musical performance.  Humanities and/or Fine Arts Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
		2.			Interact with the instructor in evaluating technical skills and in discussing emotional content and personal reactions to the music being studied.  Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
		3.			Develop written reports of recitals attended, emphasizing the correlation between information covered in class and the observation of principles in actual practice.  Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy
		4.			Keep a daily journal of practice time spent outside the studio and discuss with the instructor the quality and quantity of time spent in preparation for lessons. Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR'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 lessons 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 appropriate 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: 20% of grade
				At the end of the semester the student must present a polished performance of one memorized piece and one additional unmemorized piece.  Additional material and pertinent technical exercises can be included at the teacher's discretion if the student's background and potential warrant it.
		B. Laboratory Expectations: 70% of grade
			Five hours of outside practice per week are a minimal requirement for this course.  At each lesson during the semester the student is required to perform for the instructor and to apply suggestions for improvement in subsequent lessons.  The average of the weekly lesson grades reflects the student's weekly preparation and technical/artistic improvement.
		C. Field Work: 10% of grade
			During the semester  the student is required to attend two live performances of contemporary keyboardists during the semester.  The keyboardist can appear as a soloist or as part of a group.  A one-page paper in which the student evaluates the performance and applies concepts studied in class, should be turned in at the lesson following each performance.
VI. Policies:
		Attendance Policy:
			Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. This applies to BOTH excused and unexcused absences. Departmental policy states that teachers will not teach make-up lessons unless the instructor has to cancel a lesson or unless the student has to miss a lesson in order to participate in a school function.  In the event that a student's involvement in a school function necessitates his missing a regular lesson, it is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor one week in advance and to arrange for rescheduling at that time.  Rescheduled lessons will be at a mutually convenient time.
	B. Academic Dishonesty Policy:
			Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.
	C. Accommodations for disabilities:
			If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.

Posted: September 18, 2006