This course presents the basic to intermediate concepts and skills to develop performing proficiency at the piano. Musical activities and projects will build growth in technical skills such as major and minor scale patterns, musical skills such as sight reading and improvisation, theoretical concepts such as notation, rhythm patterns, melodic shapes and forms, and creative skills such as completing melodic phrases and inventing melodic variations. Repertoire will reflect the development of increasingly advanced solo and ensemble pieces.
Quarters Offered
Fall,
Winter,
Spring
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Read pieces of piano repertoire with note and rhythm accuracy respecting given dynamics, style markings, and required techniques through performance.
- Exhibit comprehension of music theory and piano terminology through application.
- Demonstrate proper piano playing technique through scales, arpeggios, triads, and seventh chords.
- Display knowledge of a breadth of musical types, styles, time periods, and cultures by creating liner notes for their personal performances.
- Utilize critical thinking skills through evaluation of student and professional performances.
Course Content Outline
- Review techniques presented in Group Piano I
- Expanding 5 Finger Position
- Melodic Intervals (6ths, 7ths and 8ves)
- Staccato
- Flats
- Half Steps, Whole Steps, and Tetrachords
- Scales and Chords (Major)
- C Major Scale, G Major Scale, F Major Scale
- Chord Progressions and Changing Fingers
- Playing in the key of C Major, G Major, and F major
- Dynamics, Syncopation, Arpeggiated Chords
- Natural Sign
- Scales and Chords (Minor)
- A Harmonic Minor Scale, D Harmonic Minor Scale
- Playing in the Key of A Minor, Key of D Minor
- Eighth Note Triplets
- Review all techniques from Group Piano I and II through solo repertoire