MUS-131:: Class Instruction in Piano I

Course, prefix, number, & title: MUS-131: Class Instruction in Piano I

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 2 studio hours; offered as needed

Credits: 1

Course Description in college catalog:

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Learn the basics of proper piano technique, with focus on physical ease and good sound production.

2. Learn to play all major and minor pentascales (five-finger scales).

3. Learn to play the following major and harmonic minor scales (1 octave hands separately and 1 octave hands together, ascending and descending): C, G, D, A, E, B.

4. Learn to play major and minor root position triads (C, G, D, A, E, B) in hand-over-hand manner, blocked and broken.

5. Cultivate fluent sight-reading skills at the level of Paul Harris’s Improve Your Sight-Reading, Book 1– sample attached.

6. Integrate knowledge of music theory with keyboard skills.

7. Provide single-note drone and block-chord accompaniment for simple melodies, using I and V in the following keys: C, G, and F. – sample attached.

8. Learn to play in ensemble setting--piano duets at the level of easier selections included in class-piano textbooks (Alfred, Mach, Hilley), or repertoire books such as Melody Bober’s Grand Duets for Piano, Book 1. – sample attached.

9. Fluently perform at least two elementary-level pieces from the classical and/or popular repertoire (see list of suggested materials) – sample attached.

10. Learn to transpose, improvise and embellish on simple melodies.

11. Play simple folk tunes by ear simple.

Program-specific outcomes

Prepare students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue a career in music by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship and performance.

Provide the general college students with the opportunities to study music in a variety of classes that promotes intellectual inquiry, global awareness and lifelong active learning.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

2. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

3. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Student Evaluation Criteria:

Students’ understanding of course materials will be assessed through:

1. In-class performance of various exercises (sight-reading, harmonizing, improvising, scales)
2. Graded performance of sight-reading, as well as prepared exercises, scales, and solo and duet repertoire.

Class Policies:

1. Regular attendance and participation and completion of all assigned work is required. If absent, student is responsible for all missed classwork and homework.
2. Graded performances are mandatory
3. Regular practice is essential. Student is expected to practice at least 45 minutes, three times a week.

Attendance: 

In accordance with QCC attendance requirements stated in academic standing, absences of 15% or more of the course may result in a failing grade. Excessive late arrivals or early departures may also result in a failing grade. http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/academicAffairs/academic-standing.html

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.