Butler Community College	Pat Anderson
Humanities/Fine Arts Division	Fall 1997

Course Outline PIANO CLASS I

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
MU101. Piano Class I. 1 hour credit. This course, designed for the beginning piano student. Students will be taught individually as well as in a group in a piano laboratory.

CONTACT HOURS:
The class meets for 1 hour, twice weekly.

TEXTBOOK:
Lancaster-Renfro, Alfred. Group Piano Book I.
Optional - Schaum Flash Cards

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this course are to present the following goals:

1. operate the keyboard and demonstrate its possibilities.
2. read from both treble and bass clefs,
3. explain the concepts of counting and meters.
4. define music terminology as applied to the keyboard.
5. play in both major and minor tonalities with the scales given in the text.
6. use the damper pedal.
7. perform music in various styles in accordance to each student's specific coordination and reading ability.

TOPICAL OUTLINE OF UNITS:
Unit I Topography of Piano

1. Identify white and black keys
2. Demonstrate pitch variations
3. Investigate pedals
4. Demonstrate capabilities of electronic digital pianos
5. Construct elements for improvisation

Unit II History

1. Identify predecessors of piano
2. Explain piano action
3. Identify keyboard instruments available today

Unit III Staff Reading

1. Develop Treble Staff reading
2. Develop Bass Staff reading
3. Identify and drill Grand Staff reading
4. Reinforce staff reading by identifying half-steps, whole-steps, skips and intervals

Unit IV Note Values

1. Explain all note values
2. Identify all rests
3. Describe dotted note values

Unit V Timing and Meter Signatures

1. Categorize all count values
2. Classify simple and compound meter signatures

Unit VI Dynamics

1. Identify abbreviations
2. Demonstrate touch control

Unit VII Technic

1. Drill five finger patterns
2. Demonstrate use of thumb
3. Develop hands together coordination
4. Demonstrate scales

Unit VIII Chords

1. Designate triads versus chords
2. Identify primary chords for accompaniment usage
3. Explain triad inversions

Unit IX Repertoire

1. Expose students to all styles
2. Present examples of ensembles

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
The following teaching/learning activities will assist students to achieve course objectives: lecture, instruction led class discussion, keyboard examples by instructor, analysis of students performance, textbook theory assignments, class projects in improvisation and ensembles.

Telecourses: Independent study of audio/video materials augmented by text and study guide; collaboration and participation with class members and faculty via available means.  Faculty role is facilitator of learning experiences.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Attendance
Monthly evaluations - Repertoire or lesson to be evaluated separately will be assigned at least one week in advance.  These evaluations will be given based on the level the student is working.  Evaluations will include:
student's choice of material or activity, sight reading, questions from covered material.  No final exam required

GRADING:

1. Monthly evaluation - 45% (3 at 15%)
2. Attendance - 10%
3. Weekly progress - 45% (3% x 15 weeks)

Miscellaneous:
Students with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills are encouraged and have the responsibility to contact their instructor, in a timely fashion, regarding reasonable accommodation needs.