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Piano Class II Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Diego Caetano (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

diegocaetano@actx.edu

Phone

<p>970-778-9790</p>

Office Location

303

Office Hours

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
    • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MUSI-1182-001 Piano Class II

Prerequisites

Course Description

For students with a limited keyboard background. Includes scales, chord progressions, technical studies, sightreading drill, short selections from solo literature.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) have developed a comprehensive overview of neuromusculoskeletal, vocal and hearing health issues for postsecondary schools and departments of music.  Information of a medical nature is provided by PAMA; information regarding contextual issues in music programs, by NASM. The following links address the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, neuromusculoskeletal and vocal injury—all of which are widespread and serious public health issues for musicians and others.

NASM-PAMA Advisories on Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health

NASM-PAMA Advisories on Hearing Health :

Student information sheets:

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 3 studio)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd edition, by Lancaster/Renfrow


Supplies

3 ring binder, for handouts

pencil

textbooks

Student Performance

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

1.         Perform all major and minor scales and arpeggios, each hand alone, two octaves ascending and descending

2.         Perform the chromatic scale, two octaves, hands together, in contrary motion

3.         Perform at least two solo pieces of the level of difficulty of Unit 26 in the text

4.         Sightread a rudimentary 8 measure piece of piano music

5.         Harmonize a melody with seventh chords.

6.         Demonstrate the 5 types of seventh chords on a given pitch

7.         Accompany a melody with a basic two-hand harmonization

8.         Improvise a melody in the right hand, and perform with left hand providing the harmony.

8.         Develop a further understanding of basic music terminology

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

To progress effectively and efficiently, you are expected to practice outside of class a minimum of 30 minutes to 45 minutes daily.

Regular daily practice throughout the semester, as opposed to last minute, “emergency” practice, is strongly emphasized.

Practice checklist:

• Schedule a regular daily piano practice time in your weekly schedule NOW!

• If you choose not to practice in the music building, look for a quiet and comfortable place where you can be ALONE and undisturbed during your practice time

• Don’t strain yourself. Check that you are relaxed and supple while you play. Stretch before and after practice

• Take a short break every half hour and stretch

• 20 minutes of focused practice are more productive than 2 hours of unfocused practice

• Have a pencil, your class notes and assignments with you when you practice

• Plan your practice before sitting down at the piano. Some pieces may need more attention than others.

• Conscious and purposeful repetition is the key to improvement

• Contact your instructor if you have questions or to get an assignment

• Contact your instructor if practicing hurts!

Grading Criteria

Based on performance on four playing exams given on material covered in Units 14 through 26 in the textbook, and a written exam at the end of the semester. Each exam will be worth 100 points for a total of 500. Final grade will be based on the following scale:

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = Below 60%

If a student misses an exam for an excused reason, it is the responsibility of the student to schedule a makeup exam with the instructor.  If a student misses an exam for an unexcused reason, there will be no makeup.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS:

 1) The fourth playing exam will be considered the final playing exam, and it is a proficiency. That means that a no-show for this exam is an automatic F for the class.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required and necessary to meet the proficiency requirements of this course. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.

In order to receive attendance points, students must be in their seats, computers ready and textbook available.

Unexcused Absences will affect the final grade as follows:

3 absences – final grade lowered by one letter grade

4 absences – final grade lowered by two letter grades

5 or more absences– F and/or Instructor reserves the right to withdraw the student from the course.

Please notify the instructor if you need to miss the class. The instructor will determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

 Exams missed because of unexcused absences are not made up. Arrangements to take exams missed due to approved college functions (e.g. ensemble tours) should be made in advance. Exams missed due to illness will be made up only at the instructor’s discretion.

Regular attendance is required and necessary to meet the proficiency requirements of this course. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.

In order to receive attendance points, students must be in their seats, computers ready and textbook available.

Unexcused Absences will affect the final grade as follows:

3 absences – final grade lowered by one letter grade

4 absences – final grade lowered by two letter grades

5 or more absences– F and/or Instructor reserves the right to withdraw the student from the course.

Please notify the instructor if you need to miss the class. The instructor will determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

 Exams missed because of unexcused absences are not made up.

Calendar

COURSE SYLLABUS AND PROJECTED SCHEDULE:

WEEK 1

Wednesday, 1/20/16

            ASSIGNMENT FOR FRIDAY, 1/22/16

1.         P. 73    Review major/minor pentachord exercise with minor/major triads at end, all keys, chromatically up from C to C

2.         P. 124-126 Review scales/arpeggios of C,G,D,A,E Major.  On p. 142, look at F & B (new)

3.         p. 177 Dona Nobis Pacem

4.         p. 181 Complete the Review Worksheet (1st page only)

5.         Begin study and practice of Unit 14.

 

Friday, 1/22/16           ASSIGNMENT:

1.                     P. 73    Review major/minor pentachord exercise with minor/major triads at end, all keys, chromatically up from C to C

2.         P. 142 Scales/arpeggios of  F & B Major; p. 143  Gb and Db Major

3.         p. 184  Study the 3 types of minor

4.         P. 181  Little Fantasy Study

5.         P. 194-195       Ensemble Repertoire.  Learn at least 1 part.

6.         p. 185  Complete the worksheet by writing in each scale

 

 

WEEK 2

Monday, 1/25/16        ASSIGNMENT:              

1.                     P. 73    Review major/minor pentachord exercise with minor/major triads at end, all keys, chromatically up from C to C

2.         P. 142  B & F Major; p. 143 Gb and Db Major

4.         P. 191  Little Fantasy Study

5.         P. 194-195       Ensemble Repertoire.  Learn at least 1 part.

6.         p. 196 Triads of the Key

7.         p. 197  Technique

8.         p. 199  A harmonic minor scale and arpeggio, hands together

9.         Modes and Moods:  Reveler's Dance, right hand alone, entire piece

Wednesday, 1/27/16       ASSIGNMENT:

1.                     P. 73    Review major/minor pentachord exercise with minor/major triads at end, all keys, chromatically up from C to C

2.         P. 199-200 Harmonic minor scales/arpeggios of A, E, and D.

3.         Bewildered (from handout)

4.         p. 203  Harmonize

5.         p. 206  Improvise

6.         Modes and Moods:  Reveler's Dance.  Each hand alone.

 

Friday, 1/29/16  ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 199-201       Harmonic minor scales/arpeggios of A, E, D, G & C

3.                                 Bewildered (handout)

4.         p. 203              Harmonization

5.         P. 206              Improvisation

6.         Modes and Moods:  Reveler's Dance, hands alone; begin hands together

 

 

WEEK 3                                                             

Monday, 2/1/16          ASSIGNMENT:

1.         P. 199-201       Harmonic minor scales/arpeggios of A, E, D, G, & C

2.                                 Bewildered (from handout)

3.         p. 210              Chord progression in minor

4.         P. 211              Etude

5.         Modes and Moods:  Reveler's Dance, HANDS TOGETHER

 

 

Wednesday, 2/3/16                ASSIGNMENT:

1.         P. 210              Chord Progressions in a, d, e, and a, with pedal

2.         P. 204-207       Minor scales A, E, D, G, and C

3.         P. 211              Etude

4.         P. 216              Harmonization of  #1 & #2

5.         Modes and Moods: Reveler=s Dance, Hands Together

 

 

Friday, 2/5/16

ASSIGNMENT:  ASSIGNMENT:  PREPARE FOR EXAM NO. 1 ON WEDNESDAY, 2/10/16 AND FRIDAY, 2/12/16 (at least 3 items must be completed on 2/10/16)

 

EXAM #1

1.         P. 210              Chord progression in A, D, E & A minor, hands together     10 pts

2.         P. 199-201, 223 Minor scales/arpeggios of A, E, D, G, C, B & F, alone       20 pts

3.         P. 216-217       Harmonize your choice of 1, 2, 3, or 4                                   20 pts

4.         One repertoire piece:  Etude (p. 211) or Bewildered (handout)                     20 pts

5.         p. 229              Improvise # 1 in F minor                                                         10 pts

6.                                 Reveler’s Dance (Modes and Moods)                                                20 pts

WEEK 4                                                             

Monday, 2/8/16

Practice for exam No. 1; take any or all parts early if ready.

 

 

Wednesday, 2/10/16

EXAM NO. 1, part I (at least 3 items must be completed by the end of today’s class)

 

 

Friday, 2/12/16

EXAM NO. 1, part II (entire exam must be completed today)

 

 

WEEK 5                                                             

Monday, 2/15/16                                    ASSIGNMENT:

1.         P. 230  Triads of the Key

2.         P. 231-232  Bb, Eb, and Ab Major scales/arpeggios

3.         P. 233 Technique

4.         Modes and Moods:  Lydian Nocturne, each hand alone to ms. 10

 

 

Wednesday, 2/17/16                               ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 230  Triads of the Key

2.         p. 231-232  Bb, Eb, and Ab Major scales/arpeggios

3.         p. 233  Technique

4.         p. 236  Harmonize # 1 and #2

5.         p. 238  Dance

6.         Lydian Nocturne, L. H. add pedal.  Add to ms. 18, hands alone 

 

 

Friday, 2/29/16  ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 230  Triads of the Key

2.         p. 231-232  Bb, Eb, and Ab Major scales/arpeggios

3.         p. 233  Technique

4.         p. 237  Harmonize #3 and #4

5.         p. 238  Dance

6.         Lydian Nocturne, hands alone to end

 

WEEK 6

Monday, 2/22/16        ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 231-232  Bb, Eb, and Ab Major scales/arpeggios

2.         p. 241-242       ii chord, and progressions

3.         p. 249 #4 Harmonize

4.         p. 250 2 handed accompaniment

5.         Lydian Nocturne, hands together, entire piece

Wednesday, 2/24/16  ASSIGNMENT:

Prepare for Exam No. 2 on Monday, February 29, and Wednesday, March 2:

1.         p. 231-232  Bb, Eb, and Ab Major scales/arpeggios                      20 pts

2.         p. 253, Chord Progression in middle of page, in C, G and F        20 pts

3.         P. 250-251 Harmonize 1, 2, or 3, your choice                                 20 pts

4.         Lydian Nocturne                                                                               25 pts

5.         Sightreading                                                                                      15 pts

 

 

Friday, 2/26/16  PRACTICE DAY

ASSIGNMENT:

Prepare for Exam No. 2 on Monday, February 29, and Wednesday, March 2

 

 

 

WEEK 7

Monday, 2/29/16

EXAM NO. 2, part I (at least 3 items must be completed by the end of class today)

 

 

Wednesday, 3/2/16

EXAM NO. 2, part II (remaining items must be completed by the end of class today)

 

                                                                             

Friday, 3/4/16                         ASSIGNMENT:

1.         P. 316 Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically

2.         p. 262, top of page:  Chord progression in C major only

3.         p. 263  Read the Etude, hands alone

4.         p. 266  Practice the chords for Reuben, Rachel

5.         Choose final exam/recital piece (memorized) for end of semester.  Should be chosen by Wednesday, March 11.   Possibilities include:

p. 325-346       Any piece in the Supplementary Solo Repertoire section

p. 290              Full Moon Rising, by Dennis Alexander

p. 298              Chromatic Rag, by Willard A. Palmer

p. 317              Eccosaise, by Beethoven

Modes and Moods: Any piece, including ones already studied in class.

You may also choose a piece not in the text; it must be approved by Dr. Rauscher. 

 

WEEK 8

Monday, 3/7/16                      ASSIGNMENT:

1.         P. 316 Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically

2.         p. 269  Practice improvising on #1

3.         p. 271  Learn Primo Part of Dance, hands together

4.         Choose final exam/recital piece (memorized) for end of semester.  Should be chosen by Friday, March 11

Wednesday, 3/9/16                ASSIGNMENT:

1.         Review all scales and arpeggios learned thus far:

p. 124-126 (C,G,D,A,E Major), p. 142-143 (F, B, Gb, and Db Major), p. 199-201 (a,e,d,g,c minor), p. 223 (B and F minor), and p. 231-232 (Bb, Eb, and Ab Major)

2.         p. 316 Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically

3.         Work on final exam solo piece that you have chosen.

 

Friday, 3/11/16:         NO CLASS

ASSIGNMENT:

1.         Review all scales and arpeggios learned thus far:

p. 124-126 (C,G,D,A,E Major), p. 142-143 (F, B, Gb, and Db Major), p. 199-201 (a,e,d,g,c minor), p. 223 (B and F minor), and p. 231-232 (Bb, Eb, and Ab Major)

2.         p. 316 Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically

3.         Work on final exam solo piece that you have chosen.

 

 

SPRING BREAK:  MARCH 14-18, 2016

 

WEEK 9                                                             

Monday, 3/21/16                    ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 273-274:  F#, C#, and G# minor scales

2.         p. 276-277  Theme from the Moonlight Sonata

3.         P. 316 Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically

4.         p. 281-282  Complete the worksheet, to be checked on Wednesday.

5.         Practice final exam/recital piece. Must be memorized by 4/22/15

 

Wednesday 3/23/16               ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 273-275:  F#, C#, G# , Bb, and Eb minor scales

2.         p. 276-277  Theme from the Moonlight Sonata

3.         P. 316 Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically

4.         p. 280 Harmonization of #1

5.         P. 346  Prelude No. 1

6.         Practice final exam/recital piece. Must be memorized by 4/22/15

 

Friday 3/27/15                          NO CLASS (EASTER BREAK)

 

WEEK 10

Monday, 3/28/16

ASSIGNMENT: PREPARE FOR QUIZ NO. 3 ON Monday, 4/4/16 and Wednesday, 4/6/16

1.         P. 273-275       Harmonic minor scales and arpeggios on black keys              20 pts

2.         P. 276 Theme from Moonlight Sonata OR

P. 346  Prelude No. 1 by Catherine Rollin (student’s choice             25 pts

3.         P. 280  Harmonize and transpose No. 1 to given key                                     20 pts

4.         p. 316  Chord progression in all keys, up chromatically                                 20 pts

5.         Sightreading                                                                                                    15 pts

Wednesday, 3/30/16:  Prepare for Exam No. 3, early test-taking

 

Friday, 4/1/16:  Prepare for Quiz No. 3, early test-taking

 

WEEK 11

Monday, 4/4/16

EXAM NO. 3, part I (at least 3 items must be completed by the end of class today)

 

Wednesday, 4/6/16

EXAM NO. 3, part II (at least 3 items must be completed by the end of class today)

 

Friday, 4/8/16                         ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 287  Playing 5 types of seventh chords

2.         p. 289  Learn to play No. 1 perfectly

3.         p. 290  Full Moon Rising

4.         Practice final exam/recital piece. Must be memorized by 4/20/16

 

WEEK 12

Monday, 4/11/16                    ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 287 Playing 5 types of seventh chords

2.         p. 288 Study and play the inversions of seventh chords

3.         p. 290-291 Full Moon Rising

4.         p. 292  Harmonize No. 1

5.         Practice final exam/recital piece. Must be memorized by 4/20/16

 

                                                                             

                                                                             

Wednesday, 4/13/16              ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 287  Playing 5 types of seventh chords

2.         p. 288  Inversion of seventh chords

3.         p. 290-291       Full Moon Rising

4.         p. 292  Harmonize No. 2

5.         p. 295  Improvise No. 1 several times

6.         Practice final exam/recital piece. Must be memorized by 4/20/16

 

Friday, 4/15/16                       ASSIGNMENT:

1.         p. 287  5 Types of seventh chords, all keys

2.         p. 293  Harmonize No. 3 and Harmonize The Moldau, 2 handed accompaniment

3.         p. 295  Improvise No. 2

4.         p. 297  Practice the chromatic scale, two octaves out and back in

5.         p. 298  The Chromatic Rag, Right Hand only

6.         Practice final exam/recital piece. Must be memorized by 4/20/16

 

WEEK 13

Monday, 4/18/16

1.         Review the following scales/arpeggios, hands alone: 

p. 142-143  F, B Gb and Db Major

p. 223  F and B minor

p. 273-274       F# and C# minor

2.         p. 287  5 types of seventh chords, all keys

3.         p. 297  The chromatic scales, two octaves out and in

4.         p. 321  Harmonize No. 3, hands alone, and then together

5.         Practice final exam/recital piece.         MUST BE MEMORIZED BY NEXT CLASS SESSION (WEDNESDAY, 4/20/16).

 

Wednesday, 4/20/16

ASSIGNMENT:

1.         Review the following scales/arpeggios, hands alone: 

p. 142-143  F, B Gb and Db Major

p. 223  F and B minor

p. 273-274 F# and C# minor

2.         p. 287  5 types of seventh chords, all keys

3.         p. 297  The chromatic scales, two octaves out and in

4.         p. 321  Harmonize No. 3, hands together

5.         p. 321  Still, Still, Still

6.         p. 322  Improvise No. 1 several times.

7.         Practice memorized final exam/recital piece. 

 

 

Friday, 4/22/16

NO CLASS  ASSIGNMENT:  same as Wednesday, 4/20/16

 

 

WEEK 14                                                           

Monday, 4/25/16

ASSIGNMENT:  Prepare for final playing exam.

PART I ON Friday, 4/29/16 AND PART II ON Friday, 5/6/16

1.         Selected major/minor scales/arpeggios, hands alone:                                      20 pts

p. 142-143  F, B Gb and Db Major

p. 223  F and B minor

p. 273-274 F# and C# minor

2.         P. 297  Chromatic Scale, hands together, TWO octaves                                10 pts

3.         P. 287  5 types of Seventh Chords, starting on any pitch                               10 pts

4.         P. 321  Harmonization of #3 (top part of page)                                              10 pts

5.         P. 321  Harmonization of Still, Still, Still                                                       10 pts

6.         p. 322  Improvise No. 1, hands together                                                        10 pts

7.         Memorized Recital Piece                                                                                20 pts

8.         Sightreading                                                                                                    10 pts

 

Wednesday, 4/27/16

Practice for final exam

 

Friday 4/29/16

FINAL EXAM, part 1:  AT LEAST 4 ITEMS MUST BE COMPLETED TODAY

 

 

WEEK 15

Monday 5/2/16

FINAL WRITTEN EXAM

 

 

Wednesday 5/4/16

RECITAL DAY!!! PLAN TO PERFORM YOUR REPERTOIRE PIECE FOR THE CLASS, IN THE CHOIR ROOM.  THIS WILL BE A PASS/FAIL SITUATION:  PLAY AND YOU PASS, SKIP OUT AND YOU FAIL!!!

 

 

Friday 5/6/16

FINAL PLAYING EXAM, PART II.  EXAM MUST BE COMPLETED TODAY.

 

                                                                             

YOU MAY TAKE YOUR FINAL PLAYING EXAM, OR INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS OF IT, ANYTIME BEGINNING APRIL 25.  ALL SECTIONS MUST BE FINISHED BY FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016.

 

Additional Information

ABOUT PRACTICE:

Your improvement in playing the piano is directly linked to the amount of CONCENTRATED effort you put into your practice on a daily basis.  Every person is different; however, you should plan to practice at least 30 to 60 minutes between each class period.  The more you improve, the more you will enjoy, and the more you will want to practice!

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student’s ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5191.  The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/.  Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Social Services program at 806-371-5439.  The AC Social Services program website is https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/.  

Information on Protecting your Hearing Health can be found at: https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/publications/brochures-advisories/nasm-pama-hearing-health/

 

Syllabus Created on:

01/16/17 1:03 PM

Last Edited on:

01/16/17 1:10 PM