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Office Hours: |
9AM to 10PM
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Course Meeting Times: |
open
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Course Description
Have you ever started playing piano but got stumped and frustrated with the theory? Then you've come to the right class. This course introduces the keyboard skills and fundamentals you will need to become a successful pianist. It provides for a step-by-step explanation on how to play the piano. If you need help with the written theory and you want to learn more about how to read and write notes. All you need to do is to enroll in this class. This course includes activities that will help you use the musical alphabet to read and write notes on the staff, identify intervals, and write sharps and flats. Not only does this course emphasize note reading but will help you develop a keen intelligent understanding of the musical notes and alphabet. In no time you will be playing the piano or keyboard and most especially read and play any music as you appreciate it!
Course Requirements
1. A keyboard or piano.
2. Actual practicing on the keyboard or piano with the songs assigned after every lesson. I will also be asking each student to practice songs every now and then.
3. Passing the 2 quizzes and 5 assignments.
4. For the final requirement, each student will play a piano piece that has been written by a classical composer. I will be giving out different piano music to each and every student in the class. The song which has been assigned to him or her must be practiced, played, recorded on your computer. Thereafter, it will be sent to my email and attached as a .wav or audio file. 5. Class Participation.
Course Goals
1. At the end of the course, the student should be able to read all kinds of notes, identify the notes on the staff without difficulty.
2. Master the notes and kinds of notes.
3. Know and understand the different hand positions.
4. Have a working knowledge of the different musical terms like for example allegro and adagio or andante.
5. Understand the meaning of intervallic reading.
6. Memorized the different finger numbers and know by heart.
7. Pass the final examination by submitting their own recording of a song which has been assigned to each one in the class.
Course Materials
Students are encouraged to download music from http://www.pitt.edu/~deben/freebies.html for example of piano music.
Other piano music or songs can be downloaded from the websites that are found on the net links.
Computer printer to print the sheet music.
Grading Policy
This course starts anytime and will be ongoing class. The students are required to pass at least 65% or higher on all quizzes and assignments. The passing mark is C.You will not be judged against other students regarding the rate at which you learn to play the piano. Learning this skill is more variable from student to student than learning academic subjects. So try not to compare yourself to other students in the class.
Disclaimer
It takes time and effort to learn how to play the piano and not all are expected to become wizards at it. For the most part, students should practice the piano/keyboard more often than not and just keep up with the course requirements when enrolled in this class. It takes enthusiasm, interest and most of all perseverance to play the piano.
