Fall Semester 2015
MUE 102 Section 103
Elementary Class Piano
Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:20
LPAC 1120
Instructor: Mrs. Jennifer Bemis Music Department Office: 251-460-6136
Email: jhight-bemis@southalabama.edu
Office Hours and Availability:
Email or call for appointment
TEXT
Group Piano for Adults, Book One. E. L. Lancaster, et al. Second edition.
Alfred Publishing, Van Nuys, CA, 91410
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Elementary class piano is a beginning level piano skills class, including functional keyboard playing. Prerequisites:
Open to music majors and minors only. No previous knowledge in piano necessary. To be taken in sequence.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
+ Continued advancement of piano technical skills-including ability to play all scales and arpeggios
+ Learn to harmonize and play from lead sheets in piano texture style
+ Sightreading advancement
+ Learn transposition techniques for keyboard
+ Perform selected solos, duets, and accompaniments from the textbook
+ Prepare for the piano proficiency exam
GRADING AND CLASS PARTICIPATION:
Five exams, class participation, and the final exam will determine the final grade:
Exam 1
120 points
Exam 2
120 points
Exam 3
120 points
Exam 4
120 points
Exam 5
120 points
Final exam
300 points
Class participation
300 points ( 30 classes x 10 points per class)
TOTAL
1200 points
Ten class participation points are possible each class period, five for attendance and five for merit. If a student is late
for class, points will be deducted as follows: 1 point for 5 minutes, 2 points for 10 minutes, 3 points for 15 minutes, 4
points for 20 minutes. Should it be obvious that no effort was made on the student’s part to prepare or practice, no
points will be awarded for merit for that particular class meeting. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and
prepare the assignments for any missed class. Practice pianos are located in the 12 practice rooms within Laidlaw
Performing Arts Center. It is recommended that students practice daily in order to be successful in the piano
proficiency exam.
GRADING SCALE:
1080-1200 points = A
960 - 1079 points = B
840 - 959 points = C
720 - 839 points = D
Below 720 = F
MAKE-UP POLICY
Make-up tests will be given for excused absences only provided the student supplies the appropriate supporting
documentation (doctor’s excuse, obituary, jury summons, school function letter of participation, etc.). If you miss
your final exam or piano proficiency exam, you will not be allowed to make up that test.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Should an unforeseen circumstance arise, this schedule may be modified with appropriate advance notice given
during class. Regular attendance will ensure that you will be informed of any changes made in the semester
schedule.
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE:
August 18: Unit 1
August 20: Unit 1
August 25: Unit 2
August 27: Unit 2
Sept 1: EXAM #1 (Units 1 and 2)
Sept 3: Unit 3
Sept. 8: Unit 3
Sept. 10: Unit 4
Sept. 15: Unit 4
Sept. 17: EXAM #2 (Units 3 and 4)
Sept. 22: Unit 5
Sept. 24: Unit 5
Oct. 29: Unit 6
Oct. 1: Unit 6
Oct. 6: EXAM #3 (Units 5 and 6)
Oct. 8: OFF FOR FALL BREAK
Oct. 13: Unit 7
Oct. 15: Unit 7
Oct. 20: Unit 8
Oct. 22: Unit 8
Nov. 27: EXAM #4 (Units 7 and 8)
Nov. 29: Unit 9
Nov. 3: Unit 9
Nov. 5: Unit 10
Nov. 10: Unit 10
Nov. 12: EXAM #5 (Units 9 and 10)
Nov. 17: Unit 11
Nov. 19: Unit 11
Nov. 24: Unit 11?
Nov. 26: OFF for Thanksgiving
Dec. 1: REVIEW
Dec. 3: REVIEW
FINAL EXAM check final exam schedule
Student Academic Conduct Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Student Academic Conduct Policy is found in The Lowdown
http:// www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicconductpolicy.shtml: The University of South Alabama is a
community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and
freedom of the individual are sustained. The University is committed to supporting the exercise of any right
guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution and the Codeof Alabama and to educating students relative to their
responsibilities. Any dishonesty related to academic work or records constitutes academic misconduct including, but
not limited to, activities such as giving or receiving unauthorized aid in tests and examinations, improperly obtaining a
copy of an examination, plagiarism, misrepresentation of information, altering transcripts or university records.
Academic misconduct is incompatible with the standards of the academic community. Such acts are viewed as moral
and intellectual offenses and are subject to investigation and disciplinary action through appropriate University
procedures. Penalties may range from the loss of credit for a particular assignment to dismissal from the University.
Degree revocation may be warranted in cases involving academic misconduct by former students while they were
students at USA. Note that dismissal from any University of South Alabama college or school for reasons of
academic misconduct will also result in permanent dismissal from the University. Faculty, students, and staff are
responsible for acquainting themselves with, adhering to, and promoting policies governing academic conduct.
Students With Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities will be afforded reasonable
accommodations. The Office of Special Student Services (OSSS) will certify a disability and advise faculty members
of reasonable accommodations. If you have a specific disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations,
please notify the instructor/professor and provide certification from the Office of Special Student Services. OSSS is
located at 5828 Old Shell Road at Jaguar Drive, (251-460-7212).
Changes in Course Requirements
Not all classes progress at the same rate thus course requirements might have to be modified as circumstances
dictate. You will be given written notice if the course requirements need to be changed.
Academic Disruption Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Disruption is found in The Lowdown, the student
handbook. http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicdisruption.shtml: Disruptive academic behavior is
defined as individual or group conduct that interrupts or interferes with any educational activity or environment,
infringes upon the rights and privileges of others, results in or threatens the destruction of property and/or is
otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of order in an academic environment. Students are expected to be cordial,
courteous and respectful of faculty members and fellow students.