Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Department of Music
MUS 324
Class Piano IV
Approved by Department: November 4, 2003
Course Description
This course will serve as a continuation of Class Piano I, II, and III, and will complete the cycle of four
semesters of basic piano study. Students with more fluent reading and playing skills than are required for
Class Piano III may progress to Class Piano IV. Other students without previous Class Piano study may
take a placement examination to enroll in the course.
One semester hour, two clock hours
LHE= 1.33
Course Rationale
A full cycle of basic piano study must be available to students for the development of
skills in preparation for more advanced study. In the developing degree program in Music, students will
need to build musicianship skills at the piano.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1.
play scales and arpeggios two octaves in all keys and in various rhythmic combinations and
increasing metronome speeds.
2. build cadences, I IV ii6/5 I 6/4 V7 I in all positions, all keys.
3. build modes by tetrachord on any tone.
4. demonstrate a proficiency in intermediate technical skills.
5. sight-read at the intermediate level.
6. transpose elementary textures.
7. harmonize using triads and seventh chords.
8. modulate diatonically and chromatically using chromatic dominants.
9. improvise original simple structures.
10. recognize the major stylistic differences of pertinent piano repertoire.
11. use meaningful learning and practice procedures.
Course Outline
1.
Scales and arpeggios:
a. two octaves
b. all keys
c. rhythmic combinations
d. increasing metronome speeds: quarters, eighths, sixteenths
2.
Cadences:
a. I IV ii6/5 I6/4 V7 I
b. i iv ii6/5 i6/4 V7 i
c. all keys
d.
all positions
3.
Modes:
a. all Church Modes
b. by tetrachord
c. from any tone
4.
Diatonic Seventh Chords:
a. structure on all steps of the Chromatic scale
b. structure on all steps of the diatonic scale
c. application in harmonization
d. recognition in analysis
5.
Transposition, Harmonization, Improvisation,
a. Sight-reading equal to Level IV of keyboard skills and
b. the specific class as determined by the instructor.
6.
Repertoire:
a. middle intermediate
b. diverse styles of Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century
c. requirements of touch, phrasing and nuance
7.
Practice Methods:
a. development of productive practice methods and learning procedures
b. three half-hour practice sessions per week
8.
Technique:
a. equal to development of current repertory skills
b. control of finger, hand and forearm touches
c. specific scalar, arpeggiated and double note technique
d. appropriate arm condition for tone control
9.
Supplementary materials decided upon by the instructor:
a. ensemble pieces
b. texts
c. Jazz or Popular types of compositions
Assessment
Assessment of each student’s level of accomplishment with reference to the course objectives will be based
upon the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Graded homework checks: Periodically, the instructor will listen to the students individually to
assess their progress in the skills and concepts being learned in class, which may include
keyboard theory, sight-reading, harmonization, and transposition skills.
Class participation: Student attendance and quality of class participation are essential in
developing new skills, and will therefore be recorded. Through the listening console in the
piano lab, the instructor is also able to listen to any number of students and will have the
chance to evaluate their progress and participation.
Prepared Performances: At least once during the semester, the student will perform music he or
she has learned, in class.
Final Exam: The student will demonstrate the degree to which they have developed the required
skills by performing for the instructor. Skills are in the area of keyboard theory, sightreading, harmonization, and transposition.
Instructional Resources
Burmeister, Ellen. Keyboard Sight-Reading. Mountain View, California: Mayfield Publishing Company,
1991.
Giles, Allen. Beginning Piano an Adult Approach. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Theodore Presser
Company, 1978.
Hackett, Patricia. The Melody Book. Second Edition. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1992.
Lancaster, E. L. and Kenon D. Renfrow. Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults: an Innovative Method with
Optional Compact Discs and General MIDI Disks for Enhanced Practice and Performance. Van
Nuys, California: Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. 1995.
Lindeman, Carolynn A. Piano Lab: An Introduction to Class Piano. Belmont, California: Wadsworth
Publishing Company, 1995.
Lyke, James, et. al. Keyboard Musicianship, Book Two. Seventh Edition. Champaign, Illinois: Stipes
Publishing Company, Fifth Edition, 1999.
Mach, Elyse. Contemporary Class Piano. Sixth Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Olson, Lynn Freeman. Piano for Pleasure. New York: West Publishing Company, 1986.
Pederson, Gale. Key to the Keys. Guilford, CT: Audio-Forum, 1995.
Robison, Helene. Basic Piano for Adults. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1964.
Spillman, Robert. Sight-Reading at the Keyboard. New York: Schirmer Books, 1990.
Starr, William and Constance Starr. Practical Piano Skills. Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers
(3rd Edition), 1984.