MUS-P 132
Elementary Piano 2
2 hrs, 1 credit
This course is a continuation of MUS-P 131 (Elementary Piano 1), and is for nonmajors.
Prerequisites: MUS-P 131, or department permission
Elementary Piano 2 continues development of keyboard skills introduced in Elementary
Piano 1, leading to performance of more advanced repertoire, and greater technical
proficiency. Applied topics include scales, triads, arpeggios, seventh chords, finger
independence, rhythmic coordination, texture, harmony, sight-reading and ensemble
playing.
Strategies: Keyboard music cannot be learned overnight, and certainly not the night
before a performance quiz or exam. In order to succeed in this course, it is essential that
each student spends a little time each day working on the material. One-half hour a day
of study is far more beneficial than 3 ½ hours at one time. Because the assigned pieces
and exercises become progressively more difficult as the course transpires, if you fall
behind it will be very difficult to catch up. By the end of the semester, you will be able to
play a number of piano pieces in different styles, read simple music at sight, understand
some basic chord progressions, and have a good understanding of the most commonlyused music terminology.
Grading is based on attendance, keyboard quizzes, mid-term and final examinations.
Required Texts vary somewhat from section to section, but all cover the same skills,
materials and competencies, and all are available in the Hunter Bookstore. Some basic
texts include:
Elyse Mach: Contemporary Class Piano
Jane Magrath (ed.): Masterwork Classics, Levels 1-2
Denes Agay (ed.): Easy Classics to Moderns