MU-P 365.xx & MUS 717.xx: Topics in Piano Performance
2 hrs, 1 credit
This class counts towards the Ensemble Requirement for the Music Major
Course Description:
This course will explore many dimensions of piano performance, and will focus on different special topics each semester, made explicit by a decimalization of the course number (e.g., “MU-
P 365.01”), and the special topic designation as part of the course title. In addition to performance and study of repertoire in a masterclass format, potential topics will include performance practice associated with different eras, exploration of particular genres, issues surrounding public performance and memorization, improvisation in different styles, composition for the piano, sight-reading and score reading, collaborative piano, performance techniques for
20 th and 21 st century music, and jazz. Exact topics will vary each semester depending on student needs and interest. The class may be taken up to 4 times for credit.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to register for ensembles prior to the required audition. After the audition, which is held during the first week of the semester, students will need to adjust their class schedules accordingly. (Students who do not pass the audition will be asked to drop the course.)
Corequisite:
For MU-P 365: Students must be currently taking individual lessons in piano and registered in
MU-P 401, 431. For MUS 717: Permission of the instructor.
Format and Materials:
Classes will involve live performances by students and the instructor, seminars on different class topics, and specific performance, oral or written assignments related to class topics.
Assignments and Grading:
As this is essentially a performance practicum, your final grade will be based on an overall assessment of your attendance, class participation, preparation as demonstrated by your best performances in class, work on any specific assignments, and preparation and performance on the Final Class Project.
Final Performance Project
Each semester, there will be a Final Performance Project focusing on works within a particular genre, by a particular composer, or both. Some examples include Scriabin
’s Preludes and
Etudes, Shostakovich Preludes & Fugues, Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, Bartók’s
Mikrokosmos (Vols. 4-6), Debussy ’s Preludes, Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared
Piano. Each pianist would be assigned to learn one short work at the start of the semester.