1.
Alpha and Number
Course Title
Credits
Date of Outline
2. Course Description
3.
Contact Hours/Type
4.
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Maui Community College
Course Outline
Music 121c
Elementary Piano I
2
January 2004
Designed for beginning pianists or for musicians who play another instrument.
Develops understanding of concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form using simple songs. Develops basic keyboard technique by covering fingering, hand position, hand coordination, simple reading, and chord exercises.
3 hours/lecture
None
None
None
Approved by _____________________________________ Date___________________

2
5. General Course Objectives
Music 121c is designed to present the essentials of piano playing to the beginner.
The emphasis is on the presentation of concepts which can be deepened through independent study.
6. Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: a.
Read simple music b.
Be able to play primary triads in 5 major keys (C, G, F, D, A, E) c.
Use primary triads to improvise accompaniments for easy pieces. d.
Show individual hand control e.
Present repertoire development f.
Know of some of the great works in piano literature g.
Present a solid practice plan h.
Perform 5 major scales i.
Know how to play specific chords by reading their letter name (C, G, F, D, A, E,
Bb, B) j.
Demonstrate proper fingering technique k.
Understand the rudiments of basic music theory l.
Demonstrate knowledge of key signatures m.
Demonstrate knowledge of meter and time signatures
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to # 6. Student Learning Outcomes.
1 week Introduction. white key names, C major five finger position, intervals (2nds & 3rds), durational values (whole, half, quarter notes), the C major chord, five-finger patterns, legato touch
1 week The Grand Staff, notes and rests, stemming, intervals (through the
5 th
), five-finger patterns, F and G major chords
Eighth notes, intervals (through the 6 th
), primary triads in C major 1 week
2 weeks
1 week
Accidentals, G major key signature, G major fif-finger position, primary triads in G major
F major key signature, F major fife-finger position, primary triads in F major, transposition, dotted notes

3
1 week Group 1 keys, block and broken chords, staccato touch, harmonizing melodies, two-note slurs, changing hand positions
1 session Half and whole steps, formation of major scales, phrases
1 session G major scale, 6/8 time signature, more phrases, harmonizing melodies II, phrasing in 6/8, G major scales studies
1 week F major scale, intervals (through the octave), the order of sharps, major sharp key signatures, group 2 keys, (D, A, E), F major scale studies, group 2 chord studies
2 weeks Minor chords, more on phrasing, finger-crossing, major and minor chords
3weeks Literature study and repertoire development
8.
Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently available in the field. Examples include
Bastian, James. 2002. Musicianship for the Older Beginner. Kjos West: San Diego.
Bastian, James. 2002 The Older Beginner Piano Course. Kjos West: Sand Diego.
9.
Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to
10 – 60% Sores from evaluation rubric
5 – 30% Concert recitals
Term projects 10 – 30%
10 – 30% Listening assignments
20%
5 – 20%
Written homework assignments
Participation in class discussions

4
10 – 20%
8 – 10%
Projects, reports, and/or Service-Learning
Punctuality, attendance, and participation
10.
Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to a.
group piano instruction b.
individual instruction c.
lectures and class discussions; d.
problem solving; e.
individual practice: f.
videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs and discussion questions; g.
guest speakers and attendance at public concerts; h.
group activities; i.
oral reports and other student presentations; j.
homework assignments such as: music theory written weekly assignments k.
Service-Learning, community service, and/or civic engagement projects; and