Catalog Description and Rationale for the Course

APPLIED PIANO COURSE PLAN MINOR 2013-14

MUAP 131p, 132p, 231p, 232p, 331p, 332p, 431p, 432p

Instructors: Dr. Melinda Hickman, Mrs. Crystal Huss

Catalog Description and Rationale for the Course

APPLIED MUSIC STUDIES
The heart of any music degree program is applied music studies, where a student takes private lessons from an experienced instructor. Cincinnati Christian University offers private applied instruction in piano . . .. Students are assigned to teachers based on their level and ability, and on the teacher’s availability. No audit status is permitted. There is no refund of instruction fee after classes begin. Students enrolled in applied lessons on a major level are required to attend a weekly studio class that correlates with their private instruction. Studios provide group instruction to supplement the private lessons. Major and minor level applied lessons require a board exam at the end of each semester (except semesters in which students perform a recital).

Applied Minor Instruction (1 hour)
“A thirty minute lesson each week, with a minimum requirement of weekly practice.”

The purpose of this course is to provide fundamental knowledge of piano techniques and musical styles, and to develop keyboard musicianship, giving students a solid foundation at the keyboard.

Course Objectives

The student who satisfactorily completes this course should be able to:

1. Demonstrate sound technique and proper hand position by correctly performing technical exercises of the professor's choosing, such as scales and arpeggios.

2. Demonstrate his knowledge of stylistic differences in music by correctly performing Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary music.

3. Demonstrate his ability to play hymns, hymn arrangements, and accompaniments appropriate for worship.

4. Demonstrate his ability to memorize by performing one piece from memory per board appearance.

Outline of Course Content and Organization of the Materials

1. Piano Proficiency Exam

a. The piano minor is satisfied by four semesters of applied lessons AND the passing of the piano proficiency exam. Copies of the exam requirements may be obtained in the music office.

b. The exam can be taken whenever the student is ready, but is normally expected to occur at the end of the fourth semester of piano study. Taking the exam earlier does NOT exempt the student from completing the four required semesters of applied lessons.

c. The exam will normally be given during boards, although another time may be arranged with the permission of the chairman of the music department.

2. Piano Lessons

a. Lessons are weekly and are 30 minutes in length.

b. An individual curriculum will be designed to meet the particular needs and skill levels of each student.

c. Students will be expected to attend all student and faculty recitals. A minimum of 5 recitals attended in the fall semester and 10 in the spring is required.

Major Learning Experiences and Course Procedures

1. Each student will have 14 lessons per semester, unless illness or unusual circumstances occur. The student must personally notify the professor or music secretary in advance if a lesson must be missed. Failure to attend a lesson without advance notification will result in an unexcused absence. On the third absence from lessons, the student will be dropped from the course. The professor is NOT obligated to make up lessons cancelled by the student for any reason. All lessons cancelled by the professor will be made up.

2. Attendance at student and faculty recitals (5 in the fall, 10 in the spring) is required.

3. Performance of a board exam for each semester of study is required.

Major Requirements and Assignments

1. Students must keep record of the number of hours spent practicing per semester. A minimum of 42 practice hours per semester (3 hours per week) is required to pass the course.

2. Students must prepare weekly lesson assignments.

3. Students must perform a board examination at the end of each semester.

4. During the four semesters (or more) of study, the following must be accomplished:

a. Development of a solid basic keyboard technique, using method books and literature suited to the individual skill level of each student.

b. Performance of representative works of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods.

c. Mastery of technical studies, based on student need.

d. Instruction in techniques of accompanying congregational singing, choirs, soloists, and ensembles, and performing music appropriate for worship.

e. Performance of a board at the end of each semester, including at least three prepared pieces, one from memory.

Grading Policy and Procedures

Grading is based on the following criteria: (with studio)

1. Practice hours. If the student's recorded practice hours are fewer than 42 pass/fail

for the semester, the student will fail the course.

2. Weekly lesson grades: includes preparation of weekly assignments, attitude, 55%

improvements, and practice

Practice hours will be graded in the following way:

3 hours weekly (42 total) = C

4 hours weekly (56 total) = B

5 hours weekly (70 total) = A

3. Piano proficiency studio or piano performance studio 10%

(your instructor will advise you on which studio you should attend)

4. Recital/Concert Attendance 10%

5. Boards: based on memory, presentation, and interpretation 25%

Total 100%

*For those opting out of studio, it would be as follows: