MUP 1 B, PIANO LESSONS FOR PIANO PRIMARIES

Dr. Beverly Smoker, Rm. 73, Ex. 2696 (Home: 381-3711)

REGARDING GOALS AND GRADES

Students who attend lessons & memory class and practice 2 hours per day will achieve their goals and perform admirably in the recitals and juries. Grades will be based on the quality of weekly preparation (as manifested in lessons, memory class and 2 taped self-evaluations), achievement of goals, improvement, and performances (recitals and jury). It is expected that students attend all piano recitals — guest, faculty and student.

Specifics:

1.  Recital repertoire memorized 4 weeks prior to recital date

(see department handbook, p. 52 for recital categories)

2.  Two memorized jury pieces excluding the recital piece. One of these jury pieces can be performed in the next semester’s studio recital. (This is the standard for an A.) Students who play an Honors or qualifying recital do not have a memorization requirement for the jury in the semester of the recital.

3. Goal evaluation schedule:

Goals should be established in these areas:

technique

repertoire

memorization

performance

week Goal Result

Feb. 4 / All music for Feb. 2 _ Beethoven Bagatelle Recital Memorized
Technique:
Repertoire:
Memory:
March 3 / Technique:
Repertoire:
Memory:
March 24 / All music for April studio recital memorized
Technique:
Repertoire:
Memory:
March 31 / Taped Evaluation:
April 7 / Taped Evaluation:

Studio Recitals: Tuesday, February 26, 12:10 pm; Tuesday, April 22, 12:10 pm

Keyboard Proficiency Exam: Friday, April 4

Attendance

Students receive 13 lessons each semester. Your lesson time is time reserved for you,

so please knock and then just come in. It is your time. We should avoid missing or changing lessons, but when absolutely necessary (illness, conference, etc.), I will promptly reschedule any lesson I must miss and will make every effort to do the same for you if you provide me with advance notice and a good reason.

Grade Description

A: See p. 1, Regarding Goals and Grades

consistent daily practice resulting in goal achievement

weekly participation in memory class resulting in memory and performance readiness

solid musical performance in recitals – ability to share music through performance

jury presentation of 2 memorized pieces other than the recital work

attendance at piano recitals* — provides inspiration, repertoire knowledge, camaraderie

B: Lacks some of the above, but musical and technical progress is evident

C: Inconsistent practice results in failure to achieve goals; minimal attendance in memory class and piano recitals

D. Minimal practice and missed lessons, memory classes and piano recitals result in no perceivable progress

F. No practice, many missed lesson, minimal participation in memory class; piano skills decline

*Even with the best of intentions, it is possible you may need to miss a memory class or piano recital. In this event, please give me advance notice and a valid reason.

Practice requirements for piano primaries:

Performance majors should aim for four hours of practice per day; all other majors should aim for 2 hours per day. During the second lesson of the semester, students will bring a copy of their schedule with practice times indicated. We will review your schedule during the scheduled goal evaluation weeks.

Required materials:

Students will be expected to purchase assigned music. You will be investing in a music library that will offer you a lifetime of enjoyment. The best musicians are those that know and have access to the most music. A music-recording device that you can bring to lessons and use in practicing is recommended.

Disability Accommodations

Please notify me of any special learning needs you may have. Private lessons are designed to accommodate individual needs, and I will appreciate any information that can help me serve you.

Academic Integrity

Music performance keeps us honest. When we practice, we will improve. When we don’t – we won’t. Be honest with yourself and with me about what you can and want to accomplish and the amount of time necessary to achieve your goals. You are busy, so we need to frequently monitor, evaluate and if necessary, adjust goals and corresponding practice time.

Piano primaries accompany vocalists in studio recitals and secondary voice juries. These performances will be a component of Piano Ensemble, but I will check the accompaniments in your lesson.