Music 205-Basic Piano IV
Spring, 2012 Course Syllabus
Section 1: MW 2-2:50; Section 2: MW 3-3:50 Room FA 143
Instructor: Garnet Ungar, Rm 129, Tel. 488-2228, E-mail: gu2@evansville.edu

Required Materials
Hilley, Martha and Lynn Freeman Olson.
Piano for the Developing Musician. 6th edition. Wadsworth: Belmont, 2006.
Notebook (or a section thereof).
Manuscript paper.

Course Description
Group instruction in piano with simple literature and the development of piano skills.
Designed to prepare for the Piano Proficiency II exam.

Course Objectives
The main purpose of this course is to improve the student's abilities in technique, sight reading, harmonization, transposition, and improvisation at the piano. Secondary but important objectives are to improve practice habits, mental discipline, and personal responsibility; and to cultivate a sense of ease and enjoyment at the piano.

Related IDEA form objectives
2.
Learning fundamental principles, ideas, or theories (important)
4. Developing specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in the field of music (essential)
6. Developing creative capacities (important)

Course Outcome
By the end of the semester, the student should be able to perform all of the materials listed in the final exam in a steady rhythm, without stopping, with reasonable accuracy.

Teaching Methods
Classes consist of a combination of lecture/demonstration by the instructor, individual coaching of students, individual practice, and ensemble playing. The areas of competency mentioned under "Course Objectives" are covered in a rotating fashion to ensure ongoing development of these skills. This course involves learning various new musical skills on a new instrument, and moves at a fast pace. Therefore, it is essential that class instruction be reinforced by consistent individual practice. Students should be aware that playing the piano involves physical as well as mental conditioning, and that regular practice is essential.

Evaluation Method
Piano Proficiency Components 100%

Grading Scale:

93-100% A

90-92% A-

87-89% B+

83-86% B

80-82% B-

77-79% C+

73-76% C

70-72% C-

67-69% D+

63-66% D

60-62% D-

0-59% F

Absences
Attendance at all classes is expected. One unexcused absence without penalty is permitted. Further unexcused absences will result in the reduction of the course grade by a minus, for example, a grade of B+ becomes B. It is the responsibility of the student to make up the work from missed classes. Missed assignments must be made up within one week of the due date, otherwise a grade of zero will be assigned for that assignment.

Final (Piano Proficiency II)

Individual components of this exam will be completed, one at a time during class times, at set dates throughout the semester. If the component is not passed at the appointed time with a grade of 6/10 or better, the student will have two more chances to pass that component, during appointed periods for testing of other components. The last testing period will be during the final exam period. If, by the last testing period, all the proficiency requirements have not been passed, the student will receive a failing grade in Music 205 and will be required to retake the entire class.

2012 Test Dates

Monday, Jan. 30 Score Reading 2

Monday, Feb. 6 long chord progression

Wednesday, Feb. 8 America the Beautiful

Wednesday, Feb. 15 2 melodies harmonized by ear

Wednesday, Feb. 22 I IV I V I

Wednesday, Feb. 29 Repertoire

Wednesday, March 14 score reading 1

Wednesday, March 21 scales

Wednesday, March 28 Improv

Monday, April 2 Improv

Wednesday, April 4 Accompaniment

Monday, April 9 Arpeggios

Monday, April 16 Sight Harmonization

Wednesday, April 18 retests

Monday, April 23 retests