Syllabus+for+Piano+-+level+1

** Teacher – Robin Johnson ** ** Department – Instrumental Music ** ** School – Thomas Jefferson High School ** ** 2 semesters (5 credits/each) ** ** Class meets – period 7 (M,T,Th,F – 12:59-1:50, W – 12:36-1:23) ** ** Office hours – M-F – period1, W – 2:14-2:45 ** ** Phone – (720) 423-7071 ** ** eMail – ****robin_johnson@dpsk12.org** Course description – This class is open to all high school students. The course work is geared towards the novice musician. In this class students will learn:
 * __ SYLLABUS – PIANO (level I) __**
 * how to properly use and care for various keyboard instruments,
 * about the history of keyboard instruments,
 * to execute fingering exercises and scales,
 * to play short melodies with simple accompaniments,
 * to transpose,
 * to read a piano score,
 * how to analyze music
 * how to compose short rhythms and melodies
 * and how to improvise

Musicians learn their craft from listening and observing, as well as practicing. In addition to learning to play the piano, students will also learn how to listen to and critique music. Class will frequently begin with listening exercises. Students will learn the academic vocabulary used to describe and analyze music, and in their own discussions and writings they will be expected to use that vocabulary. Each Friday, students will be asked to submit written critiques of performances. These performances can be live or recorded; the Internet has an abundance of recordings, and there are numerous live performances in Denver, some of which are free.

Much of the class time will be given for individual practice. Students will be taught how to set appropriate weekly goals, and how to structure their practice time to reach those goals. Most of their practice time will be spent on their own. If a student is waiting to use a piano, he/she should use that time to listen to piano music, write the weekly critique, complete any written theory assignments, and/or practice music theory online.

At the end of each 6-week grading period, students will have studio recitals, in which they perform for each other. The recitals at the end of each semester will be held in the evening. These are formal occasions, in which students are expected to dress up. (Parents, friends & family are welcome – just be certain to check-in at the main office.) These recitals are an important part of the students’ development at musicians. In addition to their performances, students will provide a written critique their own performances, as well as performances of their peers.

Materials - Students need to have a 1/2" 3-ring binder for this class. In addition to their binder, students need to bring their ID, school planner, and 1-2 pencils. There is a $30/semester materials fee for this course – this fee covers music, theory workbooks and maintenance of the pianos. Students may pay the treasurer directly and bring the teacher the receipt.

There are almost enough pianos for each student. Some of the pianos are acoustic, and some are electric; there are benefits to both. The piano lab will be used on a rotating basis; each station has a keyboard and headphone/mic set. All have been tested, and found in good working order. All equipment needs to be treated with respect, and left in good condition for the next students. The band, orchestra and percussion equipment are off limits during this class.

Accidents do happen, but damage, beyond normal wear and tear, will result in a fine assessed to a student’s account, even accidental damage. Be careful.

Grading – 90% - 100% - A 80% - 89% - B 70% - 79% - C 0 % - 69% - F (HMM.....anybody home ?)

We all learn and acquire skills at different paces; sometimes students pick up a skill after it has been tested. For that reason students are permitted to retake performance tests as often as they wish, until the end of the semester. This, though, is not meant to provide an excuse for students. The pacing of the class is reasonable, and if a skill proves challenging, the student will need to schedule additional practice time, on his/her own time. Students may sign-up to use any of the pianos during lunch or after school.

Course Overview – and memorized simple melodies and bass patterns, Studio recital – Friday, September 30 (in-class) and simple songs using both hands, Studio recital – Friday, November 4 (in-class) and folk songs Studio recital – Monday, December 19 (6 pm – on stage in auditorium) and folk songs Studio recital – Monday, February 13 (in-class) and simple etudes Studio recital – Monday, April 10 (in-class) simple etudes and classical compositions, and improvisation Studio recital – Monday, May 22 (6 pm – on stage in auditorium)
 * 1st 6-weeks** Chromatic scale – 2+ oct., and Hanon exercise 1,
 * 2nd 6-weeks** C major scale – 1 oct., Hanon Exercise 2,
 * 3rd 6-weeks** G & D major scales – 1 oct. (Bb, Eb, Ab), Hanon exercise 3,
 * 4th 6-weeks** A & E major scales – 1 oct., Hanon exercise 4,
 * 5th 6-weeks** B & F major scales – 1 oct. (3 forms), Hanon exercise 5,
 * 6th 6-weeks** A minor scale – 1 oct. (3 forms) & Blues Hanon exercise 6,

& broken chord bass (I) || correct fingering, steady tempo || 5 + 5 ||  || & broken chord bass (I – V – I) || fingering, pitch, tempo || 5 + 5 ||  || separately & Alberti bass (I - V - I) || fingering, pitch, rhythm tempo || 5 + 5 ||   || separately & Broken chord + Alberti bass (I - IV- I- V I) || fingering, pitch, rhythm, tempo || 10 ||  || hands & Cuckoo (LH) || fingering, pitch, rhythm, tempo || 10 + 10 ||  ||
 * 1st Semester **
 * ** DATE ** || ** ASSIGNMENT ** || ** CRITERIA ** || ** POINTS ** || ** GRADE ** ||
 * 8/29 || Hanon #1 /ascending – hands separately
 * 8/31 || Twinkle, Twinkle & Mary’s Lamb (RH) || correct fingering, steady tempo || 5 + 5 ||  ||
 * 9/2 || Performance critique # 1 (in-class) || correct fingering || 10 ||  ||
 * 9/6 || Chromatic RH ascending & LH descending
 * 9/7 || Cuckoo & London Bridge || fingering, rhythm, pitch, tempo || 5 + 5 ||  ||
 * 9/9 || Performance critique # 2 || vocabulary, accuracy || 10 ||  ||
 * 9/12 || Hanon #1/ascending & descending - hands
 * 9/14 || Lightly Row & Aunt Rhody (RH) || fingering, rhythm, pitch, tempo || 5 + 5 ||  ||
 * 9/16 || Performance critique # 3 || vocabulary, insight || 10 ||  ||
 * 9/19 || Chromatic/ascending & descending - hands
 * 9/21 || Au Claire de la Lune & Long,Long Ago (RH) || fingering, pitch, rhythm, tempo || 5 + 5 ||  ||
 * 9/23 || Performance critique #4 || vocabulary, insight || 10 ||  ||
 * 9/26 || Hanon #1/ascending & descending - both
 * 9/28 || Happy Birthday (RH) || fingering, pitch, rhythm, tempo || 5 ||  ||
 * 9/30 || Performance critique #5 || vocabulary, insight || 10 ||  ||
 * 9/30 || STUDIO RECITAL (in-class) || fingering, pitch, rhythm, tempo; || 50 ||  ||
 * 10/3 || Hanon #2 ||  ||   ||   ||
 * 10/3 || Hanon #2 ||  ||   ||   ||


 * 2nd Semester **
 * ** DATE ** || ** ASSIGNMENT ** || ** CRITERIA ** || ** POINTS ** || ** GRADE ** ||
 * Schedule is subject to change. **
 * Schedule is subject to change. **
 * Schedule is subject to change. **
 * Schedule is subject to change. **
 * Schedule is subject to change. **
 * Schedule is subject to change. **