Course Syllabus

MUSC 2596 Private Piano II

Course Description

This course provides students with individual piano instruction. Private instruction is required of music majors each semester during college. Music majors receive one-hour lessons each week of the semester. The course is repeatable for credit. This course develops and improves a student's technical, interpretive, sight reading, pedagogical, and improvisational skills as well as developing a student's understanding of the history and repertory of the specific instrument/voice. A jury is required at the end of the semester. Students must successfully pass the jury at the end of their second semester of 1000 level private instruction in order to register for 2000 level private instruction. An additional fee is required.

Justification

As an accredited member of the NAtional Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Snow College is required to provide competent private instruction for music majors in all vocal and instrumental specialties. Private instruction is required of music majors in four-year degree programs and must appear on student transcripts. This course offer an excellent opportunity for all Snow College students to develop musicianship and performance skills. Courses of this type are taught at all NASM accredited institutions in Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will continue to develop good practice habits, and keep track of practice hour using a practice journal or log sheet.
2. Students will learn repertoire appropriate to intermediate to advanced grade level.
3. Students will learn intermediate and advanced technique skills necessary to perform more challenging repertoire.
4. Students will memorize music for public performance (where appropriate).
5. Students will continue to demonstrate proper artistic style and technical facility.

Course Content

This course may draw upon the following skill building areas:• Practice journal development• Continuing work on body posture, hand and finger positions• Advanced technique study, including dexterity, independence of fingers, articulatory control, dynamic control, fingering strategies for advanced scale and arpeggio work. • Greater focus on instruction in performance practice appropriate to stylistic periods • Continuing development of nuance and control of tone• Development of dynamic ranges appropriate to all types of literature• In depth study of languages necessary to perform music appropriately • Study of major and minor scales and arpeggios • Study of method books and etudes appropriate to student playing level • Study of solo repertoire appropriate for second-year college students and/or the individual level of the student• Development of performance technique, including memorization techniques, stage deportment and anxiety management