Text: Adult All-In-One
Course, Lesson, Theory, Technique, Level 1 or 2; music handouts
Grade Level: 9-12
Course Credit: 1/2 credit per semester
Prerequisite: none
Fee: $15.00 each semester
Course Outline:
This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of piano playing.
Instruction will focus on proper playing technique and encompass
a variety of musical styles: folk, rock, reggae, blues, and classical.
You will learn a vocabulary of chords, accompaniment patterns,
and improvisational techniques. You will also learn how to play
melodies in several positions and possibly participate in ensemble
playing. In addition to the performance proficiencies that must
be met, there may be a number of written evaluations. The written
portions are not busy work. Please make a strong effort to UNDERSTAND
and MASTER all parts of all units, written and played, as they
build upon each other. What you learn in each unit will be useful
later in the course. If you do not understand a concept or skill,
please ask. You will find that I appreciate when students ask
questions if they don’t understand.
Your progress in piano playing is almost totally dependent upon
you. I will help you and guide you, but you are in charge of absorbing
the instruction, applying it, and disciplining your fingers. No
one else can accomplish progress for you. The best players at
the end of each year are not necessarily those who are the smartest
or those who have been blessed with the best physical coordination.
The finest players have been those who really worked, those who
were committed to playing well. With a positive attitude and a
firm end-goal in mind, these students created self-discipline
in practice, which rewarded them, ultimately, with fine playing
skills. I hope that each of you is one of these disciplined people
and that this course will help you to reach your playing goals.
Course Outcomes:
Students will be able to:
- Follow classroom procedures regarding practice and instruction
- Demonstrate basic competencies of piano performance in the
areas of tone production, articulation, technique, and musical
phrasing.
- Identify music notation and symbols relative to the level
of proficiency
- Identify basic musical forms within learned pieces
- Identify proper performance habits and apply these habits
to other aesthetic and/or musical experiences
Fees:
Each student will pay a $15.00 course fee each semester.
If a student is signed up for the year, then they will pay a total
of $30.00. Checks may be made payable to Bethesda-Chevy
Chase High School Music Department. Fees will be used to purchase
method books, supplemental materials, and to perform maintenance
on keyboards, benches, and peripheral equipment.
Attendance/Tardies/Discipline:
Classroom policy is identical to the B-CC attendance and discipline
policies delineated in the student handbook. Please be at your
assigned keyboard with all of your materials and your head phones
on within 1 minute after the bell.
Folders/Pencils:
Each student will be given a folder to store written materials,
exams, and worksheets. Students should bring a pencil to class
to mark their music.
Instruments:
Students will use digital piano workstations or acoustic pianos
as appropriate. It is expected that each student will treat the
school instruments with respect and do their utmost to prevent
damage. Each student and their parent/guardian are responsible
for the condition of the instrument. If an instrument is damaged
during class, it is the student and parent/guardian’s responsibility
to repair or replace the instrument.
Proficiencies:
Written, group, and individual performance proficiency assessments
will be announced and posted. Students are encouraged to play
for the instructor the music required in advance of the due date.
Only the actual proficiency will be graded. Students who do not
complete the proficiency by the deadline will receive an “E”
for that proficiency.
Learning to play piano can be a fun, rewarding experience. With
the right attitude and approach to practice, you will be successful.
I hope you enjoy what you learn here and that you will continue
to grow as a pianist when you leave this course.
Piano Class Grading Policy
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS...................................................................................45%
* Students will perform assigned
repertoire in groups and alone for a grade.
* Students will sign-up 1-2 weeks
before a playing deadline and will be graded
based on a rubric
that will be provided and reviewed ahead of time.
* Students will play the material
as a “dry run” for the teacher before the due date
* Playing Tests not completed by
the due dates will receive an “E”.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS...................................................................................45%
* Students come to class prepared
and have all necessary materials at the beginning of class.
* Students play assigned materials
and are on task during class time.
* Students demonstrate proper playing
techniques and posture during class time.
* Students complete group work and
individual classroom assignments.
To achieve success, students must practice. While proficiencies
represent culminating
activities, daily practice constitutes the most intense learning
period. Evidence of effective
practice skills must be demonstrated daily. Students must have
their materials on a daily basis.
Students without an instrument, pencil, or books are still responsible
for all the material.
JOURNALS/WRITTEN EVALUATIONS/HOMEWORK............................................10%
* Students are required to have
a Journal that stays in the Piano classroom
* Written evaluations may entail
piano / music theory worksheets, compositions,
arrangements,
and critical listening evaluations.
REASSESSMENT
*Students will be allowed to reassess
certain assignments (except for final exams)
up to one week after
the due date. Ms. Kornhaus will indicate which assignments
will be able to be reassessed.
*The reassessment grade always replaces
the original grade.
*Students must meet with Ms. Kornhaus
to review or relearn the material at least
one time before reassessment.
*Reassessment will take place during
class time.
PIANO FEE LETTER:
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Music Department
4301 East West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814 (240) 497-6335
August 2008
Dear Piano Class Students and Parents,
Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year! As the music department has continued to grow, so have the expenditures necessary to operate a quality music program. Due to increased enrollments in the piano classes, we have found it necessary to repair the pianos as well as purchase new headphones, method books and music.
Therefore, each student enrolled in a piano class will be charged a lab fee of $20 for the school year or $15 for the first semester, and $5 for the second semester. Fees will help cover new books and materials, sheet music, and repairs and replacement of equipment.
Students need to bring a check made out to B-CC Music Department for the appropriate amount, in a sealed envelope with their name on it. Hand it in to Ms. Kornhaus at the beginning of piano class. (You cannot pay through the internet.)
The music department anticipates a rewarding year and looks forward to providing your student with the highest quality education here at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School!
Sincerely,
Cindi Kornhaus
Music Director
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Look for Music Department news on the BCC Net with subject line: MUSIC. To join the BCC Net, please see the instructions on the BCC web page: http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/bcchs/ptsa
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