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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSI D018A
Course Title (CB02)
Intermediate Piano I
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
A study of the traditional classical piano literature from the Baroque era to present day. Focus will be on the differences in interpretation and style for each of the time periods as well as development of piano technique, specifically required for mastery of compositions from those time periods.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
FD - Piano Class Applied Performance

Course Justification

This course is the first quarter of second-year piano study and parallels that of lower division piano study at the university level. This course is a major preparation requirement in the discipline of music for at least one CSU or UC. It is a part of the A.A. Degree in Music.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Formerly Statement
(Formerly MUSI D078A.)

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
1.5
Maximum Credit Units
1.5

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours2.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
24.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

MUSI D012C or equivalent skill level or admission by audition

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

(Student must audition or meet course prerequisite(s).)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Supervision of practice with individualized review.

Lecture and demonstration.

Class and individual discussion of listening assignments; either from recordings or live performances attended.

Group practice of assigned technical exercises, sight-reading assignments and ensembles.

Assignments

  1. Daily practice on acoustic piano
  2. Listening assignments: Review and discussion of quality recordings for further study of performance practice
  3. Preparation for two in-class performances for classroom colleagues

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Mid-term and final performance of assigned technique. The mid-term and final performances are demonstrated on an individualized basis for the instructor only. Students are evaluated on accuracy of execution.
  2. Mid-term and final performance of assigned compositions. The mid-term and final performances are demonstrated for both the instructor as well as the classroom colleagues. The intent of the classroom performance is to give the students the concert like performance experience. Students are evaluated on interpretation, expression, and accuracy.
  3. Classroom participation in all group practice: Sight-reading exercises, group performance of technical exercises
  4. Weekly evaluation of specific compositions studied in preparation for the mid-term and final performances, evaluated on learning progress, technique,and/or performance practice specific to each composition

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Metronome
  • Music Staff paper
  • Access to assigned audio recordings (via Internet or other playback media)
Essential College Facilities:
  • Digital pianos equipped with headsets
  • Acoustic pianos for classroom demonstration, practice, and testing
  • Chalkboard for visual aid and demonstration

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Bastien, James. "Piano Literature, Volume two". San Diego, CA: Kjos Music Co., 2008
Music Teachers Association of California, "Certificate of Merit, Piano Syllabus", 2012

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Beethoven, Ludwig van. "Beethoven: An Introduction to His Piano Works". Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Co., 1970
Chopin, Frederic. "Chopin: 14 of His Easiest Piano Compositions". Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Co., 2007
Kabalevsky, Dimitri. "24 Pieces for Children, Op. 39: Piano Solo". New York, NY" G. Schirmer, Inc., 1986
Bach, Johann Sebastian. "J.S. Bach: Selections from Anna Madalena's Notebook". Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Co., 2004
Clementi, Muzio. "Clementi: Six Sonatinas, opus 36". Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Co., 2004
Burgmüller, Johann. "Burgmüller, 25 Progressive pieces, opus 100". Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Co., 2004

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate piano technique at the lower intermediate level
  • Demonstrate an understanding of interpretation with regard to the various parameters of each composition
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the correlation between interpretation and the historical context of each composition
  • Demonstrate development of sight-reading skills at a lower-intermediate level

CSLOs

  • Demonstrate accurate piano technique on major and minor scales, given arpeggios, and major, minor and primary triads in root position.

  • Demonstrate a more advanced understanding of interpretation and historical contexts of Baroque and Classical piano literature.

Outline

  1. Demonstrate piano technique at the lower intermediate level
    1. Major and minor scales
      1. Scales for study include all major and minor keys
      2. Scales are to be played two octaves and hands together
      3. Tempo: minimum two eighth notes equals 72 on the metronome
      4. Scales to be played in parallel motion
    2. Arpeggios (Broken Chords)
      1. Chords include: C, D, E, F, G, A major and minor
      2. Arpeggios are to be played two octaves and hands together
      3. Minimum tempo is to be at least three triplets equals 60 on the metronome
      4. Arpeggios are to be played in parallel motion
    3. Triads
      1. Triads include: All major and minor triads in root position
      2. Primary triads are to be played in root position for all major and minor keys
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of interpretation with regard to the various parameters of each composition
    1. Dynamics: The control of volume level.
    2. Articulation: Manner in which the notes are executed.
    3. Tempo: The speed of the composition within the context of the specific style of that composition
    4. Balance: Control of the sounds levels between hands and between musical lines
    5. Tone production: Quality of the sound produced
    6. Texture: Treatment of musical lines depending on the texture (homophonic or polyphonic)
    7. Phrasing: Execution of the musical sentence
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the correlation between interpretation and the historical context of each composition
    1. Baroque
    2. Classical
    3. Romantic
    4. 20th century
  4. Demonstrate development of sight-reading skills at a lower-intermediate level
    1. Sight-reading exercises are to be practiced in the classroom on a weekly basis
    2. Strategies for practicing sight-reading at home with literature suggestions

Lab Topics

  1. Students will practice major and minor scales
  2. Students will practice major and minor arpeggios
  3. Students will practice major and minor triads
  4. Students will practice assigned repertoire
  5. Students will practice sight-reading
  6. Students will practice ensemble literature
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