Course Syllabus

MUSC 3596 Private Piano III

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, improvisational, pedagogical, and sight reading skills as well as developing a student's understanding of the history and repertory of the specific instrument/voice. The course promotes synthesis various types of musical knowledge. A jury is required at the end of the semester. The jury accounts for 20% of the grade for the course. Students must successfully pass the jury at the end of their second semester of 2000 level private instruction in order to register for 3000 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 music degree programs and must appear on student transcripts. This course offers an excellent opportunity for all Snow College students to develop musicianship and performance skills. Courses of this type are taught at most NASM accredited institutions in Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Continue to develop good practice habits, and keep track of practice hours using a practice journal or log sheet.
2. Learn repertoire appropriate to intermediate to an advanced grade level.
3. Learn intermediate and advanced technique skills necessary to perform more challenging repertoire.
4. Memorize music for performance (where appropriate).
5. Continue to demonstrate proper artistic style and technical facility.

Course Content

Practice journal development;
• Continuing work on body posture including embouchure, hand and feet positions, and breathing techniques;
• Advanced technique study, including use of vibrato and performance in extreme ranges;
• Greater focus on instruction in performance practice appropriate to stylistic periods;
• Continuing development of tone strength and quality within all ranges of the instrument;
• 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 third-year college students and/or the individual level of the student;
• Development of performance technique, including memorization techniques, stage deportment and anxiety management;
• Study and practice will be assessed through instructor feedback and public performance.