Revised 09/26

MUS 242 - Advanced Class Piano II (2 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches advanced applications of keyboard fundamentals and technical skills. Includes exercises in intervals, triads, all major and minor scales, and simple and compound meters. Uses advanced repertoire. Part II of II. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is designed to teach the student intermediate piano technique and to enable the student to read and play repertoire from a variety of styles and periods, to improvise simple accompaniment to single-line melodies, and to play fluently, intermediate-level pieces.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: MUS 142 and MUS 241, or equivalent.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

increase reading ability, repertoire, and technical knowledge of the keyboard
gain a working knowledge of all major and minor scales and learn patterns which will be useful in performing, accompanying or in improvisation
gain an introductory level knowledge of ensemble playing
harmonize a simple melodic line according to given chord symbols using keys with three or four sharps or flats using intermediate level accompaniment patterns
sight read a short piece at the appropriate level with no preparation
perform a more advanced repertoire piece for their peers

Major Topics to Be Included

All major and minor scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions
Fluency of reading of notes and rhythms
Understanding of interpretive and expression makings
Literature from a variety of styles and periods of composition
Concepts of ensemble playing
Concepts of accompanying
Concepts of intermediate improvisation at the keyboard
Concert performance analysis through a written concert report

Optional Topics

History and development of keyboard instruments
Biographical background of the composers of the works studied
Understanding and appreciation of keyboard performance