Lenoir-Rhyne College
Applied Music Piano Syllabus
Fall 2007

Course Numbers
MUS 121.09, 122.09, 131.09, 132.09, 133.09, 331.09, 332.09, 333.09

Course Credits
MUS 121.09 and 131.09 and 331.09 are 1 semester credit
MUS 122.09 and 132.09 and 332.09 are 2 semester credits
MUS 133.09 and 333.09 are 3 semester credits

Level
MUS 12X.XX are Prep Division Courses
MUS 13X.XX are Lower Division Courses
MUS 33X.XX are Upper Division Courses

Prerequisites
Audition is required for enrollment in Lower Division Applied Music. A successful Upper-Divisional Jury is required prior to enrollment in Upper Division Applied Music.

Objectives
To provide instruction in the musical, artistic, and technical aspects of piano performance.

General Methodology--Weekly Lessons
Weekly private lessons will be scheduled. In preparation for these lessons students will study exercises, scales, etudes, solo literature and ensemble repertoire. Daily individual practice sessions should be maintained in accordance with the Music Student Handbook. Five hours per week in individual practice time is expected for each semester credit.

Special Requirements
Students in Lower Division and Upper Division Applied Piano courses are required to perform once each semester on a Friday morning student recital. Additionally, students are required to perform a Jury Exam (final graded performance) that will be weighted as 20% of the final course grade. First semester students may be exempted from the Jury Exam at the discretion of the professor.

Textbooks and Other Required Materials
Students are expected to purchase etude books and solo literature as appropriate. Specific assignments will be made by the professor throughout the semester.  

Course Outline
Because Applied Piano courses provide individual instruction, each student will follow an individual plan specifically designed for him/her. In general, students will be expected to prepare technical exercises and scales, sight reading, solo repertoire for each lesson. As students progress and gain proficiency, greater emphasis will be placed on public performance.

Specific assignments will be given each week at the conclusion of the lesson. Students are then expected to prepare this literature for the following week’s lesson.

Method of Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on their preparation for each lesson, consistency of progress during the semester, amount and difficulty of literature prepared and performed, Friday morning recital performances, Jury Exam, and general attitude. Occasionally, outside master classes, studio classes, and workshops are required. These will be announced well in advance of the event.

Recital Attendance
Students enrolled in Applied Piano are required to attend designated events as specified in the Music Student Handbook. Failure to meet the Recital Attendance requirement will result in a lowering of the semester course grade by one letter.

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to prepare for and attend 14 private lessons during the semester. Students who must miss a lesson should contact the professor prior to that lesson and schedule an alternate time. Work schedules, fraternity/sorority functions, and similar reasons are generally not excusable.

Academic Integrity Policy
Students are expected to comply with the college Academic Integrity Policy.

North Carolina Teacher Education Competencies

• 1.1  The ability to use a knowledge of music history and theory to enlarge the student’s understanding of music and the evolution and characteristics of styles.
• 1.2        A knowledge of music literature suitable for various age levels and the ability to select music appropriate for the ensemble and/or individual student.
• 1.3        A knowledge of basic music vocabulary/terminology essential to the teaching of music in the schools, K-12.
• 1.4        The ability to use and the knowledge of the importance and nature of the music of various world cultures, including American music, (black, folk, jazz, musical theatre, music of North Carolina composers, and 20^th Century music.)
• 2.1        A broad musical background based on a comprehensive understanding of music, and the ability to integrate this understanding into artistic music expression.
• 2.2        Major solo performance capability in at least one medium, as well as minor performance capability.
• 4.11      Practical approaches to the teaching of music reading and the ability to adapt these approaches to children of varied ages and ability levels.
• 4.14      The ability to convey to students creative approaches to the study and performance of music which will enable them to become consumers as well as performers of music.
• 4.16      The ability to evaluate musical performance and student work and to involve students in the evaluative process.
• 5.8        An understanding and respect for other arts disciplines.
• 5.11      A recognition of the need for a vital and diversified music curriculum in the schools which will encourage continued musical growth and involvement beyond the years of formal education.
• 5.12      A recognition of the value and role of out-of-school music participation.