MUS 222

Description:

This is a beginning-level course that provides a basic knowledge of keyboard instruments. Students will learn and review musical terminology, musical notation and symbols, and specific piano-related terminology. Topics covered will include major and minor key signatures; exercises and repertoire using major and minor scales; exercises and repertoire using major, minor, diminished and augmented triads in root position and inversions; chord progressions; ensemble playing of two to four parts; and use of the damper pedal. This course is the continuation of MUS 221. Completion of this course should precede Applied Piano I. This course is for beginners able to progress at a fast pace, students with minimal previous experience or students who have completed MUS 221. 2 hrs./wk.

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: MUS 221 and department approval required

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives:

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

  1. Identify by reading musical notation the basic musical symbols of: treble clef, bass clef, whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and rests; dotted notes; sharps, flats, and naturals; slur, staccato, accent.
  2. Identify by reading musical notation both major and minor key signatures and define orally appropriate terms relating to key signatures such as relative and parallel; natural, harmonic, and melodic minor.
  3. Identify by reading musical notation time signatures.
  4. Define in written form tempo/character indications and words.
  5. Perform on the piano major and minor scales beginning on any key.
  6. Perform on the piano basic fingering concepts and patterns.
  7. Define orally and in written form effective practice methods.
  8. Perform on piano basic chord progressions such as I IV I V I.
  9. Perform on the piano the proper use of the damper pedal. 

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Basic Musical Notation
   A. Orally and in written form explain the origins of treble and bass
clef and its practical relevance.
   B. Orally define the proportional notation including double-dotted
rhythms and syncopations.
   C. Identify by reading musical notation the alteration of pitches by
use of accidentals:  sharps, double-sharps, flats, double-flats, and
naturals.

II. Key Signatures
   A. On musical staff paper draw major key signatures.
   B. On musical staff paper draw minor key signatures.
   C. Orally explain the relationship of major and minor key signatures.

III. Time Signatures
   A. Orally define the proportional nature of time signatures.
   B. Orally define the application of time signatures.
   C. Orally define the structure of compound meter.

IV. Tempo
   A. Define in written form the meaning of basic Italian tempo words and
modifiers.
   B. Orally define the relationship of tempo words to each other
(hierarchy).
   C. Orally define the relationship of tempo and character words to
speed.

V. Scales
   A. Perform on the piano major scales, two octaves, hands together,
parallel motion.
   B. Perform on the piano harmonic minor scales, one octave, hands
together, parallel motion.
   C. Orally define the relationship of major to minor pattern.
   D. Orally and in written form identify the formation of natural,
harmonic, and melodic minor scales.

VI. Fingering
   A. Orally define the relationship and application of pattern fingerings
to repertoire.
   B. Orally define the basic concepts and principles of fingering
determination.

VII. Practice Methods
   A. Orally define the basic concepts.
   B. Orally define the methods of consistency in practice.
   C. Orally define the methods of pattern recognition.
   D. Orally define the methods of discipline in practice.
   E. Demonstrate through keeping a practice record the concept of
patience.
   F. Demonstrate through performance the practice in rhythms.

VIII. Chords
   A. Perform on the piano major and minor chords in root position and
inversions.
   B. Perform on the piano basic progressions.
   C. Perform on the piano seventh chords in root position and
inversions.
   D. Perform on the piano block chords, broken (arpeggiated) chords and
related terminology.
   E. Perform on the piano pop chord symbols.
   F. Perform on the piano triads of the major scale.
 
IX. Pedal
   A. Demonstrate on the piano the proper use of damper pedal.
   B. Demonstrate at the piano proper foot position and proper seating.
   C. Demonstrate at the piano the traditions in marking damper pedal
usage.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

  15-25%   Attendance
  50-60%   Performance
  20-30%   Written

Grading Criteria:
  90 - 100% = A
  80 -  89% = B
  70 -  79% = C
  60 -  69% = D
  Below 59% = F

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.