Required Materials
Piano for Pleasure, 4th edition, by Martha Hilley and
Lynn Freeman Olson, available at either Alamo II or University Bookstore.
Spiral binding only!!!
Optional: Old Union practice key, $15 deposit required, obtained from Music Department Office, CE 230.
Course Objectives
Piano for Pleasure is designed as an introduction to playing the piano.
Level II continues work done in Level I. Skills developed in Level I include note reading in bass and treble clefs, rhythmic reading, and other basic music skills, technical exercises designed to aid you in playing the piano, and piano pieces appropriate for beginning players. Level II continues work in these areas, and also develops skills in harmonization of 'fake book' style melodies, improvisation, and advancing repertoire. Group classes also include ensemble pieces.
Attendance
Daily attendance in class is expected. There will be no make-ups
for missed grades due to absences. If you have more than three unexcused absences during the semester, your participation grade will be affected and this may result in a lowered course grade. Illness must be documented by Student Health Services or Disability Concerns. Official university business, such as ensemble tours, must be documented in advance in writing in order to be excused. If you must be absent from class because of a university activity or for a personal reason, it is important that you notify your teacher of this in advance. This will enable you to stay informed about class assignments.
Be in class on time. It is discourteous to your teacher and to your fellow students if you arrive late. Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated. If you have special circumstances which prevent your being on time, discuss this with your instructor in the first week of classes. There will be no make-ups for grades missed due to tardiness.
Acceptable excuses do NOT begin with My dog, My roommate, My mother, My alarm clock, My car . . .
Grading
You will be graded periodically in class on assigned materials, through prepared in-class performances, written quizzes, written assignments, concert reports, or other materials. Each grade assigned during the semester will be weighted equally in determining your final course grade. Missed grades due to absence or tardiness will be averaged into the final grade as zeros. You can check your grades at any time on WebCT.
Midterm and Final Exams
Midterm and final exams will consist of several components, which may include repertoire, sight reading, technique, harmonization and/or improvisation. You will receive detailed information regarding the content of the exam at least two weeks in advance of the exam dates. Final exam format subject to change.
Practicing
You may practice in the group piano lab during Open Lab Hours. A Teaching Assistant is available to assist you.
Practice rooms are available in the basement of Cook Hall. In order to
practice after 7 PM or on weekends, you will need go to the Music Department Office, (Centennial East 230) to have your Student ID card activated for access.
Practice rooms are also available in Old Union. Check out a
key at the Music Department office, which you may keep while you are taking
piano classes. The key requires a $15 deposit, which will be refunded to
you when you turn in the key.
Plan on spending a minimum of 30 minutes per day practicing your group
piano materials. Don't attempt to 'cram' for tests. It won't work. Playing the piano is much like doing an athletic sport -- daily practice is necessary in order to develop the needed skills.
Getting Help
If you are having difficulties, or when you have questions,
see your instructor right away. We welcome your questions, and are here
to help you in any way we can. You may also see Dr. Morenus for assistance:
make an appointment (Cook Hall 204), drop her an email cgmoren@ilstu.edu , or leave a phone message at 438-3470. Your instructor will provide
you with her office location and office hours.
Help is also available here on the internet. Click here to access MIDI files of all the materials in the course text, Piano for Pleasure.
You can check your grades at any time on WebCT.
Don't wait until finals week to ask for help. If you have problems,
get help early so that you can have a successful semester.
