Music 60C Elementary Piano, Third Level

Fall2012
Credit units: 2
PAC 200
MW: 2:15-3:35 PM
Dr. Chou

E-mail: Chou_Lin-San@smc.edu Office: PAC 211B Phone: 310-434-3477

Office hours: M&W: 3:35-4:05 PM T&Th: 11:00-12:30 PM

Course Description: Instruction in this course includes an emphasis on repertoire by master composers with attention to
technical approach, interpretation, and harmonic analysis. Major and harmonic minor scales, arpeggios and inversions are
continued.

Student Learning Outcome(s):

1 Students will be able to demonstrate improvement in their piano skills, as evidenced by their continued performance of
concepts of piano technique such as single hand arpeggios in all major and minor keys, scales in four octaves, chord
progressions with secondary chords.

2. Students will be able to perceive the contrasting styles of the different musical eras, such as the Baroque,
Classical, Romantic and 20th Century. They will demonstrate those stylistic characteristics in their performance.
Assessment is by performance exams

Text:
Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2, Second Edition, by Lancaster, E.L. and Kenon D. Renfrow
ISBN-10: 0739049259 ISBN-13: 978-0739049259
Easy Classics to Moderns, Vol.17, Agay, Consolidated Music Publishers, Music Sales Corp.
ISBN-10: 0825640172 ISBN-13: 978-0825640179
Music manuscript paper
Metronome
All students are required to purchase the text within the first week of the semester

Evaluation:
Since the objective of the course is to develop functional keyboard skills, all grading will be based on performance of those
skills. Specific grading will be based on the following criteria:

1. Appropriate choice of tempo and steadiness of tempo

2. Correct fingering in scales, progressions and repertoire
3. Accuracy of notes and rhythms in prepared pieces, harmonic progressions and sight reading
4. The ability to coordinate and control the two hands simultaneously
5. Appropriate hand position with no long finger nails
6. The ability to perform intervals and chord shapes through tactile orientation on the keyboard without looking
at the hands
7. Appropriate expression in repertoire including dynamics, articulation, pedaling, balance between melody and
harmony
8. Some chord progressions and repertoire may require memorization
9. Not stopping after a surprise (mistake); performance poise; ability to recover
10. Facial expression at least neutral, at best pleasant
11. Eyes on music (FOCUS- concentration)

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Grading Scale:
There will be three tests and a final exam (20% each, 80% total). Class participation and preparedness for each class
(20%) The final exam (20%) will determine the students eligibility for a level change. Students who do not pass the
final exam will not pass the course, regardless of the average score earned on the tests.
*Each student may take the test/exam ONE time only.
The standard percentage scale will be used, i.e.:
90% and above = A, 80-89.99% = B, 70-79.99% = C, 60-69.99% = D, 59% and below = F

*ONE REQUIRED SMC MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONCERT ATTENDANCE*

1. 4 points will be deducted from the final grade if not fulfilled.
2. Concerts occur in the Broad Stage, Edye 2nd Space, and Main Campus Theatre (Musical Theatre)
3. Requirement is fulfilled by filling out an Attendance Card and turning it in to an usher at the end of the
concert.
4. The same concert can fulfill the requirement for multiple classes.
The lines are longest just before the concert begins. Arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Enrollment:
1. Dates and deadlines. Please note that 11/18/2012, is the last day to withdraw with a W by yourself.
Deadline applying for Pass/No Pass is 9/28/2012. Dates and deadlines information can be found at SMC
websiteadmissiondates and deadlines:
http://www.smc.edu/EnrollmentDevelopment/Admissions/Pages/Fall-2012-Dates-and-Deadlines.aspx or
visit your Corsair Connect account. A late withdrawal can only be granted only if you are passing the class
with a C (70%) or higher, and only with the instructors permission, under extenuating circumstances beyond
your control that can be substantiated with your presentation of appropriate paperwork. For an Incomplete
grade designation, a student must fill out a Request for Incomplete form available at the Admissions Office
and gain instructor approval and signature, before the final exam date. Also for an incomplete, the student
must be passing the class with a grade of C or higher when requesting the incomplete. An Incomplete may
not be used to extend deadlines.
2. If a student does not attend either the first or second class without prior notification to the instructor, the
student may be irreversibly dropped from the roster. Students may also be dropped from class without
notification when absences are excessive; normally "when the number of absences equals one hour more
than twice the number of hours the class is scheduled per week" by the 11/18/2012 W deadline. After the
11/18/2012 deadline, even if you do not attend the classes on a regular basis, you will be assigned the grade
you earn.
3. SMC Policies state: "The responsibility to withdraw from class is the students responsibility:
informing the instructor is NOT sufficient notice. Failure to withdraw from a class could result in a
grade of F (0.0)." Ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to withdraw from the course (p. 126, Fall 2012,
Class Schedule). Although I reserve the right to drop students who fail to attend my course as outlined
above, students are responsible for withdrawing from a class and MUST NOT expect faculty to initiate
withdrawal procedures for them. Do not assume without communication that I will automatically drop you if
you stop attending the course, or attend sporadically, even if it is before the withdrawal deadline.

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Attendance:
It is imperative to be present and punctual for every class meeting. New material is presented in every lesson, and
there are opportunities for ensemble work in the classroom that cannot be replicated outside of class.
1. Attendance and Tardiness will be taken at the beginning of every class. Three absences = a letter grade will
be dropped from the final grade. Two tardiness = One Absence. If the student leaves at any time during the
class period, he/she will receive an absence unless prior arrangement with the instructor has been made.
2. Proper proof for excused absence will be required. It is the students responsibility to make up any work missed
due to an absence

NO MAKE-UP TEST WILL BE GIVEN due to unexcused absence.

-Allow yourself more than a half an hour to find parking. Contact another student or the instructor for assignments.
Successful progress in this course requires individual practice and participation in ensemble experiences.

Practice:
Successful development of the skills listed above requires regular daily drill. The average student will need to
practice about 40 minutes each day in addition to participation in class meetings. Some students may need
additional practice time.

Pianos:
1. Use a very gentle touch when removing and hanging up headphones
2. Leave power on and lid open unless you are the last class of the day
3. DO NOT TOUCH THE CABLES ON THE BACK OF (BRHIND) THE PIANO!

Miscellaneous Information
1. Sign up for piano practice rooms in the music office (211)
2. Do not bring any FOOD OR DRINK into the classroom except bottled water, which may be placed on the floor
3. Use of cell phone or other electronic device is not allowed in class
4. Students are required to perform in front of the class, please be ready to play anytime.
5. It is a disruptive behavior to keep noodling on the piano (both when piano is on silence or aloud) while
the instructor is talking.
6. I am happy to make accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Please contact the Center
for Students with Disabilities if this applies to you. The Center for Students with Disabilities is located in Room
101 of the Admissions/Student Services Complex, located on the north side of Main campus, next to
Admissions. For more information, call (310) 434-4265 or (310) 434-4273 (TDD).
http://www.smc.edu/disabledstudent/Guide/default.htm

Practice Room Key Policy

1. There is a $10 rental fee for the key. This fee will not be returned.
2. If a student drops before the first drop period, the fee will be returned. Visit your Corsair Connect account for
specific dates.
3. The key must be returned by the end of the semester in order to be eligible to rent a key the next semester.

Tentative Test Schedule: (the exact date is subject to change)

TEST I: September 17 & 19, 2012, Monday & Wednesday
TEST II: October 15 & 17, 2012, Monday & Wednesday
TEST III: November 19 & 21, 2012, Monday & Wednesday

Final Exam: (date CANNOT be changed): December 12, 2012 Wednesday 3:30-6:30 PM