Musical Keyboarding

Music Keyboarding I is an introductory course in which students learn the basic concepts and fundamentals necessary for piano performance. Students will increase their basic understanding beyond musical notation by teaching students how music is constructed, important terminology, and chord progressions.  Throughout the year, students are exposed to many different lessons on various song literature. As students progress through a basic Level 1 book, they will move on to more advanced study of theoretical applications, technique and more difficult song study. Each individual will work at his/her own pace, and receive individual attention as he/she completes each musical lesson. Students will play melodies in several positions and have the opportunity to participate in ensemble playing. Students will develop good practice habits, and learn techniques to increase the muscular agility and flexibility of their hands. Grading is based on daily class participation and completion of lessons and goals for the week and throughout the semester. Prerequisite: Students do not need to have prior experience in instrumental training for this level course.

Music Keyboarding II provides students the opportunity to continue to develop piano performance skills at an advanced level. Students will have individualized private instruction tailored to their needs while expanding their abilities on the keyboard to a higher level of technique and agility. Grading is based on daily class participation and completion of lessons and goals for the week and throughout the semester.  Prerequisite: Students registered for this level should have had prior experience and training from successfully completing the Musical Keyboarding I course offered at Freehold Township High School.

Goals

• To learn how to play melodies, harmonies, chords, scales and accompaniments in both hands

• To be able to read, write, and play music notation on the grand staff in both clefs

• To learn music terminology used in the performed music.

• To learn how to perform, write and create music

• To develop good practice habits, finger flexibility and technique

• To develop greater proficiency in music reading

• To discover the composers and history behind the music

• To play with rhythmic accuracy and control

• To be able to perform proficiently a variety of repertoire

• To have fun and enjoy music.

Class Materials Needed Daily:

• 3- ring binder which houses all music literature (brought daily to class; serves as textbook)

• Packet/textbook material from Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course Levels 1 or 2 (kept page by page in binder) or other method approved by the teacher

• Music literature assigned in addition to the textbook material 

• Separate class notebook for all notes and class lesson instruction 

• Staff paper suggested but optional 

• Folder for handouts

• Pencil with eraser (brought daily to class-kept in binder)

• Personal headphones with appropriate jack output to Yamaha keyboard 

• Chromebooks (used from time to time;  resources/study material)

Expectations

• Students will actively contribute to the creative and learning processes.  

• Complete rhythm sheets, "do now" work, homework, and other written assignments.  

• Progress assessments will include individual performances, technique preparation, and group projects.  

• Remain quiet during lessons and raise hands for questions.  

• No work from other classes during music class.  

• Bring earbuds, sheet music, pencils, and other necessary materials daily.

Evaluation/Grading Criteria:

• Day to day participation, practice, attitude and effort

• Individual performing assignments

• Written assignments/tests

• Solo/ small group performances

• Solo/small group writing projects

• Quizzes/Assessments

=============================

Grading: 

Product/Major Assessments: 60%  

• • • • Major Assessments: Marking Period recitals, individual performances, scale tests, cycle assessments, presentations, written compositions, and online assessments.

      • Includes - Organized sheet music/binder, effort, class discussions, and adherence to rules.  

Process/Minor Assessments: 40%  

• • • • Instrument maintenance and workstation setup/teardown.  

      • homework, daily participation, behavior

      • Minor Assessments: Written assignments, practice time, technique preparation, group projects, and graded "do nows."

============================

Responsibilities:

PRACTICE TIME

Since the majority of the class focuses on the piano as a performing instrument, the goal of the class is for the student to become an independent and competent performer. It is equally important that students develop a great deal of self-discipline and self-motivation necessary to piano performance preparation. Therefore, a large portion of their grade will be based upon how well the student utilizes his or her practice time. Because not all students have a piano at home, students should arrive to class every day expecting to get the most out of the practice time sessions offered to them in class.  

LEVELS & ASSESSMENTS

For first-year students, it is expected that at least 2 -3 pieces are to be completed from the method book each cycle.  For upper level students, at least 1 piece should be completed weekly for expected progress along with technique practice.. Students will be expected to practice and periodically play scales and chords in order to promote stronger technique and finger agility.  Scale and chord tests will occur randomly throughout the year. By the end of the year, first and second level students will have the ability to play scales in 2 octaves. Throughout each quarter, students will have master class seminars during which time students will perform in-class for their peers. Song choices will either be a piece of their choice currently being studied or chosen ahead of time by the teacher. The main purpose of the mock recital seminars is to build confidence in performing in front of an audience. 

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Students will be responsible for the individual set up and tear down of their digital piano keyboard, stand and power cords.  It is expected that each student will treat his/her assigned instrument and equipment with respect and do their best to prevent damage.  If any damage occurs due to student negligence, it will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent/guardian to pay for any necessary repairs on the instrument or equipment. 

============================================

Classroom Rules & Expectations:

• All students should log into Google classroom and Remind 101 pages with the codes provided by the teacher.

• Students should arrive to class prepared and on time each day with a binder, sheet music packets, pencil, headphones 

• Students are responsible for the individual setup and break down of their station and equipment bags each day

• Tardy students should always bring a late pass and notify the classroom teacher that they are present 

• Students will refrain from doing other work from other classes and utilize practice time wisely 

• During set up backpacks and keyboard bags should be placed away from walking areas and under chairs (NOT ON DESKS)

• Loud talking, shouting and horseplay are not allowed anywhere in the classroom.

• Students may not congregate in front of the double doors. 

• A dedication to learning should be shown at all times. 

• Respect toward others is always expected. Common courtesy to all who enter the classroom as well as peers, visitors and the teacher should be shown at all times.  This includes being attentive and respectful during class discussion and instruction.

• The use of profanity, offensive language, bullying and disrespect to others WILL NOT be tolerated.

• Nothing other than water bottles may be brought into the room. NO FOOD ALLOWED. Bottles should be as far away from equipment as possible. 

• Electronic Devices:  Use of personal electronic devices are not permitted during class, rehearsal, or performance.  Please consult FRHSD/FTHS cell phone policy.

• Pass usage: All students must be granted permission for a student to be excused from the room. Once granted, students should sign out in the pass book as well as take the required pass in the room.  **Be sure to bring your school ID.  No one should use the hall pass within the first 5 minutes of the class so that a clear attendance can be taken.  If a student is found abusing their right to the hall pass, he/she will lose privileges for the remainder of the year for that class and parents will be notified. 

• Be respectful of the classroom and one’s property. Keep desks and chairs clean and free from vandal. Do not place any heavy items on top of the chair desks.

• Cheating on tests and quizzes is not tolerated and will district policy on cheating will be enforced.  

Failure to follow the rules & guidelines above will result in the following: 

1st Offense - Verbal Warning & Documented in writing 

2nd Offense - Parent/Guardian notification

3rd or more Offense - Parent/ Guardian notification/ Discipline Referral Write Up

***********************************************************************************************

STUDENT/PARENT CONTRACT

All parents/guardians of Musical Keyboarding students are asked to complete this form.  Submitting this form acknowledges that both student and parent/guardians have read and understand the Course Expectations, and Rules and Procedures as listed in the Musical Keyboarding syllabus.

Check List: 

• • • • Reviewed class rules and expectations for Musical Keyboarding

      • Signed on to Google Classroom with class codes

      • Reviewed the class Grading Policy for Musical Keyboarding