About the class:
In this class you will be learning to play the piano on the portable keyboard in the music room. This class will be largely self-paced, but is geared for the piano player who has some experience playing piano and reading music. This can be students who have completed the beginning piano class or who have studied piano privately. Students will be given individual goals based on their level of experience. This class is not intended to replace private piano lessons and students should not expect the same kind of attention in this class that they would receive in a private studio.
Materials:
In class we will use the Alfred’s Adult Basic Piano Method as our main instructional text. Students picking up where beginning piano left off will be working with level 1, and we do have level 2 and level 3 available for use in the classroom. In addition students can supplement their playing with the “red,” “blue,” and other color-coded books by Schaumm. These books will be supplemented with a series of classics that are printed out and in books in the classroom. While none of these materials can be removed from the classroom, if you wish to purchase them on your own, they are all affordable (under $10 each) and can be picked up at most music stores that carry method books.
Students wishing to print out music will find the following to be good resources:
http://www.gmajormusictheory.org http://www.mutopiaproject.org/
Students who are advanced beyond the classroom materials will be expected to bring in their own music for use in class. This can include music being studied in a private studio. Students may also choose to work on piano playing skills such as working from a FakeBook or chord progressions.
What do you need?
Students may wish to bring their own headphones for use in this class. There are headphone adapters, numbered by keyboard, and headphones, numbered by keyboard, that can be used. Students who are advanced beyond the class materials, or who have their own music that supports their playing goals, will need to bring their music with them to class.
Students will not be allowed to use class time to print out music that they wish to play. Students will need to organize their own written work and personal music in a manner that works for them.
Grading:
Students will be graded on their achievement and understanding of concepts of the assignments that they perform.
Students should expect to set a performance goal and to perform every 2 (every other) class periods. These assignments must be approved at least one class in advance and no more than 2 assignments will be approved for performance in any one class period: the course is about growth. The due dates for assignments will likely mirror the due dates for beginning piano if it meets at the same time.
Students will not be allowed to write on the school books and music. Students may be asked to pay for the cost of replacing books if they write in them.
Students who are extremely advanced may be given alternate grading opportunities and may need to provide their own music.
Absences:
Alternate or adjusted grading may be utilized if you are absent for an extended amount of time.
Phones
Phones are not to be used in class. Students will be asked to keep them in their backpack and if they need it, will be given a paper bag to put their phone in for the duration of class. This keeps it in their possession, but hopefully removes the temptation. Students may receive a disciplinary referral if their phone is a major distraction.
Keyboards
The keyboards in the class are Yamaha, 61 key (full-sized key) keyboards. Each student will be assigned to a keyboard to use for the entire semester. Students are not allowed to switch keyboards without Ms. Reinecke’s permission. Please treat the keyboards and headphones with respect as you will be responsible for the condition of your keyboard throughout the semester. If you notice any problems with your keyboard or headphones, please notify Ms. Reinecke immediately.
In addition, we have several Yamaha digital pianos available for use in class. These are full-sized, touch sensitive pianos and the more advanced students should expect to use these on a regular basis: less advanced students will get the opportunity to work on them as well. Should a rotation need to be established to allow students time on the digital pianos, we will do that.