About the class:
In this class you will be learning to play the piano on the portable keyboard in the music room. This class is geared for the beginning piano player: the student with little or no piano playing background. Students are welcome to pace themselves faster than the class pace if they wish to do so. By the end of the semester, students will be able to identify and interpret the basics of music.In addition students will be able to play short songs, using both hands and will have had some experiences reading block chords.
Students who have a background in piano will work on music appropriate to advance their skill level and will be transferred to Advanced Piano/Keyboarding if appropriate.
Materials:
In class we will use the Alfred’s Adult Basic Piano Method as our main instructional text. This will be supplemented with the “red” and “blue” books by Schaumm. These books will be supplemented with other music such as seasonal songs and folk songs. 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 will be issued their own notebook with class materials in it. It cannot leave the classroom.
Additional sources of music that may be of interest include:
http://www.gmajormusictheory.org
http://www.mutopiaproject.org/
What do you need?
Students will be issued their own notebook with class materials in it. It cannot leave the classroom.
Students may wish to bring their own headphones or earbuds to use in class.
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.
Grading:
Grading will be on a percentage system. Grades will be based on the following:
● performance of assignments: 60%
● written work: 40%
this includes daily theory questions, worksheets, listening activities and quizzes
Please note: All assignments have a due-date that is listed on the board. Any performance assignment that is not graded by the due-date will be marked zero and that is your grade as of that date and time. All performance grades of zero can be submitted up to 2 weeks late without penalty. Please note that this is a grade extension that allow you to more time to develop your skill, it does not mean that there are no due dates for performances and if you have earned a zero because you did not turn in a performance by the due date and something keeps you from earning those points (such as injury or illness) your zero will stand. Performances completed 2 or more weeks late are subject to a 20% deduction.
Note: in the portal a grade of "00" is a grade that is past due that you can still earn credit for. A grade of "0" cannot be made up. The notation "Ex" does not need to be made up, but the notation "Abs" does (see below).
Written work is rarely accepted late and will incur a 20% late penalty unless the lateness has been approved by the teacher. Grades are traditionally updated on Wednesdays to allow for eligibility. They may be updated more frequently, but Wednesdays are the day I try to ensure that they are caught up.
Absences:
The notation “abs” will be used for grades when a student is absent and it does not factor into the average and will be used as a grade placeholder until the student returns. It does not mean that the assignment does not need to be made up. If a student misses several classes, the number of performances required will likely be reduced and this will be determined in a student/teacher conference. These grades will be updated at the end of the quarter.
Written work that is late will incur a 20% late deduction. Late work will not be accepted once the assignment has been graded and returned.
Grades are traditionally updated on Wednesdays to allow for eligibility. They may be updated more frequently, but Wednesdays are the day I try to ensure that they are caught up.
Falcon Periods:
Unfortunately, due to my falcon period schedule, students cannot come down for extra practice or to be graded. There are extra keyboards that can be sent to falcon period study halls IF the teacher is ok having a keyboard kept in their room. Arrangements must be made in advance for this to happen. Students who fill out Smartpass in hopes of coming down falcon period should not expect it to be accepted. Students with questions should email.
Keyboards
The keyboards in the class are Yamaha, 61 key (full-sized key) keyboards and Alesis 54 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 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.