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Music Department
Piano
The textbook for this class is PIANO FOR ADULTS (Book 1) by Bastien. Click on the link to download the syllabus for first semester piano: Piano Spring 2008
Over the next sixteen weeks I will teach 15 songs and 8 major scales. You are required to play 15 songs, one each week. The class moves fairly quickly and there will be five quizzes. I have posted a few links to give you additional information to help you develop your skills. Blank Piano Staff is for homework and taking notes in class. You should make enough copies to have one for each class.
Coursework Tracking this is a form that you should use to keep track of songs and scales you have played. If you are going to use this you are required to have me initial each completion. The Grading_Summer explains shows how you will be graded and this is a sample grading sheet MUIVI_345_Beginning_Piano_sample
Practice Quiz I speaks for itself.
New Cadence_chords_C
G_majorscale_Chordcadence
D_majorscale_Chordcadence
A_majorscale_Chordcadence
E_majorscale_Chordcadence
I teach the scales in the order of sharps and flats. The first scale you will learn is C, we will continue in the order of the circle of fifths until we reach the key of B. Then you will learn the flat keys, F, Bb, and Eb. This link will give you an example and an explanation of the circle of fifths. The Circle of Fifths
Major Scales Exercise I by completing this exercise you will learn the following:
1. To write all major scales on the staff
2. The keys for each scale on the keyboard
3. The terms, tonic and dominant notes
4. Accidentals for each scale
5. Key Signatures
Practicing scales improves technique and fingering, which are essential to all pianist and keyboard musicians. Also once memorized they will help overcome any fear of playing in any key. Major Scales This link shows the scales and with the correct fingering. You must sure you use the correct fingering for the flat keys. I will not pass you if your fingering is not correct.
If you are having difficulty reading notes, this link will show you the scale on the keyboard and the staff.
Major Scales on staff & Keyboard
It is so important for musicians and especially pianists to be knowledgeable of basic triads. Proficiency in triad names will make learning advanced chord symbols much easier. This link Triads on each Degree of the Scale shows how a triad can be built on each scale degree. Follow the practice instructions at the top of the page.
This is my Practice Routine that I used at CSUS. Most people won't have the time or commitment to practice as I practiced while in college, however you must practice diligently! Use this routine to develop one of you own.
THE BLUES EXERCISE is a blues in the key of F. You may use this piece for extra credit. It is equal to two songs if you: 1. Play it as written once, 2. Improvise on chorus over the blues form 2. Play it as written and add a 'special ending.
For those of you who want to learn to improvise click on this link to download Blues Scales. The left hand tritone pattern is also important to developing left hand voicing chops. Blues Scales
All of the average contemporary musicians of today can read chord symbols very well, especially jazz musicians.
The II V I Beg is a beginning voicing exercise that will help learn to read chord symbols and play them with good 'voicings'. Utilizing good 'voicing' techniques will make you 'comping' sound smooth.
After you have memorized the Beginning voicing exercise you must practice using them on songs. Click on the Jazz Improv link for instructions on how to get started.
II V I Adv is a four is an advanced voicing exercise in 'A' position.
The Triad_Exercise is an exercise in learning and building triads in all 12 keys.
The Seventh_Chord_Exercise is an exercise in learning and building Cmaj7, C7 and Cm7 chords in all 12 keys.
Sacramento City College
3835 Freeport Blvd * Sacramento * CA * 95822
This page was last updated: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 6:24:11 AM
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