Course Syllabus – Private Piano (Graduate Students)
MUSP552/3-652/3 (2 semester hours)
Instructors: Dr. Jon Maisonpierre
Ebert House
521-6593
jonathan.maisonpierre@uncp.edu
Texts:
As assigned by instructor
General Description:
Private lessons are 50 minutes and are taught weekly on a one-to-one basis with opportunities for group performance and discussion at periodic seminars/master classes. Private lessons are designed to build technical proficiency, repertoire, and awareness of pianistic problems. Additionally, the lessons help students become more aware of relationships between the assigned piano repertoire, music history, and music theory.
Lesson Expectations:
A private lesson should be treated like a class. Students are expected to be punctual and to bring a notebook in which to write specific assignments. Do not schedule other appointments during lesson times. Lessons will be rescheduled only if the instructor misses the lesson or if the student misses due to a UNCP-sponsored trip.
The instructor will select and assign repertoire and various technical exercises that are appropriate to the level of each student. If the student is working toward a thesis project lecture/demonstration, repertoire will be assigned that is appropriate to the topic. Students should expect to work toward completion of both short- and long-term assignments.
Students are expected to purchase music in a timely manner. Library or borrowed copies may be used only until ordered music has arrived. Xeroxes and/or library copies may not be used for performances or juries.
Course Requirements:
á Attend all lessons.
á Practice a minimum of two hours per day. A written practice journal may be required.
á Complete short and long term applied assignments as assigned by the instructor.
á Attend special events as assigned by the instructors.
á Complete listening assignments as assigned.
á Write three papers: article report, concert review, and research paper. (See Music Department Handbook, Appendix B for details). The article report is due by Monday, October 9; your instructor must approve the article. The research paper (topic to be announced) is due by Tuesday, November 22. The concert review is due within ten days of the performance – no later than the last day of classes (Friday, December 1).
Evaluation/Grading (Music Department Handbook, p. 6 and Appendix B):
á Each lesson will be graded. The average lesson grade counts 65% of the total grade. Blackboard will be used to communicate weekly progress. Your lowest lesson grade will be dropped from your final grade.
á The final juried exam will count 20% of the final grade.
á Each of the three required papers will count 5% of the final grade (15% total).
á Attendance: A missed lesson will result in a Ò0Ó and will not be made up. Please see the make up policy on p. 6 of the Music Department Handbook. (One Ò0Ó will be dropped.)
Piano Seminars:
Graduate piano students are invited to perform on a piano seminar. Sign up sheets will be posted on the piano bulletin board outside Dr. BethÕs office (Moore 203). Other than performing, piano seminars will be used for discussion of piano-related topics, viewing piano videos, and hosting guest speakers.
Friday, September 1, 2:30 PM (Moore 203)
Wednesday, September 20, 10:00 AM
Wednesday, October 4, 10:00 AM
Friday, October 20, 2:30 PM
Wednesday, November 1, 10:00 AM
Tuesday, November 28, 6:00 PM (at the Maisonpierre Home)
Specific Competencies:
á The student should demonstrate a broad music background based on a comprehensive understanding of music.
á The student should display the ability to appropriately perform standard piano literature representative of various style periods.
á The student should display the ability to execute major and minor scales, arpeggios, and various etudes.
á The students should develop the ability to isolate problematic areas in a composition and to develop exercises that will resolve these problems, thereby nurturing good practice habits.
á The student should develop the ability to confidently perform in public.
á The student should develop the ability to sight read.
á The student should demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music as they relate to all kinds of music expression.
á The student should exhibit a general knowledge of piano literature, available editions of the literature, and available recordings and the artists.
á The student should demonstrate the ability to evaluate his/her own musical performance.
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first class week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential.
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Mary Helen Walker, Disability Support Services, Career Services Center, 521-6695.