Instructor:
Mr. Matthew Hartman
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Course Outline
This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of good
piano playing. Instruction will focus on proper playing technique
and encompass a variety of musical styles: folk, rock, reggae,
blues, and classical. You will learn a vocabulary of chords, accompaniment
patterns, and improvisational techniques. You will also learn
how to play melodies in several positions and possibly participate
in ensemble playing.
In addition to the performance proficiencies that must be met,
there may be a number of written evaluations. The written portions
are not busy work. Please make a strong effort to UNDERSTAND and
MASTER all parts of all units, written and played, as they build
upon each other. What you learn in each unit will be useful later
in the course. If you do not understand a concept or skill, please
ask. There are no stupid questions.
Your progress in piano playing is almost totally dependent upon
you. Although many people think that music educators are hired
to teach students to sing or play instruments, what we really
do is to train students how to train themselves. In the end, the
real music teacher is YOU. YOU absorb the instruction or not,
YOU systematically apply it to practice patterns or not, and YOU
discipline your fingers. No one else can accomplish progress for
you. In my experience, the best players at the end of each year
are not necessarily those who are the smartest or those who have
been blessed with the best physical coordination. The finest players
have been those who really worked, those who were committed to
playing well. With a positive attitude and a firm end-goal in
mind, these students created self-discipline in practice which
rewarded them, ultimately, with fine playing skills. I hope that
each of you is one of these disciplined people and that this course
will help you to reach your playing goals.
Fees
Each student will pay a $40.00 course fee for the year. Checks
may be made payable to Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Music
Department. Fees will be used to purchase method books, supplemental
materials, and to perform maintenance on keyboards, benches, and
peripheral equipment.
Attendance / Tardies / Discipline
Classroom policy is identical to the B-CC attendance and discipline
policies delineated in the student handbook.
Grading Policy
Students will be evaluated during individual proficiency assessments,
group recitals, and written tests. Samples of proficiency and
recital rubrics can be found in this packet. Quarterly grades
will be determined by the following criteria:
Proficiencies 65%
Time
usage / preparation 25%
Written
evaluations 10%
Folders / Pencils
Each student will have a folder to store written materials, exams,
and worksheets. Students should bring a pencil to class to mark
their music.
Instruments
Students will use digital piano workstations or acoustic pianos
as appropriate. It is expected that each student will treat the
school instruments with respect and do their utmost to prevent
damage. Each student and their parent / guardian is responsible
for the condition of the instrument. If an instrument is damaged
during class, it is the student and parent / guardian’s
responsibility to repair or replace the instrument.
Proficiencies
Written, group, and individual performance proficiency assessments
will be announced and posted. Students are encouraged to play
for the instructor the music required in advance of the due date.
Only the actual proficiency will be graded. Students who do not
complete the proficiency by the deadline will receive an “E”
for that proficiency.
Learning to play piano can be a fun, rewarding experience. With
the right attitude and approach to practice, you will be successful.
I hope you enjoy what you learn here and that you will continue
to grow as a pianist when you leave this course.
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