SYLLABUS – PIANO 7th GRADE CLASSICAL PIANO

Instructor – Debra Benson

Charleston County School of the Arts

The goals of the classical piano program include the knowledge of music theory, the development of technical facility, the development of piano repertoire and the use of these skills in performing in various genres such as solo piano, piano ensembles, mixed ensembles and accompanying. Each student works on his or her own repertoire in tandem with technical exercises and technique requirements such as scales, cadence chords, and arpeggios. Students receive individual instruction as well as group instruction and are assessed on theory, repertoire, and technique. Students also work on ensemble pieces such as duets, chamber ensembles or piano ensembles. Some students accompany other instruments or play in small group productions. Students are encouraged to perform for community groups and school related functions. GRADING POLICY: Lessons/Performances = 30% of nine-weeks grade Theory = 20% of nine-weeks grade Technique = 20% of nine-weeks grade Practice Record = 10% of nine-weeks grade Class work = 20% of nine-weeks grade PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to keep a practice record each week that he/she will have signed by a parent and then checked by the teacher for a weekly grade. Seventh grade students are asked to practice for 30 minutes a day (6 of the 7 days) for a weekly total of 180 minutes. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: All students are expected to have a minimum of 2 pieces of repertoire learned and/or memorized each nine weeks. Performance grades will be given each nine weeks. Students will be expected to participate in a piano seminar each nine weeks. Students will be expected to participate in a fall and spring recital. They will also have the opportunity to participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival, Achievement Day Festival, or District Auditions. It is recommended that each student participate in at least one of these events in addition to the recitals. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT: Repertoire: Each student will work on different repertoire based on his or her level. Students work on music from different time periods and explore contrasting styles of music. Students will also work on ensemble pieces with other members of their class. Students will have individual instruction on their repertoire and will be assessed based on continual progress in learning the notes, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, memorization, and performance of their pieces.

Technique Curriculum:

• All major scales two octaves • Minor scales (natural and harmonic forms) two octaves : a, e, d, g, b,

c, f • All major and the above minor key cadence chords (I, IV, V) • Major & minor cadence chords in inversions • Arpeggios 2 octaves, hands separately or together, for all white keys, major

and above minor • Technique exercises

Technique is informally assessed through observation and formally assessed using grading rubrics. Theory Curriculum:

• Meter • Major/minor key signatures • Major and minor scales • Intervals • Triads • Scale degrees and triads of the scale • Primary and secondary triads • Cadences • Dominant seventh chords • Primary chord progressions • Ostinato • Ornaments • Texture in music • Melodic phrase structure • Signs and music terms • Structure and form in music • Sight reading • Ear training

Students will use the series Fundamentals of Piano Theory by Keith Snell & Martha Ashleigh. The teacher will also pull additional practice materials from other sources. Theory assessments are taken in the forms of written tests, ear-training tests, or short compositions using components of theory being studied. Extra Help Students may request extra help with theory or repertoire during office hours or other pre-arranged times. Parents are encouraged to email or call with concerns at any time. My email: Debra_Benson@charleston.k12.sc.us