MCCCD Program Description

Class Piano I

Course: MUP131

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lec + Lab 1.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Development of beginning piano techniques and the fundamentals of music including basic hand position, music-reading skills of melodic and harmonic material, major scales, transposition, and harmonizations including the I, IV, V7 chords.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Locate notes on the piano keyboard. (I) 2. Play five-note patterns and triads over entire range of keyboard. (II, V) 3. Construct and perform various triads. (II, V) 4. Improvise simple accompaniments for folk melodies. (III) 5. Transpose five-note patterns, chords, and simple solos up or down on step. (III) 6. Perform simple solo and ensemble pieces. (IV) 7. Sight read simple solo and ensemble repertoire. (IV) 8. Perform major scales, one octave, hands together. (V) 9. Perform chord progressions using primary triads in major and minor keys. (V) 10. Perform arpeggios of major triads, two octaves, hands separately. (V) 11. Clap and notate easy rhythmic patterns. (VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Introduction A. Keyboard configuration: black note groups B. Finger numbers C. Location of black note groups hand over hand D. Location of white notes in relation to black groups E. Rhythmic improvisatory figures F. Basic music terminology II. Note reading A. Intervals B. Five-note patterns in major and minor C. Major, minor, diminished, and augmented triad formation D. Key signatures and circle of fifths III. Improvisation A. Chordal accompaniments to simple melodies using root position primary chords B. Ensemble pieces C. Transposition IV. Solo and ensemble repertoire A. Simple folk, pop, and traditional pieces B. Duets and class ensemble playing C. Performance practice of easier repertoire D. Sight reading of simple pieces with easy accompaniment V. Technique A. Easier five-finger exercises B. Staccato and legato touch C. Major, minor, diminished, and augmented triads D. Major scales, one octave, hands together E. Arpeggios, two octaves, hands separately F. Primary chords in major and minor keys G. Accompaniment patterns 1. Waltz bass 2. Jump bass 3. Alberti bass VI. Rhythm A. Clap easy rhythms B. Notate easy rhythms

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 13, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.