Applied Piano Lessons 

MUS 222-001

 

Instructor:  Rebekah Richards, rrichard@gac.edu, 934-9117

www.gustavus.edu/~rrichard

 

 

Piano lessons can be one of the most rewarding classes you take during your college years.  How many other classes are tailored exactly to your background and ability and allow you to work one-on-one with a faculty member? 

 

You are a partner with me in your learning. I will guide you but you must be an active participant in your learning.  Ask questions, practice, study the score, ponder your technique, listen to recordings, and attend concerts.  Here is an opportunity to expand your piano knowledge, technique, and repertoire.  Take advantage of everything Gustavus has to offer you!

 

Practicing

Students are expected to practice daily – 45 to 60 minutes- 6 days a week.  Daily practice is of the utmost importance.  Long practice sessions on one or two days will not equal the progress gained from shorter daily sessions.

 

Music

You are responsible for purchasing music for lessons.  Photocopies are illegal unless you own a copy of the music.  They should only be used while you are waiting for ordered music to arrive.  I will give you detailed information on titles, composers, and editions.  Some places to purchase music are:

  • On-line:  peppermusic.com
  • Telephone ordering:    
      • Schmitt Music in Brooklyn Center (1 800-767-3434),
      • Patti Music in Wisconsin 1 800-777-2884
      • Groth Music 1 800-969-4772
  • Stores:  Music Mart in Mankato 345-1399 (they are quite slow when ordering things)

 

Metronome

     You will need a metronome at every practice session.  If you need to purchase one, I will be sending in an order for battery powered Matrix MR-500 metronomes for $17.95.  If we order together, we can avoid shipping charges.

 

Missed lessons

     If you cannot make a scheduled lesson, you must let me know ASAP.  E-mail is the best way to reach me:  rrichard@gac.edu.  If you are sick, please stay in bed and get well, but e-mail me.  We have 13 lessons scheduled for the semester, but you technically have only paid for 12.  If you are sick, or I am sick, we won’t make up one lesson.  If we stay healthy, you get an extra lesson! If you miss more than one lesson, I cannot give make-ups. We can reschedule lessons, if you let me know of conflicts in advance.

 

Studio Classes – 3/1, 3/29, 5/3

     We will have three studio classes during the semester on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm.    This is your time to practice performing in front of a friendly and small group, to use critical listening skills, to learn music history, and to explore a bit of music theory. These classes are extremely important for preparing for juries.  They are also FUN!

 

 

Jury

     Juries will be held on Thursday, May 17th in Bjorling Recital Hall.  Information on signing up for a time will be e-mailed to you in April.

 

 

Concert Attendance

     The music department requires all applied students to attend 7 concerts/recitals during the semester.   Eligible concerts are any given by students or faculty from the music department.  Off campus concerts may also be used, but check with me first.  I will allow almost any classical, jazz, or world music concert.

 

Grading Criteria for Applied Piano Fall 2006

 

Total of 880 points

 

240   Preparation for each private lesson (12 lessons x 20 points each lesson)

60   Etudes, Dozen a Day exercises mastered

120 Scales, Chords, Arpeggios

60   Sightreading, Quick learn pieces

100 Jury piece, memorized

100  Jury piece, memorization optional

90   Attendance at studio classes (3 classes x 30 points each)

10   Italian Terms test

70   Attendance at concerts (7 concerts x 10 points each)

20   Harmonization/tune by ear 10 points)

 

Extra credit is given for more repertoire learned.

 

I add up the points you earn for the semester and figure what percentage of 880 this is to determine your grade.

 

97-100=A+

93-96=A

90-92=A-

87-89=B+

83-86=B

80-82=B-

77-79=C+

73-76=C

70-72=C-

65-69=D

below 65=fail

 

 

Final grades are based on what is accomplished by the end of the semester.  Midterm grades are not added to the final grade.  Midterm grades are used to let you know if you are on track for the grade you would like to receive this semester.