Keyboard

MJ Keyboard I This introductory course Study will include:

◦ developing fundamental piano skills and techniques, ◦ learning to read music in order to apply basic music theory,◦ exploring the role of keyboard music in History and culture,

while performing for one's own pleasure and for others. ◦ Development of musical creativity in the form of basic

improvisation and basic composition along with developing analytical listening skills will also be explored.

No prerequisite is required. General Note: General music knowledge from

previous music courses will be reviewed. Special Note: This skill based class might require

practice time out-side of the school day.

MJ Keyboard II This foundational course Study will include:

◦ developing fundamental to intermediate piano skills and techniques,

◦ a repertoire of music from various styles and time periods to perform alone and in class ensembles.

◦ They will also demonstrate analytical listening and critical thinking skills associated with making informed decisions on personal musical preferences.

Some previous experience playing the piano and reading music is required. Students will be introduced to the basic tools of music technology (i.e., MIDI keyboards).

MJ Keyboard III  This advanced class Study will include extending these skills

through a variety of piano literature designed to promote performing with and for others. ◦ Additional opportunity for accompanying and solo

performance may be available.◦ Developing and applying criteria to assess piano

performances of self and others will be stressed. ◦ Students will extend their knowledge of music

technology (i.e., MIDI keyboards) and its logical connection to the computer and other sound generating devices.

HS Keyboard I Course Description: This introductory course See MJ Keyboard I

HS Keyboard II Course Description: This foundational

course Study will include: See MJ Keyboard II

HS Keyboard III Course Description: This advanced class See MJ Keyboard III

HS Keyboard IV- Honors Course Description: This advanced class is designed

for students who demonstrate highly advanced knowledge of piano techniques, musical literacy, solo performance skills, and related musical knowledge.

Study will include ◦ refining these skills through the independent study and

performance of a variety of piano literature designed to promote performing with and for others.

◦ Musical independence promoting additional experiences accompanying and solos along with musical composition will be encouraged.

◦ Students will extend their knowledge of music technology (i.e., MIDI keyboards) and its logical connection to the computer, other sound generating devices, and software used to capture, edit, extend, and deliver performances.

General Note: Placement in the course requires teacher recommendation and a signed student contract for completion of the honors credit.

  Special Note: As an honors course, the students will have

additional requirements including but not limited to: ◦ Attending and critiquing a minimum of 4 subject related

performances held outside of the school day which the student is not involved in,

◦ complete a reflective journal noting struggles and successes during the course, and

◦ prepare and perform solo repertoire of appropriate difficulty level in addition to the normal course requirements to be adjudicated by an outside source.

Additionally, the student will be required to complete one of the following: ◦ Write a 1200 word research paper on a composer, musical era, or

musical genre and prepare a class presentation, or, ◦ compose an original musical composition or arrange an existing piece

of at least 32 measures using correct notation to be presented by either a recording or live performance.