Jun 06, 2025  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2024-2025 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2024-2025 Academic Year)
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MUS 121 - Piano Techniques I


Description
This class further develops the student’s piano techniques. Skills developed include sight-reading, harmonizing with primary chords, simple transposition, and acquisition of standard piano repertoire. It is taught with the assumption that the student has prior music reading experience and has little to no familiarity with the keyboard. If the prerequisite course is not met, please see the department for information about the piano placement exam.
Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 2
School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Music
Discipline: MUS
Last Revision Date Effective: 2017-04-17 11:47:52
Course Review & Revision Year: 2024-2025
Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Laboratory - 1:2 (min.)

General Education Requirement: None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Read simple pieces with note and rhythmic accuracy.
  2. Understand and develop the following technique:
    • White key major and minor scales one octave hands together in quarter notes at 72 bpm using standard fingerings

    • White key arpeggios 2 octaves hands separate in quarter notes at 72 bpm using standard fingerings

    • White key major and minor triads and inversions blocked in quarters and broken in triplets using standard fingering at 40 bpm

    • White key major and minor cadences using primary chords beginning with the tonic in root position

  3. Demonstrate skill in harmonizing melodies using chord progressions consisting of primary triads.
  4. Demonstrate skill in transposition of a short piece with a melody in a single hand position.
  5. Demonstrate skill in using basic articulations, in employing stylistic elements, and in following interpretative terms for each of the areas studied.
  6. Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues. 
  7. Manage time effectively. 

Approved for Online Delivery?: Yes
Course Outline:
I. Notation

II. Note Values

III. Scales, Arpeggios, Triads and inversions

IV. Technical Work

V. Musicianship Skills

A. Harmonization

B. Tranposition

C. Sight-Reading

VI. Performance in Class

VII. Ensemble Playing


Mandatory CLO Competency Assessment Measures:
None
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 15-30%

Demonstration: 20-35%

Student practice and performance: 50-70% 


Mandatory Course Components:
Individual practice outside of class 2 hours per class period. Students may sign up for practice time in the Music Center practice rooms.
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: MUS 120  (C or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corerequisite(s): None
Course-Specific Placement Test: Piano Placement Exam
Course Aligned with IRW: IRW 97, IRW 98, IRW 99
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 2
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details: The instructor must demonstrate a thorough understanding of piano performance and pedagogy
A Master’s Degree in piano performance, pedagogy, or any music area with an applied piano emphasis is recommended
General Room Request: None
Maximum Course Enrollment: 12
Equivalent Courses: None
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Courses is a Requirement:
Digital Audio Specialist Certificate, Music, A.M. (Western Michigan University), Pre-Music and Entertainment Business, A.A. (3 + 1, Ferris State University), Recording Technology, A.M.
People Soft Course ID Number: 100280
Course CIP Code: 50.09
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Agreement exist?: No
If yes, with which Departments?: NA
Corporate Articulation Agreement exist?: No
If yes, with which Companies?: NA



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