Bachelor of Music: Piano

PI 101A Piano Primary 2 Credits

PI 201A Piano Primary 2 Credits

PI 297 Fund of Piano Pedagogy I 3 Credits

Fundamentals I is devoted to study of techniques, methods, and materials suitable for beginning through early intermediate level students. Other areas of study include motivational strategies, establishment of effective practice habits, recital preparation, technique, and elementary duet materials. Students analyze and demonstrate teaching from three different beginning piano methods. Observation of professional teaching is done in the context of class and private lessons at the Westminster Conservatory.

PI 298 Fund of Piano Pedagogy II 3 Credits

In Fundamentals II, students continue to apply their experience with piano methods to the teaching of students. In addition, the semester is devoted to the study of materials from all style periods for upper elementary and intermediate level students. Students observe private and group lessons appropriate to these levels. The course culminates in an individual lecture recital demonstrating music from a variety of style periods.

Prerequisite(s): PI 297.

PI 301A Piano Primary 2 Credits

PI 397 Fund of Piano Pedagogy III 3 Credits

Fundamentals III involves supervised private and group teaching of beginning students. Emphasis is placed on lesson planning, presentation of concepts, use of technology, and the relationship between technique and musicianship skills. The course further addresses the different psychological and methodological approaches to teaching adults and children in class and private settings, and includes an overview of materials for the adult student and group classes. The course culminates in a lecture recital on a pedagogical subject of the students choice.

PI 401A Piano Primary 2 Credits

PI 413 Accompanying Class 2 Credits

This course is designed with the twofold purpose of allowing undergraduate pianists to fulfill their piano ensemble elective requirement within the professional studies area as well as providing an opportunity for voice primary students to further their piano study in a challenging forum in situations directly related to their repertoire. The students in the class will receive instruction in the stylistic, technical, analytical and linguistic aspects of vocal literature. The many issues involved in vocal collaboration will be discussed along with in-depth study of the pianist’s role in musical partnerships. Issues of musical freedom, language, and the varieties of sonic treatment unique to vocal literature will be discussed. Italian, French, German and English song repertoire from various style periods will provide the assignments for performance and discussion.

PI 435 Survey of Piano Literature I 3 Credits

A study of representative works from 1650-1800 by composers including J. S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, J.C. Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Prerequisite(s): MH 248.

PI 436 Survey of Piano Literature II 3 Credits

A study of representative works from 1800 to the present by composers including Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, and Bartók.

Prerequisite(s): MH 248.

PI 512 Chamber Music 2 Credits

Emphasis is placed upon rehearsal and performances of representative collaborative literature for strings and piano, and woodwinds and piano. Students will be assigned movements from major chamber works selected from different style periods. Professional instrumentalists will join them for rehearsals and performances in class. An overview of the development of this repertoire will be presented and listening assignments will augment the study of specific works. A project involving the study and presentation of a piano quartet or piano quintet will be included. Attendance at three concerts of instrumental chamber music is required. Permission of applied teacher and instructor is required.

PI 513 Jazz Keyboard/Improv 3 Credits

This course will enable pianists and organists to become familiar with the theory, harmony, and improvisational techniques of jazz piano. Emphasis will be placed upon getting each student to create spontaneous improvisations. The fundamental goal will be that of enabling students accustomed to following a score to move beyond it. Extensive exposure to material from the "Great American Songbook" as well as to jazz standards will provide a structural basis for the course.

Prerequisite(s): TH 142 and PI 201, or equivalent knowledge and technical proficiency.

PI 516 Physical/Psych Aspects Piano 2 Credits

The two major emphases of this course are: (1) the pianist as athlete and 2) the pianist as performer. The first includes a study of appropriate exercise, nutrition, anatomy and physiology as they relate to piano technique, implications for injury prevention, and how to deal with injuries should they occur. The second includes the reading process, strategies for practicing, memorizing techniques, and ways of coping with the behavioral, physical and cognitive manifestations of performance anxiety.

PI 540 Keyboard Skills 3 Credits

The course includes in-depth study of numerous aspects of musicianship skills essential for all pianists within the broader categories of technique and practice strategies; memorization and sight reading; improvisation and lead sheet realization. All aspects of piano musicianship skills will be addressed from practical, pedagogical, and collaborative points of view. Assignments will include examples of studies from a wide range of levels all within the current and developing skill level of each student enrolled in the class.

Prerequisite(s): UG - Eight credits of applied keyboard study or permission of keyboard instructor or course instructor. GR - Permission of course instructor.

PI 585 Piano Ensemble 1 Credits

Study and performance of piano duets, two-piano works, and works for combinations of three or more pianists. The emphasis is on ensemble techniques for rehearsal and performance.