Keyboard Musicianship, MUS 317-01
Spring Semester 2006
2 credit hours
11:55-12:45 T, Th
Dr. James Hirt, M-P 204
jhirt@bw.edu

AVAILABILITY

As a part-time faculty member, I will usually be on campus only the days of class meetings. If you feel the need for help beyond that given during class time, please be prepared to see me before or after class. If you are having difficulty finding a time to meet with me personally, it is suggested that you ask me about the procedure for acquiring a music theory tutor. In any event, do not permit yourself to get behind in this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the first in a series of  two courses entitles Keyboard Musicianship.  This course is required for Music Theory, Music Composition, and Music History majors, and is intended to strengthen necessary skills for sucess in these areas of scholarly study.   The focus will be on breaking down various mental and physical aspects of playing the piano into their smallest components.  Students will focus on mastering each these components seperately,  then steadily integrate all aspects of playing the instrument.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

During this course the students will endevor to improve their skill level in the specific areas of :

  1. Sight Reading
  2. Score Reading
  3. Improvisation
  4. Review Harmony [in a keyboard related context]
  5. Figured Bass Realization
  6. Transposition

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Examinations: Three (two major examinations and a final exam)
Applied Homework: Applied Homework will be assigned virtually every day. 
Quizes: In general, there will be frequent quizes to test students progress on the applied homework

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Students with documented learning disabilities should see the professor privately to make appropriate accommodations.

TEXT MATERIALS

         Music for Analysis, 4th ed., Benjamin.  Wadsworth Publishing Co.

         Anthology for Musical Analysis, Burkhardt. Holt,Rinehart, and Winston Publishing Co

COURSE GRADING

Grading Scale: This course uses the grading scale established by the Music Theory Department and follows the College +/- grading system.
A+ = 100-99 B+ = 91-89 C+ = 82-81 D+ = 73-72
A = 98-95 B = 88-86 C = 80-76 D = 71-67
A- = 92-94 B- = 85-83 C- = 75-74 D- = 66-65

Examinations:  The four major exams will equal 60% of the final grade.

Applied Homework:  Applied Homework will equal 40% of the final grade.

  1. Unprepared homework will receive the grade of F.
  2. Homework is expected to be prepared on the date due.  There is no grace period unless the student provides an acceptable excuse.
Attendance: You are permitted 3 absences (excused or unexcused).  Absences over this number will be calculated against the final grade. Each additional absence beyond the limit will result in one portion of a letter grade deduction. Three late arrivals will equal one absence.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

"Academic dishonesty refers not simply apply to dishonesty in examinations, but to any behavior, such as plagiarism, which violates academic standards.  Matters of dishonesty may be handled by the professor and student involved, and may be appealed to the Student-Faculty Problems Committee." - Baldwin-Wallace College Student Handbook, pg. 17.

FINAL CAVEAT

The above procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

 

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