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(MUSC 161) Introduction to Piano Technique

Advanced pianists learn to play with relaxed muscular control; additionally, how to prepare repertoire independently of the private teacher.

Credit Hours 2.0 Lecture
Prerequisite Admission into the piano program by audition
Offered Fall
Programs -

Course Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Sit at the piano: be able to do so without tension and with appropriate posture.
  • Finger exercises: demonstrate short etudes which serve as preparation for advanced techniques.
  • Scales and arpeggios: perform scale and arpeggios in a variety of keys; understand the positioning of the thumb changes according to particular keys.
  • Chords: perform single, double, and triple motions with one drop of the arm.
  • Practice techniques: integrate foundational techniques with efficient practice and memorization techniques.
  • Tonal quality: Perform with advanced muscular coordination to produce "be-like" sounds.
  • Demonstrate how to parse a score and practice efficiently.
  • Prepare advanced repertoire matched with technical understanding.
  • Discern and describe subtle differences between tones.
  • Diagnose and address technical issues in performance.