Fall 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: MUSI-1181 (Section: 02, CRN: 93043)
Piano Class I 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Caleb Fontenot
Email fontenotco@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6520
Office Sam and Linda Monroe Performing Arts Center - Room: 137 D
Office Hours Tues-Thurs 10:00 - 3:00p
Additional Contact Information none
Course Information
Description Class instruction in the fundamentals of keyboard technique for beginning piano students.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book 1 Lancaster, E.L. Alfred Music; 2nd edition (2004) ISBN: 9780739053010 
Additional Materials/Resources none
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes

Course Student Learning Outcomes: 

A. Demonstrates a professional tone quality by playing with proper piano posture and technique. (PSLO 1) 
B. Demonstrates a secure and accurate rhythm for the style of music being performed. (PSLO 1) 
C. Demonstrates pitch accuracy. (PSLO 1) 
D. Demonstrates dynamic levels that are appropriate for the style of music being performed. (PSLO 1) 
E. Demonstrates phrasing that is appropriate for the style of music being performed. (PSLO 1) 
F. Performs correct notes as required. (PSLO 1) 
G. Performs music from memory. (PSLO 1) 
H. Demonstrate proficiency in chord playing and chart reading. (PSLO 1) 
I. Perform scale techniques, repertoire and basic improvisation skills, produce five finger patterns in major and minor keys, play major and minor scales in selected keys, construct and play chords of different qualities, harmonize a melody, perform selected compositions. (PSLO 1) 
J. Demonstrates a commitment to the profession with attendance, persistence in the program, and timeliness to classes, rehearsals, and performances. (PSLO 4 )
Core Objectives
* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.
* Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
* Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.
* Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.
* Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Lecture Topics Outline

Week 1: Course introduction; syllabus review; posture/hand position 

Week 2: Chapter 1, Intro to keyboard and music notation, "Summer Night" 

Week 3: Chapter 2, Intervals, Keyboard Basics, "Miniature Waltz" or "Minuet" ** (Review Worksheet #1)** 

Week 4: Chapter 3, major 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Dance" ** (Review Worksheet #2)** 

Week 5: Chapter 4, major 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Little Scherzo" ** (Review Worksheet #3)** 

Week 6: Exam #1 

Week 7: Chapter 5, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Etude" 

Week 8: Chapter 6, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Toccatina" ** (Review Worksheet #4)** 

Week 9: Chapter 7, Chord Qualities, "Topsy-Turvy"  

Week 10: Chapter 8, Major scales pt. 1, "Dream Echoes"  

Week 11: Exam #2  

Week 12: Chapter 9, Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance"  

Week 13: Chapter 9 cont., Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance" **(Review Worksheet #5)** 

Week 14: Chapter 10, Major scales pt. 3, triad inversions, "Etude"  

Week 15: Final Exam Practice  

Week 16: Final Performance/”Duet” Exam 
Major Assignments Schedule

Course Schedule and Major assignment Due Dates: 

Week 1: Course introduction; syllabus review; posture/hand position 

Week 2: Chapter 1, Intro to keyboard and music notation, "Summer Night" 

Week 3: Chapter 2, Intervals, Keyboard Basics, "Miniature Waltz" or "Minuet" ** (Review Worksheet #1)** 

Week 4: Chapter 3, major 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Dance" ** (Review Worksheet #2)** 

Week 5: Chapter 4, major 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Little Scherzo" ** (Review Worksheet #3)** 

Week 6: Exam #1 

Week 7: Chapter 5, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Etude" 

Week 8: Chapter 6, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Toccatina" ** (Review Worksheet #4)** 

Week 9: Chapter 7, Chord Qualities, "Topsy-Turvy"  

Week 10: Chapter 8, Major scales pt. 1, "Dream Echoes"  

Week 11: Exam #2  

Week 12: Chapter 9, Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance"  

Week 13: Chapter 9 cont., Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance" **(Review Worksheet #5)** 

Week 14: Chapter 10, Major scales pt. 3, triad inversions, "Etude"  

Week 15: Final Exam Practice  

Week 16: Final Performance/”Duet” Exam 
Final Exam Date December 11, 2023 - 4:00 PM   Through  December 11, 2023 - 5:15 PM
Grading Scale
 
 90 - 100 = A     80 - 89 = B     70 - 79 = C     60 - 69 = D     Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade

Course Grading:  

  • Class Attendance 10%  

  • Written Assignments 15%  

  • Chapter Solo Repertoire 25%  

  • Exam #1 10% 

  • Exam #2 10% 

  • Final Exam 15% 

  • Duet Assignment 15% 
Course Policies
Instructor Policies

  • - No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. 

  •  - Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. 

  •  - Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptops) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.  

  • - Recreational use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. 

  •  - Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions. 

  •  - Turn your cellphones to vibrate when you enter the classroom. 
Attendance Policy This is a 1 credit course that meets approx. 3 hours per week. You get one "free" absence before your tardies/absences start to count against your grade in the "Attendance" category. After that, each absence deducts two percentage points from your final grade (max of 10). Three tardies will count as one absence.
Additional Information

*Keyboard Lab Policy - The equipment in the keyboard lab must always be treated with respect and care. Headphones should be used at all times and an acceptable volume level must be maintained. Please notify the instructor immediately if there is a problem with the equipment. Students who show disregard for the instruments/equipment will be asked to leave the class session and will be counted as absent for the day. In addition, a grade of "zero" will be recorded for any assignments/quizzes that are due that day. Any further violation of this policy will result in the student being dropped from the class at the instructor's discretion. 
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:Richard Vandewalker
Email:vandewalkerre@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6520