LSMSA Course Syllabus
MU 102 - Beginning Piano Class I
MWF 9:00-9:50; Room 120A [Prudhomme]
or MWF 12:00-12:50; Room 120A [Prudhomme]
Dr. Al Benner (318) 357-3231
Room 109A - office hours as posted on office door or on website
abenner@lsmsa.edu

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
To gain knowledge and understanding of the piano; to develop skills that will aid the individual in effectively performing piano literature that suits his/her abilities and challenges them; to learn proper technique and a strong foundation of correct and healthy ways to play the piano; and to develop other musical skills that will aid in the future study of the piano and other music courses.  Overall, however, the main purpose of this course is to have fun playing the piano.

MATERIALS
Pencil and paper brought to each lesson (manuscript paper is recommended).
Your text book must be brought to each class.
Music for pieces being studied.

TEXT
Bastien, James: The Older Beginner Piano Course, Level 1
The Instructor will also provide individual music sheets.  It is the student’s responsibility, however, to bring outside music on those days that are given to the student to learn music that they wish to play.

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING
Specifics about grading procedures will be discussed in class by the Instructor.  In general:

• There will be playing exams on assigned sheet music.  A score of 0 to 4 will be given.  The student will have the opportunity to re-test on these pieces in subsequent class times as many times as they wish to improve their score [one time each class] for a period of 3 weeks.  [As the semester progresses, this time may be extended to 4 weeks; however, this will be discussed by the Instructor at the proper time.]  There might also be written exams at the discretion of the Instructor.  The written exams cannot be re-tested.
• There will be class playing assignment where the student will be given a plus (+), wash (o), or minus (-) depending upon how they play the assignment.  Pluses add ½ points, zeroes are a wash, and minuses subtract ½ points.  There might also be written class assignments at the discretion of the Instructor.  You will be given only one opportunity for each playing assignment.  Be prepared!  Excessive zeros or minuses may create a deficit that even perfect scores on your playing exams will not overcome.  The total of these assignments will be multiplied by 80% to give a final point total for the semester.
• Students are required to attend two musical performances (as described by the Instructor) during the semester and turn in a written (computer or typed) report, minimum one page, single and ½ spaced, font no larger than 11 point, about the event (due no later than two weeks after the performance date).  The last day to turn in these review papers is the last day of class (Dec. 10).  You can always turn in your reports before the due dates.  Each report will receive 1 point.  If you miss the deadline, 0 points will be given.  Without both reports, regardless of your overall point total, you cannot make an "A" in this course. 
• There will be a Mid-term Exam covering class assignments and exams.  The test will consist of a written section and may have a performance section.  This will be discussed in more detail as the Mid-term Exam approaches.
• There will be a Final Exam covering class assignments and exams.  The test will consist of a written section and a performance section.  This will be discussed in more detail as the Final Exam approaches.
• At the discretion of the Instructor, pluses can be given for either exceptional work or minuses for behavior that is disruptive or refusal to participate in class requirements or assignments.  These points will only increase or decrease the student’s overall point total.

Since playing exams and class assignments will be given as needed, the specific point total can only be determined at the end of the semester.  The number of playing exams, class assignments, and reports determines point totals.  At that time, the point total for the Mid-term and Final Exams will be determined.  These will typical run somewhere between 10% to 20% of the total grade.  Pluses and minuses given for other reasons only serve to increase or decrease the student’s points but does not effect the set point total.

Grades are determined as a percentage according to: 100-90=A; 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69 or below=D.

EXAMS SCHEDULE
The mid-term exam will be either October 8 or 10; Final exam is as posted.

PRACTICE
Practice outside class is required to become a better pianist (and to make the progress that will be the main foundation for your grade).  Treat practice sessions as you do studying for any other course here at LSMSA.  The time to prepare for playing exams and class assignments is before you come to class, not during class time.

ATTENDANCE
Students must adhere to the LSMSA attendance policy.  Failure to attend a class will be reported on the attendance report. The administration and/or the school nurse, not the Instructor, will determine whether or not an absence is excused.  If you do miss a class for any reason, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate to know what took place during your absence and to prepare for any class assignment or exam that will take place upon you return.  Unexcused absences will result in a minus for any class assignment you missed.  Attendance is taken at the beginning of class.  If you enter after attendance is taken, you will be marked tardy.  Three unexcused tardies are considered as one absence.  You are tardy once class begins.  If you are tardy, it is your responsibility to get the material you missed from a classmate.

LIFE PHILOSOPHY
Do what is right even if it is unpopular.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Don't let others think for you.
There is always a choice.
Be true to yourself.

---

Back to the index.