There are several reasons to gain keyboard skills and experience.
1. Playing a keyboard instrument can be an enjoyable and musically rewarding experience.
2. Keyboard experience allows a student increased understanding of harmony.
3. Keyboard experience utilizes visual, tactile, and aural learning styles.
4. Keyboard experience affords the student abilities to accompany and perform, and helps the student understand the difficulties encountered in accompanying and performing.
The Piano Skills course may be repeated, and is open to all DSA students. Every attempt will be made to allow a student with previous piano training to work at his/her own level, which will be determined in collaboration with the student and the teacher. Please understand that the student and the teacher may have differing opinions about this skill level, but that the teacher’s opinion will be the launch point of the instruction.
Essential Skills
The student will
learn the piano step by step through basic keyboard fundamentals
learn and identify all the pitches of the Grand Staff
learn and develop music reading skills
perform assigned musical selections in for the class
be expected to work independently on theory and piano tasks
Required Materials-Daily
1) Headphones
2) Piano method book
Classroom Expectations
-Leave all book bags at designated area to keep pathways clear
-Dispose of food and drinks before entering. NO FOOD ALLOWED ON LOWER LEVEL. Water bottles are allowed.
-Sit quietly at your piano and take out required materials and begin warm ups to include scales, chord patterns, finger drills and assigned songs.
-Must bring all required materials to class-pencil, folder, headset, and piano book
-Must use pencils only
-Be respectful of others
-Not talk or play while Mr. Lassen is giving instruction
-Not talk or play when another student is asking a question
-Absence and tardiness is not tolerated due to the pace of this class
Homework and outside practice
Depending on the student's individual pace, homework may be necessary. There may be periodic written homework assignments. Some students may find the need to practice outside of class to keep up with the pace of class. There are many practice rooms with pianos available throughout the building.
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