The student will receive 12 hours of private instruction per semester; lessons will be given on a weekly basis. Students will be required to practice adequately as specified by the instructor.
These represent minimum requirements. If the student is more advanced, repertoire, technique and sight reading should be adjusted to the appropriate level.
- Technique – in all major and minor keys
- Extended and pentachord exercises.
- Scales and arpeggios:
- hands together
- increase in velocity
- Chords:
- hands together
- increase in velocity
- Sixths and octaves.
- Repertoire
- More advanced pieces that employ a mixture of elements: accompanied melody, figurations, contrapuntal textures, etc., in tonal and 20th-century idioms.
- Two pieces by memory will be required for the examination.
- Sight Reading
- 2- and 3-part pieces
- homophonic pieces
- isolated triads and seventh chords
- (One sight reading piece will be required for the examination.)
- Transposition – at the discretion of the instructor.
- Simple homophonic pieces and near-related keys.
- Expanded Popular/Jazz Music Chording and Improvisation – at the discretion of the instructor.
- Quick Study (will be required for the examination).
- One study (will be required for the examination).
- Performance and Attendance at Recitals and Masterclasses
- Students are required to perform in at least one student recital and/or masterclass, at the discretion of the instructor.
- Students are required to attend all Arts at One concerts and all masterclasses that are specified by their instructor.
The successful student will be able to interpret and perform keyboard repertoire of an appropriate level, technical requirements and sight reading as outlined in the Course Content.
70% of the total mark will be allotted by the instructor on the basis of weekly achievement in the various aspects of the course. This will be recorded by the instructor at the conclusion of each lesson. Factors to be considered are progress, punctuality and attendance, musicianship and completion of the minimum requirements.
30% of the total mark will be based on a jury examination conducted by two members of the music faculty.
Up to 10% of the total mark will be deducted for unfulfilled participation in recitals and masterclasses.
The following explains the grading calculation:
- 5% is deducted for failure to perform, at the discretion of the instructor
- 1% is deducted for each absence from the Arts at One concert series
- If a student has not attended the required number of masterclasses, 1% is deducted for each absence.
- 1% is added for each additional performance and/or accompaniment above the minimum. This addition will only offset marks that have been deducted.
The instructor will recommend suitable books to cover repertoire, sight reading and technical needs.
Full Basic Musicianship Program